Research Assistant 2 at Oregon Health & Science University

Department Overview:

The Knight Cancer Institute, known as one of the pioneers in personalized cancer medicine, is an international leader in research and cancer treatment. We are comprised of biologists, chemists, biomedical engineers, computationalists, and clinicians conducting groundbreaking translational cancer research to help people maintain a high quality of life and reduce cancer mortality, and to have a positive impact on the state of Oregon.

 

The Traer lab at the Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology is recruiting for a Research Assistant 2 position to join an established and collaborative team working on leukemia cell culture models for novel drug testing and development. You will be tasked with maintaining ongoing cultures of primary samples and performing long term experiments involving experimental design, drug administration, data visualization, and communication with pharma stakeholders. Experience with primary sample cell culture methods, flow cytometry, and data analysis/visualization is highly desirable. Experience with R/Python programming is also preferred.

Function/Duties of Position:

The Traer lab at the Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology is recruiting for a Research Assistant II position to join an established and collaborative team working on leukemia cell culture models for novel drug testing and development. You will be tasked with maintaining ongoing cultures of primary samples and performing long term experiments involving experimental design, drug administration, data visualization, and communication with pharma stakeholders. 

 

Key Responsiblities

 

Laboratory research:

• Cell culture experiments and maintenance of cells
• Assist with media changes and drug administration during experiment
• Prepare, run, and analyze flow cytometry samples
• Extract and prepare genetic material from samples for processing and sequencing.
• Provides stability and continuity of knowledge as people and projects change
• Meets regularly with group to identify potential synergies and reduce inefficiencies across projects
• Increased innovation and problem solving ability required
• Participate with some design of experiments or research studies and procedures to achieve project objectives
• Assist in biobanking of patient samples

Data Analysis:

• Perform qualitative and quantitative research data analysis, programming, database development and management, research data visualization, and interpretation of a wide variety of research data, especially flow cytometry data.
  
• Prepares reports, charts, tables, and other visual aids to interpret and communicate data and results with a variety of programs, especially R, Excel.
  
• Conducts data/statistical studies in support of research proposals and protocols.
• Maintains and develops research gathering, retrieval and reporting systems.

Laboratory Organization and Compliance:

• Responsible for managing project samples and ensure project data is properly recorded and stored
  
• Organizes program work space
  
• Interacts with external research sponsor representatives as applicable. Aid in the submission of specific protocols to the Institutional Biosafety Committee and the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, and other regulatory review boards.
  

Lab Support:

• Support overall lab function by maintaining and fixing equipment, ordering supplies, and troubleshooting instrument problems
  
• Training and supervising student workers and/or preparation of written reports and, as applicable, regulatory documentation.
  

Protected Work Time:

• Protected time for non-research related work, including time for DEI, Engagement, Professional Development, lectures and seminars, etc.
  

Required Qualifications:

Education and experience:

 

Bachelor's in relevant field OR
Associate's AND 3 years of relevant experience OR
4 years of relevant experience OR
Equivalent combination of training and experience.

 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Excellent communication, analytical and organizational skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team while being collaborative in resolving problems
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks at one time
• Must possess energy and drive to coordinate multiple projects simultaneously
• Ability to use tact and diplomacy to maintain effective working relationships
• Ability to operate scientific equipment and develop and troubleshoot experimental protocols
• Experience handling chemical and biologically hazardous materials
• Knowledge of policy and regulations applicable to the laboratory, including but not limited to safety
• Demonstrated ability to learn new and innovative processes quickly

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with cell culture and flow cytometry with primary patient samples
• Experience with Aseptic tissue culture techniques
• RNA/DNA extraction and library preparation experience
• Use and understanding of R and Python programming languages
• Experience with data analysis/visualization

All are welcome:Oregon Health & Science University values a diverse and culturally competent workforce. We are proud of our commitment to being an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization that does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any protected class status, including disability status and protected veteran status. Individuals with diverse backgrounds and those who promote diversity and a culture of inclusion are encouraged to apply. To request reasonable accommodation contact the Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Department at 503-494-5148 or [email protected]. Apply Now