Research Assistant IIUS-OR-Portland
Requisition ID: 2026-37936
Position Category: Research
Job Type: Research
Position Type: Regular Full-Time
Posting Department: Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine
Posting Salary Range: $18.91 - $28.37 per hour with offer based on experience, education and internal equity
Posting FTE: 1.00
Posting Schedule: Monday - Friday, flexible
Posting Hours: 9am - 5pm or 10am - 6pm
HR Mission: School of Medicine
Drug Testable: No
LinkedIn Job Code: #LI-KR1
Department Overview The Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine is integral to the healthcare, education and research missions at OHSU. We provide clinical services at OHSU hospitals and collaborate with the Veterans Affairs Portland Health Care System (VA), Hillsboro Medical Center and Adventist Health. We specialize in providing excellent perioperative care and anesthesia services to our patients using state-of-the-art technology and pharmacologic tools with an emphasis on patient safety. Our department's research program is robust. We have an active clinical research division. It covers a wide range of areas with a special focus on patient safety and pain management. Our basic science division has labs at both OHSU and the VA. Attending physicians, fellows, residents, and medical students work collaboratively with Ph.D. scientists in our labs to advance human health. This division is focused on neuroscience and renal physiology.
A full time Research Assistant II position is available in the OHSU Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine. This position will entail the performance of basic and translational research focusing on the mechanisms controlling neuronal circuit function in both healthy and diseased brains in a dynamic neuroscience laboratory environment. The successful candidate for this position will participate in high impact research at the intersection of experimental neuroscience, neurophysiology and clinical translation.
Our laboratory studies the mammalian brains, both from a molecular/cellular perspective, as well as at the level of neuronal microcircuit function. Currently ongoing projects within the lab utilize genetic and viral approaches to label adult-born neurons and to manipulate their gene expression and activity, with the goal of understanding their functional properties at the synaptic and circuit level. Other experiments explore how these new cells wire into circuits in the context of various neurologic diseases, such as epilepsy and traumatic brain injury, with the intention of using this knowledge to eventually improve human health. Experimental techniques utilize molecular biology, single cell electrophysiology from neurons in brain slices, translational brain injury and epilepsy modeling, immunohistochemistry, and confocal imaging approaches.
This position involves technical, experimental, and administrative components. Approximately 20 hours per week will be spent in support of several different projects within the lab, and include molecular biology/subcloning, cell culture, mouse colony maintenance and genotyping, immunohistochemical sample preparation and processing, and confocal microscopy. The remainder of the position will involve the performance of collaborative research, including translational brain injury modeling and analysis of neuronal circuit structure and plasticity. The optimal candidate would be interested and willing to contribute to going projects, and eventually develop and sustain an independent project in collaboration with their mentor (Dr Schnell) and other lab members.
It is assumed that all candidates will have had substantial biology exposure as undergraduates, interest in neurobiological research, and be interested in independent research. Undergraduate laboratory experience is preferred, but specific knowledge of individual techniques is not required, as they will be taught to the individual by laboratory members. A high level of engagement in this work is essential, as are strong record-keeping, organizational skills, and attention to detail. Ability/willingness to make a two year commitment is strongly preferred.
Function/Duties of Position - Hands-on technical work, including mouse handling, genotyping, molecular biology, immunohistochemistry, and imaging
- Data acquisition, preparation and presentation
- Participate in academic development, hypothesis generation, experimental planning, data interpretation
- Record keeping, lab supply ordering, lab management
- Other laboratory and administrative duties as requested
Required Qualifications - Bachelors 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
Preferred Qualifications - Biology, Neuroscience, or related degree
- Involvement with primary/original research projects
- Familiarity with neuroscience, cell biology, and molecular biology
Additional Details Work schedule is flexible, but ideally weekdays 9am - 5pm or 10am - 6pm. Willingness to work with mice in a laboratory setting.
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 aaeo@ohsu.edu.
Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.
PI282163640
