Research Assistant 2

Function/Duties of Position

We are looking for a Research Assistant 2 to join our research team who is about to complete their undergraduate degree or is a recent graduate. Ideally, this position should allow the candidate to launch a career in biomedical sciences as a physician scientist, a biomedical researcher, etc. We study the role of the Extracellular Matrix (ECM) in regulating glial cells during injury to the developing brain using in-vivo and in-vitro rodent model systems. Insights gained from this work will provide strategies to promote repair and regeneration of the brain from injuries sustained for example during premature birth, childhood stroke, traumatic brain injury, etc. This NIH-funded research will define mechanisms of myelination failure and the cellular targets of injury in white matter lesions with a focus on the role of astrocytes and glial scar formation in myelination failure involving arrested maturation of oligodendrocyte progenitors.  A central focus is the role of the ECM molecule hyaluronic acid, which we have shown to play a role in myelination failure (see: Nature Medicine 11:966-972, 2005; Preston et al., Annals of Neurology73:266-280, 2013; Srivastava et al., Journal of Clinical Investigation, 128: 2025-2041, 2018.

The applicant will have a chance to learn the techniques that we routinely use including animal surgery, tissue sectioning/staining for quantitative analysis, western blotting, primary cell culture, etc. depending on the focus of the project. Responsibilities include designing and conducting experiments, data analysis, record-keeping and data presentation.  Attend weekly lab meetings and present your research. 

Required Qualifications

• 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.
• The applicant should have an undergraduate degree in Life Sciences or an equivalent field.
• The applicant should be comfortable handling rodents (neonatal and adult).
• The applicant should have familiarity with basic Molecular Biology techniques (PCR, RT-PCR) and/or basic Microscopy.
• Computer knowledge.

Preferred Qualifications

• Coursework taken pertaining to Neurobiology/Neuroscience or Physiology is preferred.
• Familiarity with any one or all of the following:
  • confocal/fluorescence microscopy
  • cell culture techniques handling fixed/frozen tissue sections for immunohistochemistry
  • mouse genetics
  • protein assays
• Experience in advanced molecular biology, biochemistry techniques.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills, be enthusiastic about their work, and be highly motivated to succeed in a multi-disciplinary/multi-collaborator setting that provides a wealth of opportunities in one of the major universities for neuroscience research in the U.S.

Additional Details

Upload cover letter and resume.  Please be sure to include months and years to the resume for jobs/experience.

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. As an organization devoted to the health and well-being of people in Oregon and beyond, OHSU requires its employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.