Research Assistant 1

🇺🇸 Portland, OR

🕑 Part-Time

💰 TBD

💻 Research

🗓️ August 15th, 2025

Edtech.com's Summary

Oregon Health & Science University is hiring a Research Assistant 1. The role involves conducting cell biology research focusing on maternal obesity and gestational diabetes, performing tissue dissection, DNA and protein analyses, designing experiments, and maintaining lab organization.

Highlights

Perform microscopic and gross tissue dissection, preservation, processing, and sectioning.
Conduct DNA purification, genotyping, PCR, and western blotting experiments.
Design experiments and prepare data for interpretation and presentation.
Use immunohistochemical staining methods and primary cell culture techniques.
Maintain Excel databases and manage lab stock ordering and organization.
Proficiency with PCR, DNA gel electrophoresis, western blotting, immunohistochemistry, vibratome/cryostat, and cell culture preferred.
Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience required; experience in a basic research lab preferred.
Experience with Excel, Word, and Google Docs, and strong organizational skills.
Requires flexibility for experimental work including weekend hours and ability to perform detailed dissections under microscopes for extended periods.
Work conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Oregon Health & Science University.

Research Assistant 1 Full Description

Department Overview:

Cell biology research investigating the mechanistic effects of maternal obesity and gestational diabetes on essential fatty acid metabolism and mitochondrial respiration in human trophoblast cells. Function/Duties of Position:

Key Responsibilities & Performance Standards

Microscopic and gross tissue dissection, preservation, processing, sectioning
DNA purification, genotyping, MaxiPreps, PCR reactions, western blotting
Design of experiments, preparation, interpretation and presentation of data
Immunohistochemical staining methods, western blotting
Primary cell culture
Excel type database maintenance
Ordering and organizing lab stocks

Required Qualifications:

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

Preferred Qualifications:

1 year working in a basic research laboratory
PCR, DNA gel electrophoresis
Western blotting
DNA&RNA processing
Tissue dissections
Immunohistochemistry
Vibratome/Cryostat skills
Cell culture
Excel, Word, Google Docs
Strong organizational skills

Additional Details:
Need flexibility to be able to accommodate experimental work, including weekend hours.
Ability to perform gross and fine tissue dissections under microscopic visualization for several hours
Ability to remain focused and attentive to detail during full-day experiments
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.

Original Job Description

Department Overview:

Key Responsibilities & Performance Standards

Microscopic and gross tissue dissection, preservation, processing, sectioning
DNA purification, genotyping, MaxiPreps, PCR reactions, western blotting
Design of experiments, preparation, interpretation and presentation of data
Immunohistochemical staining methods, western blotting
Primary cell culture
Excel type database maintenance
Ordering and organizing lab stocks

Required Qualifications:

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