Research Assistant 2

The mission of the department of Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology at OHSU is to improve our basic understanding of biological mechanisms relevant to human health and disease. The department is composed of 27 faculty with research spanning mechanisms of cellular crosstalk, epigenetic regulation, cell signaling, and immune activation across cancer, infection, and other disease pathologies.

A Research Assistant 2 position is available in the lab of Dr. Megan Burger at the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute in the exciting field of cancer immunotherapy. The Burger Lab focuses on uncovering factors regulating T cell responses against cancer to inform the design of next generation cancer immunotherapies. We use genetically engineered mouse models of lung cancer and human lung cancer patient samples to deeply investigate mechanisms of tumor-immune crosstalk and identify novel targets for immunotherapies.

 

The Research Assistant 2 will work under the supervision of Dr. Burger and senior lab staff to provide technical support for ongoing research projects and facilitate patient sample collections. Duties will include:

• Collecting patient samples from clinicians at the hospital.
• Animal husbandry and mouse colony maintenance.
• Animal dosing and monitoring (i.e., injections, blood collection) for preclinical immunotherapy trials.
• Processing human and mouse lung tissue and blood samples for histological and cell specimens.
• Molecular and cell biology assays, including PCR, molecular cloning, cell culture, lentiviral transduction, and immunohistochemistry.
• Immunological assays, including primary lymphocyte isolation and flow cytometry.
• Procurement, preparation and organization of common lab reagents.
• Lab house-keeping tasks.
• Data analysis and presentation at lab meetings.

 

The successful candidate will be an enthusiastic, organized, self-starter that enjoys working as part of a team. The candidate will have interest in interacting with clinical staff to facilitate patient sample collections as well as learning research techniques in a lab setting.

 

A scientific background in cell and molecular biology is desired. Prior research experience in a biological field and/or hospital volunteering experience is preferred.

• 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.
• Experience with cell and molecular biology wet lab techniques.
• Strong organizational skills; independent problem-solving ability; excellent interpersonal communication and time management.

• Coursework in immunology and/or cancer biology.
• 1+ year prior research experience.
• Experience with animal handling or volunteering in a hospital setting.
• Interest in acquiring phlebotomy certification of patient blood collections.

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.