Research Assistant 2 (Biology)

Cancer Early Detection Advanced Research (CEDAR) center is a collaborative institution within the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute. The Knight Cancer Institute, known as one of the pioneers in personalized cancer medicine, is an international leader in research and cancer treatment. At CEDAR our mission is to detect and stop lethal cancers at the earliest stage because early detection saves lives. This is an ambitious goal, one that requires novelty, creativity, and innovation. We are composed 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, to create a global early detection community, and to have a positive impact on the Oregon economy.

CEDAR is committed to increasing the diversity of the campus community. We at CEDAR are dedicated to promoting inclusion and multiculturalism to build a successful organization by having outstanding researchers of diverse backgrounds work together on multiple projects. We encourage high-risk, high-reward research projects because defeating cancer requires unproven, out-of-the-box thinking. Our research is milestone driven to ensure that each project is fulfilling its stated goals.

Every Knight Cancer employee is expected to embody our guiding principles:

• We act BOLDLY-Breakthroughs require pushing the boundaries of science, exploring new frontiers, and thinking differently
• We SUPPORT each other-Respect leads to trust, which leads to excellence
• We work as a CONNECTED team-We must leverage our collective brain power to conquer cancer because no one individual can do it alone

As a Research Assistant 2, you will be part of collaborative project teams focusing on advancing early cancer detection. Under general supervision, you will support CEDAR research by maintaining CEDAR laboratories, supplies, and assisting in research activities. You will use innovation and problem solving and may help to design experiments and procedures to achieve project objectives.You will have a detailed knowledge of all aspects of laboratory research, and you will be comfortable working both individually and in highly collaborative teams. You will possess good organizational and interpersonal skills, and will be assigned to projects as needed. You will be a highly motivated and flexible person experienced in aspects of the research laboratory. Responsibilities include working on cellular and molecular biology experiments, assisting in experimental design, and organizing samples, datasets and studies.

Duties Include:

• Perform technical procedures such as ELISA, electrophoresis, mammalian cell culture, nucleic acid extraction, immunofluorescence, Western blotting, subcloning, etc. Assist in the organization of program work space. Maintain tissue culture space and equipment. Work in accordance with safety and quality protocols. 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.
• Operate a variety of instruments and scientific equipment, including immunofluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, etc.
• Collect, record, organize and verify the accuracy of data; keep detailed and accurate laboratory records; tabulate data, perform calculations, prepare charts, graphs, reports and contribute to manuscripts. May use software applications to assemble, manipulate, format and.or perform statistical analysis of data.
• Special projects as assigned, may be responsible for one or more areas of support for all CEDAR.

• Bachelors Degree (4 yr) with major courses in field of research/No Experience
• 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
• Demonstrated ability to learn new and innovative processes quickly
• Ability to analyze short and long term project needs
• Technical proficiency, scientific creativity, and independent thinking
• Knowledge of policy and regulations applicable to the laboratory, including but not limited to safety, animal use and radiation
• Ability to operate complex scientific equipment and develop and troubleshoot complex experimental protocols
• Experience handling chemical and biologically hazardous materials

• Expertise in early cancer detection, expertise in one of our focus areas: early detection technology, risk stratification, population health and prevention, prognosis assessment, early therapeutics
• Experience in tissue culture and biosafety procedures
• More than 1 year experience working research laboratories
• Experience ordering research supplies at OHSU
• Experience maintaining equipment
• Experience processing human blood samples

Apply online. Please be sure to upload a Cover Letter and Resume/CV.

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.