Research Assistant

Summary: OHSU School of Dentistry is Oregon's only public academic health center, leading groundbreaking research and training the next generation of health care professionals. The Research Assistant will participate in studies exploring the biochemical and molecular bases of genetic neurological disorders, performing laboratory experiments and maintaining breeding colonies of experimental mice. Responsibilities: - Plans, conducts, and completes laboratory experiments under the supervision of the head of the laboratory. Performs primary molecular genetic techniques including PCR, DNA electroporation, Western blot analysis, fluorescent and light microscopy, plasmid preparation, DNA sequencing and studies of gene expression - Maintains breeding colonies of experimental mice and is responsible for genotyping, pre- and post-surgical care and monitoring. Keeps and maintains records of animals and required documentation for compliance with The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee - Collects records, organizes and verifies the accuracy of data. Conducts literature searches and summarizes information in an appropriate format for a particular study; Documents and interprets results of experiments and reports to principal investigator. Presents experimental results at lab meetings and participates in journal and research group meetings - Operates a variety of instruments and scientific equipment, and is responsible for quality control and maintenance of equipment. Assists with experiments and assays, preparing solutions, collecting and entering data, maintaining databases, assuring compliance with established safety procedures and maintaining required documentation. Assignments require the performance of complex test procedures and a variety of technical approaches - Assists in the daily operation of the lab including hazardous waste disposal, sterilization of equipment, cleaning glassware, general servicing of equipment and ordering lab supplies, and preparation of media and buffers - Other duties as assigned 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 - Basic lab skills and willingness to learn mouse & cell handling - Enthusiasm, independence and attention to detail - Excellent organization skills - Working knowledge of PC and Mac computers - Plans, conducts, and completes laboratory experiments under the supervision of the head of the laboratory - Performs primary molecular genetic techniques including PCR, DNA electroporation, Western blot analysis, fluorescent and light microscopy, plasmid preparation, DNA sequencing and studies of gene expression - Maintains breeding colonies of experimental mice and is responsible for genotyping, pre- and post-surgical care and monitoring - Keeps and maintains records of animals and required documentation for compliance with The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee - Collects records, organizes and verifies the accuracy of data - Conducts literature searches and summarizes information in an appropriate format for a particular study - Documents and interprets results of experiments and reports to principal investigator - Presents experimental results at lab meetings and participates in journal and research group meetings - Operates a variety of instruments and scientific equipment, and is responsible for quality control and maintenance of equipment - Assists with experiments and assays, preparing solutions, collecting and entering data, maintaining databases, assuring compliance with established safety procedures and maintaining required documentation - Assists in the daily operation of the lab including hazardous waste disposal, sterilization of equipment, cleaning glassware, general servicing of equipment and ordering lab supplies, and preparation of media and buffers Preferred Qualifications: - 4-year degree with molecular biology background - 1-2 years of experience, including hands on experience in chemistry or bio lab - Knowledge of DNA Sequencing, mouse husbandry, and molecular biology techniques Required Skills: Molecular biology, DNA sequencing, Mouse handling Important Skills: Biochemistry, Genetics, Neuroscience, Pathology Nice-to-Have Skills: PC, Mac knowledge, Organization skills