Senior Research Assistant

Department Overview

The Division of Infectious Diseases mission is to provide expert care for patients with complicated infections, conduct innovative research, and provide exceptional education.

The individual filling this position will investigate the mechanisms by which the fungal pathogen Coccidioides causes infections, with the ultimate goal to develop novel treatments targeting this fungus. The individual will be working as part of a multidisciplinary group studying Coccidioides pathogenesis, including a family of secreted proteases produced by the fungus and the fungus’ interaction with the host during infection. The individual filling this position will become familiar with level 3 biocontainment protocols and use methods to perform fungal culture, create fungal mutants through gene deletion with CRISPR/Cas9, light and fluorescence microscopy, gene expression analysis through RNA-seq, genomic DNA isolation and whole genome sequencing, cell culture, macrophage infections, immunoprecipitations, protein gels, Western blotting, biochemical assays for protease activity; and other duties as assigned. The individual will be participating in projects designed to understand how the infectious fungus Coccidioides , the causative fungal pathogen of “Valley Fever” or coccidiomycosis, causes disease. This position represents an excellent opportunity to gain exposure to extensive molecular skills as well as genetics and microscopy approaches in a dynamic research environment. The individual will also be maintaining and performing general organization of the BSL-2 laboratory and participate in written and oral presentations of their research findings.

Function/Duties of Position

• Experimental studies on the pathogenesis of Coccidioides
• Laboratory management

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors in relevant field AND
• 1 years of relevant experience OREquivalent combination of training and experience
• 2 years of relevant research experience in a BSL-2 laboratory (molecular biology/cell culture/pathogenesis)

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detailed lab record keeping proficient with pipetting, PCR, agarose gel electrophoresis

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ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-moving environment

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attention to details and reliably following safety protocols

Preferred Qualifications

• 3 years of relevant research experience in a BSL-2 laboratory (molecular biology/cell culture/pathogenesis)
• in addition to required skills, ability to perform PAGE analysis, Western blotting, cell culture, mouse husbandry

Additional Details

• Work schedule: generally standard hours = 40 hours/week, 8-5, Monday-Friday. Schedule may also occasionally include nonstandard hours (nights/weekends) as required by the experimental studies, and occasional travel for conferences to present findings. Work is primarily conducted in a scientific laboratory, with part of the work conducted in a Biosafety Level 3 containment laboratory.
• Ability to conduct a full workday of laboratory science routinely. Some weekends and evenings may be required. Ability to carry and lift up to 40 lbs. Continuous use of computer keyboards and various pieces of lab equipment. Sitting or standing for more than six hours per day, working in a BSL3 laboratory with a respirator for up to 5 hours at a time.

Why apply to OHSU?

We are Oregon's only public academic health center. In addition to caring for patients, we lead groundbreaking research. We also train the next generation of health care professionals. As Portland's largest employer, we give you opportunities to learn and advance in a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington. All are welcome. OHSU welcomes people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, national origins, religions and sexual orientations. We are striving to build an anti-racist, multicultural institution and encourage people with diverse backgrounds to apply. To request reasonable accommodation, contact askhr@ohsu.edu