Research Assistant

Research Assistant

US-OR-Portland

Requisition ID: 2026-40460
Position Category: Research
Job Type: Research
Position Type: Regular Full-Time
Posting Department: Jungers Center for Neurosciences Research (Neurology)
Posting Salary Range: $23.18-$33.02 per hour
Posting FTE: 1.00
Posting Schedule: M-F
Posting Hours: 8am-4:30pm
HR Mission: School of Medicine
Drug Testable: NoFunction/Duties of Position

This position will work in the Jungers Center for Neurosciences Research under the direction of Dr. Vivek Unni studying the role of alpha-synuclein protein in neurodegeneration and cancer. The Unni lab is investigating the mechanisms that alpha-synuclein uses to regulate DNA repair in the nucleus and how dysregulation of these processes contributes to neurodegeneration and cancer. The candidate will assist the PI, graduate students and postdoctoral researchers in the lab by: ordering supplies, preparing commonly used laboratory reagents, record-keeping and maintaining compliance paperwork, and generally keeping the lab organized, clean and maintained. There will be opportunities to contribute to scientific research projects under the guidance of other members of the lab. This position will particularly require studying the cell biology of alpha-synuclein using a variety of cell culture and biophysical techniques. Prior experience studying alpha-synuclein, including the use of in vivo models with fluorescence approaches like fluorescence recovery after photobleaching, immunohistochemistry and fluorescence image analysis, is required.  For candidates with a degree, an undergraduate background in neuroscience and one year of lab experience is preferred, including previous experience studying alpha-synuclein as described above, is required.

 

*Please include a cover letter with your application and resume.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's in relevant field (biology, biochemistry or neurobiology/neuroscience); OR; Associate's AND 3 years of relevant experience OR; 4 years of relevant experience OR; Equivalent combination of training and experience
• Ability to work independently on an assigned project, multitask and keep good records
• Previous experience studying alpha-synuclein protein
• Ability to perform a number of experimental laboratory techniques including tissue processing, immunohistochemistry, in vivo fluorescence imaging, in vivo biophysical techniques such as fluorescence recovery after photobleaching or fluorescence correlation spectroscopy, and fluorescence microscopy image analysis

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in biology, biochemistry or neurobiology/neuroscience
• For candidates with a degree, at least one year of undergraduate laboratory experience (can be unpaid)

Additional Details

• Typical schedule: M-F, occasional nights and weekends, and international, national, local travel
• Work schedule may vary depending on job/study requirements
• Travel between meeting locations including using the Portland Aerial Tram
• May have regular exposure to noise and interruptions
• The job will require working in a standard biological laboratory and handling of some harmful chemicals (with proper PPE and safety instructions).

Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

PI286116404