Research Assistant

Research Assistant

US-OR-Portland

Requisition ID: 2026-40875
Position Category: Research
Job Type: Research
Position Type: Regular Full-Time
Posting Department: SM. Chemical Physiology & Biochemistry
Posting Salary Range: $23.18 - $33.02 per hour, with offer based on experience, education and internal equity
Posting FTE: 1.00
Posting Schedule: Monday - Friday, occasional evening/weekends
Posting Hours: Variable, typically 8:30am - 6:00pm
HR Mission: School of Medicine
Drug Testable: No

Department Overview

This position will support an NIH grant focusing on genetic screens to identify the mechanisms by which Leishmania parasites become resistant to antiparasitic drugs. The position will involve working with Leishmania parasites, generation of a variety of leishmanial expression vectors using cutting-edge recombinant DNA techniques, parasite transfection, FACS analysis, reporter gene assays, fluorescence microscopy, and western blot, southern blot and PCR (polymerase chain reaction) analyses. The position also requires an active role in general laboratory maintenance. 

Function/Duties of Position

• Recombinant DNA and general molecular biology techniques.
• Parasite cell culture and transfections into parasites.
• Lab maintenance, e.g. ordering of supplies, etc.
• 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.

• Proven track record for independent experimental design and interpretation of results.

• Excellent organizational and communication skills are essential.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biochemistry, molecular biology, biological sciences, genetics, chemistry, chemistry, or parasitology.
• 1 to 2 years of demonstrated experience independently working with microorganisms (non-model organisms preferred). 

• Demonstrated experience with genetic screens, and demonstrated skills in basic molecular biology techniques (DNA/RNA isolation, cloning, gel electrophoresis, PCR, western blot analysis), and microscopy.

Additional Details

Hours are flexible.  Hire is expected to work 40 hours per week, but some weekend and overtime work may be required, as needed for completion of specific tasks and experiments. Potential exposure to Leishmania parasites, which are human pathogens.

 

Benefits 

• Healthcare for full-time employees covered 100% and 88% for dependents.
• $50K of term life insurance provided at no cost to the employee.
• Two separate above market pension plans to choose from.
• Paid time off - 208 hours per year, prorated for part-time.
• Extended illness bank - 64 hours per year, prorated for part-time.
• 9 paid holidays per year.
• Substantial Tri-Met and C-Tran discounts.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Childcare service discounts.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Employee discounts to local and major businesses.

Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

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