Research Assistant

Department Overview

The Knight Cancer Institute, known as one of the pioneers in personalized cancer medicine, is an international leader in research and cancer treatment. We are comprised 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, and to have a positive impact on the state of Oregon.

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

Function/Duties of Position

The Traer lab at the Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology is recruiting for a Research Assistant position to join an established and collaborative team working on leukemia cell culture models for novel drug testing and development. Work performed in this position will be of basic to moderate complexity and the expectation will be that the individual in this position will be able to function with direct or general supervision.

You will be tasked with maintaining ongoing cultures of primary samples and performing long term experiments involving experimental design, drug administration, data visualization, and communication with pharma stakeholders. Experience with primary sample cell culture methods, flow cytometry, and data analysis/visualization is highly desirable. Experience with R/Python programming is also preferred.

Required Qualifications

Education and experience: 

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.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities: 

• 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
• Ability to operate scientific equipment and develop and troubleshoot experimental protocols
• Experience handling chemical and biologically hazardous materials
• Knowledge of policy and regulations applicable to the laboratory, including but not limited to safety
• Demonstrated ability to learn new and innovative processes quickly

Preferred Qualifications

• Cell culture and flow cytometry with primary patient samples
• Aseptic tissue culture technique
• RNA/DNA extraction and library preparation experience
• Use and understanding of R and Python programming languages

Additional Details

Working conditions: 

• Typical schedule: M-F roughly 9am-5pm, sometimes nights and weekends
• Work schedule may vary depending on job/study requirements
• Work location is primarily in the Knight Cancer Research Building.  Remote work is not a guarantee.
• May be required to travel to other Knight worksite locations, including using the tram.
• Lab work involves possible exposure to malodorous vapors, low doses of radiation, contamination by toxic chemicals and acids, presence of carcinogenic substances and human and animal tissues and fluids, including whole animals.
• May include travel to meetings for educational purposes and/or for data presentations

Physical demands & equipment usage:

• Ability to be comfortable with long periods of standing and/or sitting
• Ability to occasionally lift and/or carry objects weighing up to 20 pounds, with occasional stoops and bends
• Comfort working in a fast-paced environment with frequent interruptions

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