Research Assistant (Pharmacy)

Oregon State University's College of Pharmacy invites applications for a full-time (1.00 FTE), 12-month, fixed-term, Research Assistant position. This position is located in Portland, Oregon.

The Research Assistant will join the Taratula Lab and study the central nervous system mechanisms of involuntary weight loss and wasting (cachexia) during the development of cancer. The project work involves the use of invitro and murine models to understand the impact of peripheral cancers on autonomic nervous system function in the periphery. This project also has an associated clinical trial that will provide samples and data to confirm the basic hypotheses generated in the preclinical work. The Research Assistant will work on this NIH-funded study and will define mechanisms of autonomic nervous system plasticity in the setting of chronic stress and inflammation. The incumbent will also test novel therapeutics to address this debilitating condition. The Research Assistant will maintain organized research records and will prepare/contribute to published works.

Position Duties

80% – Research

• Conduct research to define the mechanisms of autonomic nervous system plasticity in the setting of chronic stress and inflammation.
• Test novel therapeutics
• Design and execute experiments to support project work
• Interpret analytical data regarding the performance of nanomedicine in animal cancer cachexia models.

20% Publications/Science Communication

• Prepare data for and contribute to reports and peer-reviewed scientific publications
• Present research at conferences, symposiums, and other professional events

Minimum/Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in cell biology, molecular biology, or neuroscience.
• Strong dedication to rigorous science and scientific ethics.
• Experience with common molecular staining and cloning techniques
• Ability to work with complex mouse models.
• Ability to communicate effectively with the lab team and lab PI.
• Experience using MS Excel and MS Word
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.

This position is designated as a critical or security-sensitive position; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a criminal history check and be determined to be position qualified as per University Standard: 05-010 et seq. Incumbents are required to self-report convictions and those in youth programs may have additional criminal history checks every 24 months.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience using models and husbandry.
• Ability to use modern programs to manipulate next generation genomic data.
• Experience using model organisms to study cell and developmental biology

Working for Oregon State University is so much more than a job!

Oregon State University is a dynamic community of dreamers, doers, problem-solvers and change-makers. We don’t wait for challenges to present themselves — we seek them out and take them on. We welcome students, faculty and staff from every background and perspective into a community where everyone feels seen and heard. We have deep-rooted mindfulness for the natural world and all who depend on it, and together, we apply knowledge, tools and skills to build a better future for all.

FACTS:

• Top 1.4% university in the world
• More research funding than all public universities in Oregon combined
• 1 of 3 land, sea, space and sun grant universities in the U.S.
• 2 campuses, 11 colleges, 12 experiment stations, and Extension programs in all 36 counties
• 7 cultural resource centers that offer education, celebration and belonging for everyone
• 100+ undergraduate degree programs, 80+ graduate degrees plus hundreds of minor options and certificates
• 35k+ students including more than 2.3k international students and 10k students of color
• 217k+ alumni worldwide
• For more interesting facts about OSU visit: https://oregonstate.edu/about

Total Rewards Package:

Oregon State University offers a comprehensive benefits package with benefits eligible positions that is designed to meet the needs of employees and their families including:
• Medical, Dental, Vision and Basic Life. OSU pays 95% of premiums for you and your eligible dependents.
• Free confidential mental health and emotional support services, and counseling resources.
• Retirement savings paid by the university.
• A generous paid leave package, including holidays, vacation and sick leave.
• Tuition reduction benefits for you or your qualifying dependents at OSU or the additional six Oregon Public Universities.
• Robust Work Life programs including Dual Career assistance resources, flexible work arrangements, a Family Resource Center, Affinity Groups and an Employee Assistance Program.
• Optional lifestyle benefits such as pet, accident, and critical illness insurance, giving you peace of mind and the support you need to thrive in all aspects of your life.

Future and current OSU employees can use the Benefits Calculator to learn more about the full value of the benefits provided at OSU.