Oregon Health & Science University · 23 hours ago
Research Assistant 2 - Senior Research Assistant
Portland, OR
Full-time
Onsite
Entry, Mid, Senior Level
1+ years expOregon Health & Science University is a pioneer in personalized cancer medicine and is seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic Senior Research Assistant for their Cancer Early Detection Advanced Research (CEDAR) center. The role involves developing innovative cancer diagnostic tests and conducting research on nanoparticle-based diagnostics to improve early detection of cancers.
EducationHealth CareUniversities
Responsibilities
Development of biological particle separation techniques using dielectrophoresis technology – Using microelectrode array chips to recover cancer-derived nanoparticles from circulation (Gustafson, et al. 2021). This novel work will focus on the development and characterization of new nanoparticle recovery techniques using dielectrophoretic forces. These forces are created by microelectrode array devices that act on the unique dielectric properties of different particles (Ibsen et al. 2017). This work includes increasing particle collection efficiency, understanding the types of particles that are collected and how they can be separated, and developing an internal standard appropriate for different particle types. This position will utilize the high-end specialized dielectrophoresis equipment located here at OHSU. This will also involve quantitative fluorescent microscopy imaging, TEM imaging, immunostaining, and particle characterization
System automation – continuing development and finalization of an automated system to conduct the dielectrophoresis work. The goal is to automate the dielectrophoresis collection protocol to increase sample analysis throughput. This will involve basic robotics and automation programming in LabView
Cancer biomarker panel development – Evaluate the nanoparticle associated biomarkers that are collected for their ability to detect pancreatic cancer from plasma samples. Here the goal is to use the developed dielectrophoresis techniques to collect cancer-derived nanoparticles and evaluate their biomarkers for the ability to detect pancreatic cancer
Qualification
Required
SRA: Bachelor's degree in relevant field AND 1 years of relevant experience OR equivalent combination of training and experience
RA2: Bachelor's degree 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
Candidates must have experience working in a laboratory environment
Ability to operate complex scientific equipment and develop and troubleshoot complex experimental protocols
Exhibit a high level of consistency in running analytical assays and protocols
Excellent communication, analytical and organizational skills
Ability to work independently and as part of a team while being collaborative in resolving problems
Knowledge of policy and regulations applicable to the laboratory, including but not limited to safety
Proven ability to work collaboratively with a high performing work group
Ability to prioritize multiple tasks at one time
Demonstrated ability to learn new and innovative processes quickly
Must possess energy and drive to coordinate multiple projects simultaneously
Ability to use tact and diplomacy to maintain effective working relationships
Ability to analyze short and long term project needs
Preferred
Experience with Biotechnology development
Specialty: Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Biotechnology development (including Cell Biology or related field)
Experience developing new scientific techniques and or technology
Experience with technology development
Experience with immunostaining techniques
Oncology experience
Benefits
Medical, dental and vision coverage at no or low cost to employees
Several retirement plans to choose from with contributions from OHSU
25 days a year of paid time off
8 days of sick time off
Commuter subsidies
Tuition reimbursement
Access to group life insurance, disability insurance and other supplemental benefits
Annual Merit Increase
Growth/Development Opportunities
Employee discounts to local and major businesses
Company
Oregon Health & Science University
OHSU is a health and research university provides patient care, research, education of the next generation of health care.
10001+ employees
H1B Sponsorship
Oregon Health & Science University has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (136)
2024 (132)
2023 (121)
2022 (132)
2021 (109)
2020 (103)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$36.6MKey Investors
U.S. Small Business AdministrationNational Institute of Allergy and Infectious DiseasesHyundai Hope On Wheels
2024-09-25Grant
2022-11-21Grant· $4.7M
2022-09-27Grant· $0.3M
Leadership Team
Tarek Salaway
Chief Executive Officer, OHSU Health
Lawrence Furnstahl
Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
Recent News
2026-01-03
Genetic Engineering News
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2025-12-31
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