Senior Clinical Research Assistant - Military veterans preferred

Oregon Health & Science University

Oregon Health & Science University values a diverse and culturally competent workforce. We are proud of our commitment to being an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization that does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any protected class status, including disability status and protected veteran status. Individuals with diverse backgrounds and those who promote diversity and a culture of inclusion are encouraged to apply. To request reasonable accommodation contact the Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Department at 503-494-5148 or aaeo@ohsu.edu.


Senior Clinical Research Assistant

US-OR-Portland

Job ID: 2025-34024
Type: Regular Full-Time
# of Openings: 1
Category: Research
Portland, OR (Waterfront)

Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled and dedicated Cyclic Immunofluorescence (CycIF) - Technician to support operations on the Lunaphore COMET platform which supports both clinical and research samples and projects. The ideal candidate will excel at multitasking, have strong documentation skills, adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), provide essential administrative support, and have a passion for process improvement. This individual will play an integral role in maintaining the smooth operation of the lab, ensuring that all tasks are executed efficiently and accurately. Willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies, systems, and methodologies is a must have skill. The candidate will play a critical role in ensuring the effective operation and optimization of the Lunaphore COMET system.

Key Responsibilities:

• Operate, monitor, and troubleshoot the Lunaphore COMET system, ensuring all equipment functions as required for high-quality results with minimal supervision. Quickly identify and resolve issues related to the equipment, operations, or workflow, ensuring minimal downtime and maximum system performance.
• Receive, label, and prepare samples for testing. Perform necessary pre-analytical processes such as deparaffinization, antigen retrieval, and antibody/reagent preparation.
• Maintain detailed records of projects, development and validation testing, system performance, and troubleshooting logs in alignment with department standards and policy requirements. Ensure all documentation is accurate, organized, and up to date. Identify opportunities for improving efficiency while maintaining the highest quality standards.
• Address any issues or inconsistencies encountered during testing by performing troubleshooting procedures and providing technical support. Work closely with supervisors or senior technicians to resolve any equipment or testing challenges.
• Maintain laboratory to a GLP standard by upkeeping supplies, manage inventory and high standard of cleanliness in work areas.

This position requires skills in handling laboratory specimens (human tissue), record keeping, laboratory equipment maintenance and quality assurance. The ability to work with several computer systems/machines is necessary including a Leica scanner and Lunaphore machine. An ability to identify viable cells and cell morphology at the light microscopic level is desirable. Experience in molecular biology, including accurate pipetting and immunohistochemistry or cycIF is desirable, but we are willing to train the right person. Cancer or immunology knowledge/skills (IHC, PCR, Immunofluorescent imaging) would be helpful.

This position requires following established protocols, working with human samples, work closely with lab team members to ensure effective coordination and efficient use of resources. Offer support for ongoing projects and share insights that may enhance overall team performance. This position will interact with a variety of scientists and other staff and is expected to keep the laboratory in good working order, including maintaining supplies, prepare antibody aliquots, and keeping complete and accurate records of all projects and assays. The position may allow some flexibility in work hours, including some nights and weekends, with limited/no work-from-home

Education & experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree (4yr) with major courses in field of research and 1 year of IF/IIHC staining technique experience OR
• Associate's AND 3 years of relevant experience OR 4 years of relevant experience OR
• Equivalent combination of training and experience
• 0-1 year of experience in standard wet-lab IF/IHC techniques and/or histology

Knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Ability to balance multiple responsibilities while maintaining a high level of organization and efficiency.
• Experience with tools for managing imaging data
• In-depth knowledge of SOP adherence and regulatory compliance in laboratory or medical device environments.
• High proficiency in technical documentation and record-keeping in accordance with industry standards.
• Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills, with a demonstrated ability to address and resolve technical issues swiftly.
• Excellent communication skills for reporting, team collaboration, and documentation.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team while being collaborative in resolving problems
• Must possess energy and drive to coordinate multiple projects simultaneously
• Intermediate skills with Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, Access, Word, and PowerPoint) on Window OS. Ability to accurately type 60wpm

Education & experience:

• Master’s degree with course work
• 1 year experience in standard wet-lab techniques
• 2 years of relevant experience, including one year of hands-on experience with lab maintenance/lab operations/documentation
• Relevant coursework in tissue pathology
• 1-4 years of experience in standard wet-lab CycIF/IHC techniques and/or histology

Knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• At least 6 months of work experience in a professional, team-oriented research setting (wet or dry lab)
• Deep understanding in immunohistopathology, IF staining, and single chromogen staining
• Advanced understanding of scanning and imagining software

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