Job Description

Department Overview

The Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences is an independent research institute within OHSU that is dedicated to health and safety in the workplace. The Institute receives its base funding from the Oregon Workers' Compensation Fund and leverages this base funding to secure federal government grants in basic, clinical, and applied research. We perform biomedical/occupational research and innovation for a healthy workforce, aimed at promoting health and reducing disease and disability among workers across the nation, particularly in Oregon.

The Clinical Physiology and Chronobiology Program (CPCP) within the Institute specializes in clinical research on the effects of sleep and circadian rhythms on physiology and pathophysiology in humans.

Function/Duties of Position

The clinical research assistant will work on various projects under the direction of Dr. Saurabh Thosar (PI), with immediate supervision by his senior research staff. whose research is aimed at understanding the effects of different physiological stressors (e.g., sleep loss, shift work) on the human physiology. Specifically, this research is interested in identifying mechanisms that increase cardiovascular risk in vulnerable people and to identify sustainable countermeasures.

Responsibilities include assisting with research projects in human volunteers, recruiting and enrolling volunteer study participants, and collecting data using a variety of noninvasive physiological monitoring devices (e.g., EKG, blood pressure, vital signs, EEG, actigraphy).

The clinical research assistant will be responsible for data analysis, performing general lab maintenance, taking inventory of supplies, and making database entries. This position will also carry out administrative tasks (e.g., preparing and submitting IRB documents) as needed.

• Assisting with several multi-day and overnight studies involving measurements of vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, height, weight, etc.), vascular imaging (ultrasound), and sleep monitoring (electroencephalogram, actigraphy).
• Recruiting and enrolling study participants.
• Analyzing study data.
• Submitting documents to OHSU’s IRB and carrying out administrative tasks.
• Performing general lab maintenance, including cleaning equipment and the lab facility, taking inventory of supplies, and making database entries.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field; OR
• Associates degree AND 2 years relevant experience; OR
• 3 years relevant experience; OR
• Equivalent combination of training and experience.

Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office programs.
• Good organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills.
• Discretion when dealing with issues of a sensitive nature to maintain participant confidentiality.
• Integrity in regards to interactions with others and in performing research.
• Ability to gather, compile, analyze and maintain, in a range of formats, information from a variety of sources, including research publications, web sources, and internal and external contacts.
• Ability to work periodic overnight and weekend hours while monitoring research participants.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences.
• Experience in clinical research, especially related to human-subjects research.
• Specialized experience in exercise science, circadian rhythm or sleep research.
• Experience with measurement techniques for vascular function or autonomic measurements.
• Specialized experience with computer programing and/or digital media.
• Experience working effectively with racially and ethnically diverse populations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and in a small group setting.
• Ability to interact in a positive and productive manner with a diverse lab community.
• Ability to be self-motivated, prioritize effectively, and achieve deadlines.

Additional Details

Requires ongoing on-site work and may require travel. Some teleworking may be negotiated. This position will regularly include evening, overnight, and weekend shifts, as well as interacting with research participants.

Why apply to OHSU?

We are Oregon's only public academic health center. In addition to caring for patients, we lead groundbreaking research. We also train the next generation of health care professionals. As Portland's largest employer, we give you opportunities to learn and advance in a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington. All are welcome. OHSU welcomes people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, national origins, religions and sexual orientations. We are striving to build an anti-racist, multicultural institution and encourage people with diverse backgrounds to apply. To request reasonable accommodation, contact askhr@ohsu.edu