Job Description

Department Overview

A full-time Research Assistant/Technician position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Fikadu Tafesse in the Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology at OHSU. Our laboratory studies how pathogens exploit host factors to promote invasion, persistence, and pathogenesis. A major focus of the lab is defining the roles of cellular lipids in bacterial and viral infection and determining how these pathways shape innate and adaptive immune responses. We study major human pathogens, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis, SARS-CoV-2, Zika virus, Dengue virus, and HIV. In parallel, we develop nanobody-based tools for mechanistic studies and translational applications, including diagnostic development.

Function/Duties of Position

Under the supervision of the PI and senior research staff, the successful candidate will be expected to independently perform and support a range of laboratory activities, including:

• Microscopy, phagocytosis assays, mammalian tissue culture, flow cytometry, and related cellular and biochemical methods.
• Molecular biology techniques, including cloning and construct generation.
• CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, clone isolation, and validation by molecular assays and sequencing.
• Recombinant protein expression, purification, and characterization.
• Nanobody-related workflows, including antigen preparation, protein purification, screening, validation, and downstream functional assays.
• Independent execution of routine and complex experiments.
• Laboratory ordering, inventory management, and maintenance of reagent and sample records.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with honor thesis in the field biochemistry, biology or chemistry.
• 0-4 years of research wet lab experience at undergraduate level.
• Good organizational skills and excellent attention to details.
• Must be willing to learn and grow.
• Excellent documentation skills.
• Ability to perform as a team member.

Additional Details

Work is generally 40 hours per week during normal working hours; however, some evening and weekend work is necessary on occasion.

Additional safety training is required to work with cell lines/ infectious bacteria or viruses/ working with in a BSL-2 environment. Use of dosimeter and adherence to radiological safety ordinances is required. Working with laboratory animals is required.

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