Research Assistant
On-sitePortland, Oregon, United States
Job Summary
Conduct multi-step organic synthesis and purification of novel fluorophore candidates, perform structural verification via HPLC-MS and NMR, and characterize photophysical properties through absorption, emission spectroscopy, and quantum yield determination. Support preclinical evaluation of imaging probes in rodent models by formulating probes, administering them intravenously, performing terminal surgical dissection, and conducting fluorescence image analysis. Contribute to lab meetings, publications, and funding applications by writing, creating figures, and summarizing data. Work on-site at OHSU's south waterfront campus during 8:00am to 5:00pm hours with occasional evening and weekend availability for time-sensitive studies.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's in relevant field
- Associate's AND 3 years of relevant experience
- 4 years of relevant experience
- Equivalent combination of training and experience
- Demonstrated ability to follow written protocols and standard operating procedures accurately and consistently
- Demonstrated knowledge of general laboratory safety practices, including chemical handling, personal protective equipment, and waste disposal
- Demonstrated ability to maintain accurate, legible, and complete experimental records
- Applied ability to perform quantitative calculations required for laboratory work, including concentration, dilution, and dosing calculations
- Demonstrated proficiency with standard computer applications for data entry, analysis, and scientific communication
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a research team, communicate clearly with colleagues, and coordinate on shared equipment and timelines
- Enrollment in the OHSU Occupational Health program for rodent handlers
- Personal protective equipment, including lab coat, gloves and safety eyewear
- Laser and optical radiation safety training
- Visual acuity sufficient for reading instrument displays, thin-layer chromatography plates, and fluorescence images
- Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds
- Work hours are 8:00am - 5:00pm with occasional evening and weekend work as needed
- Work is performed on site; the position is not eligible for remote work
Desired Qualifications
- B.S. in chemistry, Biochemistry, or related scientific discipline
- Prior laboratory research experience in small-molecule synthesis and preclinical in vivo imaging, gained through undergraduate research, internship, or employment
- Demonstrated knowledge of synthetic organic chemistry, including multi-step synthesis, reaction monitoring by thin-layer chromatography, purification by automated flash chromatography, and structural verification by HPLC-MS, NMR
- Experience independently troubleshooting synthetic reactions and optimizing reaction conditions to improve yield and purity
- Applied expertise in photophysical characterization of small-molecule fluorophores, including absorption and emission spectroscopy, molar extinction coefficient determination, and relative quantum yield measurement
- Experience independently performing rodent procedures under an approved IACUC protocol, including intravenous tail-vein administration, terminal surgical dissection, and tissue harvest
- Proven track record of acquiring fluorescence imaging data under standardized acquisition conditions on preclinical imaging systems
- Applied expertise in quantitative image analysis using MATLAB or comparable software
- Demonstrated knowledge of experimental design and statistical comparison of group means using standard analysis software
- Proven track record of contributing to multi-investigator research projects requiring coordination across chemistry, animal, and imaging workflows
- Demonstrated ability to prepare figures, methods text, and data summaries suitable for manuscripts, grant reports, or scientific presentations
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