Post Doctoral Scholar

Oregon Health & Science University; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 62,347 - 76,202; Full time

Job summary

A leading research university in Oregon seeks a Post Doctoral Scholar to conduct groundbreaking research on stem cell biology and neural cancer. The role offers extensive mentoring and career development opportunities. Ideal candidates should hold a PhD and have strong communication, problem-solving, and independent research skills. The position provides a competitive salary and opportunities for professional growth.

Qualifications

• PhD degree required.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong communication skills, both oral and written.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on stem cell biology and neural cancer biology.
• Apply genomic and imaging techniques in research.
• Contribute to publications and grant preparations.

Skills

Critical thinking

Strong oral and written communication skills

Troubleshooting and problem-solving skills

Working independently

Self-starter

Time management

Creativity

Organization

Dynamic environment

Manuscript writing

Working as part of a team

Education

PhD

Job description

Overview

Post Doctoral Scholar

Location: US-OR-Portland

Requisition ID: 2025-35509

Position Category: Postdoctoral

Job Type: Postdoctoral

Posting Department: Department of Pediatrics

Posting Salary Range: Commensurate with experience. As of 9/1/2026: Minimum $69,275.18

Posting FTE: 1.00

Posting Schedule: There will be requirements for weekend or after-hours work as individual projects and experiments necessitate.

Posting Hours: This position requires 40 hours a week, generally during typical working hours.

HR Mission: School of Medicine

Drug Testable: No

Function/Duties of Position:

A fully-funded postdoctoral researcher position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Bret Pearson at the Pape Family Pediatric Research Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR. We are currently building our team and looking for a Postdoctoral Fellow interested in studying the molecular connections between stem cell biology, neural injury, and neural cancer biology, primarily using the unique combination of model systems: freshwater planarians and zebrafish (https://www.bretpearsonlab.org). We use cutting edge genomic and imaging techniques to understand fundamental questions in adult stem cell biology in normal, regenerative, and tumorigenic contexts. In addition to scientific training, the postdoc will also receive personalized mentoring to advance their own career development including networking, goal setting, leadership and lecturing opportunities, further training in public speaking, project management, grant and manuscript writing, and opportunities to review manuscripts. We also work closely with the neuroscience and cancer institutes at OHSU.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities include conducting independent and collaborative research on stem cell biology, neural injury, and cancer biology using planarians and zebrafish, applying modern genomic and imaging techniques, and contributing to publications and grant preparation. The position includes mentoring and opportunities to lecture, network, and develop project management and writing skills.

Required Qualifications

• PhD
• Following the scientific method to ask and answer scientific questions
• Working as part of a team
• Working independently
• Dynamic environment
• Manuscript writing
• Critical thinking
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
• Organized
• Self-starter
• Time management
• Open and willing to learn new skills
• Creativity

Preferred Qualifications

• Molecular biology
• Cell biology
• Bioinformatics
• Mentoring junior colleagues
• Using model organisms
• Bioinformatic experience
• Bioinformatics/genomics
• Sterile technique
• Imaging experience
• Molecular biology skills

Additional Details

The work environment is a laboratory setting, which includes exposure to laboratory chemicals, zebrafish, and planarians. Appropriate training and safety equipment will be provided to handle chemicals, animals, and tissues.

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All are welcome

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 [e-mail].

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