Research Associate

Oregon Health & Science University; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 50,814 - 84,698; Full time

Job summary

A renowned research institution in Portland is seeking a Research Associate to conduct electrophysiology experiments and assist in writing scientific papers. Candidates should possess a Master’s or PhD degree with experience in relevant fields, particularly biophysics or neurobiology. The role requires strong problem-solving skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office. This temporary full-time position includes flexible work hours and involves responsibilities related to animal handling. Join a dynamic laboratory environment dedicated to advancing neurological research.

Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD with 3 years of relevant experience or Bachelor's with 5 years.
• Experience working with vertebrate animals.
• Proven ability to communicate scientific data.

Responsibilities

• Perform electrophysiology experiments on zebra finches.
• Support postdocs and PI with paper and grant writing.
• Assist with animal breeding and related experiments.

Skills

Electrophysiology

Data analysis

Animal handling

Problem solving

Microsoft Office

Education

PhD or Master’s in relevant field

Bachelor’s in Science

Job description

Research Associate

US-OR-Portland

Requisition ID: 2026-38645

Position Category: Research

Job Type: Research

Position Type: Temporary Full-Time

Posting Department: Vollum Institute- von Gersdorff Lab

Posting Salary Range: $50,814 - $84,698 per year, with offer based on experience, education and internal equity

Posting FTE: 1.00

Posting Schedule: Monday - Friday with some evenings/weekends as experiments demand

Posting Hours: 9:00am - 5:00pm (flexible) with some evenings/weekends as experiments demand

HR Mission: Research

Drug Testable: No

Department Overview

The Vollum Institute is a privately endowed research institute at Oregon Health & Science University dedicated to basic research that will lead to new treatments for neurological and psychiatric diseases. Vollum scientists have broad-ranging interests that coalesce around molecular neurobiology and cellular physiology. Their work has transformed the field of neuroscience and, in particular, have provided important advances in the study of synaptic transmission, neuronal development, neurotransmitter transporters, ion channels and the neurobiology of disease.

Function/Duties of Position

The purpose of the temporary position is to perform key electrophysiology experiments and dedicated time to write scientific papers and also on occasion to serve as the point of contact person for all zebra finch related lab questions. This position is temporary for a limited duration and not benefits eligible. The FTE can be negotiated and depends on experience.

• Perform patch clamp electrophysiology experiments on zebra finch songbird brain slices and do data analysis and write scientific papers.
• Management – support fellow postdocs and PI with paper and possibly grant writing.
• Database and Animal Maintenance – Provide help with animal breeding in our facility as well as perform immunocytochemistry and/or in situ experiments.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD degree with major courses in relevant field and 3 years of relevant experience; OR
• Bachelor’s in Science degree with major courses in field of research (biophysics and/or neurobiology) and 5 years of relevant experience.
• Experience with working with vertebrate animals and associated/relevant responsibilities.
• The ideal candidate is highly motivated, creative, independent, and possesses strong problem-solving skills.
• Previous experience with zebra finches and biophysics a major plus, but not required.
• Proficient in Microsoft office suite.
• Ability to clearly communicate and present key scientific data and results.

Preferred Qualifications

• 2 or more years of electrophysiology experience.
• Zebra finch experience.

Additional Details

Monday - Friday (days) in a typical laboratory environment, may include weekends and evenings.

Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.