Senior Research Assistant

MRI & microPET Technician

Coordinate imaging schedule as proposed in experimental protocols

Perform anatomic and physiologic magnetic resonance imaging on rat brains, organs and intracerebral tumors using the 12T MRI in the AIRC

Schedule and orchestrate microPET imaging of rat brains, organs and intracerebral tumors

Administer anesthetic agents, reversal agents, contrast agents, radionuclides and other novel agent to animals IV

Perform imaging analysis and compile data 40% Yes

Animal Technician

Handle animals according to standard protocols, procedures, and research-specific protocols

Animal procedure and treatment preparation (i.e., intubation, anesthesia administration, tail/femoral and jugular IV starts, MRI contrast agents)

Perform surgeries, treatments, and other animal procedures, including brain tumor implantation, radiation, tissue dissection, and euthanasia.

Perform injections and inoculations, such as ultrasound-guided intra-cardia injection or intra-cerebellum inoculation

Blood processing and testing (i.e., BUN and blood panel)

Lab Maintenance

Assist PIs in the development of preclinical research protocols, including animal experiments and data collection methods

Ensure overall compliance with OHSU requirements for lab operations and use

Present images and data at lab meetings

Attend conferences, lab meetings, and journal club

Cleaning and maintenance of lab space (i.e., washing labware, eyewash stations, proper removal of biohazards/chemicals)

Lab equipment maintenance (i.e., CO2 tanks and liquid nitrogen storage)

Restocking of supplies for general use and surgeries

Autoclaving surgical kits and tip/tube stock

Making buffers and ethanol mixtures, as needed

Monitoring and maintaining temperature, CO2, and water levels in incubators and water baths for cell culture

Train and supervise interns and student workers on general lab safety, maintenance, cell culture and histology

Histology & Microscopy

Embed and section rat brain and tumor tissues utilizing vibratome, microtome and cryostat sectioning equipment

Perform IF and IHC staining on paraffin embedded, frozen and thick sectioned tissue

Slipcover and clean microscope slides

Improving and innovating IF and fluorescent imaging techniques

Image using microscopes in the ALMC such as the LSM 900, LSM 980 and Axioscan slide scanner

Perform imaging analysis using post-processing software (i.e., Zen, Imaris, and ImageJ)

Presenting microscopy images and data using PowerPoint presentations at lab meetings

Cell culture & in vitro assays

Culturing human and rat cancer cells (splitting/ feeding)

Making media and aliquoting supplements as needed

Freezing and storing cancer cells and fresh tissue

Preparing cells for surgical inoculations

Plating cells for in vitro assays

Performing BCA and Western blots

Education

Participate in project-specific trainings; Participate in continuing education activities to maintain current knowledge of animal handling, equipment usage, and OHSU lab requirements.

Additional Duties: Additional duties as assigned

Bachelor’s degree in relevant field AND

1 year of relevant experience OR

Equivalent combination of training and experience

Proficiency with basic and more complex lab equipment, such as autoclave, nitrogen tanks, surgical tools

Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills (both written & verbal)

Ability to work independently and as part of a team while being collaborative in resolving problems

Ability to prioritize work demands and manage time appropriately

Ability to use tact and diplomacy to maintain effective working relationships

Must possess the energy and drive to coordinate multiple projects simultaneously

Must have demonstrated record of reliable attendance, punctuality, and proven successful performance

Ability to perform the job duties with or without accommodation.

Preclinical lab experience with animal models

Experience with 12T MRI and microPET animal imaging

Ability to establish an IV line in rat tail/ femoral vein

Bachelor’s degree in relevant field AND

1 year of relevant experience OR

Equivalent combination of training and experience

Proficiency with basic and more complex lab equipment, such as autoclave, nitrogen tanks, surgical tools

Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills (both written & verbal)

Ability to work independently and as part of a team while being collaborative in resolving problems

Ability to prioritize work demands and manage time appropriately

Ability to use tact and diplomacy to maintain effective working relationships

Must possess the energy and drive to coordinate multiple projects simultaneously

Must have demonstrated record of reliable attendance, punctuality, and proven successful performance

Ability to perform the job duties with or without accommodation.

Preclinical lab experience with animal models

Experience with 12T MRI and microPET animal imaging

Ability to establish an IV line in rat tail/ femoral vein