Legacy Health·Portland, Oregon
Provide technical and general assistance to a Principal Investigator in a neurobiology research program. Responsibilities include managing laboratory operations, collecting and analyzing scientific data, and training entry-level personnel.
Overview Innovative research paves the way for improved patient outcomes.
You can be a part of the research that’s driving new treatments and procedures at Legacy.
In your role, you will provide general and technical assistance, initiate new protocols to improve laboratory operation and help to train students and entry-level personnel.
If you’re ready to grow your skills and share in the Legacy mission of making life better for others, we invite you to consider this opportunity.
This is a mid-level research assistant position.
It provides, under the overall supervision of a Principal Investigator, general and technical assistance in support of a specific research program, including (but not limited to): clerical tasks; laboratory maintenance; ordering and inventorying laboratory supplies; production, collection and analysis of scientific data; and preparation of illustrations for publication.
Research assistants at this level, unlike entry-level research assistants, are expected to carry out defined tasks with some independence, to initiate new procedures to improve laboratory operation, and to assist in the training of students and entry-level laboratory personnel.
Preferred experience: molecular work (western blots, IHC, genotyping), and behavioral work using established preclinical research models.
Familiarization with confocal microscopy and image analysis software (e.g.
Image J).
Experience with preclinical surgical techniques and colony management.
Neuroscience background is preferred.
Provides adequate support to Principal Investigator in carrying out laboratory experiments. Following specific direction from Principal Investigator, carries out adequate preparations to ensure successful execution of planned experiments. Efficiently manages the laboratory. Maintains complete and accurate records. Manages inventories. Orders supplies and equipment. Cleans laboratory. Collects, analyzes and carefully documents data under direction of Principal Investigator. Performs statistical analysis of data. Operates electronic equipment and computers. Maintains laboratory paperwork. Photocopies. Maintains vendor files and catalogs. Tracks laboratory purchases. Participates in grant-writing. May serve on committees, as requested by Principal Investigator.
Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required; Master’s degree, advanced training, or equivalent experience highly preferred.
One year of laboratory experience required. Experience with grant writing preferred.
A Bachelor's degree and one year of laboratory experience are required, while a Master's degree and grant writing experience are preferred. Candidates should have a background in neuroscience and proficiency in molecular and behavioral research techniques.
Market context
Research assistant positions in Oregon are often tied to university, hospital, and lab-based studies, so demand can be steady where neuroscience and translational research programs are active. These roles are competitive because employers usually want hands-on molecular and behavioral methods, plus experience that supports data quality and study coordination; the posted requirements and benefits here are AI-summarized from the original job description, saving you time on research. If you apply, tailor your materials to lab techniques, neuroscience background, and any grant-writing or project support experience.