Job Description

Job Title: Research Assistant

Department: Research Services

Reports To: Dr. Charles Meshul, PhD

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Salary: $20 per hour

Work Type: Onsite at Portland VA Hospital / Research Services

SUMMARY

The purpose of the position is to carry out light and electron microscopic immunohistochemistry and protein analysis on rodent brain tissue.

This is a Part-Time position (10-15 hours/week) with an anticipated starting date in May 2026.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Carry out light and electron microscopic immunolabeling on rodent brain tissue, taking light and electron microscopic images to be analyzed using Image Pro Plus software, and conduct statistical analysis using JMP software. 
2. Carry out western blot procedure and data analysis using Image Pro Plus software and conduct statistical analysis using JMP software.
3. Write up results for possible future publication.
4. Other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Required Experience

• Previous experience using a transmission electron microscope
• Previous experience carrying out western immunoblotting
• Previous experience using Image Pro Plus software
• Previous experience conducting statistical analysis using JMP software
• Previous experience writing up results for possible future publication

Preferred Experience

• Co-Author on previous publication

Education

• High School degree or equivalent required

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Basic math skills to make up required solutions
• Must be familiar with spreadsheets
• Ability to perform essential job duties with or without reasonable accommodation and without posing a direct threat to safety or health of employee or others.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Because this position is based in a VA facility, the Research Assistant must secure a VA Without Compensation Appointment (WOC) prior to starting work, and must maintain a WOC Appointment in order to continue employment.

The VA's WOC process will be facilitated by the supervisor and processed through the VA Research and Development office. The screening process required to obtain a WOC may include a background check, a credit check, a physical, a drug test, and a TB test.

After the WOC process has been completed, the VA also requires several trainings prior to employees starting work.

Portland VA Research Foundation is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to status as a protected veteran or a qualified individual with a disability, or other protected status such as race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin or age.

All PVARF employees are required to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 within 8 weeks of hire, unless medically exempt. Employees will be required to provide either proof of vaccination or an approved medical exemption prior to beginning work.

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