Career Center

The Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute (VGTI) at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) has assembled a multidisciplinary team of scientists to respond to serious viral disease threats, including AIDS, chronic viral infection-associated diseases, newly emerging viral diseases and infectious diseases of the elderly. Our programs are intended to span the continuum between basic and clinical science, in which discoveries are rapidly advanced from the level of molecular and cellular biology through animal models and ultimately into clinical testing. The development of this unique program in immunology and virology provides an important training opportunity for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows at OHSU. This is why an important part of our mission is the training of young scientists in newer academic disciplines emerging at the Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute.

The Estes Lab is looking to hire a researcher for a project within the new multi-center Cascade IMPAc-TB consortium, an ambitious NIH contract designed to accelerate progress in tuberculosis vaccine development. By utilizing a variety of non-human primate models of human diseases, the Estes Laboratory works to elucidate determinants of local and systemic inflammation leading to tissue pathology, disease progression, and pathogen persistence, as well as test therapeutics to modulate the immune landscape, restore immune homeostasis, and reduce pathogen tissue reservoirs.

In collaboration with the Gerner Lab in Seattle, this project is designed to provide a spatial framework, via advanced in situ hybridization and immunofluorescent techniques, which will complement and synergize with other consortium projects. Additionally, this individual will also collaborate on other projects within the lab, including projects to understand HIV/SIV reservoir dynamics. Direct experience working on TB, HIV/SIV, non-human primate models, multiplexed in situ hybridization and protein immunofluorescence, and/or multispectral imaging is highly desirable.

• Masters degree in relevant field and 3 years of relevant work experience, or Bachelors degree and 5 years of relevant work experience.
• Research experience with infectious disease, animal models, advanced microscopy, multi-spectral imaging, or closely related areas.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills (written and oral).
• Laboratory, computer, and database experience.
• Demonstrate significant research experience.
• Demonstrate a capability of working within a project team to achieve results.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work in a team, and relate to staff from a variety of diverse backgrounds and experience.
• Ability to always demonstrate the highest level of performance and behavior standards.
• Ability to be honest and straightforward, dealing with issues fairly and consistently.
• Must possess energy and drive to coordinate multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to use tact and diplomacy to maintain effective working relationships.
• Must be proficient with computers running Apple and Windows/PC applications (e.g. MS Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint).

• Masters degree and three years experience in immunology, microbiology, virology, or closely related field
• Research experience with M. Tb models and/or non-human primates.
• Image analysis experience, advanced microscopy, and/or multi-spectral imaging.
• Advanced microscopy
• Multi-spectral imaging
• Python programing (or other coding platforms)

Please note that this position is at OHSU's West Campus (Beaverton, OR). Submit a resume, cover letter, and at least three references to be considered for this position.

Working conditions:

• Willingness to work with pathogens potentially dangerous to humans
• Willingness to work in Biosafety Level 2 and 3 facilities
• Willingness and ability to work flexible hours
• Ability and willingness to work independently

Physical demands & equipment usage:

• Ability to carry and lift 35 lbs.
• Ability to stand for three continuous hours a day
• Ability to work on computer for five continuous hours a day
• Able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without accommodation