Career Center

Department Overview

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.

Function/Duties of Position

Oregon Health & Science University is always looking for qualified postdoctoral scholars to fulfill its mission of conducting leading edge research into new cures, new standards of care, and a better understanding of the basic science that drives biomedical discovery.

The postdoctoral experience provides individuals who have recently completed a doctoral degree with a full-time program of advanced academic preparation and research training under the guidance of a supervising faculty mentor. Postdoctoral appointments are temporary by nature and are designed to develop the postdoctoral scholar as an independent scientist and to enhance their professional skills for academic and non-academic careers.

A Postdoctoral Fellowship position is available for funded research into the immunology of malaria infection, protective immunity and vaccines. The lab focuses on host-parasite interactions in malaria using limited in vitro culture, traditional rodent models, humanized liver mouse models and non-human primates. Preferred technical skills include cell culture, standard molecular biology techniques (RNA/DNA isolation and analysis), standard immunolgical techniques (ELISA, immunofluorescence, flow cytometry) and microbiology techniques with a preference for previous work in malaria. Candidates must be well organized, technically proficient, critically minded and able to work independently as well as collaboratively.

The lab is located at the Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute (VGTI) in Beaverton, OR. VGTI houses a multidisciplinary team of scientists that span the continuum between basic and clinical research. VGTI offers access to state-of-the-art equipment and Core facilities as well as easy access to the Oregon wilderness.

Required Qualifications

Education:

• Ph.D. in the biological sciences or related field. Foreign degrees must be evaluated for US equivalency

Experience:

• 0-2 years of relevant experience in a research environment

Job Related Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the principles and techniques of the subject disciplines
• Demonstrate some research experience
• Demonstrate a capability of working within a project team to achieve results
• Demonstrate a record of success in appropriate/equivalent leadership and management role(s)
• Excellent organizational skills
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Demonstrate a commitment to gaining practical experience working on a research project
• Ability to work in a team, and relate to staff from a variety of diverse backgrounds and experiences
• 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
• 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

Preferred Qualifications

Experience: Parasitology or immunology background

All are welcome

Oregon Health & Science University values a diverse and culturally competent workforce. We are proud of our commitment to being an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization that does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any protected class status, including disability status and protected veteran status. Individuals with diverse backgrounds and those who promote diversity and a culture of inclusion are encouraged to apply. To request reasonable accommodation contact the Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Department at 503-494-5148 or aaeo@ohsu.edu.