Career Center

Department Overview

The clinical embryologist will posses all-around clinical and research skills and knowledge required for the Center for Embryonic Cell & Gene Therapy (CECGT) and will be responsible for independently contributing to and participating in ongoing human and animal embryology related research projects. The employee possesses an exceptional command of knowledge in the field of clinical embryology, genetics, cell culture, molecular biology, and stays current in these ever-changing fields.

The employee will perform research which will involve using mouse, monkey and human gametes, embryos, pluripotent cells and various tissues. The responsibilities include overseeing: research planning and conduct all embryology experiments; establishing of novel IVF research techniques and maintain equipment such that the Center remains on the leading edge of embryology. Embryology experiments will require intermittent late night and early morning (12am-6am) coverage which is outside of typical work day. Flexibility and professionalism at these hours are paramount.

They will independently perform work of the highest difficulty with their extensive knowledge in the specialized field of clinical embryology and conduct all embryology related studies as directed by project leaders and CECGT Scientists/Faculty in mouse, primate and human gametes and embryos; assisting with publication of already gathered data, as well as incorporating new data into the development of future projects; and performing a variety of duties which require flexibility, judgment, and unique experience in fields of embryology.

This position is responsible for independently reviewing, assessing, and presenting new techniques in the field of embryology to research staff. Contribute to written reports, abstracts, project proposals and grants, and presentations including conference abstracts and presentations. Appointee will participate in the on-call schedule, which includes intermittent evening, weekend, and holiday coverage.

Overall the position promotes the mission of the Center for Embryonic Cell and Gene Therapy by exhibiting reliability, productivity, professionalism, accuracy, timeliness, problem-solving, strong ethical understanding of our complex scientific focus, as well as compassion and kindness when communicating.

Function/Duties of Position

Technical Research

• Provide regular assisted reproductive techniques in mouse, monkey and human models as directed, including: ovarian stimulation, oocyte recovery, fertilization by conventional IVF and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), embryo culture to blastocyst stage, embryo biopsies and embryo transfer.
• Cryopreservation of embryos and gametes.
• In vitro maturation of immature oocytes
• Deriving embryonic stem cells (ESCs). Cryopreservation of cells.
• Basic molecular techniques including, whole genome amplification, PCRs and sequencing.
• Participate in Center for Embryonic Cell and Gene Therapy work on evenings and weekends.
• Develop, maintain and periodically update laboratory protocols.
• Contribute data summaries to IACUC, IRB, publications and grant submissions.
• Manage and maintain the human gamete, human embryonic stem cell and human frozen gamete/embryo database
• Establish Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all embryology related techniques used in the laboratory.
• Maintain current protocols and day to day operations.
• Evaluate current changing technology related to embryology and propose changes to our laboratory equipment and SOPs
• Monitor developing research embryos post experiment day. This may include work between the hours of 10pm-6am.
• Participate in weekend coverage as assigned

Report Preparation

• Prepare various reports containing descriptive and analytical data that may be submitted for publication, or for contribution to grant application(s), progress reports, IACUC / IRB submissions, etc.
• Produce summary reports of all data; communicate results clearly and effectively.
• Present research findings to scientific meetings.
• Actively participate in educational and outreach programs representing the lab in OHSU and public settings.
• Attend professional meetings when financial resources permit travel.

Required Qualifications

• PhD degree with major courses in genetics, developmental biology, embryology, cell biology OR
• Master's degree with major courses in field of embryology and developmental biology and 5 years of relevant experience.
• 5-8 years relevant embryology work experience in a laboratory or clinical setting with background in embryology, reproductive/ molecular/ cellular biology, or endocrinology research.
• Independent proficiency in embryology and cell culture techniques listed above.
• Ability to communicate effectively, in both written and oral formats;
• Ability to work both independently and in a small group setting, and one-on-one with collaborators and clients in a positive and producive manner.
• Work efficiently and skillfully with a variety of diverse staff and collaborators;
• Experience with relevant software.
• Demonstrated independence and competence to perform data management and analysis of research finding, including use of spreadsheets, graphics and statistical program.
• Ability to prioritize work demands, and coordinate research protocols with other staff.
• Organizational skills and careful attention to details to satisfactorily perform job duties.
• Laboratory management and quality control skills.
• High level of self-motivation and integrity.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD + postdoctoral scholar experience with a record of publishing scientific papers
• 3+ years relevant laboratory or clinical human embryology work experience

Additional Details

This position is located at the OHSU South Waterfront campus in Portland, Oregon. As a full-time position, the work schedule is expected to be 40+ hours/week, with schedule flexibility ensuring availability according to lab operations and needs. Will be required to work late evenings or weekends to ensure embryology experiment needs are met and to cover outreach events on or off campus. Appointee will be in contact with animal and human tissues & fluids and will be responsible for fluid and tissue collection as related to study protocol. Training will be provided for proper handling, processes, and procedures.

Ability to stand and be ambulatory for more than 4 hours. Ability to sit at a microscope for 4+ hours with full mobility of two arms at the same time. Ability to conduct repetitive motions with hands, wrists, neck, and shoulders while working for long hours underneath a micromanipulation and microscope stations. Ability to work at a computer for extensive periods of time. The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; viewing a computer terminal; extensive reading. Ability to perform repetitive manual manipulations (gripping, grasping, fingering, pinching, typing, using a mouse, etc.) Ability to communicate complex ideas to external and internal scientists.

All are welcome