Faculty Research Assistant - Oregon State University

The Department of Microbiology invites applications for a full-time (1.0 FTE), 12-month, Fixed-Term Faculty Research Assistant position. Reappointment is at the discretion of the Department Head.

This position will conduct research and maintain fish relating to a project on investigating various projects pertaining to infectious diseases in Dr. Kent’s program. Presently emphasis for this position will be directed toward investigations on infectious diseases of fish, including microsporidia, parasitic nematodes and copepods, and bacterial pathogens such as Mycobacterium spp. or Aeromonas salmonicida.

The employee must be able to maintain populations of fishes used for transmission experiments and fish species may include trout, zebrafish maintained either on the main campus, the Fish Performance and Genetics Laboratory or the Aquatic Animal Health Laboratory. The employee will oversee four fish laboratories in Nash Hall, including oversight of daily water systems, supervision of students regarding care of fishes, compliance with OSU IACUC and BioSafety requirements, ordering appropriate supplies, and interfacing with Facilities on maintenance and repairs of these systems.

The employee must be able to necropsy fish and isolate pathogens (including some that may infect humans). The employee will characterize pathogens using phenotypic and molecular methods. The employee will also supervise undergraduate and graduate students that will assist with maintaining fish. The above tasks are carried out with minimal supervision, including possible work off the main campus. Ongoing and new specific tasks are reviewed with the supervisor on a weekly basis.

30% Assist with research: Conduct necropsies on fish and process samples as appropriate for future diagnostic evaluation. Run PCR analysis of fish tissues to identify the presence of pathogens. Isolate and identify bacterial pathogens from fish. Identify and record specific pathologic changes or pathogens in histologic sections following specific training and instruction by supervisor.

25% Assist with Research: Establish and maintain in vivo transmission studies with fish. This include maintenance of stock infected and pathogen free fish, and occasional transport of fish from the Sinhubber Laboratory at OSU or ZIRC at University of Oregon.

20% Organize and maintain documentation for laboratory, including compliance records, chemical inventory, IACUC documents, training records, etc.

15% Analyze data and prepare scientific reports

10% Supervise and plan work for student assistants

BSL-2 training.

Formal training if fish husbandry, fisheries and/or aquaculture.

Experience in maintaining fish in experiments, fish necropsy procedures, establishing and conducting in vivo transmission studies with fishes, bacteriology (culture and biochemical identifications).

Master’s degree in Life Sciences discipline with 2 years experience conducting biomedical research with laboratory animals. Or a Bachelor degree in Life Sciences with 5 years experience conducting biomedical research with laboratory animals.

This position is designated as a critical or security-sensitive position; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a criminal history check and be determined to be position qualified as per OSU Standard 576-055-0000 et seq. Incumbents are required to self-report convictions and those in youth programs may have additional criminal history checks every 24 months. Offers of employment are contingent upon meeting all minimum qualifications including the criminal history check requirement.

This position requires driving a university vehicle or a personal vehicle on behalf of the university; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a motor vehicle history check, possess and maintain a current, valid driver’s license in their state of residence, be determined to be position qualified and self-report convictions as per University Policy 05-030 et seq. Offers of employment are contingent upon meeting all minimum qualifications including the motor vehicle check requirement.

Bachelor’s or Master’s in microbiology, fish care technology.

Person with experience with zebrafish models of infection and working with BSL-2 pathogens is preferred.

Microbiology laboratory and aquatic vivaria. Typically 8-5, but occasional after hours and weekends as required for specific experiments

When applying you will be required to attach the following electronic documents:

1) A resume/CV; and

2) A cover letter indicating how your qualifications and experience have prepared you for this position.

You will also be required to submit the names of at least three professional references, their e-mail addresses and telephone numbers as part of the application process.

For additional information please contact: Mary Fulton at mary.fulton@oregonstate.edu

OSU commits to inclusive excellence by advancing equity and diversity in all that we do. We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, and particularly encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ community members, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.

This position is designated as a critical or security-sensitive position; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a criminal history check and be determined to be position qualified as per OSU Standard 576-055-0000 et seq. Incumbents are required to self-report convictions and those in youth programs may have additional criminal history checks every 24 months. Offers of employment are contingent upon meeting all minimum qualifications including the criminal history check requirement.

This position requires driving a university vehicle or a personal vehicle on behalf of the university; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a motor vehicle history check, possess and maintain a current, valid driver’s license in their state of residence, be determined to be position qualified and self-report convictions as per University Policy 05-030 et seq. Offers of employment are contingent upon meeting all minimum qualifications including the motor vehicle check requirement.