• Job Description

  Req#: 32619

  Department Overview

  The Oregon National Primate Research Center (ONPRC) is located 12 miles west of the OHSU main campus, and sits on 162 acres of land featuring forested areas, research and administration buildings, indoor and outdoor animal housing, and 2-mile perimeter walking path. Our mission is to improve human health and the quality of life through the support of nonhuman primate research programs that advance our knowledge of the causes, preventions, treatments, and cures of debilitating diseases.

  Function/Duties of Position

  This position supports population management and genetic analysis in large pedigrees of non-human primates (NHPs) at the Oregon National Primate Research Center. The position requires computational skills, including demonstrated proficiency in one or more programming environments or scripting languages, such as R or Python. Responsibilities include maintaining accurate genotype and pedigree data on ~5000 NHPs housed at ONPRC, conducting and developing pedigree and population genetic analyses aimed at maintaining colony genetic diversity, assisting in quantitative genetic analyses of disease phenotypes in large pedigrees of NHPs, assisting with group planning and formations, analysis and modeling of current breeding groups, and maintenance of data in the electronic health record system. The rapidly evolving nature of genetic analysis also requires close collaboration with the ONPRC Genetics Division and the Primate Genetics Core Services. This position requires an individual with strong attention to detail and accuracy, strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills, a strong ability to communicate, and the ability to work independently and as a team member. A degree in population genetics, evolutionary genetics, statistical genetics, bioinformatics or a related field is preferred. Previous research experience in any of these fields is highly desirable.

  Key Responsibilities & Performance Standards

  1. Provide analytical and technical support to the ONPRC Colony Manager, conducting pedigree and population genetic analyses to support genetic management goals for all NHP colonies. This includes producing genetic metrics, assisting in development of new metrics and reports as needed, and providing recommendations to the Colony Manager to maintain diversity and support unique genotypes where needed.

  2. Electronic Health Record support. Review and maintain accurate genotype and pedigree data on all ONPRC NHP colonies, providing expertise and technical support to the electronic record system (PRIMe) development team and campus researchers. Assist with mining the PRIMe database for research data. Enter genetic, population, and associated data into PRIMe. Review and submit PRIMe research data entry forms to support research assignments. Complete PRIMe database extraction requests and data corrections. Assist in EHR usage training and compile training documents

  3. Grant writing and support. Assist in writing manuscripts describing the results of genetic analysis, NHP utilization, and breeding practices. Provide tracking metrics on MHC and SNP parentage genotyping colony coverage to grant Principal Investigators. Develop pedigree charts and kinship results for scientific publications. Provide detailed analysis of parentage and kinship analysis and program updates on newer technique development to support grants and annual progress reports.

  4. Other duties and unit support as required

  Required Qualifications

  Education:

  • Bachelor's in relevant field OR
  • Associate's AND 2 years of relevant experience OR

  Experience:

  • Equivalent combination of training and experience

  Job Related Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Competencies):

  • Understanding of basic population genetics theory

  • Demonstrated proficiency in at least one programming environment or scripting language, i.e., Linux, R, Python, Per

  • Ability to work independently

  • Strong attention to accuracy and detail

  • Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills

  • Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, in both written and oral formats

  • Ability to work independently, as well as in a team

  Registrations, Certifications and/or Licenses:

  • Valid Driver’s License

  Preferred Qualifications

  Experience:

  • Previous research experience and/or experience with population management

  • Prior experience at a National Primate Research center

  Additional Details

  WORKING CONDITIONS:

  • Work may involve exposure to zoonotic agents through injury, by direct contact with animals or their tissues and body fluids, or by contact with equipment contaminated by animals or their tissues and body fluids
  • Work may involve exposure to potentially hazardous chemicals
  • Work may involve exposure to wet or slick walking surfaces and sanitizing chemicals
  • Work also in an office environment
  • Regular work hours to be determined by NHP Resources Veterinarian/NHP Resources Manager; may be called upon to assist during emergencies related to the ONPRC

  PHYSICAL DEMANDS & EQUIPMENT USAGE:

  • Able to move freely and quickly between various buildings/research labs, offices (inside and outside), and animal housing areas to communicate with relavent staff., as well as perform animal husbandry task
  • This involves moving on wet and/or slick surface
  • Able to lift and carry objects weighing up to 50 pounds
  • Ability to stoop, bend, reach and stretch to access file cabinets and storage units
  • Visual skills and ability to make accurate observations for data entry, preparation of grant applications, manuscripts, correspondence, and general office procedures

  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.

• About the company

  Oregon Health & Science University is a public university in Oregon with a main campus, including two hospitals, in Portland, Oregon.

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