Research Assistant Jobs in Oregon
Research assistant jobs in Oregon concentrate in academic research, healthcare and life sciences, and environmental and natural resource sciences, with demand at every level from entry-level lab support to senior clinical research coordinators. Portland, Eugene, and Corvallis anchor the largest share of openings, where institutions like Oregon Health and Science University, the University of Oregon, and Oregon State University sustain ongoing hiring. The most sought-after specialties include clinical research coordination, environmental data analysis, and social science research support. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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Showing 5 of 11+ Research Assistant jobs
Every Knight Cancer employee is expected to embody our guiding principles:
- We act BOLDLY—Breakthroughs require pushing the boundaries of science, exploring new frontiers, and thinking differently
- We SUPPORT each other—Respect leads to trust, which leads to excellence
- We work as a CONNECTED team — We must leverage our collective brain power to conquer cancer because no one individual can do it alone
May be located in shared services/core or work directly under a Principal Investigator (PI) to include sample processing, assays, cell/tissue culture, animal studies, library research, data collection, recording transcription, etc.
Duties include:
- Conducts molecular, cellular, and animal-based research experiments with minimal supervision.
- Manages mouse colonies, including breeding, genotyping, recordkeeping, and experimental procedures.
- Coordinates multiple research projects and supports study planning, documentation, and publication efforts.
- Trains research staff and collaborates with internal research partners, including the Animal Research Core.
- Develops research methods, maintains operational continuity, and supports laboratory activities as needed.
- Laboratory organization and compliance
- Bachelor's in relevant field AND 1 year of relevant experience OR Equivalent combination of training and experience
- Experience with bioconjugation of biomolecules and biomolecule purification, general molecular biology techniques such as sample processing, cell culture, flow cytometry, DNA purification for mammalian cell cultures, PCR, gel electrophoresis, plate readers, western blot
- Ability to operate complex scientific equipment and develop and troubleshoot complex experimental protocols
- Must possess energy and drive to coordinate multiple projects simultaneously: prioritize, schedule, manage and coordinate
- Demonstrated ability to undertake research and project management work under broad direction only, exercise initiative in undertaking responsibilities and work effectively with team members
- Demonstrated high level organization and communication skills
- Demonstrated interpersonal skills, including the ability to work both collaboratively in a team and autonomously when required
- Proven ability to work collaboratively with a high performing work group in problem solving
- Demonstrated ability to build productive cross functional collaborations both internally and externally
- Demonstrated ability to learn new and innovative processes quickly
- Training in handling chemical and biologically hazardous materials
- Knowledge of policy and regulations applicable to the laboratory, including but not limited to safety, animal use and radiation
- Technical proficiency, scientific creativity, collaborative ability, and independent thinker
- Ability to analyze short and long term project needs
- Must have excellent communication, analytical and organizational skills: both written and verbal
- Ability to use tact and diplomacy to maintain effective working relationships
- Proficient with computers specifically MS Office (which includes, Excel, Access, Word and PowerPoint) and statistical analysis software
- Ability to work with small animals
- Experience working within OHSU’s Department of Comparative Medicine
- Familiarity with OHSU shared research resources
- Strong experience with mouse injections, xenograft tumors, and small animal imaging
- Experience with cell and tissue culture
- Experience with biologic tissue and sample collection and preparation
- Experience in handling chemical and biologically hazardous materials
- Ability to train diverse students and Research Assistants
Apply online. Please be sure to upload a Cover Letter and Resume/CV.
We offer a variety of benefits on top of joining a thriving organization:
-
Medical, dental and vision coverage at no or low cost to employees
- Covered 100% for full-time employees and 88% for dependents
- Several retirement plans to choose from with contributions from OHSU
- 208 hours of PTO per year
- 8 days of sick time off
- 9 paid holidays per year
- Commuter subsidies
- Tuition reimbursement
- Access to group life insurance, disability insurance and other supplemental benefits
- Annual Merit Increase
- Growth/Development Opportunities
- Employee discounts to local and major businesses
#linkedin #indeed #knightcancerjobs #knightresearchandlabjobs #knightresearchjobs #knightinternal
Why apply to OHSU?: We are Oregon's only public academic health center. In addition to caring for patients, we lead groundbreaking research. We also train the next generation of health care professionals. As Portland's largest employer, we give you opportunities to learn and advance in a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington. All are welcome. OHSU welcomes people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, national origins, religions and sexual orientations. We are striving to build an anti-racist, multicultural institution and encourage people with diverse backgrounds to apply. To request reasonable accommodation, contact askhr@ohsu.eduEvery Knight Cancer employee is expected to embody our guiding principles:
- We act BOLDLY—Breakthroughs require pushing the boundaries of science, exploring new frontiers, and thinking differently
- We SUPPORT each other—Respect leads to trust, which leads to excellence
- We work as a CONNECTED team — We must leverage our collective brain power to conquer cancer because no one individual can do it alone
May be located in shared services/core or work directly under a Principal Investigator (PI) to include sample processing, assays, cell/tissue culture, animal studies, library research, data collection, recording transcription, etc.
Duties include:
- Conducts molecular, cellular, and animal-based research experiments with minimal supervision.
- Manages mouse colonies, including breeding, genotyping, recordkeeping, and experimental procedures.
- Coordinates multiple research projects and supports study planning, documentation, and publication efforts.
- Trains research staff and collaborates with internal research partners, including the Animal Research Core.
- Develops research methods, maintains operational continuity, and supports laboratory activities as needed.
- Laboratory organization and compliance
- Bachelor's in relevant field AND 1 year of relevant experience OR Equivalent combination of training and experience
- Experience with bioconjugation of biomolecules and biomolecule purification, general molecular biology techniques such as sample processing, cell culture, flow cytometry, DNA purification for mammalian cell cultures, PCR, gel electrophoresis, plate readers, western blot
- Ability to operate complex scientific equipment and develop and troubleshoot complex experimental protocols
- Must possess energy and drive to coordinate multiple projects simultaneously: prioritize, schedule, manage and coordinate
- Demonstrated ability to undertake research and project management work under broad direction only, exercise initiative in undertaking responsibilities and work effectively with team members
- Demonstrated high level organization and communication skills
- Demonstrated interpersonal skills, including the ability to work both collaboratively in a team and autonomously when required
- Proven ability to work collaboratively with a high performing work group in problem solving
- Demonstrated ability to build productive cross functional collaborations both internally and externally
- Demonstrated ability to learn new and innovative processes quickly
- Training in handling chemical and biologically hazardous materials
- Knowledge of policy and regulations applicable to the laboratory, including but not limited to safety, animal use and radiation
- Technical proficiency, scientific creativity, collaborative ability, and independent thinker
- Ability to analyze short and long term project needs
- Must have excellent communication, analytical and organizational skills: both written and verbal
- Ability to use tact and diplomacy to maintain effective working relationships
- Proficient with computers specifically MS Office (which includes, Excel, Access, Word and PowerPoint) and statistical analysis software
- Ability to work with small animals
- Experience working within OHSU’s Department of Comparative Medicine
- Familiarity with OHSU shared research resources
- Strong experience with mouse injections, xenograft tumors, and small animal imaging
- Experience with cell and tissue culture
- Experience with biologic tissue and sample collection and preparation
- Experience in handling chemical and biologically hazardous materials
- Ability to train diverse students and Research Assistants
Apply online. Please be sure to upload a Cover Letter and Resume/CV.
We offer a variety of benefits on top of joining a thriving organization:
-
Medical, dental and vision coverage at no or low cost to employees
- Covered 100% for full-time employees and 88% for dependents
- Several retirement plans to choose from with contributions from OHSU
- 208 hours of PTO per year
- 8 days of sick time off
- 9 paid holidays per year
- Commuter subsidies
- Tuition reimbursement
- Access to group life insurance, disability insurance and other supplemental benefits
- Annual Merit Increase
- Growth/Development Opportunities
- Employee discounts to local and major businesses
#linkedin #indeed #knightcancerjobs #knightresearchandlabjobs #knightresearchjobs #knightinternal
Why apply to OHSU?: We are Oregon's only public academic health center. In addition to caring for patients, we lead groundbreaking research. We also train the next generation of health care professionals. As Portland's largest employer, we give you opportunities to learn and advance in a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington. All are welcome. OHSU welcomes people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, national origins, religions and sexual orientations. We are striving to build an anti-racist, multicultural institution and encourage people with diverse backgrounds to apply. To request reasonable accommodation, contact askhr@ohsu.eduSee All 11 Research Assistant Jobs in Oregon
Find roles in Oregon that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Research Assistant JobsResearch Assistant Jobs by City in Oregon
Where Oregon roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Research Assistant Job Market in Oregon
A snapshot from current Oregon openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
What Oregon Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in research assistant jobs across Oregon.
- Bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific, social science, or health-related field
- Experience with data collection, analysis, or management using standard research software
- Familiarity with IRB protocols and research compliance procedures
- Strong written communication skills for documenting and reporting research findings
- Ability to coordinate with faculty, principal investigators, and cross-functional teams
- Proficiency with statistical tools such as SPSS, R, or similar analysis platforms
Research Assistant Jobs in Oregon: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a research assistant in Oregon?
Most research assistant positions in Oregon require at minimum a bachelor's degree in a field relevant to the research area, such as biology, psychology, public health, or environmental science. Oregon does not issue a state license specific to research assistants, but clinical research roles often expect certification through bodies like the Association of Clinical Research Professionals. University-based and public health positions typically prioritize candidates with hands-on lab or field research coursework completed at an Oregon institution.
Which companies hire research assistants in Oregon?
Companies currently hiring research assistants in Oregon include Oregon Health & Science University, University of Oregon, and Portland VA Research Foundation, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Oregon's strong university and health systems presence means academic medical centers and research universities account for a significant share of consistent openings statewide.
Which Oregon cities have the most research assistant jobs?
Portland, Eugene, and Beaverton have the most research assistant openings in Oregon. Portland leads because of its concentration of healthcare systems and biotechnology employers, while Eugene and Corvallis draw heavily from the University of Oregon and Oregon State University respectively, sustaining steady demand even outside of metropolitan Portland.
Are there remote research assistant jobs in Oregon?
Yes, but they're less common than in purely desk-based fields, since many research assistant roles involve in-person lab work, data collection, or participant interaction. About 50% of research assistant openings tied to Oregon are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, which reflects how selectively remote arrangements apply to this role. Survey-based, data analysis, and qualitative research support positions are the most likely to offer remote or hybrid scheduling.
How can I get hired as a research assistant in Oregon with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through undergraduate or post-baccalaureate research volunteer or work-study positions at Oregon's major research universities, particularly Oregon State University, the University of Oregon, and Portland State University, all of which regularly bring on research assistants with limited formal experience. Oregon Health and Science University runs structured research training and internship programs for new graduates entering clinical or translational research. Lateral moves from roles like laboratory technician, research coordinator assistant, or data entry specialist are also common entry points, and completing a Good Clinical Practice certification gives candidates a measurable edge.
Where can I find and apply to research assistant jobs in Oregon?
You can find and apply to research assistant jobs in Oregon on Migrate Mate, which lists current Oregon openings across institutions, healthcare systems, and research organizations. Search the listings, find the roles that match your background and interest, and apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 11 Research Assistant Jobs in Oregon
Find roles in Oregon that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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