Job Description
Position Details Position Information
Department Pharmacy Professnl Instr (PHR)
Position Title Faculty Research Assistant
Job Title Faculty Research Assistant (Pharmacy)
Appointment Type Academic Faculty
Job Location Portland
Benefits Eligible Full-Time, benefits eligible
Remote or Hybrid option? Job Summary The College of Pharmacy invites applications for a full-time (1.00 FTE), 12-month, fixed-term, Faculty Research Assistant position. Reappointment is at the discretion of the Department Head. This position is located in Portland, Oregon. The Faculty Research Assistant will join the Taratula Lab and study the central nervous system mechanisms of involuntary weight loss and wasting (cachexia) during the development of cancer. The project work involves the use of invitro and murine models to understand the impact of peripheral cancers on autonomic nervous system function in the periphery. This project also has an associated clinical trial that will provide samples and data to confirm the basic hypotheses generated in the preclinical work. The Faculty Research Assistant will work on this NIH-funded study and will define mechanisms of autonomic nervous system plasticity in the setting of chronic stress and inflammation. The incumbent will also test novel therapeutics to address this debilitating condition. The Faculty Research Assistant will maintain organized research records and will prepare/contribute to published works.
Why OSU? Working for Oregon State University is so much more than a job! Oregon State University is a dynamic community of dreamers, doers, problem-solvers and change-makers. We don't wait for challenges to present themselves - we seek them out and take them on. We welcome students, faculty and staff from every background and perspective into a community where everyone feels seen and heard. We have deep-rooted mindfulness for the natural world and all who depend on it, and together, we apply knowledge, tools and skills to build a better future for all.
FACTS: • Top 1.4% university in the world
• More research funding than all public universities in Oregon combined
•1 of 3 land, sea, space and sun grant universities in the U.S.
• 2 campuses, 11 colleges, 12 experiment stations, and Extension programs in all 36 counties
• 7
cultural resource centers that offer education, celebration and belonging for everyone
• 100+ undergraduate degree programs, 80+ graduate degrees plus hundreds of minor options and certificates
•35k+ students including more than 2.3k international students and 10k students of color
•217k+ alumni worldwide
• For more interesting facts about OSU visit:
Locations: Oregon State has a statewide presence with campuses in Corvallis and Bend, the OSU Portland Center and the Hatfield Marine Science Center on the Pacific Coast in Newport.
Oregon State's beautiful, historic and state-of-the-art main campus is located in one of America's best college towns. Corvallis is located close to the Pacific Ocean, the Cascade mountains and Oregon wine country. Nestled in the heart of the Willamette Valley, this beautiful city offers miles of mountain biking and hiking trails, a river perfect for boating or kayaking and an eclectic downtown featuring local cuisine, popular events and performances.
Total Rewards Package: Oregon State University offers a
comprehensive benefits package with benefits eligible positions that is designed to meet the needs of employees and their families including:
• Medical, Dental, Vision and Basic Life. OSU pays 95% of premiums for you and your eligible dependents.
• Free confidential mental health and emotional support services, and counseling resources.
• Retirement savings paid by the university.
• A generous paid leave package, including holidays, vacation and sick leave.
• Tuition reduction benefits for you or your qualifying dependents at OSU or the additional six Oregon Public Universities.
• Robust Work Life programs including Dual Career assistance resources, flexible work arrangements, a Family Resource Center, Affinity Groups and an Employee Assistance Program.
• Optional lifestyle benefits such as pet, accident, and critical illness insurance, giving you peace of mind and the support you need to thrive in all aspects of your life.
Future and current OSU employees can use the
Benefits Calculator to learn more about the full value of the benefits provided at OSU.
Key Responsibilities 80% - Research - Conduct research to define the mechanisms of autonomic nervous system plasticity in the setting of chronic stress and inflammation.
- Test novel therapeutics
- Design and execute experiments to support project work
- Interpret analytical data regarding the performance of nanomedicine in animal cancer cachexia models.
20% Publications/Science Communication - Prepare data for and contribute to reports and peer-reviewed scientific publications
- Present research at conferences, symposiums, and other professional events
What You Will Need - Bachelor's degree in cell biology, molecular biology, or neuroscience.
- Strong dedication to rigorous science and scientific ethics.
- Experience with common molecular staining and cloning techniques
- Ability to work with complex mouse models.
- Ability to communicate effectively with the lab team and lab PI.
- Experience using MS Excel and MS Word
- Excellent communication and organizational skills.
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 University Standard: 05-010 et seq. Incumbents are required to self-report convictions and those in youth programs may have additional criminal history checks every 24 months.
What We Would Like You to Have - Experience using models and husbandry.
- Ability to use modern programs to manipulate next generation genomic data.
- Experience using model organisms to study cell and developmental biology.
Working Conditions / Work Schedule This position is based out of OHSU in the Taratula lab located in Portland, OR. Most work is performed in a laboratory environment.
Pay Method Salary
Pay Period 1st through the last day of the month
Pay Date Last working day of the month
Recommended Full-Time Salary Range Salary is commensurate with skills, education, and experience.
Link to Position Description Posting Detail Information
Posting Number P09127UF
Number of Vacancies 1
Anticipated Appointment Begin Date 07/01/2025
Anticipated Appointment End Date Posting Date 05/23/2025
Full Consideration Date 06/06/2025
Closing Date 06/20/2025
Indicate how you intend to recruit for this search Competitive / External - open to ALL qualified applicants
Special Instructions to Applicants To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by June 6, 2025. Applications will continue to be accepted after the full consideration date, until a sufficient applicant pool has been achieved or the position is filled. The closing date is subject to change without notice to applicants.
When applying you will be required to attach the following electronic documents:
1) A Curriculum Vitae; 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:
Olena Taratula
olena.taratula@oregonstate.edu
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability, protected veteran, and other protected status.
OSU will conduct a review of the National Sex Offender Public website prior to hire.
OSU is a fair chance employer committed to inclusive hiring. We encourage applications from candidates who bring a wide range of lived experience including involvement with the justice system. This job has "critical or security-sensitive" responsibilities. If you are selected as a finalist, your initial job offer will be contingent upon the results of a job-related pre-employment check (such as a background check, motor vehicle history check, sexual misconduct reference check, etc.). Background check results do not automatically disqualify a candidate. Take a look at our
Background Checks website including the
for candidates section for more details. If you have questions or concerns about the pre-employment check, please contact OSU's Employee and Labor Relations team at
employee.relations@oregonstate.edu . Oregon State University
Job Tags
Holiday work, Full time, Fixed term contract, Local area, Worldwide, Flexible hours,