About the role
Department: Institute of Molecular Biology
Rank: Research Assistant
Annual Basis: 12 Month
Review of Applications Begins
October 15, 2025; position open until filled
Special Instructions to Applicants
Please provide a letter of interest, current CV and contact information for three professional references.
Department Summary
The Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB) is a research institute that reports to the Vice President for Research and Innovation. We have 18 labs and approximately 150 employees, including 45 graduate students who train in our labs. We have an administrative structure, which includes accounting, purchasing, personnel, PI support, building management, and three service centers. Our annual budget is about $9.5 million, primarily from federal research and training grants.
Position Summary
The research assistant will work on instrumentation, microscopy, and microbiology, and will lead efforts to design, construct, and assess new imaging-based technologies. The research assistant will also serve as a lab manager, overseeing stocks of supplies and materials.
The research assistant will have considerable autonomy and will be expected to develop new approaches to create robust, high-precision instrumentation on his/her own. It is expected that these approaches will lead to new experiments, data analysis challenges, and publications which the research assistant will play a major role in. The research assistant will also, as lab manager, help to maintain the smooth operation of the lab, overseeing inventories of supplies and materials and coordinating purchases as needed. The laboratory will offer the opportunity to work at the forefront of biophysics, learn cutting-edge instrumentation and quantitative analysis techniques, and collaborate with an interdisciplinary group of physicists and biologists.
Minimum Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in physics, biology, bioengineering, or a similar field.
- Prior experience in a research laboratory or other non-classroom scientific environment.
Professional Competencies
- Expertise with lab instrumentation.
- Ability to adapt protocols, troubleshoot experiments, and optimize new biophysical techniques.
- Proficiency with analysis software, statistical methods, and ensuring reproducibility.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with at least one of the following is preferred: computer programming, microbiology, electronics, mechanical engineering, and microscopy.
All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check.
The University of Oregon is proud to offer a robust benefits package to eligible employees, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. For more information about benefits, visit our website.
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