Senior Research Assistant (Biofabrication)
Company : Oregon Health & Science University
Location : Portland, OR, 97201
Job Type : Full Time / Part Time
Date Posted : 8 January 2026
Department Overview
Overview: The Cancer Early Detection Advanced Research (CEDAR) center is a collaborative institution within the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute. The Knight Cancer Institute, known as one of the pioneers in personalized cancer medicine, is an international leader in research and cancer treatment. At CEDAR our mission is to detect and stop lethal cancers at the earliest stage because early detection saves lives. This is an ambitious goal, one that requires novelty, creativity, and innovation. We are comprised of biologists, chemists, biomedical engineers, computationalists, and clinicians conducting groundbreaking translational cancer research to help people maintain a high quality of life and reduce cancer mortality, to create a global early detection community, and to have a positive impact on the Oregon economy.
Our Commitment to Diversity: CEDAR is committed to increasing the diversity of the campus community. We are dedicated to promoting inclusion and multiculturalism by having outstanding researchers of diverse backgrounds work together on multiple projects. We encourage high-risk, high-reward research projects because defeating cancer requires out-of-the-box thinking and new perspectives. Our research is milestone driven to ensure that each project is fulfilling its stated goals.
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
Function/Duties of Position
As a Senior Research Assistant, you will be part of the Knight Precision Cancer Biofabrication Hub, which combines bioprinting and microfluidics methods and cancer biology to address complex problems in cancer research and treatment. We seek candidates with experience (Master's degree preferable) in Tissue Engineering, Biomaterials, Cell and Tissue Biofabrication, 3D printing and/or organs on-a-chip. General expertise on bioengineering, or a related field will be considered, and at least one year of industrial experience, preferably in 3D printing or biofabrication would be preferred. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated project management skills, including developing and implementing SOPs, and possess comprehensive laboratory research knowledge. Responsibilities include designing and implementing experiments, managing research studies independently, operating and supporting laboratory equipment, generating SOPs, and supervising students and Research Assistants. Additionally, the role involves assisting in experimental design, maintaining laboratory spaces and supplies, and organizing samples, datasets, and studies. Candidates should have a growth mindset and outstanding communication skills, be comfortable working individually and in collaborative teams, and contribute to the scientific direction and planning of projects within the Biofabrication Hub.
Required Qualifications
Education & experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in relevant field and 1 year of relevant experience OR Equivalent combination of training and experience
- Experience with 3D printing or bioprinting, tissue engineering, microfluidics/organs on-a-chip
Knowledge, skills, and abilities:
- Excellent communication, analytical and organizational skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team while being collaborative in resolving problems
- Ability to prioritize multiple tasks at one time
- Must possess energy and drive to coordinate multiple projects simultaneously
- Ability to use tact and diplomacy to maintain effective working relationships
- Ability to operate scientific equipment and develop and troubleshoot experimental protocols
- Experience handling chemical and biologically hazardous materials
- Knowledge of policy and regulations applicable to the laboratory, including but not limited to safety
- Demonstrated ability to learn new and innovative processes quickly
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Engineering, bioengineering, or similar field
- Experience with biological systems and models. Cancer biology background
- Experience in industry setting or similar dynamic environment working with cross-functional teams
- Project management skills
- Knowledge of coding and/or programming related to fabrication equipment
Additional Details
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
- 25 days a year of paid time off
- 8 days of sick time off
- 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
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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.
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Frequently asked questions
Mastery of 3D bioprinting is crucial for a Senior Research Assistant in Portland, given the region's emphasis on innovative cancer biofabrication. This skill facilitates precise tissue engineering and accelerates translational research, aligning well with Oregon Health & Science University's cutting-edge projects in personalized medicine.
In Portland, certifications related to tissue engineering, biomedical device handling, and lab safety are highly regarded. Oregon Health & Science University values candidates familiar with regulatory compliance and hands-on experience, often preferring those with specialized training in microfluidics and bioprinting technologies.
Managing multiple interdisciplinary projects demands balancing innovative experimental design with rigorous protocol compliance. Challenges include coordinating diverse teams, troubleshooting complex biofabrication equipment, and ensuring milestones align with translational cancer research objectives, all within a dynamic academic environment.
Unlike typical industry roles, this position emphasizes translational research with a strong focus on cancer detection innovation. It requires integrating academic rigor with practical biofabrication techniques, fostering collaboration across biologists, engineers, and clinicians, while supporting a culture of high-risk, high-reward scientific exploration.
The Knight Cancer Institute’s pioneering personalized medicine approach means daily tasks revolve around innovative biofabrication methods targeting early cancer detection. There's a strong emphasis on collaborative problem-solving, experimental precision, and contributing to groundbreaking cancer research that directly impacts patient outcomes.
OHSU expects Senior Research Assistants to actively mentor junior staff, coordinate cross-functional teams, and foster an inclusive research environment. Effective communication and diplomacy are essential to navigate diverse perspectives and drive projects that push scientific boundaries in cancer biofabrication.
Salaries for Senior Research Assistants in Portland typically range between $65,000 and $85,000 annually, reflecting the city's moderate cost of living. Oregon Health & Science University offers compensation that is competitive within the academic biomedical research sector, often supplemented by comprehensive benefits.
OHSU offers access to state-of-the-art cancer research facilities and a collaborative network combining engineering and biology. Employees benefit from a culture emphasizing innovation, diversity, and translational science impact, alongside perks like tuition reimbursement and strong retirement plans uncommon in many local biotech firms.
Integrating bioprinting with microfluidics allows for the creation of complex, physiologically relevant tissue models that mimic cancer environments. This fusion enables precise experimentation on tumor behavior and drug responses, significantly advancing early detection methods at OHSU’s Knight Precision Cancer Biofabrication Hub.
Portland’s biomedical sector is experiencing steady growth, with increased funding for cancer research fueling demand for skilled biofabrication professionals. Oregon Health & Science University actively recruits experienced candidates to support expanding translational projects, reflecting a vibrant local job market for specialized research roles.