Department: Knight Campus
Rank: Research Engineer
Annual Basis: 12 Month

Review of Applications Begins

October 1, 2024; position open until filled

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with your online application, please submit an updated CV and a letter of interest detailing your areas of expertise.

Department Summary

The Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact is an ambitious initiative designed to fast-track scientific discoveries into innovations that improve the quality of life for people in Oregon, the nation, and the world. The campus creates the intellectual infrastructure to establish Oregon as a center for both research and development, making Oregon a place where companies can start up and grow. The Knight Campus is reshaping the higher education landscape in Oregon by training the next generations of scientists, forging tighter ties with industry and entrepreneurs, and creating new educational opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students. The Knight Campus supports a dynamic externally sponsored research portfolio, a diverse set of graduate academic programming, innovation and entrepreneurship initiatives, and an active external affairs program.

Position Summary

This position, Research Engineer or "RE" is responsible for providing leadership, management and technical support for shared facilities and equipment for analysis and fabrication of biological samples. The RE will oversee the operations of staffed and unstaffed shared facilities and equipment, provide consultation on the design and implementation of studies using the shared equipment, generate relevant operating procedures, and oversee health and safety in facilities and regarding the use of equipment. A core responsibility of this position is to oversee development and the operations of the Bioanalysis and Biofabrication core facility which combines biomolecular and cellular analysis along with bioprinting and microfluidic methods in support of bioengineering research. The RE will work closely with Knight Campus leadership, faculty advisory group and users to ensure that the facilities meet the needs of internal and external users, develop long-term business plans for sustaining the shared facilities, and build and sustain a strong internal and external user base. In addition, the RE will work with Knight Campus and UO facilities personnel on installation and infrastructure projects.

This is a full-time position that reports to the Senior Associate Vice President for Research. The position offers a competitive salary and benefits package, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Minimum Requirements

• Engineering degree in bioengineering/biomedical engineering, material science engineering, materials science, physics, biophysics or similar.
• Five years of progressively responsible experience in shared research/equipment facilities with a strong focus on biological samples and experiments.
• Five years of experience working with bioanalytical techniques, 3D bioprinting tools, cell culture and analysis, rheological analysis, and microscopy.
• Experience in project management, staff and/or student supervision, financial/budget administration in a scientific/technical facility.

Professional Competencies

• Demonstrated knowledge of research laboratory safety and regulations, as well as facility infrastructure, operations, and maintenance
• Progressive management experience in a related technical environment
• Experience in financial management and business development in a related shared core facility environment.
• Demonstrated experience in assisting researchers with experimental design and scientific methods, including both high-level experimental approaches and specific experimental techniques.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups of stakeholders, including faculty, researchers, administrators, and external partners.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and negotiation skills
• Proficiency with software and technology, including technical knowledge and hands-on ability in the operation of various tools associated with core facilities.
• Ability to manage competing interests from multiple stakeholders in a rapid paced R&D setting.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced Engineering degree in bioengineering/biomedical engineering, material science engineering, materials science, physics, biophysics or similar.
• Professional experience managing or providing substantial technical leadership in a comparable research facility.
• Professional experience with installation and maintenance of major research equipment
• Professional experience with biomaterials analysis, chemical synthesis of bioinks, co-culture of human cells, immunohistological staining, cryosectioning and imaging of 3D constructs.
• 5 years project management and/or finance skills, including experience in managing budgets in a related technical environment.
• Demonstrated experience in assisting researchers with experimental design and scientific methods.
• Professional experience in implementing and managing complicated safety regulations and protocols.
• Professional experience with financial and administrative policies, rules, and procedures.

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 https://hr.uoregon.edu/about-benefits.

The University of Oregon is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the ADA. The University encourages all qualified individuals to apply and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status, including veteran and disability status. The University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. To request an accommodation in connection with the application process, please contact us at uocareers@uoregon.edu or 541-346-5112.

UO prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy (including pregnancy-related conditions), age, physical or mental disability, genetic information (including family medical history), ancestry, familial status, citizenship, service in the uniformed services (as defined in federal and state law), veteran status, expunged juvenile record, and/or the use of leave protected by state or federal law in all programs, activities and employment practices as required by Title IX, other applicable laws, and policies. Retaliation is prohibited by UO policy. Questions may be referred to the Office of Investigations and Civil Rights Compliance. Contact information, related policies, and complaint procedures are listed here.

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