The Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences is an independent research institute within OHSU that is dedicated to health and safety in the workplace. We perform biomedical, clinical, and applied occupational research aimed at promoting health and reducing disease and disability among workers across the nation, particularly in Oregon. The Institute receives its base funding from the Oregon Workers' Compensation Fund and leverages this base funding to secure additional funding via federal government grants. The Clinical Physiology and Chronobiology Program (CPCP) located within the Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences at OHSU specializes in clinical research on the effects of sleep and circadian rhythms on physiology and pathophysiology in humans. 

The successful candidate will serve as a postdoctoral scholar under the mentorship of Dr. Nicole Bowles within the Clinical Physiology and Chronobiology Program (CPCP). The postdoctoral scholar will contribute to NIH-funded and related studies examining the interrelationships among cannabis and cannabinoid use, sleep and circadian physiology, and cardiovascular health. Primary work will include studies investigating longitudinal and experimental effects of cannabis use on sleep, circadian regulation, stress physiology, and cardiovascular function, with opportunities to contribute to related studies examining sleep and circadian influences on cardiovascular physiology.

 

The postdoctoral scholar will participate in the full research process, including development of scientific questions and hypotheses, study design and implementation, collection and analysis of human physiological and behavioral data, interpretation of findings, and preparation of peer-reviewed manuscripts, scientific presentations, and grant applications. The scholar will be expected to develop an increasingly independent program of research and will receive mentorship in scientific writing, grant development, and career development.

 

The position will also include scientific oversight of research activities, collaboration with research staff and investigators, and mentorship of research assistants and students. Depending on study needs, the scholar may contribute to human laboratory and field-based research involving sleep and circadian assessments, cardiovascular and autonomic measures, actigraphy, ecological and longitudinal assessments, and biological sample collection. Other duties as assigned. Some evening, overnight, or weekend research activities may occasionally be required. 

 

• Ph.D. or MD with major training in a relevant field.
• Demonstrated skill in conducting human or mammalian research.
• Demonstrated skill in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting physiological and/or behavioral data.
• Knowledge of and experience with quantitative data analysis.
• Skill and experience in contributing to scientific manuscripts, presentations, or other scholarly products.
• Demonstrated skill in conducting or contributing to research studies from implementation through analysis and dissemination.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and in a small group setting.
• Ability to interact in a positive and productive manner with a diverse lab community.

• Experience or expertise in cardiovascular or autonomic physiology, including measures such as heart rate, heart-rate variability, blood pressure, or related physiological outcomes.
• Experience in sleep and/or circadian research, including actigraphy, polysomnography, circadian measures, or related approaches.
• Experience conducting human clinical or experimental research.
• Research experience related to cannabis/cannabinoids, substance use, or pharmacology.
• Experience with longitudinal, repeated measures, or intensive longitudinal data.
• Experience with advanced statistical approaches appropriate for physiological and longitudinal data.
• Experience contributing to grant applications or developing independent research proposals.
• Excellent organization skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to be self-motivated, to prioritize effectively, and meet deadlines.

This position will start on or after October 19, 2026. To apply, please upload a letter of introduction personalized to this position, resume/CV, contact information for three academic/professional references, and a published paper. Contact bowlesn@ohsu.edu for more information.

 

This is primarily an in-person position at OHSU, with some telework permitted as appropriate based on study and work responsibilities. Work is generally conducted during weekday daytime hours; however, evening, overnight, and weekend work will be required as needed for the conduct of sleep and circadian research studies, including laboratory-based data collection. The position may also require occasional travel to research sites and interaction with research participants.

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.edu