Position Overview and Responsibilities
Position Overview:
The Zhao lab in the Arthritis and Clinical Immunology Research Program (ACI) at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation (OMRF) is seeking a Postbaccalaureate Research Scholar for a 1-2 year full-time position. This role is designed for individuals considering a Ph.D., M.D., or M.D./Ph.D. who wish to gain meaningful, hands-on experience in cellular immunology and disease modeling. The research scholar will work on carefully defined, small-scale projects within the laboratory’s broader research program, under close mentorship from the PI and senior researchers. The goal is for the fellow to experience the full process of academic research from understanding the scientific question, to designing and performing experiments, analyzing data, and contributing to the presentation or publication of findings.

This position serves as a bridge between college and advanced training, offering an opportunity to build confidence, technical skills, and scientific maturity within a supportive and intellectually engaging research environment.

Research Focus:
The Zhao lab studies how immune cells regulate tissue inflammation and cancer development using mouse models and cellular immunology approaches.
Projects involve:
-Immune cell isolation and functional assays
-Flow cytometry-based immune phenotyping
-Molecular biology techniques (PCR, Western blotting, RNA analysis)
-Basic in vivo mouse work

What You Will Gain:
-Hands-on training in widely used immunology and molecular techniques
-Experience working with genetically engineered mouse models
-Training in data analysis and figure preparation
-Participation in lab meetings and scientific discussions
-Exposure to the process of manuscript development
-Strong performance may lead to opportunities to present data and contribute to publications.

Responsibilities:
-Assist with maintenance and genotyping of mouse colonies
-Perform laboratory experiments under supervision
-Maintain accurate experimental records
-Analyze and organize data
-Participate actively in lab meetings
-Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications
• Recent (within the last 3 years) BA/BS degree in biological sciences, physics, chemistry, or related area
• Interest in biomedical research, including eagerness to learn new techniques and the ability to work independently once trained
• Willingness to work with mouse models
• Careful attention to detail and enthusiasm to learn
• Strong communication skills and enthusiasm for working as part of a supportive, collaborative team

Preferred Qualifications
• Strong academic record (GPA>3.5)

Work Hours
Typically Monday through Friday from 9AM to 5:30PM.

OMRF Overview
Founded in 1946, the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation (OMRF) is among the nation’s oldest, most respected independent, nonprofit biomedical research institutes. OMRF is dedicated to understanding and developing more effective treatments for human diseases, focusing on critical research areas such as Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, lupus, multiple sclerosis, and cardiovascular disease. OMRF follows an innovative cross-disciplinary approach to medical research and ranks among the nation’s leaders in patents per scientist.

Located in Oklahoma City, a city that offers a dynamic and flourishing downtown area, with low cost of living, short commute times and a diversified economy, OMRF has been voted one of the Top Workplaces since the inception of the award. This achievement has been accomplished thanks to OMRF individuals who share a unified understanding that our excellence can only be fully realized with a collective commitment to our mission, “. . . so that more may live longer, healthier lives.” Successful candidates will demonstrate commitment to this mission.

OMRF Benefits
We offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits to full-time employees including medical, dental, and vision insurance, minimum 8% company retirement contribution, vacation and sick leave, and paid holidays. All employees have access to our onsite café, free onsite fitness center with access to personal trainer, free parking and much more! Relocation assistance available for those located 50 miles outside of Oklahoma City metro. Learn more about our benefits here.

OMRF is an Equal Opportunity Employer.