Position Overview and Responsibilities

Areas of focus: Cellular Immunology and Mouse Genetics

The laboratory of Dr. Meng Zhao in the Arthritis & Clinical Immunology Research Program at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation (OMRF) is seeking a responsible and detail-oriented part-time laboratory technician to support ongoing research activities. This position is suitable for highly motivated high school students, undergraduate students, or recent graduates who are interested in gaining early exposure to biomedical research.

The primary responsibility of this role is assisting with the maintenance and monitoring of the laboratory’s genetically engineered mouse colonies used in studies of immune regulation and disease models.

Primary Responsibilities:
-Assisting with maintenance of mouse colonies
-Collecting tail tissue samples for genotyping
-Weighing mice and recording growth data
-Performing basic gross phenotyping and health monitoring of disease models
-Maintaining accurate records related to animal care and experimental tracking
-Preparing routine laboratory buffers and solutions
-Other duties as assigned

Additional Exposure:
In addition to animal colony management, the technician will have opportunities to observe and assist with experiments related to:
-Cellular immunology
-Flow cytometry
-Molecular biology techniques
-Mouse genetics and disease modeling
Responsibilities may expand with demonstrated reliability and proficiency.

Minimum Qualifications
• Interest in biological or biomedical sciences
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions carefully
• Dependable and punctual
• Comfortability working with laboratory animals

Preferred Qualifications
• Coursework in genetics, immunology, or cell biology
• Strong academic performance (GPA>3.4)

Work Hours
Flexible part-time hours Monday through Friday between the hours of 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 is an Equal Opportunity Employer.