Postdoctoral Scientist/Assistant Staff Scientist - Zhao Lab

Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation • Oklahoma City, OK

2d

About The Position

The laboratory of Dr. Meng Zhao in the Arthritis & Clinical Immunology Research Program at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation (OMRF) is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Scientist or Assistant Staff Scientist to join a growing and dynamic research program focused on how T cell metabolic stress reshapes immune function and drives tissue inflammation and tumor development. Our work integrates cellular immunology, mitochondrial biology, and genetically engineered mouse models to define how immune cellintrinsic metabolic remodeling licenses chronic inflammation and cancer progression. We are particularly interested in mechanistic pathways linking mitochondrial structure, metabolic stress signaling, interferon responses, and microbiota-dependent tumorigenesis. We welcome candidates who are driven to ask fundamental questions and who seek rigorous training in hypothesis-driven research with translational relevance to inflammatory disease and cancer.
Scientific Environment: The Zhao laboratory emphasizes rigorous mechanistic experimentation combined with multi-omics integration to uncover disease-driving pathways. The fellow will have access to state-of-the-art resources including: -Spectral and high-parameter flow cytometry -Advanced confocal and high-resolution microscopy -Genetically engineered mouse models -Metabolomics and mitochondrial functional assays -Bulk and single-cell RNA-seq -Spatial transcriptomics platforms -Collaborative microbiome and systems biology support
Mentorship and Career Development: This position provides: -Close and regular mentorship from the PI -Opportunities to develop independent research questions -Support for fellowship applications -Experience in manuscript preparation and grant writing -Opportunities to mentor trainees and develop leadership skills
OMRF has repeatedly been recognized as a Best Place to Work for Postdocs by The Scientist. The Arthritis & Clinical Immunology Program houses one of only ten NIH-designated Autoimmune Centers of Excellence in the U.S., providing a highly collaborative and stimulating environment. In addition, OMRFs Postdoctoral Training Committee and Postdoctoral Association provide structured professional development, networking opportunities, and career guidance.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in a biological science, chemistry, physics or other relevant area, M.D., or equivalent (or expected to receive degree soon).
• Strong analytical and conceptual skills.
• Motivation to develop scientific independence.
• Excellent experimental and communication skills.
• Must be detail-oriented, organized, and able to work independently, as well as part of a team.
• Ability to communicate and write summaries of result.
• Professionalism while interacting with a diverse group of people, personalities, and cultures.

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience in cancer mouse models, histology and microbiota is beneficial but not required.
• Demonstrated productivity with peer-reviewed publications.

Benefits

• medical
• dental
• vision insurance
• minimum 8% company retirement contribution
• vacation and sick leave
• paid holidays
• onsite caf
• free onsite fitness center with access to personal trainer
• free parking
• Relocation assistance available for those located 50 miles outside of Oklahoma City metro.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees