Postbaccalaureate Research Scholar - Zhao Lab

Position Overview and Responsibilities

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.

Research Focus

• 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)

Research Focus

• 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)