Postdoctoral Scientist - Zhao Lab

Position Overview

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 to investigate how T cell metabolic stress drives tissue inflammation and promotes tumor development.

Areas of Focus

• Immunometabolism
• Tissue Inflammation
• Cancer Development

Responsibilities

The central focus of this position is the analysis of tissue pathology and inflammatory remodeling in vivo, integrating histology with immunologic and molecular approaches. The postdoc will play a key role in characterizing how immune-driven stress responses reshape tissue architecture and disease progression. Our work combines cellular immunology, mitochondrial biology, and genetically engineered mouse models to define mechanisms linking metabolic stress, interferon signaling, and microbiota-dependent pathology.

Scientific Environment

The Zhao Laboratory Emphasizes Rigorous, Mechanism-driven Research With Strong Integration Of Tissue-level Analysis And Multi-omics Approaches. The Postdoc Will Have Access To Advanced histology and tissue pathology workflows High-resolution and confocal microscopy Genetically engineered mouse models of inflammation and cancer Spectral and high-parameter flow cytometry Bulk and single-cell RNA-seq Spatial transcriptomics platforms Collaborative microbiome and systems biology support

Mentorship and Career Development

• Close, hands-on mentorship from the PI
• Opportunities to develop independent research directions
• Support for fellowship applications
• Training in manuscript preparation and grant writing
• Opportunities to mentor trainees and build leadership skills

Minimum Qualifications

• 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
• Must be detail-oriented, organized, and able to work independently, as well as part of a team.
• Ability to communicate and write summaries of results.
• Professionalism while interacting with a diverse group of people, personalities, and cultures.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated productivity with peer-reviewed publications.
• Experience with histology, tissue pathology, or microbiome.
• Experience with mouse models of inflammation or disease.
• Familiarity with immunology or cancer biology.