Postdoctoral Scientist - Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation

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 commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Successful candidates will demonstrate commitment to these values.

Benefits
We offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits including, medical, dental, and vision insurance, minimum 8% company retirement contribution, vacation and sick leave, paid holidays, 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 and out of state. Learn more about our benefits here.

OMRF is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, color, national origin, age, religion, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic.

The Montgomery Lab is a translational laboratory focused on understanding the mechanisms of complex diseases known to have genetic underpinnings and immune dysregulation. We have a particular interest in sarcoidosis, a granulomatous disorder that disproportionately affects women and people of African ancestry. We focus to better understand the pathogenesis of disease through immunological characterization and genomic profiling. We have large, complex datasets partnered with detailed clinical data to improve the lives of patients with of immune-mediated diseases.

The successful candidate will be part of a dynamic team with synergistic skills and experiences and will be given the opportunity to develop projects that complement the overall directions of the group. The team utilizes high throughput assays, deep phenotyping, single cell genomic, proteomic, and computational and bioinformatics analyses. We also have access to high performance computational resources both in-house and through cloud-based resources. Trainees have the opportunity to participate in large, NIH-funded consortia like TOPMed. This position also allows for cross-training in the data sciences via the OMRF Center for Biomedical Data Sciences for which Dr. Montgomery is the Director.

This is a mentored position for postdoctoral training. Individuals at this level plan, design and conduct research experiments; manage research projects; prepare reports and papers for publication, presentation and future research; contribute to grant writing and are encouraged to write applications for fellowships; learn the complexities of research lab management and participate in various lab activities.

Benchmark Expectations

• Conduct scientific research.
• Manage research projects.
• Present scientific information formally and informally.
• Prepare papers for publication.
• Contribute to grant writing.
• Perform assigned lab responsibilities.
• Work collaboratively within the team while developing independent research skills.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong understanding of scientific theory and research practices.
• Skill in formulating and testing hypotheses.
• Ability to conduct research analysis and summarize data and results.
• Proficiency in writing technical and scientific papers.
• Experience in grant writing and effective communication (oral and written).
• Capability to mentor students.
• Provides analytic support for other projects within the group and guides junior scientists.
• High level of organization and attention to detail.
• Strong communication skills.

• Ability to multi-task and work independently or as part of an interdisciplinary team.

Ph.D. in a biological science, chemistry, physics or other relevant area, M.D., or equivalent field and some relevant experience.

• Doctorate in Immunology, Molecular Biology, Pathology, Clinical Science, or related field.
• At least 2-3 peer-reviewed publications, ideally with first-author experience.
• Experience in planning and executing mechanistic studies in human model systems.
• Strong background in immunology, preferably in human or clinical immunology.
• Applied analysis experience with immune and genetic data (e.g., high-dimensional flow cytometry, cellular immunology, autoimmunity).
• Basic computational skills (UNIX, R, or similar statistical tools).
• Familiarity with univariate and multivariate analyses, clustering, pathway, genetic and genomic data analyses, and bioinformatics
• Excellent time and project management abilities.
• Preferred experience in human biomedical, genetic, and/or clinical research.