Postdoctoral Scientist/Assistant Staff Scientist - Nath Lab

Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation; Oklahoma City (OK); On-site; USD 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

8% company retirement contribution

Access to onsite café and fitness center

Relocation assistance for eligible candidates

Job summary

The Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation seeks a Postdoctoral Scientist or Assistant Staff Scientist in Oklahoma City. This role focuses on investigating regulatory mechanisms of non-coding genetic variants linked to autoimmune diseases like Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

Candidates need a Ph.D. or equivalent in a relevant field, with strong skills in molecular biology and data analysis. The position offers competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in a biological science, chemistry, physics, or a related field required.
• Strong experimental skills in molecular biology are preferred.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively is necessary.

Responsibilities

• Functionally characterize non‑coding GWAS variants associated with autoimmune diseases.
• Design and perform molecular biology experiments to determine regulatory variants' effects.
• Analyze experimental data and contribute to publications and grant applications.

Skills

Molecular biology

Gene regulation

Flow cytometry

Bioinformatics

Programming in R or Python

Education

Ph.D. in biological science, chemistry, physics, or related field

Job description

Position Summary

The Nath Lab at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation seeks an outstanding Postdoctoral Scientist or Assistant Staff Scientist to investigate the functional mechanisms of non‑coding genetic variants identified by GWAS in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and other autoimmune diseases.

Research Program

Our laboratory integrates computational genomics, molecular biology, functional genomics, and immunology to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying disease-associated variants. We investigate enhancer and promoter activity, RNA splicing (sQTLs), gene expression regulation (eQTLs), chromatin accessibility, epigenetic regulation, and three-dimensional chromatin interactions.

Responsibilities

• Functionally characterize non‑coding GWAS variants associated with SLE and related autoimmune diseases.
• Design and perform molecular biology experiments to determine how regulatory variants alter gene function.
• Perform assays including:
  • Reporter gene (luciferase) assays
  • Minigene splicing assays
  • CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing (knockout, knock‑in, CRISPRi, CRISPRa)
  • Gene expression analyses (RT‑qPCR, RNA‑seq)
  • Protein expression analyses (Western blot)
  • Chromatin and regulatory assays
• Culture and manipulate human immune cell lines and primary immune cells.
• Perform flow cytometry, T‑cell activation, cytokine profiling, proliferation, and apoptosis assays.
• Collaborate with computational biologists to integrate GWAS, functional genomics, and AI‑based predictions.
• Analyze experimental data and contribute to publications and grant applications.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. in a biological science, chemistry, physics, or a related field, M.D., or equivalent.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong experimental skills in molecular biology
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Strong publication record appropriate for career stage
• Molecular biology, cell culture of mammalian and immune cells, RNA biology and gene regulation, flow cytometry, bioinformatics or computational biology expertise (preferred)
• Programming experience in R or Python

Benefits

Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision insurance; minimum 8 % company retirement contribution; vacation and sick leave; paid holidays; access to onsite café and fitness center; free parking. Relocation assistance available for candidates located more than 50 miles outside the Oklahoma City metro area.

About OMRF

The Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation is a nonprofit biomedical research institute focused on diseases including Alzheimer’s, cancer, lupus, multiple sclerosis, and cardiovascular disease. The institute performs cross‑disciplinary research and has been a leader in translational science.