Research Technician I - Sharpe Lab

Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation; Oklahoma City (OK); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement contribution

Onsite fitness center

Relocation assistance

Job summary

The Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation is seeking a full-time Research Technician to support research in aging and neurodegenerative diseases in Oklahoma City. The role involves maintaining the lab, conducting mouse behavioral assays, and ensuring smooth lab operations.

Applicants should have at least a BS/BA degree in biological sciences and experience with rodents. We offer competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.

Qualifications

• Must have experience with rodents and lab procedures.
• Demonstrated reliability, organization, and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Responsibilities

• Organize and maintain the Preclinical Behavior and Surgery Suite.
• Perform mouse behavioral assays and maintain a mouse colony.
• Conduct general lab duties and ensure compliance with safety standards.

Skills

Rodent handling

Statistical procedures

Microsoft Office proficiency

Strong communication skills

Education

BS/BA in biological sciences, neuroscience, or psychology

Tools

Arduino hardware and programming

Job description

CAREERS AT OKLAHOMA MEDICAL RESEARCH FOUNDATION

We Need You

Have big ideas, passion, and a desire to grow? Join us and make a difference.

For multiple consecutive years, Foundation employees have voted OMRF among “Oklahoma’s Top Workplaces.”

Our mission: "...so that more may live longer, healthier lives."

Position Overview

The Sharpe Lab and the Preclinical Behavior and Surgery Suite are looking for a full‑time Research Technician to conduct basic research in mice associated with aging, neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, obesity, and neurological diseases. The primary responsibility for the position (60%) will be organization and maintenance of the Preclinical Behavior and Surgery Suite: coordinating the schedule for the equipment, training new users, maintaining computers and supplies, ensuring compliance with safety and animal use oversight, and acting as a liaison with animal care personnel. Other duties (40%) are varied and will include performing mouse behavioral assays, maintaining a mouse colony, and mouse surgery; performing general duties to keep the lab running continuously including ordering supplies and reagents. Opportunities for future growth include studies involving immunohistochemistry (staining tissue sections, imaging) and performing survival surgeries on rodents (including jugular catheter implantation and stereotaxic surgery).

Minimum Requirements

• BS/BA degree in one of the biological sciences, neuroscience, or psychology or equivalent years of relevant lab experience and basic understanding of laboratory procedures.
• Experience with rodents, knowledge of basic mouse handling, statistical procedures, as well as methods and practices typical to neuroscience.
• Advanced computer skills (or the ability to learn those skills) including data acquisition, Microsoft Office software, order processing, and methods for backing up data.
• Must be reliable, organized, and detail oriented.
• Demonstrates strong communication skills and ability to effectively follow through on job‑related tasks and responsibilities.
• Demonstrates strong scientific rigor, critical thinking, and attention to detail in all research activities.
• Works independently with minimal supervision while collaborating effectively within a team environment.
• Maintains the highest standards of ethical conduct and professionalism, contributing to a safe and supportive workplace culture.

Preferred Qualifications

• 2 years of relevant lab experience.
• Background in experimental psychology.
• Experience with animal behavioral training.
• Working knowledge of Arduino hardware and programming.

Work Hours

Typically Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, but behavioral studies sometimes require work outside these times.

OMRF Overview

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, OMRF has been voted one of the Top Workplaces since the inception of the award. Successful candidates will demonstrate commitment to the mission: "...so that more may live longer, healthier lives."

Benefits

We offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits to full‑time employees including medical, dental, and vision insurance, minimum 8% company retirement contribution, vacation and sick leave, and paid holidays. All employees have access to our onsite café, free onsite fitness center with access to a personal trainer, free parking and more. Relocation assistance is available for those located 50 miles outside of Oklahoma City metro.

OMRF is an Equal Opportunity Employer.