Job Description

Molecular Immunology and Functional Genomics of Lupus

The Nath Lab at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation (OMRF) seeks an outstanding Postdoctoral Scientist or Assistant Staff Scientist to join our multidisciplinary research team investigating the molecular mechanisms through which non-coding genetic variants identified by genome-wide association studies (GWAS) contribute to Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and other autoimmune diseases.

This position is ideal for a highly motivated molecular biologist with strong expertise in immunology who is interested in applying cutting-edge genomic technologies and artificial intelligence to elucidate the functional consequences of disease-associated genetic variation.

Research Program
Genome-wide association studies have identified hundreds of genetic loci associated with SLE and other autoimmune diseases, and the vast majority of risk variants are located in non-coding regions of the genome. The central challenge is determining how these variants influence gene regulation and immune cell function.

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

Responsibilities
The successful candidate will:

• 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 immunological assays including flow cytometry, T-cell activation, cytokine profiling, proliferation, apoptosis, and related functional studies.
• Collaborate with computational biologists to integrate GWAS, functional genomics, and AI-based genomic predictions.
• Analyze experimental data and contribute to publications and grant applications.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. in a biological science, chemistry, physics or other relevant area, M.D., or equivalent.

The successful candidate should demonstrate:

• 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

Preferred Qualifications

Applicants should have expertise in several of the following areas:

• Molecular biology
• Immunology
• Functional genomics
• Human genetics
• CRISPR genome editing
• Cell culture of mammalian and immune cells
• RNA biology and gene regulation
• Flow cytometry
• Next-generation sequencing
• Bioinformatics or computational biology (preferred but not required)

Programming experience in R or Python is advantageous.

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, 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 collective commitment to our mission, “. . . so that more may live longer, healthier lives.” Successful candidates will demonstrate commitment to this mission.

OMRF 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 personal trainer, free parking and much more! Relocation assistance available for those located 50 miles outside of Oklahoma City metro. Learn more about our benefits here

OMRF is an Equal Opportunity Employer.