Position Overview & Responsibilities

The laboratory of Dr. Tommy Lewis in the Aging & Metabolism Research Program at Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation (OMRF) is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Scientist to study the unique roles of mitochondria in neurons. The lab is interested in understanding how compartmentalization of mitochondrial structure and function (or its loss) underlies neuronal development, aging and neurodegeneration. To accomplish this goal, the lab makes use of both in vitro and in vivo techniques including 2 photon microscopy on anesthetized and awake behaving mice, in utero electroporation, genetic or viral targeting of defined cell types, and proteomics. We welcome candidates who are driven to ask fundamental questions about mechanisms underlying local mitochondrial remodeling. The lab is well equipped and is funded to support potential projects in this area via an R35 grant from NIGMS. There is also the potential for qualified applicants to be accepted onto an NIA funded T32 training grant fellowship.

The Postdoctoral Scientist will be part of a strong and expanding community of scientists at OMRF and the Oklahoma University Health Sciences Campus (OUHSC) interested in mitochondrial and aging biology. OMRF is located adjacent to the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (OUHSC) campus in Oklahoma City.

The Postdoc will have access to state of the art resources including:

• 2 photon microscope of live slice or intravital imaging
• Widefield microscope setup for 4 channel, fast live imaging experiments
• Surgery suite for stereotaxic injection or in utero electroporation
• Metabolomics and mitochondrial functional assays

Mentorship and Career Development:

• Scheduled mentorship from PI and postdoctoral advisory committee
• Opportunity to develop independent research questions
• Support for fellowship applications
• Opportunities to mentor trainees and develop leadership skills
• Yearly conference attendance to promote networking

In addition to completing the online application, candidates should send a brief email and CV to tommy-lewis@omrf.org describing their relevant experience and interest in the lab.

Lab website: https://lewis.omrf.org

Minimum Requirements

• Ph.D. in a biological science, chemistry, physics or other relevant area, M.D., or equivalent degree.
• Should be familiar with standard molecular and cell biology lab techniques.
• Highly motivated and enthusiastic about science.
• Must be detail-oriented, organized, and able to work independently, as well as part of a team.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to communicate and write summaries of result.
• Must be efficient with time and project management.
• Must have the ability to multi-task and work both independently and as a member of an interdisciplinary team with complementary skill sets.

Preferred Qualifications

• Significant experience working in the fields of neuro or cell biology is preferred.
• Previous experience with optical imaging or stereotaxic injection in mice is highly preferred.

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.

OMRF is adjacent to the campus of the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (OUHSC) in Oklahoma City. OMRF investigators have internationally recognized expertise in Autoimmunity, Immunology, Genetics, Aging, Cardiovascular Disease, and Cancer. Our Autoimmune Disease Institute houses Centers of Excellence and specialty research clinics for Rheumatic Diseases and for Multiple Sclerosis and related diseases (e.g., neuromyelitis optica and MOG antibody-associated disease). In addition to following over 4,000 patients with these conditions, teams of basic and clinical investigators conduct extensive clinical, translational and mechanistic research using samples obtained from these large clinical programs. Investigators at OMRF enjoy close scientific interactions with OUHSC faculty and participate in OUHSC graduate programs. Additional information about OMRF can be found at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation website: https://omrf.org/.

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.