Position Overview and Responsibilities
The Lessard Lab seeking an Associate or Full Staff Scientist with specific training and expertise related to the fields of human immunology, rheumatology, and/or autoimmunity to join our research team.

Our research investigates the regulatory functions that control gene expression within the complex landscape of the three-dimensional genome and how genetic variations influence these regulatory functions to cause human diseases such as Sjögren’s syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and other autoimmune diseases.

Responsibilities include:
• Conducting scientific research that provides meaningful contributions to the lab and respective program
• Overseeing and/or managing research projects as well as guiding/leading graduate students, postdocs, and lab staff; may manage staff
• Serving as a team literature and technical expert in the fields of immunology, rheumatology, and/or autoimmunity
• Developing protocols and conducting scientific research specific to immune cell functions with working knowledge and hands-on experience with molecular and cellular approaches including, but not limited to, the handling and usage of human peripheral blood mononuclear cell samples and primary human immune cells, performing flow cytometry, culturing and usage of immortalized human immune cell models and human inducible pluripotent stem cell models, next-generation bulk and single cell sequencing, bacterial cloning, transfection and/or viral transduction in mammalian systems, and CRISPR-based gene-editing approaches.
• Maintaining an organized and routinely updated lab notebook in accordance with laboratory standards.
• Enhancing own knowledge by performing literature searches and keeping current with emerging discoveries, technologies, etc., related to the field and specific project
• Contributing to grant writing and preparing reports and papers for publication
• Presenting scientific/technical information both formally and informally as appropriate

Minimum Qualifications
Ph.D. in a biological science, chemistry, physics or other relevant area, M.D., or equivalent AND a minimum of three (3) years postdoctoral experience.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of scientific theory and research; demonstrates skill in formulating and testing hypotheses; ability to conduct scientific research experiments; to analyze and summarize data and results; to write technical, scientific papers; to write grants and to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; to mentor students and guide/direct the work of less senior scientists.

Preferred Qualifications
Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. in the fields of Immunology, Rheumatology, or Autoimmunity with at least five (5) years of research experience as a staff scientist.

Five (5) or more years of hands-on experience working with primary human samples and performing flow cytometry, molecular cloning, and next-generation sequencing platforms is desired. Extensive knowledge and working experience in the fields of human immunology, rheumatology, and/or autoimmunity. Proficiency in scientific writing (research manuscript publications, fellowships or grants, etc.).

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.