Position Overview and Responsibilities
The Beckstead Lab is seeking a a motivated, creative Postdoctoral Scientist to join the team to study changes in midbrain circuits associated with neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.

Throughout their training, the successful candidate will perform experiments in support of one or more of the lab’s multiple NIH-funded projects studying neurodegenerative disease, which may include electrophysiology, behavior, imaging, cell type specific techniques such as opto- and chemo-genetics, and immunohistochemistry.

Responsibilities:
• Present data in lab meeting each week and represent the lab by presenting work in seminars and poster presentations.
• Perform data analysis and prepare manuscripts from their work.
• Demonstrate leadership skills, mentor students, and help guide/direct the work of less senior scientists.
• Modify experimental protocols where needed and troubleshoot problems with lab equipment.
• Write mentored grants in support of their independent career.

The Aging & Metabolism Research Program at OMRF provides a strong environment for training in neurodegenerative disease, the biology of aging, and geroscience. OMRF has identified neurodegenerative disease research as a key area for growth and is supporting local efforts including the establishment of a rodent behavioral facility, development of human research infrastructure, and ongoing faculty hires. Additionally, OMRF regularly receives awards as a top large employer in the state of Oklahoma and nationwide. We work closely with members of the Center for Geroscience and Health Brain Aging and other neuroscientists and neurodegeneration investigators at OUHSC, which shares a campus. The cross-institution collaboration is supported by training grant funding from the National Institute on Aging (Geroscience Training in Oklahoma, T32 AG052363) as well as one of very few Nathan Shock Centers of Excellence in Basic Biology of Aging (P30 AG050911).

Minimum Qualifications
• Ph.D. in a biological science, psychology, chemistry, physics or other relevant area, M.D., or equivalent.
• Must communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Familiarity with statistical procedures, as well as methods and practices typical to neuroscience.
• Ability to work independently with a high degree of skill and also to request help specifically from the lab head when needed.
• Demonstrated ethical behavior at all times.
• High level of scientific rigor.
• Detail-oriented.
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office software.

Preferred Qualifications
• Basic familiarity with rodent brain tissue, knowledge of basic mouse handling, and basic rodent surgical skills.
• Knowledge of procedures associated with analysis of cellular physiology in vivo or in live tissue.
• Experience with coding and mathematical ability are a plus.

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.