Postdoctoral Scientist - Zhao Lab

Position Overview and Responsibilities

Areas of focus: Immunometabolism, Tissue Inflammation, and Cancer Development

The laboratory of Dr. Meng Zhao in the Arthritis & Clinical Immunology Research Program at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation (OMRF) is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Scientist to investigate how T cell metabolic stress drives tissue inflammation and promotes tumor development.

The central focus of this position is the analysis of tissue pathology and inflammatory remodeling in vivo, integrating histology with immunologic and molecular approaches. The postdoc will play a key role in characterizing how immune-driven stress responses reshape tissue architecture and disease progression.

Our work combines cellular immunology, mitochondrial biology, and genetically engineered mouse models to define mechanisms linking metabolic stress, interferon signaling, and microbiota-dependent pathology.

Scientific Environment
The Zhao laboratory emphasizes rigorous, mechanism-driven research with strong integration of tissue-level analysis and multi-omics approaches. The postdoc will have access to:

• Advanced histology and tissue pathology workflows
• High-resolution and confocal microscopy
• Genetically engineered mouse models of inflammation and cancer
• Spectral and high-parameter flow cytometry
• Bulk and single-cell RNA-seq
• Spatial transcriptomics platforms
• Collaborative microbiome and systems biology support

Mentorship and Career Development
This position provides:

• Close, hands-on mentorship from the PI
• Opportunities to develop independent research directions
• Support for fellowship applications
• Training in manuscript preparation and grant writing
• Opportunities to mentor trainees and build leadership skills

OMRF has repeatedly been recognized as a Best Place to Work for Postdocs by The Scientist. The Arthritis & Clinical Immunology Program houses one of only ten NIH-designated Autoimmune Centers of Excellence in the U.S., providing a highly collaborative and stimulating environment. In addition, OMRF’s Postdoctoral Training Committee and Postdoctoral Association provide structured professional development, networking opportunities, and career guidance.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. in a biological science, chemistry, physics or other relevant area, M.D., or equivalent (or expected to receive degree soon)
• Strong analytical and conceptual skills.
• Must be detail-oriented, organized, and able to work independently, as well as part of a team.
• Ability to communicate and write summaries of result.
• Professionalism while interacting with a diverse group of people, personalities, and cultures.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated productivity with peer-reviewed publications.
• Experience with histology, tissue pathology, or microbiome.
• Experience with mouse models of inflammation or disease.
• Familiarity with immunology or cancer biology.

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.