Postdoctoral Scientist - Zhao Lab

Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation • Oklahoma City, OK

3d • Onsite

About The Position

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. 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, and collaborative microbiome and systems biology support. 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, and 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.

Requirements

• 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.

Nice To Haves

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Investigate how T cell metabolic stress drives tissue inflammation and promotes tumor development.
• Analyze tissue pathology and inflammatory remodeling in vivo.
• Integrate histology with immunologic and molecular approaches.
• Characterize how immune-driven stress responses reshape tissue architecture and disease progression.
• Define mechanisms linking metabolic stress, interferon signaling, and microbiota-dependent pathology.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Minimum 8% company retirement contribution
• Vacation leave
• Sick leave
• Paid holidays
• Onsite cafe
• Free onsite fitness center with access to personal trainer
• Free parking
• Relocation assistance available for those located 50 miles outside of Oklahoma City metro

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree