Postbaccalaureate Research Scholar - Williams Lab

Position Overview and Responsibilities
The Williams Lab in the Arthritis and Clinical Immunology (ACI) Research Program is seeking a Postbaccalaureate Research Scholar for our newly opened lab. The Williams lab is focused on the role of RNA quality control pathways in systemic lupus erythematosus and other autoimmune diseases. This position is an opportunity for up to 2 years meant for postbaccalaureate students who wish to attain research experience that will help prepare them for graduate or professional school in a STEM-related area or healthcare.

Scholars hired into these positions will have:

• One-on-one mentorship from a supervising faculty member via informal daily interactions and formal weekly meetings
• Access to graduate student workshops and seminars that address skill building and career development
• Additional meetings with senior graduate students and postdoctoral research scientists to get real-world perspectives about graduate school, the skills/effort needed to succeed, and further scientific training.
• Potential to present research at local and national scientific meetings and to publish in peer-reviewed journals”

The Williams lab utilizes cutting-edge techniques in RNA biology, bioinformatics, molecular biology, cell biology, and biochemistry to explore disease mechanisms and fundamental biological problems. The Research Scholar will be closely mentored by the PI and will conduct routine laboratory procedures following standardized protocols. After appropriate training, the Research Scholar will perform advanced techniques, and the Research Scholar will be encouraged to take initiative on troubleshooting, experimental design, and project development. The Research Scholar will be critical to supporting the team’s research objectives and will take on important responsibilities, including but not limited to:

• Performing experiments using various molecular, cellular, and biochemical techniques
• Working with P32 (radioisotope)
• Careful record-keeping of experimental procedures, results, and reagents
• Analyzing and interpreting experimental data and presenting findings to the Principal Investigator and to co-workers
• Supporting the development and management of cell lines
• Assisting with laboratory organization, inventory, and compliance with safety protocols
• Identifying, preparing, and executing research experiments in accordance with approved protocols
• Taking initiative on non-routine assignments, reading literature, and applying problem-solving skills to experimental design and execution

Minimum Requirements

• Recent (within the last 3 years) BA/BS degree in a STEM field, such as the biological sciences, engineering, chemistry, physics, or computer science, and a desire to gain research experience in preparation for applications to graduate or professional schools in STEM related areas.
  OR
  Recent (within the last 6 months) master’s degree in a STEM field, such as the biological sciences, engineering, chemistry, physics, or computer science, and a desire to gain research experience in preparation for applications to graduate or professional schools in STEM related areas.
• Basic knowledge of routine technical and functional laboratory procedures
• Proficiency in performing basic mathematical calculations
• Basic computer skills, including familiarity with:
  • Internet software
  • Microsoft Office software
• Professionalism, strong work ethic, and a collaborative, personable attitude.
• Ability to follow instructions and to ask for help when needed
• Must be detail-oriented and able to keep meticulous experimental records
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and adapt to changing priorities
• Ability to read and comprehend instructions, short correspondence and protocols/procedures
• Ability to compute basic mathematical operations, i.e., rate, ratio, percent, molarity, and unit conversion
• Ability to organize and perform precise and accurate work when dealing with samples and chemicals

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior lab research experience

Work Hours
Typically Monday through Friday from 8:30AM to 5:00PM.

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.