What are the responsibilities and job description for the Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Immunology and Immunometabolism position at University of Oklahoma Health Campus?
The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences is a leading academic health sciences center located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The institution provides a collaborative research environment integrating biomedical science, clinical medicine, and translational research.
The Division of Rheumatology, Allergy & Immunology conducts research aimed at understanding the mechanisms underlying autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
Role DescriptionThe laboratory of Dr. Beatriz Hanaoka at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences is seeking a motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join our research program in immunology and immunometabolism.
Our research investigates how obesity and altered lipid metabolism influence immune cell function and chronic inflammation, with a particular focus on rheumatoid arthritis. We use human immune cells, molecular and cellular approaches, and advanced immunophenotyping techniques to investigate monocyte activation, T-cell responses, and immunometabolic pathways.
This is a full-time, on-site research position based in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
The successful candidate will design and conduct laboratory experiments, analyze and interpret research data, and contribute to manuscripts, scientific presentations, and grant applications. The position offers opportunities to develop independent research projects within a collaborative, multidisciplinary research environment.
Key Responsibilities- Design and perform experiments investigating immune cell function and metabolism.
- Conduct mammalian cell culture and experiments using primary human immune cells.
- Perform multiparameter flow cytometry and immune cell functional assays.
- Conduct immune cell isolation, stimulation, and coculture experiments.
- Perform molecular and cellular assays, including gene expression analysis and immunostaining.
- Analyze experimental data and contribute to scientific manuscripts and presentations.
- Collaborate with investigators across immunology, rheumatology, and metabolic research.
- PhD in Immunology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences, or a related discipline.
- Hands-on experience with flow cytometry and mammalian cell culture.
- Strong laboratory skills in cellular and molecular biology.
- Experience with experimental design, data analysis, and troubleshooting.
- Strong written and oral communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
- Experience working with primary human immune cells, including PBMC isolation and monocyte or T-cell purification.
- Experience with immunohistochemistry and/or immunofluorescence.
- Experience with molecular biology techniques, including qPCR and Western blotting.
- Familiarity with cellular metabolism, lipid biology, or immune functional assays.
- Experience with single-cell RNA sequencing, transcriptomics, or other omics approaches.
The position provides opportunities to work at the intersection of immunology, metabolism, and translational medicine, with access to multidisciplinary collaborations and advanced research technologies.
The successful candidate will receive mentorship in scientific writing, manuscript preparation, grant development, and career advancement.
Application InstructionsInterested candidates should submit a curriculum vitae, a brief cover letter describing their research experience and technical expertise, and contact information for three professional references.
Contact:
Beatriz Y. Hanaoka, MD, MSc
Associate Professor
Division of Rheumatology, Allergy & Immunology
University of Oklahoma Health Sciences
beatriz-hanaoka@ou.edu
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.