Temporary Postdoc - Beckstead Lab

Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation
Location: Oklahoma City, OK
Posted On: 2025-04-16


Temporary Postdoc - Beckstead Lab


Department: Aging & Metabolism
Location: Oklahoma City, OK


Position Overview and Responsibilities
The Beckstead Lab is looking for a self-motivated, creative postdoc to study changes in basal ganglia function associated with neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. The successful candidate will perform experiments in support of the lab's multiple projects studying neurodegeneration, which may include electrophysiology, behavior, cell type specific techniques such as opto- and chemo-genetics, and immunohistochemistry. They will be expected to present their data in lab meeting each week and represent the lab by presenting their work in seminars and poster presentations multiple times per year. The candidate will be expected to perform data analysis, prepare manuscripts from their work, write grants and communicate effectively both orally and in writing. They will also be expected to demonstrate leadership skills and to mentor students and guide/direct the work of less senior scientists. The candidate will be expected to modify experimental protocols where needed and troubleshoot problems with lab equipment. Finally, the candidate will be expected to work independently with a high degree of skill, and also to request help specifically from the lab head when needed.

The Aging & Metabolism research group at OMRF provides a strong environment for training in the Biology of Aging and Geroscience. We work closely with members of the Reynolds Oklahoma Center on Aging and other neuroscientists and neurodegeneration investigators at OUHSC. 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). Additionally, OMRF regularly receives awards as a top large employer in the state of Oklahoma and nationwide.

Minimum Qualifications
Ph.D. in a biological science, chemistry, physics or other relevant area, M.D., or equivalent.

The candidate must demonstrate ethical behavior at all times, a high level of scientific rigor, and must be detail-oriented and able to work independently as well as part of a team.

Preferred Qualifications
The candidate should possess knowledge to complete a variety of complex research tasks and assignments. Have knowledge of procedures associated with analysis of cellular physiology in vivo or in live tissue, experience slicing rodent brain tissue, and knowledge of basic mouse handling, basic rodent surgical skills, statistical procedures, as well as methods and practices typical to neuroscience. Possess advanced computer skills (or the ability to learn those skills) including data acquisition, Microsoft Office software, and methods for backing up data. Strong communication skills 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 is an Equal Opportunity Employer.


To apply, visit https://omrf.hrmdirect.com/employment/job-opening.php?req=3379471&req_loc=737781&&#job



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