Research Technician I - Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation

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 commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Successful candidates will demonstrate commitment to these values.

 

Benefits
We offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits including, medical, dental, and vision insurance, minimum 8% company retirement contribution, vacation and sick leave, paid holidays, 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 and out of state. Learn more about our benefits here.

OMRF is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, color, national origin, age, religion, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic.

Responsibilities:

The Lupu Lab studies the processes that control blood clotting at the point where the blood and vessel walls interact, with focus on diseases of the cardiovascular system. We utilize models and techniques in genetics, microscopy, molecular and cell biology, and biochemistry. This position involves performing experiments utilizing various techniques, analyzing data, and contributing to laboratory management and oversight. The successful candidate will have the demonstrated ability to perform, or be willing to learn, the following tasks:

 

- Routine technical duties: DNA and RNA extraction, gene expression, microscopy, cell culture, ELISA, working with human and animal cells and tissues. The candidate will be expected to document procedures in a complete and accurate fashion and collect and organize data into tabular and graphical format.

- Laboratory maintenance duties: preparation of culture media, reagents and solutions; autoclaving; ordering, stocking and recording lab supplies; assisting with maintaining equipment and lab reagent inventories.

- Support duties include assisting faculty, post-docs and students in the development and execution of new research procedures and techniques.

Minimum Qualifications:

- Bachelor’s degree typically in one of the biological sciences and/or equivalent years of relevant laboratory experience. Prior lab experience is required.

- Basic knowledge of Internet and Microsoft Office.
- Detail-oriented with strong written and interpersonal communication skills.
- Ability to work independently after training.

- Ability to understand and follow instructions, protocols, and procedures.
- Capable of writing routine reports and handling basic math operations (e.g., rate, ratio, percent, molarity, unit conversion).
- Proficient in organizing and performing precise work with samples and chemicals.
- Able to communicate effectively to present ideas and data to supervisors and suggest improvements.
- Ability to collaborate and exchange ideas with co-workers and other labs.

Preferred Qualifications:

- Mouse work experience will be given priority, and candidates with relevant experience in other animal models are also encouraged to apply.

- Experience in protein and mRNA analysis (Western blot, ELISA, RT-PCR) and tissue preparation for microscopy (fixation, embedding, microtomy).

- Experience in molecular biology, biochemistry and microscopy (can be from college education experience): genotyping, DNA/RNA extraction, PCR; biochemistry and cell culture: protein assay, western blotting, tissue culture.

- Must be willing to work in animal biosafety level 2 (ABSL2).

- Must be willing to be immunized with licensed and FDA approved vaccines recommended for persons at risk to occupational exposure of biological agents.

Physical Demands:

Will frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Potential exposure to fumes or airborne particles May work with toxic, caustic chemicals, radioactive materials, liquid nitrogen, human tissue or blood. Potential risk of electrical shock. Occasional exposure to cold 4C, and/or extreme cold -80C from freezers. Regular exposure to animal dander, animal fecal material and bedding material. Potential risk of animal bites or scratches. Noise level is usually moderate.

Work Hours:

Typically, the work hours are Monday through Friday, from 8:30AM to 5:00PM. Occasional overtime, weekend, and holiday hours may be required and will be communicated in advance.