Research Technician II/III - Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation

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.

The Beckstead Lab is looking for either a Research Technician II or III to conduct basic research on brain pathways in mice associated with substance abuse and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Primary duties will include performing survival surgeries on mice, specifically intracranial microinjections and jugular catheter implantations, and performing behavioral assays of reward and motivation. Secondary duties (as time permits) could include performing immunohistochemistry on mouse brain sections, fluorescent imaging/microscopy with the assistance of the OMRF imaging core, sequencing nucleic acids in tissue samples, assisting with the ordering of supplies and reagents, and other supportive lab duties.

Bachelor’s Degree typically in one of the biological sciences, physics, or chemistry or related area such as psychology and equivalent years of professional, paid, relevant laboratory experience. Plus minimum of 2 years of relevant lab experience.

Relevant skills include experience with live rodents including basic mouse handling and drug injections, survival surgeries or procedures, and behavioral assays. Advanced computer skills (or the ability to learn those skills) are necessary, including data acquisition and analysis, statistical procedures, Microsoft Office, and experience backing up data. Additional useful skills include methods and practices typical to neuroscience, molecular biology, immunohistochemistry, imaging, and microscopy. Finally, the candidate must demonstrate ethical behavior at all times and a high level of scientific rigor, must be detail-oriented, and able to work independently as well as part of a team.

Two+ years of experience with behavioral assays and rodent surgeries; MA/MS degree.

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