Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Immunology and Immunometabolism

Institution: Harold Hamm Health Campus at the University of Oklahoma
Location: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
Division: Rheumatology, Allergy & Immunology
Principal Investigator: Beatriz Y. Hanaoka, MD, MSc

Position Description

A postdoctoral research position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Beatriz Hanaoka at the University of Oklahoma in Oklahoma City.

Our research program focuses on understanding how obesity and altered lipid metabolism influence immune cell function and chronic inflammation, with a particular emphasis on rheumatoid arthritis. We combine translational studies using human clinical samples with mechanistic investigations of immune cell metabolism, monocyte activation, and T-cell responses.

We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic researcher with a strong background in experimental immunology or cell biology and hands-on experience in flow cytometry and mammalian cell culture.

The successful candidate will contribute to ongoing research projects investigating lipid-mediated regulation of immune cell function and will have opportunities to develop independent research questions within our collaborative research program.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and conduct laboratory experiments investigating immune cell function and metabolism.

• Perform mammalian cell culture and experiments involving primary human immune cells.

• Conduct multiparameter flow cytometry, immune phenotyping, and functional assays.

• Perform immune cell isolation, stimulation, and coculture experiments.

• Conduct molecular and cellular assays, including gene expression analysis and immunostaining.

• Analyze and interpret experimental data.

• Contribute to manuscript preparation, scientific presentations, and grant applications.

• Collaborate with investigators in immunology, genomics, and metabolomics.

  Required Qualifications

  • PhD in Immunology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences, or a related field.

  • Hands-on experience with flow cytometry and mammalian cell culture.

  • Strong experimental design, analytical, and troubleshooting skills.

  • Excellent written and oral communication skills.

  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

    Preferred Qualifications

    • Experience working with primary human immune cells, including PBMC isolation, monocyte purification, or T-cell isolation.

    • 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 transcriptomics, single-cell RNA sequencing, or other omics technologies.

      Research Environment and Career Development

      The successful candidate will join a collaborative translational research environment integrating immunology, metabolism, and clinical rheumatology.

      The position offers opportunities to develop independent research projects, contribute to scientific publications, present research at national and international conferences, and receive mentorship in scientific writing, grant development, and career advancement.

      How to Apply

      Interested candidates should submit:

      • Curriculum vitae (CV)

      • Brief cover letter describing research experience, technical expertise, and research interests

      • Contact information for three professional references

        Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

        Please send application materials to:

        Beatriz Y. Hanaoka, MD, MSc
        Associate Professor
        Division of Rheumatology, Allergy & Immunology
        Harold Hamm Health Campus at the University of Oklahoma
        [email protected]