Staff Scientist - Griffin Lab

Position Overview and Responsibilities
The Griffin Lab at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation is seeking a motivated staff scientist interested in ocular vascular biology.

Our lab studies vascular development and maintenance. Our long-term goal is to generate insights that can be exploited for developing therapeutic approaches to combat vascular pathologies. Genetic mouse models are a cornerstone of the lab, and we are currently using such models—coupled with human cells and tissues—to study roles for ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling enzymes, protease-activated receptors, and the intracellular kinase RIPK3 in endothelial cells. We are also fascinated by the understudied process of capillary regression, and we are doing pioneering work to define triggers, molecular effectors, and consequences of this process in eyes, kidneys, and hearts. We hope to leverage these discoveries to block pathological vascular regression, which drives ischemic tissue damage in these and additional organs under numerous disease contexts.

The staff scientist will lead independent projects and contribute to team projects primarily focused on capillary health and regression in the eye. The position offers opportunities to leverage existing ocular biology expertise while developing new vascular biology knowledge and skills.

Responsibilities may include:

• Developing, leading, and contributing to research projects related to diabetic retinopathy, retinopathy of prematurity, age-related macular degeneration and other ocular diseases characterized by capillary loss or dysfunction.
• Designing and performing experiments using mouse models, tissue collection, histology, immunofluorescence, and ocular or visual function readouts.
• Analyzing and interpreting experimental data, including data generated from mice, tissues, and cultured primary cells.
• Preparing manuscripts, abstracts, figures, and presentations.
• Presenting research findings at lab meetings, departmental seminars, and national or international conferences.
• Contributing to a collaborative and inclusive lab environment, including mentoring trainees and working closely with other lab members and collaborators.
  

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. in a biological science, chemistry, physics or other relevant area, M.D., or equivalent plus a minimum of six (6) years postdoctoral experience.
• Experience with experimental design, data analysis, and scientific writing.
• Strong interest in ocular vascular biology and related diseases. Specific skills sought include key eye research techniques, such as electroretinography, optical coherence tomography, fundus retinal imaging, and intravitreal injections.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively; the successful candidate will be expected to contribute to both individual and team projects.
• Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Broad wet-bench skills, including molecular cloning, protein expression and purification, immunoblotting, viral preparation, and cell culture.
• Experience with mouse models, tissue dissection, histology, immunostaining, and microscopy.