The Epigenetics and Microbiome of Osteoarthritis

Join our expanding team focused on gene-environmental interactions in the pathogenesis and progression of osteoarthritis. Dr. Matlock Jeffries is seeking a Post-Doctoral Fellow with a strong background in osteoarthritis research to be part of the team working to understand how epigenetic modifications and the microbiome contribute to the development of knee osteoarthritis in human patients and mouse models. The successful candidate will be part of a dynamic lab with synergistic skills and experiences and will be given the opportunity to develop new projects that complement the overall directions of the lab. The team utilizes next-generation sequencing and microarray approaches to DNA methylation analysis, as well as Cas9-based epigenetic editing, RNA-Seq, 16s microbiome, and computational and bioinformatic analyses to expand knowledge of OA pathogenesis. Our laboratory has longstanding experience in the use of DMM surgery to induce OA in mouse models and collaborates with investigators at the leading edge of OA animal model research. Dr. Jeffries’s lab is well funded through multiple NIH and Department of Defense awards. Both Dr. Jeffries and the Arthritis and Clinical Immunology Program of the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation have a long history of exceptional mentorship.

This is a mentored position for postdoctoral training. Incumbents at this level plan, design and conduct research experiments, manage research projects, prepare reports and papers for publication, presentation and future research, contribute to grant writing and are encouraged to write applications for fellowships. Learn the complexities of research lab management and participate in various lab management responsibilities.

Benchmark Expectations:

- Conduct scientific research.

- Manage research projects.

- Present scientific information both formally and informally, including “big data” sequencing / epigenetic / genetic information.

- Prepare papers for publication.

- Contribute to grant writing.

- Perform lab management responsibilities as assigned.

- Work collaboratively and collegially as part of the team while developing skills needed as an independent scientist.

- Have experience and/or exposure to osteoarthritis or a closely related field.

Minimum Qualifications

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

Preferred Qualifications

Doctorate in OA research, either basic or translational. History of work in OA mouse models preferred. Publication of at least 2-3 peer-reviewed articles. Experience planning and effectively executing animal projects and maintaining animal colonies. Experience in epigenetics, genetics, or data processing of large genomic datasets preferred but not required. Great communication skills needed. Must have the ability to multitask and work both independently and as a member of an interdisciplinary team with exemplary attention to detail. Must have good computer skills, in the laboratory we routinely use macOS, windows, and linux-based systems. A familiarity with R and/or linux command line is helpful.

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