Sun Lab
Research job openings
About the Lab:
My lab is focused on a specific family of proteins called E proteins, which are decision makers that control genetic information and decide what kinds of cells are made.
We want to understand how these lineage decisions are made and what the implications of these decisions are in human health.
We know that E proteins are important for making B cells and T cells, which are two types of immune cells, but how this process works is poorly understood.
We are investigating how this complex process works by studying mice who do not have E proteins. We specifically looked at the thymus, a small organ that sits at the top of the chest and exists specifically to train the immune system to recognize what is normal and what is not.
When E proteins were removed from the thymus, we discovered the organ made an entirely different kind of cells in their place: innate lymphoid cells. Innate lymphoid cells trigger an immediate immune response and respond to tissue damage or infections very quickly but are less sophisticated in immunity than B or T cells.
We were the first to show the thymus can make these cells, and we are investigating the biological significance to understand why the thymus has this function and how it contributes to health in mice and, ultimately, in humans.
This has important potential for drug development because innate lymphoid cells, while they do some good things, have been implicated in a number of diseases, including asthma, inflammatory bowel disease and psoriasis.
Lab perks and benefits:
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
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
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