Zhao Lab
Research job openings
About the Lab:
Recent success in cancer immunotherapy, including using Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T cells and immune checkpoint blockade, has demonstrated clearly the power of treating human diseases by modulating the activity of T cells, an important population of white blood cells in humans. I am interested in a unique group of T cells, the innate-like T cells. While it takes days for conventional T cells to develop and become fully functional, innate-like T cells are rapid responders and first-line defenders against invading pathogens. When T cells go awry, however, it can attack one’s own body and cause autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis. Our research has recently shown that unlike the villainous T cells, the innate-like T cells are heroic and protect us from autoimmune arthritis. Innate-like T cells, therefore, are promising targets for new immunotherapy.
Our work has also shown that these T cells have distinctive ways to generate and use energy, as compared with mainstream T cells. The research in my lab is focused on understanding how the energetic processes control or regulate the important functions of innate-like T cells. Our discovery will provide new strategies to specifically target the innate-like T cells in human diseases and help design next-generation precision medicine.
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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