Postdoctoral Research Associate, Neurometabolic Mechanisms of Cognitive Decline

The University of Arizona • Tucson, AZ

13h • Onsite

About The Position

The Cognitive Aging and Neural Dynamics Lab at the University of Arizona is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to investigate how hypothalamic glucose signaling and molecular changes contribute to cognitive decline during aging and risk for Alzheimer’s disease. The researcher will combine proteomics with fiber photometry measurements of glucose levels in the hypothalamus, integrating these data with measures of cognition and disease risk. This mentored research appointment offers opportunities to develop an independent research direction, publish findings, present at scientific meetings, and pursue fellowship or grant funding. The Department of Neuroscience at the University of Arizona advances education and research across the diverse and interdisciplinary field of neuroscience. Our work spans a broad range of areas, including nervous system development and physiology, behavior, genetics, pharmacology, computational modeling, and neurological and psychiatric disorders. Through innovative education and research, the department is committed to advancing understanding of the nervous system and preparing students and scholars to contribute to this dynamic and rapidly evolving field of modern science.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in neuroscience, nutrition, biology, biochemistry, physiology, or a closely related field by the start date.
• Demonstrated experience designing and conducting research and analyzing experimental data.
• Evidence of scientific communication through publications, presentations, or a doctoral research project.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with mass-spectrometry-based proteomics or related protein-analysis workflows.
• Experience with fiber photometry, optical biosensors, or in vivo physiological measurements.
• Experience studying metabolism, hypothalamic circuits, cognitive aging, or Alzheimer’s disease in rat models.
• Experience with quantitative analysis that integrates multiple types of biological data.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct studies of hypothalamic glucose dynamics using fiber photometry.
• Develop and carry out proteomics experiments, including sample preparation, quality control, and analysis in collaboration with relevant research facilities.
• Integrate molecular, physiological, and cognitive data to test hypotheses about aging and Alzheimer’s disease risk.
• Maintain accurate research records; analyze and interpret results; and prepare manuscripts, presentations, and funding applications.
• Collaborate with laboratory members and research partners, and mentor trainees as appropriate.
• Complete required research, animal-use, and laboratory-safety training before undertaking applicable work.

Benefits

• health, dental, vision, and life insurance
• paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members
• access to U of A recreation and cultural activities

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree