Postdoctoral Research Associate, Center for Applied NanoBioscience and Medicine (COM-P)

The University of Arizona • Phoenix, AZ

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Center for Applied Nanobioscience and Medicine at the University of Arizona College of Medicine–Phoenix is seeking an accomplished, motivated postdoctoral researcher to support multidisciplinary research developing microfluidic and microphysiological platforms that reproduce human tissues and organs and advance the study of human physiology and disease for personalized medicine. The position conducts research in microfluidic devices, point-of-care diagnostics, and New Approach Methodologies, including organs-on-a-chip, with work spanning cell biology, tissue engineering, microfabrication, and biomaterials.

The researcher performs independent and collaborative experiments under the direction of the principal investigator or a designated project leader; develops complex research projects; collects, analyzes, and interprets data; and contributes to funded research. The position also supports platform development and validation, presents findings, prepares manuscripts and grant materials, develops experimental protocols, and may assist in supervising laboratory staff and students. Visa sponsorship is available. This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position at 1.0 FTE, with 40 hours worked per week. Compensation follows NIH salary guidelines and depends on experience.

Requirements

• PhD or MD, PhD in biomedical engineering, biophysics, nanobiotechnology, molecular and cellular biology, or a related field.
• Experience conducting research in a laboratory setting.
• Authorship of peer-reviewed research publications.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team under the direction of a principal investigator.
• Detail-oriented and conscientious approach to work.
• Clear, concise oral and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of coordinating experiments and completing analysis, statistics, and interpretation.
• Ability to participate in scientific conferences and present findings.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with team members to achieve shared goals.
• Knowledge of grant writing and manuscript preparation.
• Demonstrated ability to independently develop reports and manuscripts and present findings in tabular, oral, written, and/or graphic formats.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with computational fluid dynamics.
• Experience in microfabrication, rapid prototyping, and polymer-based device assembly.
• Experience with microfluidic technologies, including design, characterization, and validation of New Approach Methodologies.
• Experience in cell biology, preferably in cancer and/or immunology.
• Experience in in vitro modeling, preferably using stem cells and 3D co-culture such as organoids.
• Experience with cell characterization, including microscopic imaging, flow cytometry, gene/protein expression, and other omics tools.
• Literacy in statistical and/or computational data analysis, bioinformatics, or AI/ML.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills and ability to overcome complex issues.

Responsibilities

• Perform independent multidisciplinary research experiments under the direction of the principal investigator or designated project leader.
• Develop, design, and conduct complex research projects.
• Collect, reduce, analyze, and interpret scientific data using independent judgment.
• Foster collaborations within the department and across university units.
• Conduct research on microfluidic devices, point-of-care diagnostics, and New Approach Methodologies, including organs-on-a-chip, involving cell biology, tissue engineering, microfabrication, and biomaterials.
• Contribute to funded private and public research grants.
• Identify technological improvements and new application-based functionalities for current platforms; develop hypotheses, design experiments, conduct them, and analyze results.
• Design, implement, conduct, and analyze biological experiments evaluating new iterations of microphysiological platforms for targeted biomedical purposes.
• Present results at laboratory meetings and conferences.
• Track current literature in organs-on-a-chip and related fields; write review and experimental papers.
• Prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
• Participate in grant writing, including generating preliminary data, submitting applications, and preparing progress reports.
• Develop and implement protocols based on experimental results.
• May assist with supervision of laboratory staff and students.
• Oversee maintenance of hazardous and chemical waste records and disposal as needed.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid vacation
• Paid sick leave
• Paid holidays
• Tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members at UA, ASU, and NAU
• Access to University of Arizona recreation and cultural activities
• University of Arizona work-life programs

What This Job Offers

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