Postdoctoral Research Associate (I-IV), Orthopedic Surgery

The University of Arizona • Tucson, AZ

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Arizona College of Medicine in Tucson is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to support translational and regenerative medicine projects. The laboratory investigates cellular mechanisms involved in musculoskeletal trauma healing and evaluates repurposed FDA-approved drugs using animal and cell culture models, with the goal of advancing outcomes from preclinical research toward clinical trials. Visa sponsorship is available.

The role involves research with mice and other laboratory models, tissue and cell-based assays, surgical injury models, quantitative analysis, and statistical evaluation. The associate will also present findings, support grant applications, and contribute to peer-reviewed publications. Candidates should have an advanced degree in a relevant field and a documented publication history.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or M.D. in applied pharmacology, physiology, biochemistry, translational science, or a related field.
• Documented publication history.
• Knowledge of pharmacology, physiology, biochemistry, translational science, or a related field.
• Ability to develop creative research hypotheses and experimental plans.
• Skill in animal and cell culture studies.
• Ability to communicate effectively with different groups and individuals.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and appropriately handle sensitive information.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong time-management skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• Perform mouse research activities, including functional testing, dosing, blood collection, tissue harvesting, and sample processing.
• Conduct microtome and cryotome sectioning, immunohistochemistry, histological staining, and imaging.
• Perform molecular analyses of harvested tissues, including RT-PCR, Western blotting, ELISA, and related assays.
• Conduct in-vitro and ex-vivo cell culture experiments, including cell isolation, culturing, and characterization.
• Perform scratch assays and cell proliferation, differentiation, migration, co-culture, and other experiments.
• Quantitatively analyze gene and protein targets using immunofluorescence, microscopy, flow cytometry, RT-PCR, Western blotting, and related techniques.
• Investigate therapeutic effects of FDA-approved compounds for musculoskeletal trauma regeneration.
• Assist with or perform research surgical procedures involving skin trauma, including full-thickness excision, burns, UV injuries, bone fracture models, and muscle denervation models.
• Perform animal genotyping and breeding to support in-vivo and in-vitro knockout studies.
• Conduct statistical analyses using GraphPad Prism.
• Present research findings at conferences, support grant applications, and contribute to peer-reviewed publications.
• Manage multiple priorities and time effectively, and collaborate professionally with staff across a diverse, multicultural work environment.

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance plans
• Life insurance and disability programs
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Tuition reduction at UA, ASU, and NAU for the employee and qualified family members
• State retirement plan
• Access to UA recreation and cultural activities
• Work-life programs
• Full benefits

What This Job Offers

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