Research Professional II - Sarver Heart Center

The University of Arizona • Tucson, AZ

12d • Onsite

About The Position

The Research Professional II manages the Sarver Heart Center laboratory’s shared mouse colony, which includes more than 40 commercially available and unique investigator-derived genetically modified lines. The role plans breeding strategies, performs and interprets genotyping, and maintains genotype and pedigree records so experimental cohorts are accurately constructed. It also designs components of and conducts in vivo and in vitro experiments within the principal investigator’s research program, analyzes and interprets data, contributes to manuscripts, and provides backup surgical and echocardiography support for cardiac studies. Work is split between the animal facility and the laboratory bench. Animal facility staff handle routine husbandry, such as feeding and cage changes; reagent ordering and stock management are not part of this role.

The position supports research through colony management, experimental work, laboratory documentation, collaboration, and mentoring. It serves as a trained backup to the lead cardiac microsurgeon for murine myocardial infarction and ischemia/reperfusion procedures, and helps keep cardiac studies running when the lead surgeon is unavailable.

This is a full-time, 40-hour-per-week position at the University of Arizona’s Tucson Campus. The position is exempt and eligible for full benefits. The listed salary range is $53,039–$66,299 at 1.0 FTE.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional-level experience.
• At least 3 years of relevant work experience, or an equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Ability to work with animal models.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with mouse models.
• Research experience in cardiovascular biology, particularly cardiac regeneration and/or cardiomyocyte biology.
• Research experience in molecular biology, clinical trials, drug discovery, or cardiovascular research.
• Experience working in a multidisciplinary environment.

Responsibilities

• Manage investigator-derived mouse lines for the principal investigator’s research program.
• Plan and organize breeding strategies to produce the genotypes and cohort sizes needed for planned experiments, adjusting strategies based on colony data in consultation with the principal investigator.
• Perform, optimize, and troubleshoot genotyping assays using PCR and enzymatic methods.
• Interpret sequencing results to verify alleles and detect genetic drift or contamination.
• Maintain genotype and pedigree records for colony animals and prepare colony reports to support experimental planning.
• Administer treatments and collect biological samples in accordance with approved IACUC protocols.
• Design components of in vivo and in vitro experiments within the principal investigator’s overall research design and conduct studies supporting project objectives.
• Perform molecular and biochemical analyses, including enzymatic assays, Western blotting, mitochondrial function assessment, and metabolite quantification.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data and recommend solutions to methodological problems.
• Recommend and implement improvements to laboratory procedures and protocols.
• Present findings at lab meetings and participate in research and writing for publications and presentations.
• Draft and update standard operating procedures for review by research leadership and maintain laboratory records.
• Mentor students and support staff in laboratory techniques.
• Serve as trained backup to the lead cardiac microsurgeon for murine myocardial infarction and ischemia/reperfusion procedures, including anesthesia, intubation, aseptic setup, and intraoperative support.
• Provide postoperative monitoring and recognize surgical complications.
• Acquire and analyze echocardiography data, including ejection fraction, fractional shortening, and ventricular dimensions.
• Maintain surgical and imaging documentation and keep cardiac studies running when the lead surgeon is unavailable.

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Life insurance and disability programs.
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• University of Arizona, Arizona State University, and Northern Arizona University tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members.
• Retirement plans.
• Access to University of Arizona recreation and cultural activities.
• Other University of Arizona benefits and work-life programs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level