Postdoctoral Research Associate I - Department of Surgery

Posting Number

req25736

Department

Surgery

Department Website Link

Location

Tucson Campus

Address

Tucson, AZ USA

Position Highlights

The Department of Surgery is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate I to lead and support translational research projects focused on wound healing, fibrosis, and regenerative medicine within the Gurtner Lab. This position will drive independent and collaborative research efforts integrating molecular biology, animal models, single-cell sequencing, and spatial transcriptomics. The Postdoctoral Research Associate will design and execute experiments, analyze complex datasets, and contribute to high-impact publications and grant development. This role provides advanced training in translational science within a research environment.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; 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; and more! The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs.

Duties & Responsibilities

Independent Research and Experimental Design

• Design, execute, and optimize experimental protocols related to wound healing, tissue regeneration, and fibrosis.
• Lead studies utilizing animal models under IACUC-approved protocols.
• Apply advanced techniques including molecular biology, histology, flow cytometry, imaging, and omics platforms (e.g., scRNA-seq, spatial transcriptomics).
• Develop and troubleshoot novel methodologies aligned with lab research goals.

Data Analysis, Interpretation, and Dissemination

• Analyze complex biological datasets using appropriate statistical and computational tools.
• Prepare figures, manuscripts, and abstracts for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
• Present findings at lab meetings, institutional seminars, and national/international conferences.

Grant Writing and Research Development

• Contribute to the preparation of grant applications (NIH, DoD, NSF, foundation funding).
• Assist in developing research aims, experimental strategies, and supporting preliminary data.
• Support ongoing funded projects including progress reports, renewal applications, and sponsor driven quarterly reports.

Laboratory Operations and Compliance

• Ensure adherence to institutional policies, biosafety (BSL-2), and regulatory requirements (IACUC, IRB as applicable).
• Maintain accurate documentation of experiments and data in compliance with lab and sponsor standards.
• Contribute to lab organization, protocol development, and shared resource management.

Mentorship and Laboratory Leadership

• Mentor graduate students, research technicians, and undergraduate trainees.
• Provide technical guidance and training on experimental techniques and data analysis.
• Assist in coordinating collaborative research activities within and across institutions.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.
• Advanced knowledge of experimental design and translational research methodologies.
• Proficiency in molecular biology, cell culture, and/or omics technologies.
• Strong data analysis skills (R, Graphpad or equivalent preferred).
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Strong scientific writing and presentation skills.
• Effective mentorship and team collaboration abilities.
• Knowledge of regulatory compliance (IACUC, IRB, biosafety).

Minimum Qualifications

• PhD, MD, or equivalent doctoral degree in biomedical sciences, bioengineering, molecular biology, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience in laboratory research, including experimental design and execution.
• Evidence of scholarly productivity (e.g., publications, preprints, or significant contributions to research projects).
• Experience with the following: animal models, molecular biology techniques, histology, imaging, or omics-based approaches.

Preferred Qualifications

FLSA

Exempt

Full Time/Part Time

Full Time

Number of Hours Worked per Week

Job FTE

1.0

Work Calendar

Fiscal

Job Category

Research

Benefits Eligible

Yes - Full Benefits

Rate of Pay

NIH salary guidelines, Depends on Experience

Compensation Type

salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)

Type of criminal background check required

Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)

Number of Vacancies

Target Hire Date

Expected End Date

Contact Information for Candidates

Casandra Sanchez, ***email_hidden***

Open Date

4/16/2026

Open Until Filled

Yes

Documents Needed to Apply

Curriculum Vitae (CV) and Cover Letter

Special Instructions to Applicant

Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University’s campuses. These reports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures.

Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at [email protected].