Researcher/Scientist III - Physiology

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; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

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• Independent Research Project Leadership and Execution:
  • Design, manage, and execute highly complex, strategic research projects focused on dissecting gut-brain neural circuits and neuropod cell signaling. This includes formulating novel research methods and utilizing advanced molecular techniques, quantitative biochemistry, and primary human cell culture models.
• Scientific Communication, Publication, and Funding:
  • Drive the creation and dissemination of research findings. This involves playing a leading role in writing and authoring high-impact scientific manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals, preparing and delivering presentations at national and international conferences, and actively contributing to the initiation and writing of grant proposals to secure research funding.
• Data Analysis and Bioinformatics Leadership:
  • Lead the complex analysis and interpretation of large datasets generated from advanced molecular assays (e.g., RNA-sequencing, proteomics/Mass Spectrometry), translating findings into actionable hypotheses. Continuously stay abreast of the scientific literature to inform project direction.
• Mentorship, Training, and Scientific Guidance:
  • Mentor and supervise junior research staff, graduate students, and undergraduate researchers on complex experimental techniques, data interpretation, and professional development. This includes fostering a scientifically rigorous environment and providing expert guidance on specialized lab protocols.
• Specialized Lab Operations and Regulatory Compliance:
  • Oversee the day-to-day operation of a specialized research area, including managing key molecular equipment (e.g., sequencers, flow cytometers), ensuring accurate maintenance of lab notebooks, and contributing to compliance protocols required by the PI and funding agencies.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Highly self-motivated, possessing intellectual curiosity, a strong sense of initiative, a good work ethic, creative thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• The ability to work independently (following suitable training) to manage projects, troubleshoot experimental challenges, and drive scientific innovation.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with an ability to work well with others in a collaborative and creative work environment, alongside excellent communication skills (written/oral) for preparing manuscripts and presentations.
• Extensive knowledge and use of principles, theories, and concepts related to the gut-brain axis, cellular signaling pathways, and nutrient sensing.
• Complete knowledge of and proficiency in advanced wet-lab techniques, including quantitative biochemistry, RNA-sequencing (including library preparation/bioinformatics), proteomics/Mass Spectrometry applications, and flow cytometry.

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience required, and;
• 5 years of relevant work experience is required.

• An MA or Ph.D. in Physiology, Molecular and Cellular Biology, Neuroscience, or a closely related field.
• General Biochemistry expertise, including experience with various protein/small molecule purification methods and the development of specialized in vitro assay systems relevant to cellular signaling.
• Extensive RNA-sequencing library preparation experience, ideally across various advanced sequencing methods (e.g., bulk RNA-seq, single-cell RNA-seq, or specialized ATAC-seq applications).
• Demonstrated practical experience with advanced proteomics/Mass Spectrometry applications and Flow Cytometry for the characterization and isolation of specialized cell types (e.g., neuropod cells).
• Experience in human cell culture models such as organoids, including the ability to perform complex genetic manipulation (e.g., CRISPR gene editing) for studying disease mechanisms and signaling pathways.
• Track record of prior publication(s) in a quality journal as a first author.