Postdoctoral Research Associate I, Orthopedic Surgery

The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, College of Medicine-Tucson, University of Arizona is seeking a qualified applicant for the position of Postdoctoral Research Associate I.

Enhancing the healing of skin wounds is an important and challenging medical problem, whether these are isolated lesions or components of larger traumatic injuries. One of the challenges in skin wound healing is that many different cellular processes must work in concert for effective and comprehensive repair. Our lab currently focuses on understanding the complex cellular and pathophysiological mechanisms of the skin and its associated peripheral nerve following trauma. Studies include both in-vivo small animal models (full thickness excision, burn, scald, etc.) and in-vitro or ex-vivo cell culture (Schwann cells, keratinocytes, fibroblast, macrophages, etc.) experiments.

The candidate should have a background and/or career interest in investigating the repurposing therapeutic effect of FDA-approved molecules in skin wound healing and regeneration with animal surgical experience. The candidate should also be skillful in handling mice/rats for dosing, blood collection, tissue harvesting, and processing of samples for histomorphometric (microtome/cryotome sectioning, immunofluorescence, and histology staining) and molecular analysis (qPCR, RT-PCR, Western blotting, ELISA, etc.). Isolation, culture, characterization, and conducting cell culture experiments (scratch assay, cell proliferation, cell migration, co-culture assays, etc.) are preferred. The quantitative determination of drug/protein concentrations in tissue homogenates or biological fluids using HPLC or LC-MS/MS or other analytical techniques are plus, not required.

This position is open to recent graduates only (within one year of advanced degree). Contributing to ongoing research projects, training in biological and animal surgery techniques is available for outstanding candidates.

Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, vision, and life insurance; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!

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• Design and implement research protocols.
• Adapt new procedures or instrumentation relative to research procedures.
• Prepare complete documentation of research.
• Maintain computer database of research.
• Collect, prepare, analyze, and interpret research data.
• Usage of statistical and data analysis software.
• Animal maintenance and equipment maintenance; quality control analysis of reagents.
• Coordinate with laboratory research personnel.
• Participate in training fellows, students, and volunteer researchers as needed.
• Search and present pertinent scientific literature as needed.
• Assist with ordering and procuring supplies and equipment and with general maintenance of the laboratory.
• Assist in the preparation of proposals and reports.

Knowledge,
Skills, and Abilities

• Independently motivated and creative.
• Desire to learn/develop new techniques and approaches.
• Ability to acquire accurate and reproducible data.
• Ability to be an advocate for safety and ethics in the workplace.
• Competitive in scientific oral presentation and writing skills.
• Proficient at multitasking, prioritizing responsibilities, and managing time.
• Able to interact with all levels of staff in a multicultural environment.

• PhD
  in basic, health and life science, biomedical engineering, or related fields.

• PhD in applied physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology, biomedical engineering, or neuroscience.
• Experience with in vivo-skin wounds, and in vitro-cell culture experiments with molecular and analytical techniques.