Postdoctoral Research Associate I

Nutritional Sciences and Wellness is seeking a well-organized and highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to participate in an NIH funded study that will examine the incorporation of of specific dietary fatty acids into sphingolipid metabolism and the effects on intestinal biology and pathophysiology.

This preferred candidate will examine the role of specific sphingolipid enzymes and their bioactive lipid products in intestinal inflammation using in vivo and in vitro models. The preferred postdoctoral associate will plan and design research experiments, write manuscripts, and must have exceptional organization skills, as well as technical and problem-solving skills. The preferred candidate will have knowledge of and experience with immunology and in vivo models of inflammation models to include genotyping, observation and data collection, as well as tissue collection, preservation and analysis for protein, lipids, flow cytometry and RNA. Additional experience with the following techniques are also desirable: cell culture maintenance; animal model development, testing and optimization of molecular biology techniques including bacterial transformation and DNA purification, PCR and subcloning, site-directed mutagenesis, plasmid transfection, and generating/validating CRISPR knockout cell lines is also desirable. The candidate may be required to perform research experiments and may be required to work with potentially hazardous materials such as toxic chemicals and/or radiation.

This is a year-to-year appointment, contingent upon funding and performance.

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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• Develops, plans, and conducts research.
• Review professional, scientific and academic literature to utilize appropriate research methodologies, techniques and procedures for molecular biology, cell culture and animal model experiments.
• Plan, execute and collect data from mouse models of inflammation.
• Conduct laboratory-based research in the area of inflammation and immunology to include realtime PCR, ELISA, histology and flow cytometry analysis of immune cell populations.
• This work includes performing hands on laboratory work, analyzing, and interpreting data, delivering research presentations, preparing drafts for scientific manuscripts, and generating data for grant applications and presentations provided by the laboratory group leaders.
• Author or collaborate on articles in peer-reviewed journals.
• Participate/present data at conferences.
• Train graduate students and other junior laboratory members.
• Perform administrative duties in the laboratory
  as required. These include, but are not limited to, overseeing research
  compliance protocols, equipment maintenance and the ordering and organization
  of research supplies and materials.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• In vivo models of inflammation
• Cell culture techniques
• Relevant peer reviewed publications
• Demonstrated expertise in working with murine models

• PhD required upon hire.
  

• Experience performing in vivo experiments specifically in murine models of inflammation/cancer.
• Experience in histology, immunohistochemistry and/or immunofluorescence.
• Experience in delivering scientific presentations at major meetings.
• Experience using techniques to analyze RNA, cytokines/chemokines and lipids.