Postdoctoral Research Associate, Department of Basic Medical Sciences (Phoenix)

UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA; Phoenix, Northern (AZ, KY); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Paid vacation

Sick leave

Holidays

Tuition reduction

Job summary

The University of Arizona in Phoenix seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Department of Basic Medical Sciences to advance structure-function studies of membrane proteins with emphasis on ion channels and transporters. The role includes driving cryo-EM based projects and mentoring, with visa sponsorship available.

You will join an extramurally funded program, contributing to high-impact publications and independent research trajectories, and benefiting from strong mentorship and UA

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in molecular and structural biology, biochemistry, physiology, pharmacology, or a related field.
• Strong interest in membrane proteins and ion channels is encouraged.
• Experience with protein expression and purification required; cryo-EM experience desirable but not required.

Responsibilities

• Conduct advanced, multi-disciplinary research under the PI to study iron metabolism and liver diseases.
• Develop, design, and conduct complex experiments with membrane proteins.
• Prepare manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals and contribute to grant writing.

Skills

Lab techniques

Protein expression

Cryo-EM

Data analysis

Education

Ph.D. in molecular and structural biology, biochemistry, physiology, pharmacology, or related field

Tools

Cryo-EM

Protein purification

Job description

Postdoctoral Research Associate, Department of Basic Medical Sciences (Phoenix)

Postdoctoral Research Associate, Department of Basic Medical Sciences (Phoenix)

Posting Number req26953

Department COM Phx Basic Medical Sci

Department Website Link

Location Greater Phoenix Area

Address 475 N 5th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004 USA

Position Highlights

Dr. Miao Zhang’s laboratory in the Department of Basic Medical Science is seeking highly motivated candidates for a postdoctoral research position. Our research focuses on structure-function studies of membrane proteins, with particular emphasis on ion channels and transporters (Nature Communications. 2026 Jan 8;17(1):531. Nature Communications. 2025 Apr 17;16(1):3690). The long-term goal of our work is to leverage cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) to investigate ion channels and transporters, enabling AI-driven drug discovery. Qualifications: Applicants should hold a Ph.D. in molecular and structural biology, biochemistry, physiology, pharmacology, or a related field. Candidates with a strong interest in ion channels and transporters are especially encouraged to apply. Extensive experience with protein expression and purification is required. Experience with cryo-EM and model building is desirable but not required.

Position and Environment: This position is part of an extramurally well-funded research program and offers excellent opportunities to contribute to high-impact publications and to develop an independent research trajectory, including preparation for future grant funding. The successful candidate will receive strong mentorship in both scientific development and career advancement. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive research environment and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. Individuals from underrepresented groups in biomedical research are strongly encouraged to apply. This position is eligible for visa sponsorship.

• Visa sponsorship is available for this position.

Outstanding U of A 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!

The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Conduct advanced, multi-disciplinary research in iron metabolism and liver diseases under the direction of the principal investigator, Dr. Miao Zhang and Assistant Research Professor Dr. Young-Woo Nam.
• Develop, design, and conduct complex research projects.
• Formulate research methods, develop research criteria, and perform scientific data collection and analysis using independent judgment.
• Foster collaborations within the Department and with other units across the University.
• Perform protein expression in mammalian cells. Purify membrane proteins from mammalian cells.
• Collect and process cryo-EM datasets, build 3D models of membrane proteins.
• Present results at laboratory meetings and conferences.
• Prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
• Participate in grant writing, including generating preliminary data, submitting grant applications, and preparing progress reports.
• Develop and implement protocols as dictated by experimental results.
• Assist with supervision of laboratory staff.
• Contribute to daily lab operations.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Excellent laboratory and analytical skills and commitment to scientific excellence and innovation.
• Knowledge of statistics and data analysis and interpretation.
• Ability to conduct research independently and within a team.
• Ability to communicate professionally in a clear, concise manner orally and in writing.
• Knowledge of grant writing and manuscript preparation.
• Ability to participate at scientific conferences and present findings.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. in molecular and structural biology, biochemistry, physiology, pharmacology, or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Track record of publications in peer-reviewed journals.
• Ph.D. in molecular and structural biology, biochemistry, physiology, pharmacology, or a related field.
• Interest in membrane proteins.
• Experience in protein expression and purification.

FLSA Exempt

Full Time/Part Time Full Time

Number of Hours Worked per Week 40

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 1

Target Hire Date

Expected End Date

Contact Information for Candidates

Office of Talent Acquisition

[e-mail]

Open Date 9/1/2026

Open Until Filled Yes

Documents Needed to Apply Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Special Instructions to Applicant

Application: The online application should be completed in its entirety. Blank or missing information may be considered an incomplete submission.

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