Postdoctoral Research Associate I, Physiology

University of Arizona; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full benefits

Job summary

The University of Arizona is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate I in Physiology to study gut sensory transduction and its role in emotional, food, and microbial landscapes. The candidate should have extensive experience in electrophysiology, molecular biology, feeding and reward behavioral phenotyping, calcium imaging, or bioinformatics.

The role requires independent work and collaboration within a team to support daily lab operations, plan projects, and contribute to an independent

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in neuroscience, physiology, biology, or related biomedical field.
• Experience working with mice.
• Ability to plan, coordinate, and participate in research projects.

Responsibilities

• Develop, plan, design, and conduct novel gut sensory transduction research using mouse models.
• Maintain empathetic and respectful lab environment; operate and maintain lab equipment; resolve conflicts.
• Read literature, present at journal clubs, and mentor undergraduates under PI supervision.
• Develop and write grant proposals and primary manuscripts; perform data visualization and statistical analysis; deliver oral presentations.

Skills

Mice handling

Grant proposals

Data visualization

Statistical analysis

Oral presentations

Mentoring

Teamwork

Independent work

Communication

Education

Ph.D. in neuroscience, physiology, biology or related biomedical field

Job description

Postdoctoral Research Associate I, Physiology

Department: Physiology

Department Website Link: Physiology

Location: Tucson Campus

Address: Tucson, AZ USA

Position Highlights

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will conduct research to establish the role of a gut sense in navigating our emotional, food, and microbial landscapes. The candidate is expected to have extensive expertise in one or more of the following technical areas: electrophysiology, molecular biology, feeding and reward behavioral phenotyping, calcium imaging, and/or bioinformatics.

The candidate is expected to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team to support the daily function of the laboratory. The successful candidate will plan, coordinate, and participate in all aspects of research projects. They are also expected to contribute to the development of an independent area of focus.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, vision, and life insurance; 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. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here.

Duties & Responsibilities

Hard Thinking:

• Develop, plan, design, and conduct novel research on gut sensory transduction. This laboratory uses mouse models for research and candidates must have experience working with mice.

Empathy:

• Maintain an empathetic and respectful work environment. Responsible for the operation and maintenance of the research area and laboratory equipment, and communicate with the PI and colleagues to proactively resolve conflicts.

Mentorship:

• Read the literature and present at journal clubs, and mentor undergraduate students under the supervision of the PI.

Communication:

• Develop and write grant proposals and primary research manuscripts, perform data visualization and statistical analysis of experimental results; and deliver oral presentations of data.

Teamwork:

• Communicate and coordinate with other members in the laboratory on both independent and collective ongoing projects in the laboratory.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

• Ability to organize, set priorities, schedule and review work independently and as a team.
• Ability to plan and direct the day-to-day work of staff and students to meet job function standards and outcomes.
• Ability to train staff and students.
• Ability to effectively communicate performance and discuss expectations.
• Expected to independently propose solutions to problems for manager review, requiring innovation and creativity.
• Ability to routinely interact with colleagues and collaborators.
• Proactive about finding solutions and communicates with other departments or external contacts to perform role and achieve goals.
• Demonstrates the ability to transfer knowledge and application of complex principles, theories and concepts to peers.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. in neuroscience, physiology, biological science, or a related biomedical research field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in microbiome research.

Additional Details

• 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: 11/23/2026
• Open Date: 10/21/2026
• Open Until Filled: Yes
• Documents Needed to Apply: Curriculum Vitae (CV) and Cover Letter
• Contact Information for Candidates: Maya Kaelberer, [e-mail]