Postdoctoral Scholar

Northern Arizona University; Flagstaff (AZ); On-site; USD 54,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Northern Arizona University seeks a postdoctoral fellow to lead human physiology trials in Flagstaff, AZ. The role involves managing invasive procedures, supervising students, and driving high-impact manuscripts.

The successful candidate will contribute to grant proposals and collaborate with the Institute of Human Physiology & Performance and NAU investigators. On-site position with funding‑dependent continuity.

Qualifications

• PhD in Physiology, Neuroscience, Kinesiology, Exercise Physiology, or a closely related biomedical field.

Responsibilities

• Lead human physiology trials and manage advanced laboratory assays.
• Mentor undergraduate and graduate students in the lab.
• Collaborate with medical doctors on invasive procedures.
• Analyze datasets and prepare manuscripts for peer‑reviewed journals.
• Assist in drafting and submitting NIH and other grant proposals.

Skills

Organizational skills

Leadership

Data analysis

MS Office

Education

PhD in Physiology/Neuroscience/Kinesiology

Job description

Special Information

• This position is an on-site position which requires the incumbent to complete their work primarily at an NAU site, campus, or facility with or without accommodation. Opportunities for remote work are rare.
• This position is subject to the availability of funding. The incumbent is not eligible for Service Professional non-renewal notice, or Classified Staff layoff or recall status.

About the Department/College

The Department of Biological Sciences at Northern Arizona University is seeking a postdoctoral fellow to join Travis Gibbons’ research lab in Flagstaff, AZ.

About the Position

The Travis Gibbons’ lab investigates human cerebrovascular, metabolic, and environmental physiology. Our core focus centers on how the human brain responds and adapts to energetic stressors, e.g., exercise, and how these adaptations may provide protection from aging and neurodegeneration. A major ongoing area of our research utilizes invasive models to quantify brain metabolism. We also study how muscles communicate with the brain during exercise to better understand neural responses to exercise. Our lab operates within the Institute of Human Physiology & Performance, which conducts performance testing on professional and recreational endurance athletes. The successful candidate will lead human physiology trials, manage advanced laboratory assays, mentor undergraduate and graduate students, and actively contribute to high-impact manuscripts and grant proposals.

Responsibilities Include

20% - Research and Experimentation

• Manage and execute complex human physiology experiments involving invasive procedures and close collaboration with medical doctors.

20% - Data Collection & Advanced Techniques

• Perform and oversee advanced physiological monitoring, which may include ultrasound for vascular function, blood gas analysis and advanced biomarker assays.

20% - Data Analysis & Writing

• Analyze and interpret small and large datasets. Lead the preparation and submission of manuscripts to peer-reviewed scientific journals.

20% - Grant Development

• Assist the PI in drafting, refining, and submitting grant proposals to funding bodies such as the NIH, Arizona Alzheimer’s Association, and other biomedical foundations.

15% - Lab Mentorship & Operations

• Provide hands-on training and mentorship to graduate and undergraduate research assistants within the lab. Ensure compliance with institutional IRB protocols and safety regulations.

5% - Other

• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• PhD in Physiology, Neuroscience, Kinesiology, Exercise Physiology, or a closely related biomedical field

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated track record of peer-reviewed publications in human physiology, metabolism, or cerebrovascular health.
• Experience working in lab setting.
• Experience with performance testing in athletes.
• Experience leading human physiology trials.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

Knowledge

• Knowledge of the use of laboratory/field instruments and tools.
• Knowledge of the principles and techniques of the subject disciplines.

Skills

• Organizational and project management skills.
• Leadership, coordination, and/or supervision skills.
• Data collection, processing and analysis.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Abilities

• Highly motivated to perform research in a collaborative environment.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships.
• Communicates effectively.
• Possesses strong problem solving, organizational, and analytical capabilities.

Compensation

Budgeted salary is $59,995.Annual salarycommensurate with candidate's qualifications and relatedexperience.

Pre-Employment Check

Northern Arizona University requires satisfactory results for the following: a criminal background investigation, an employment history verification and a degree verification (in some cases) prior to employment. You may also be required to complete a fingerprint background check. Also, as an employer in the state of Arizona, NAU is required to participate in the federal E-Verify program that assists employers with verifying new employees' right to work in the United States.

This position has been identified as a safety/security sensitive position. Therefore, per AZ Revised Statute, Northern Arizona University requires satisfactory results for the following: a criminal background investigation, employment history investigation, degree verification (in some cases) and fingerprinting. If you are applying for a job that requires a CDL, you will be required to register with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse and adhere to the clearinghouse requirements.

Notice of Availability of the Annual Fire and Security Report

Each year Northern Arizona University releases an Annual Security Report. The report is a result of a federal law known as the Clery Act. The report includes Clery reportable crime statistics for the three most recent completed calendar years and discloses procedures, practices and programs NAU uses to keep students and employees safe including how to report crimes or other emergencies occurring on campus. In addition, the Fire Safety Report is combined with the Annual Security Report for the NAU Flagstaff Mountain Campus as this campushason-campus student housing. This report discloses fire safety policies and procedures related to on-campus student housing and statistics for fires that occurred in those facilities. If you would like a free paper copy of the report, please contact the NAUPD Records Department at [phone] or by visiting the department at 525 E. Pine Knoll Drive in Flagstaff.

Immigration Support/Sponsorship

Northern Arizona University will not provide any U.S. immigration support or sponsorship for this position.