Research Professional I, Cognitive Aging Research

University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 47,000 - 59,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full Benefits

Tuition reduction

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Job summary

The Cognitive Aging and Neural Dynamics Lab at the University of Arizona seeks a Research Professional to support studies of cognitive decline in aging and Alzheimer's disease risk. You will focus on reliable data collection, day-to-day project coordination, and training undergraduate students in research procedures, under guidance from senior researchers.

Responsibilities include coordinating study schedules, maintaining records, and assisting with manuscripts and grant materials.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in neuroscience, biology, biochemistry, physiology, or related field or equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

• Collect, organize, and perform initial quality checks on experimental data with guidance from PI.
• Coordinate study schedules, sample processing, equipment use, and milestones.
• Maintain databases and standardized procedures for traceability and compliance.
• Follow lab safety, research compliance, and animal-use procedures.
• Assist in equipment use, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
• Train and mentor undergraduates in approved techniques and data recording.
• Support literature reviews, progress reports, presentations, manuscripts, and grant materials.
• Refine drafts of manuscripts for submission to journals.

Skills

Data collection

Lab coordination

Training undergraduates

Proteomics workflows

Fiber photometry

Biology techniques

Education

Bachelor's degree in neuroscience/biology/biochemistry/physiology

Tools

Proteomics workflows

Fiber photometry

Optical sensors

Job description

Research Professional I, Cognitive Aging Research

Posting Number req27146

Department Neuroscience

Department Website Link https://neurosci.arizona.edu

Location Tucson Campus

Address Tucson, AZ USA

Position Highlights

The Department of Neuroscience at the University of Arizona advances education and research across the diverse and interdisciplinary field of neuroscience. Our work spans a broad range of areas, including nervous system development and physiology, behavior, genetics, pharmacology, computational modeling, and neurological and psychiatric disorders. Through innovative education and research, the department is committed to advancing understanding of the nervous system and preparing students and scholars to contribute to this dynamic and rapidly evolving field of modern science.

The Cognitive Aging and Neural Dynamics Lab within the Department of Neuroscience seeks a Research Professional to support studies of cognitive decline in aging and Alzheimer’s disease risk. The lab combines behavioral analysis, diet interventions, with fiber photometry measurements of glucose levels in the hypothalamus. In this role, you will focus on reliable data collection, day-to-day project coordination, and training undergraduate students in research procedures. You will work under the guidance of senior researchers and contribute to a collaborative laboratory environment.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

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

Duties & Responsibilities

• Collect, organize, and perform initial quality checks on experimentaldata, including fiber photometry recordings, proteomics samples and results,and related research measures with guidance from the PI.
• Assist the PI in coordinating study schedules,sample processing, equipment use, research records, and project milestones.
• Maintain databases, laboratory documentation, and standardizedprocedures so research activities and results can be tracked accurately while following set protocols.
• Follow applicable laboratory safety, research compliance, andanimal-use procedures.
• Assist inlaboratory activities, including the use, maintenance, and calibration ofscientific instrumentation, emphasizing adherence to safety protocols and datareproducibility standards in all research undertakings.
• Prepare materials, operate equipment after appropriate training, andassist with troubleshooting routine experimental and data-collection issues.
• Train and mentor undergraduate students in approved laboratorytechniques, data recording, and responsible research practices; review theirwork and bring questions or concerns to senior lab members.
• Support literature reviews, progress reports, presentations,manuscripts, and grant materials as directed.
• Refine draft manuscripts for submission to academic journals, ensuring adherence toall necessary criteria and standards to elevate the quality and impact of scholarlypublications.

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in neuroscience, biology, biochemistry, physiology, or a related field; or equivalent advanced learning attained through experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• One year of relevant laboratory or research experience.
• Experience collecting and managing biological research data.
• Experience with proteomics sample workflows, fiber photometry, optical sensors, or related laboratory methods.
• Experience coordinating research activities or training undergraduate researchers.

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 $47,356 - $59,195

Compensation Type salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)

Grade 6

Compensation Guidance The Rate of Pay Field represents the University of Arizona's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. The University considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity. Grade Range represent a full range of career compensation growth over time. The university offers compensation growth opportunities within its career architecture. To learn more about compensation, please review our Applicant Compensation Guide and our Total Rewards Calculator.

Career Stream and Level PC1

Job Family Researchers & Scientists

Job Function Research

Type of criminal background check required: Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)

Number of Vacancies 1

Target Hire Date 11/2/2026

Contact Information for Candidates Sara Burke, Ph.D.
Department Head and Professor, Neuroscience
[e-mail]

Open Date 9/24/2026

Open Until Filled Yes

Documents Needed to Apply Resume and Cover Letter

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University’s campuses.Thesereports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures. Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at [e-mail].