Research Professional II - Sarver Heart Center

University of Arizona; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 53,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Disability coverage

Paid time off

Tuition reduction

Retirement plan

Recreation access

Job summary

The University of Arizona is seeking a Research Professional II to manage a mouse colony and support cardiac research. You will plan breeding, perform genotyping, maintain records, and help design in vivo and in vitro experiments within the PI's program.

The role involves work in both the animal facility and bench, with mentorship of students and collaboration on manuscripts; routine husbandry is handled by facility staff.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent education/experience required.
• Minimum 3 years of relevant work experience.
• Experience with mouse models preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage investigator-derived mouse lines for the PI's research program.
• Plan breeding strategies to produce required genotypes and cohort sizes.
• Perform genotyping assays and interpret sequencing results.
• Maintain genotype and pedigree records for all colony animals.
• Administer treatments and collect biological samples under approved IACUC protocols.
• Design in vivo and in vitro experiments within the PI's research design.
• Analyze and interpret data to support project objectives; suggest improvements.
• Mentor students and support staff in laboratory techniques.

Skills

Mouse models

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Job description

Position Highlights

The Research Professional II manages the laboratory's shared mouse colony of more than 40 commercially available and unique, non-commercial, investigator-derived genetically modified lines, performing all genetic colony management duties. The incumbent plans breeding strategies, performs and interprets genotyping, and maintains the colony's genotype and pedigree records to ensure that experimental cohorts are accurately constructed. The accuracy of this work directly affects the validity of experimental groups across the lab's projects.

The position also designs components of and conducts in vivo and in vitro experiments within the PI's research program, analyzes and interprets data, contributes to manuscripts, and provides backup surgical and echocardiography support for the lab's cardiac studies. Work is split between the animal facility and the bench. Routine husbandry, such as feeding and cage changes, is performed by animal facility staff, and reagent ordering and stock management are not part of this role.

• 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

Research Colony Management

• Manage investigator-derived mouse lines for the PI's research program.
• Plan and organize breeding strategies to produce the genotypes and cohort sizes required for planned experiments, adjusting them based on colony data in consultation with the PI.
• Perform, optimize, and troubleshoot genotyping assays (PCR and enzymatic methods). Interpret sequencing results to verify alleles and detect genetic drift or contamination.
• Maintain genotype and pedigree records for all colony animals, and prepare colony reports to support experimental planning.
• Administer treatments and collect biological samples in accordance with approved IACUC protocols.

Experimental Research

• Design components of in vivo and in vitro experiments within the PI's overall research design, and conduct studies that support project objectives.
• Perform molecular and biochemical analyses, including enzymatic assays, Western blotting, mitochondrial function assessment, and metabolite quantification.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data and recommend solutions to methodological problems.
• Recommend and implement improvements to laboratory procedures and protocols.

Research Program Support and Collaboration

• Present findings at lab meetings and participate in the writing and research for publications and presentations.
• Draft and update standard operating procedures for review by research leadership and maintain laboratory records.
• Mentor students and support staff in laboratory techniques.

Surgical and Imaging Support

• Serve as the trained backup to the lead cardiac microsurgeon for murine myocardial infarction and ischemia/reperfusion procedures. This includes anesthesia, intubation, aseptic setup, and intraoperative support.
• Provide post-operative monitoring and recognize surgical complications.
• Acquire and analyze echocardiography data (ejection fraction, fractional shortening, and ventricular dimensions).
• Maintain surgical and imaging documentation and keep cardiac studies running when the lead surgeon is unavailable.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

• Ability to work with animal models

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 or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience required.
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with mouse models.
• Research experience in cardiovascular biology is highly valued, particularly in cardiac regeneration and/or cardiomyocyte biology.
• Research experience in molecular biology, clinical trials, drug discovery or cardiovascular research.
• Experience working in a multidisciplinary environment.

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

$53,039-$66,299

Compensation Type

salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)

Grade

7

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.

The 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

PC2

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

Contact Information for Candidates

Gerry Flores
[e-mail]

Open Date

10/28/2026

Open Until Filled

Yes

Documents Needed to Apply

Resume and Cover Letter

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