University of Arizona

Postdoctoral Research Associate I, Basic Medical Science (Phoenix)

Posting Number

req24395

Department

COM Phx Basic Medical Sci

Department Website Link

College of Medicine-Phoenix

Location

Greater Phoenix Area

Address

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

Position Highlights

The He Lab in the Department of Basic Medical Science seeks candidates for a postdoctoral position. The broad goal of our research program is to understand the neural circuits that underlie cognitive and emotional behavioral decision-making. Many of our research projects are focused on neuromodulatory circuits such as the serotonergic dorsal raphe nucleus and the dopaminergic ventral tegmental area and their inputs and outputs. We are interested in understanding how these circuits support adaptive behavioral decision making, and how internal state and environmental structure shape their functional operation. To address these questions, we use an observational and causal approach, combining monitoring and decoding of neural activity with control of defined circuit elements and utilizing imaging, optogenetics, anatomy, high-density freely moving neurophysiology, behavior, and computation.

Ideal candidates will have a PhD in Neuroscience, Psychology, or related fields, and an interest in the neural mechanisms underlying motivated behavioral decision-making. A quantitative background, experience in imaging or electrophysiology, and proficiency in MATLAB/Python/R are desirable but not required.

The position is part of a well-funded research program and will provide the opportunity to produce high-impact publications and establish an independent record of grant funding. The candidate will be mentored in career development. We embrace diversity and seek candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.

This position is eligible for visa sponsorship.

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

Duties & Responsibilities

• Conduct advanced, multi-disciplinary research in metabolism under the direction of the principal investigator, Dr. He.
• 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 delicate surgical implantations, animal studies and imaging.
• Develop and maintain detailed records of experiments, analyzing and recording findings.
• 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, and 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

• PhD in Metabolism, Physiology, and Biochemistry.

Preferred Qualifications

• Track record of publications in peer reviewed journals.
• PhD in glucose and lipid metabolism, physiology, and biochemistry.
• Interest in signaling transduction.
• Experience in confocal microscope.

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

College of Medicine-Phoenix, Office of Human Resources

HR-PHX@arizona.edu

Open Date

11/5/2025

Open Until Filled

Yes

Documents Needed to Apply

Curriculum Vitae (CV) and Cover Letter

Special Instructions to Applicant

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

Cover Letter: Should clearly indicate how your skills and professional employment experience meet the Minimum and the Preferred qualifications (if applicable).

Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University’s campuses. These reports 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 cleryact@arizona.edu.

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