Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, College of Medicine Tucson at the University of Arizona is seeking a qualified applicant for the position of Postdoctoral Research Associate. Traumatic peripheral nerve injury is a major medical problem with no universally accepted pharmacologic treatment. Damage to these nerves is typically associated with muscle weakness, atrophy, and functional loss or morbidity. Our laboratory currently focuses on understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms of peripheral nerve and muscle following trauma. The studies include both in vivo small animals (nerve and muscle crush or laceration injury) and in vitro cellular (Schwann cells, macrophages, skeletal muscle cells, etc.) experiments.
The candidate should have a background and or career interest in investigating the repurposing therapeutic effect of FDA-approved molecules in nerve and musculoskeletal regeneration and functional recovery with animal surgery experience. The candidate should be skillful in handling animals for dosing, blood collection, tissue harvest, and processing for histomorphometry (microtome/cryotome sectioning, immunohistochemistry, histology staining) and molecular analysis (PCR, qRT-PCR, Western blotting, ELISA, etc.). The microscopic evaluation and quantification of nerve and muscle cells and structural (fiber) are required. The candidate's experience in nerve conduction velocity, muscle contractility, and functional analysis is a plus. The quantitative determination of drug/protein concentrations in tissue homogenates or biological fluids using HPLC or LC-MS/MS or other analytical techniques is also a plus. Isolation, culturing, characterization, and conducting cell culture experiments (cell proliferation, cell transition, and crosstalk assays) are important.
This position is open to recent graduates only (within two years of advanced degree). Work involves contributing to ongoing research projects, training in biological and animal surgery techniques is available for outstanding candidates.

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

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• Design and implement research protocols. 
• Adapt new procedures or instrumentation relative to research procedures.
• Prepare complete documentation of research.  
• Maintain computer database of research.  
• Collect, prepare, analyze, and interpret research data. 
• Usage of statistical and data analysis software.
• Animal maintenance and equipment maintenance; quality control analysis of reagents.  
• Coordinate with laboratory research personnel. 
• Participate in training fellows, students, and volunteer researchers as needed.
• Search and present pertinent scientific literature as needed.
• Assist with ordering and procuring supplies and equipment and with general maintenance of the laboratory. 
• Assist in the preparation of proposals and reports.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Be independently motivated and creative.
• Have the desire to learn/develop new techniques and approaches.
• Ability to acquire accurate and reproducible data.
• Advocate for safety and ethics in the workplace.
• Be competitive in scientific oral presentation and writing skills. 
• Be proficient at multitasking, prioritizing responsibilities, and managing time.
• Interacting with all levels of staff in a multicultural environment.

• PhD in basic, health and life science, biomedical engineering, or related fields.