Job Description

Postdoctoral Research Associate (I-IV), Orthopedic Surgery Posting Number req27423 Department Orthopedic Surgery Department Website Link https://ortho.arizona.edu/ Location Tucson Campus Address 1501 N. Campbell Ave., Tucson, AZ 85719 USA Position Highlights

The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at the College of Medicine, University of Arizona, in Tucson, AZ, is seeking a qualified candidate for the position of Postdoctoral Research Associate. Musculoskeletal trauma healing presents a significant and complex medical challenge, whether the injuries are isolated lesions or part of larger traumatic incidents. One major challenge in healing injuries to the skin, peripheral nerves, skeletal muscles, and bones is ensuring effective communication among cellular processes for complete regeneration and functional recovery. Our laboratory is dedicated to understanding the cellular mechanisms behind these conditions and testing repurposed FDA-approved drugs to advance outcomes from pre-clinical to clinical trials using animal and cell culture models. We are looking for a candidate committed to supporting our ongoing translational and regenerative medicine projects.

• Visa sponsorship is 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; 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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Duties & Responsibilities

• Perform research activities with mice, including functional testing, dosing, blood collection, tissue harvesting, and sample processing.
• Conduct microtome/ cryotome sectioning, immunohistochemistry, and histological staining and imaging.
• Conduct molecular analyses using harvested tissue samples by RT-PCR, Western blotting, ELISA, and related laboratory assays.
• Conduct in-vitro and ex-vivo cell culture experiments, including cell isolation, culturing, and characterization.
• Perform scratch assays, cell proliferation, differentiation, migration, co-culture and other experiments.
• Carry out quantitative analysis of gene and protein targets using techniques such as immunofluorescence, microscopy, flow cytometry, RT-PCR, and Western blotting.
• Apply knowledge and be involved in investigating the therapeutic effects of FDA-approved compounds for musculoskeletal trauma regeneration.
• Assist in or perform surgical procedures related to skin trauma, such as full-thickness excision, burns, UV injuries, and models of bone/nbone fracture and muscle denervation due to traumatic injuries, in a research setting.
• Perform animal genotyping and breeding to support in vivo and in vitro knockout studies.
• Conduct statistical analysis using GraphPad Prism.
• Demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills to present research findings at conferences, support grant applications, and contribute to publications in peer-reviewed journals.
• Effectively manage multiple priorities, demonstrate strong time-management skills, and interact professionally and collaboratively with staff at all levels in a diverse, multicultural work environment.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of pharmacology, physiology, biochemistry, translational science, or a related field.
• Ability to develop creative research hypotheses and experimental plans.
• Ability to develop research hypotheses and experimental plans.
• Skillful in animal and cell culture studies.
• Ability to communicate effectively with different groups/individuals.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and appropriately handle sensitive information.

Minimum Qualifications

• Candidates for this position should have an advanced degree (either Ph.D., or MD) in applied pharmacology, physiology, biochemistry, translational science, or related fields.
• A documented publication history

Preferred Qualifications 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

Prem Kumar Govindappa

premg@arizona.edu

Open Date 10/22/2026 Open Until Filled Yes Documents Needed to Apply Curriculum Vitae (CV), Cover Letter, and One Additional Document Special Instructions to Applicant

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

Cover Letter: Should clearly indicate how your skills and professional employment experience meet the Minimum qualifications.

Additional Document: A research proposal relevant to our projects and the names and contact information of two professional references.

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