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***This job posting is for a search waiver candidate. No other applications will be accepted***
The Department of Physiology & Cell Biology at the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine seeks a Research Associate Professor to join the Gonzales Lab, a research program dedicated to understanding the cellular and molecular regulation of capillary blood flow. The laboratory investigates how contractile pericytes direct red blood cell distribution within the capillary microcirculation, with applications spanning choroidal blood flow regulation and age-related macular degeneration, cerebral capillary dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease, tumor-associated functional hyperemia in glioma, and the ion channel and calcium-signaling mechanisms underlying pericyte contractility. The Research Associate Professor will serve as a senior scientific leader within the lab, bringing independent expertise in vascular cell physiology, ion channel biology, and advanced live-tissue imaging to complement and extend the lab's ongoing projects, while contributing to grant development, trainee mentorship, and the department's teaching mission.
Key Responsibilities
The Research Associate Professor will design, conduct, and analyze studies of ion channel and calcium signaling mechanisms in vascular endothelial cells, pericytes, and smooth muscle, applying advanced live tissue and single cell imaging approaches, including high resolution 4D fluorescence microscopy, pressurized vessel myography, and calcium imaging, to characterize pericyte and endothelial cell function in intact microvascular preparations. This individual will contribute expertise in purinergic and other ion channel signaling pathways relevant to vascular injury, inflammation, and capillary dysfunction in disease models such as Alzheimer's disease, macular degeneration, and glioma, and will help develop and write extramural grant applications, including NIH and other federal, foundation, and institutional funding mechanisms. Additional responsibilities include authoring peer-reviewed manuscripts, abstracts, and presentations; mentoring graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and other trainees; participating in departmental and institutional service, including committee work and journal peer review; and maintaining laboratory records in compliance with institutional, state, and federal research regulations. This is a 100% research appointment; candidates interested in didactic teaching may pursue opportunities to contribute to courses within the Department of Physiology & Cell Biology or the School of Medicine curriculum.
Required Qualifications
Ph.D. in Physiology, Biophysics, Pharmacology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related biomedical field;
Postdoctoral training in vascular biology, cell physiology, or a related discipline;
Sustained record of independent, extramurally funded research;
Expertise in ion channel electrophysiology and/or calcium signaling in vascular or epithelial systems; a strong publication record in vascular physiology, cell signaling, or a related field;
Experience as a Principal Investigator or key personnel on federally funded grants (e.g., NIH/NHLBI); demonstrated success mentoring graduate students and/or postdoctoral fellows; and teaching experience in higher education, including professional or graduate-level instruction.
Preferred qualifications include experience with high-resolution live-tissue imaging of pressurized resistance vessels (e.g.,diSPIMor comparable 4D microscopy), research expertise in purinergic signaling, ion channel regulation, or endothelial and pericyte calcium dynamics; scientific peer review or editorial service; experience developing and teaching cardiovascular or molecular pharmacology courses; and a record of institutional or professional service, including committee leadership, mentorship, or involvement with organizations such as the American Physiological Society.
Compensation Grade
Research Associate Scientist (12-month)
To view the salary schedule for this position, please visit: Salary Schedules and select Academic Faculty (12-month contract). Salary is competitive and commensurate with related education and experience.
Remarkable Retirement
Our retirement plan is beyond compare. Your 19.25% contribution is generously matched by the University. With the faculty retirement plan, you are 100% vested your first day. Sit back and watch your retirement dollars grow! All permanent employees on an annual "A" or "B" contract who are employed at least 50% full-time are eligible to participate in the NSHE retirement program unless they are members of PERS of Nevada.
Perks of Working at UNR
Health insurance options including dental and vision - Health Insurance
Generous annual and sick leave and life insurance – Faculty Benefits
E. L. Wiegand Fitness Center offers annual or semester memberships and spouse/domestic partner membership options. E.L. Wiegand Fitness Center
Reno is proud to be a University town! Many local businesses offer discounts to WolfCard holders
Mountain EAP supports employees (and eligible dependents) through life's difficult moments. Mountain EAP is located in Reno and specializes in counseling and advising services for personal or interpersonal issues.
Faculty Senate is the principal representing body for faculty. Its membership includes representatives from each academic and administrative major unit of the University. Faculty Senate
No state income tax!
Grants-in-Aid for Faculty Employees
The University is proud to provide a reduced-rate tuition benefit to faculty and qualified dependents. Faculty can take up to six credits per semester at a reduced rate. Dependents of faculty have unlimited credits, but in order to be eligible children must be unmarried and under the age of 24 and must receive at least 50% of their financial support from the employee and/or employee’s spouse or domestic partner. Faculty Grants-in-Aid
Faculty Dual Career Assistance Program
The University of Nevada, Reno recognizes the importance of addressing dual-career couples’ professional needs. We offer a dual career assistance program to newly hired faculty spouses/partners that provides resources and assists them to identify career opportunities in Northern Nevada. Dual Career
Exempt
Yes
Full-Time Equivalent
100.0%
Required Attachment(s)
Please note, once you submit your application the only attachment/s viewable to you will be the attachment/s to the resume/CV section of the application. Any additional required attachment/s to the cover letter, references, additional documents sections of the application, will not be viewable to you after you submit your application. All uploaded attachment/s will be on the application for the committee to review. To request updates to attachments, prior to the committee review of applications, please contact the candidate helpdesk at jobs@unr.edu
Attach the following attachments to your application:
1) Cover Letter
2) Resume/CV
Posting Close Time
This posting will close at 12:00 am on the date listed below. The posting will no longer be available to apply to after 11:59 pm the day prior.
Posting Close Date
08/23/2026
Note to Applicant
A background check will be conducted on the candidate(s) selected for hire.
HR will attempt to verify academic credentials upon receipt of hiring documents. If the academic credentials cannot be verified, HR will notify the faculty member that an official transcript of their highest degree must be submitted within thirty days of the faculty member’s first day of employment.
References will be contacted at the appropriate phase of the recruitment process.
Applicants hired on a federal contract may be subject to E-Verify.
As part of the hiring process, applicants for positions in the Nevada System of Higher Education may be required to demonstrate the ability to perform job-related tasks.
For positions that require driving, evidence of a valid driver's license will be required at the time of employment and as a condition of continued employment.
Schedules are subject to change based on organizational needs.
