Post Doc Res Assoc

Postdoctoral Research Associate – ECMO & Critical Care Research

Salary: $50,000 – $70,000
Location: Salt Lake City, UT
Work Hours: 40 per week, Full-time, Day shift

Job Summary: The Tonna Research Laboratory, under the leadership of Dr. Joseph

E. Tonna, MD, MS, seeks a forward‑thinking Postdoctoral Fellow to advance clinical and translational research in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR), and advanced cardiopulmonary rescue therapies. The role offers the opportunity to develop independent research and grant‑writing skills while contributing to NIH‑ and CTSA‑supported projects.

• Design, implement, and analyze clinical and translational studies related to ECMO, ECPR, and critical care.
• Write and support grant proposals, including federal (NIH, DoD), foundation, and institutional applications.
• Lead and co‑author manuscripts, abstracts, and presentations for peer‑reviewed journals and scientific meetings.
• Perform statistical analysis using multivariable and longitudinal methods; assist in data interpretation and visualization.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary research team spanning surgery, emergency medicine, cardiology, bioengineering, and biomedical informatics.
• Mentor junior trainees and medical students in research projects and academic writing.
• Contribute to research infrastructure development such as data dictionaries, case report forms, and SOPs for ongoing studies.

• Ph.D. (or equivalent) in Biomedical Sciences, Epidemiology, Public Health, Biostatistics, Nursing, Bioengineering, or a related field.
• Demonstrated research experience relevant to critical care, cardiogenic shock, or ECMO/ECLS.
• Proven ability in scientific writing and publication; experience drafting or contributing to grant proposals strongly preferred.
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills, including experience with statistical programming (R, Stata, or Python).
• Excellent communication, organizational, and project management abilities.
• Demonstrated capacity for independent problem solving and initiative in complex research environments.
• Provide contact information for 2–3 references.

• Experience with clinical trial design (protocol development, randomization, data coordination).
• Familiarity with large observational or registry datasets and REDCap database management.
• Experience conducting chart reviews and developing standardized data collection tools.
• Background in machine learning, causal inference, or mediation analysis applied to critical care outcomes.
• Knowledge of ECMO physiology, device characteristics, and related outcomes research.
• Demonstrated success in preparing or submitting competitive grant applications (NIH, AHA, foundations, etc.).

• Participation in Utah Retirement Systems (URS).
• Opportunity for criminal background check and/or drug screen.
• Inclusive and diverse work environment committed to underrepresented students and patients.
• Veteran’s preference and reasonable accommodations for disabilities.

The University of Utah is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, genetic information, or protected veteran status. Title IX compliance is observed.