Researcher​/Scientist III

Position Highlights

The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery is seeking a highly motivated Research Scientist to conduct innovative research in musculoskeletal translational and regenerative medicine. This position is ideal for someone with post‑doctoral training in in‑vivo orthopedic trauma models, including those related to bone, skin, and peripheral nerves. The role includes performing functional and tissue analyses, as well as in‑vitro experiments involving stem cells and cell cultures.

A strong interest in understanding cellular and molecular signaling through genetic knockout or pharmacological inhibition strategies is essential. The ideal candidate will collaborate with other lab members to develop various trauma projects as assigned. They will also be involved in conceptualizing novel hypotheses, supporting grant writing, and presenting research accomplishments at national and international conferences.

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

• Conduct animal studies such as skin excision, skin burn, bone fracture, and peripheral nerve trauma.
• Perform animal dosing, functional analysis, euthanasia, tissue harvesting, and processing.
• Conduct tissue-based gene and protein targeted molecular analysis.
• Independently conduct in vitro cell culture experiments, interpret the data, and analyze the results.
• Collaborate with research leadership to develop grant applications, as well as prepare reports of research findings, presentations, and publications.
• Present data at national or international research conferences or symposiums.
• Train undergraduate, medical, and graduate students using both animal and ex‑vivo research techniques.
• Develop and establish clear timelines to complete assigned work and meet research obligations.
• Identify and recommend solutions to identifiable problems to the principal investigator.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong expertise in orthopaedic trauma complications and skilled in animal and cell culture models, along with tissue, cellular, and molecular analysis.
• Excellent communication and writing skills for manuscripts, grants, publications, federal reports, and lab meetings.

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience required.
• Minimum of five (5) years of relevant work experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.

• PhD in a related science or research field.
• Culturing stem cells and differentiating cells to analyze their functions.
• Expert in animal surgery, cell-based assays, gene knockout strategies, immunofluorescent microscopy, qPCR, western blotting, and flow cytometry.

Prem Kumar Govindappa

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