Postdoctoral Research Associate IV- Physiology

Postdoctoral Research Associate IV
- Physiology

The Fregosi laboratory in the Department of Physiology has a unique opportunity for a Postdoctoral Fellow I-III to join their team of people working to improve our understanding of the neural control of breathing and swallowing. This work is designed to lay the foundation for the development of treatments for diseases such as obstructive sleep apnea and dysphagia. In the position of Postdoctoral Fellow, you will work as part of a team consisting of faculty investigators, research technicians, and graduate students on a new four-year National Institutes of Health R01 Award.

You will take the lead role on the award and enjoy a range of experiences associated with the study of the mechanisms underlying functional and structural diversity among brainstem motor neurons innervating different upper airway muscles. You will receive extensive training in the relevant techniques, including whole cell patch clamp electrophysiology of brainstem neurons, immunohistochemistry, RNA-sequencing, etc. You will also be expected to publish the results of your experiments and write grant applications.

Assuming the lead role on this project will provide the training needed to establish your own laboratory in an academic setting or in industry. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, vision, and life insurance; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members;

access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more! The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocation services, please .

Duties & Responsibilities
- Design, planning and execution of experiments consisted with the laboratory's mission and funding. Data acquisition and analysis, grant and manuscript preparation, and presentation of findings at weekly lab meeting. Coordinate with other investigators on methodological approaches and animal protocols.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
Knowledge of neurophysiology and/or respiratory physiology. Ability to prepare data for oral presentations and to write manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals. Knowledge of or experience handling and managing laboratory animals in accordance with established protocols. Proficiency in computer-assisted data collection, analysis, and interpretation.

Minimum Qualifications
- Ph.D. in the biomedical sciences, M.D., or DVM. Two or more manuscripts published in a peer-reviewed journal. Outstanding command of the English language, including the ability to communicate orally and in writing.

Preferred Qualifications
- More than two peer-reviewed publications. Experience with whole-cell patch clamp methods, immunohistochemistry, and molecular biology techniques, or the aptitude to quickly learn these methods through training. Previous experience with immunohistochemistry. Previous experience with molecular biology techniques.

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, DOE

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

Contact Information for Candidates
- Emily Flanigan, eflanigan

Open Date - 7/14/2026

Open Until Filled
- Yes

Documents Needed to Apply
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) and Cover Letter

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 and the Preferred qualifications (if applicable).