Postdoctoral Research Associate, Neurometabolic Mechanisms of Cognitive Decline

Postdoctoral Research Associate, Neurometabolic Mechanisms of Cognitive Decline

Postdoctoral Research Associate, Neurometabolic Mechanisms of Cognitive Decline

Posting Number req
27128

Department Neuroscience

Department Website Link https://neurosci.arizona.edu/

Location Tucson Campus

Address Tucson, AZ USA

The Cognitive Aging and Neural Dynamics Lab at the University of Arizona is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to investigate how hypothalamic glucose signaling and molecular changes contribute to cognitive decline during aging and risk for Alzheimer’s disease. The researcher will combine proteomics with fiber photometry measurements of glucose levels in the hypothalamus, integrating these data with measures of cognition and disease risk.

This mentored research appointment offers opportunities to develop an independent research direction, publish findings, present at scientific meetings, and pursue fellowship or grant funding.

The Department of Neuroscience at the University of Arizona advances education and research across the diverse and interdisciplinary field of neuroscience. Our work spans a broad range of areas, including nervous system development and physiology, behavior, genetics, pharmacology, computational modeling, and neurological and psychiatric disorders. Through innovative education and research, the department is committed to advancing understanding of the nervous system and preparing students and scholars to contribute to this dynamic and rapidly evolving field of modern science.

• Designand conduct studies of hypothalamic glucose dynamics using fiberphotometry.
• Develop and carry out proteomics experiments, including sample preparation,quality control, and analysis in collaboration with relevant research facilities.
• Integrate molecular, physiological, and cognitive data to test hypotheses about aging and Alzheimer’s disease risk.
• Maintain accurate research records; analyze and interpret results; and prepare manuscripts, presentations, and funding applications.
• Collaborate with laboratory members and research partners, and mentor trainees as appropriate.
• Complete required research, animal-use, and laboratory-safety training before undertaking applicable work.

• Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in neuroscience, nutrition, biology,biochemistry, physiology, or a closely related field by the start date.
• Demonstrated experience designing and conducting research and analyzing experimental data.
• Evidence of scientific communication through publications, presentations, or adoctoral research project.

• Experience with mass-spectrometry-based proteomics or related protein-analysis workflows.
• Experience with fiber photometry, optical biosensors, or in vivo physiological measurements.
• Experience studying metabolism, hypothalamic circuits, cognitive aging, or Alzheimer’s disease in rat models.
• Experience with quantitative analysis that integrates multiple types of biological data.

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 Sara Burke, Ph.D.
Professor and Department Head
burkes

Open Date 9/23/2026

Open Until Filled Yes

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

Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University’s campuses.

These reports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures.
Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at cleryact.