Postdoctoral Research Associate - Pharmacology

Postdoctoral Research Associate
- Pharmacology

Posting Number req
27652

Department Pharmacology

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

Location Tucson Campus

Address 1501 N. Campbell Ave., Tucson, AZ 85719 USA

The Department of Pharmacology at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to investigate mechanisms of chronic pain in female pain conditions, including pelvic pain, endometriosis, and migraine headache. The position is based in a highly collaborative pain-research group affiliated with the Comprehensive Center for Pain & Addiction.

The project will use established rodent models of endometriosis together with complementary in vitro approaches in primary cultures of mouse and human dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons to define how sensory neurons are sensitized by hormones and inflammatory mediators to drive pelvic pain. Emphasis will be placed on cell membrane receptor and ion-channel mechanisms that regulate nociceptor excitability. Candidates with prior experience in endometriosis and/or cancer pain-related rodent models, including chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy and tumor/xenograft pain models, are encouraged to apply.

Work will include behavioral pharmacology, tissue and cellular assays, and mechanistic studies to identify new therapeutic targets. This position is an excellent match for a recently trained pharmacologist with a strong foundation in rodent pain models, primary neuronal culture, and translational pain pharmacology who wants to apply those skills to understanding the mechanisms of women’s pain conditions.

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

• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

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

• Design and execute experiments in rodent models of endometriosis-related pain and perform behavioral assessments of mechanical and spontaneous pain (von Frey,weight-bearing, grimace scale, open field, conditioned place preference,and related assays).
• Conduct rodent surgeries,targeted viral vector injections and drug injections (i.p., s.c., i.pl.,and related routes). Perform animal perfusions and tissue collection.
• Prepare primary mouse DRGcell cultures and co-cultures with endometriotic tissue fragments and perform a variety of in vitro assays including ELISA andhistological, immunohistochemical, and imaging methods.
• Help maintain genetically modified mouse lines.
• Analyze data (Graph Pad Prism ; basic R), prepare figures, write manuscripts, and present at national/international meetings.

• Mentor undergraduate andmaster’s-level trainees and contribute to a collaborative lab environment.
• Participate in grant writing and laboratory operations as appropriate.

• Demonstrated ability to communicate fluently in English through clear, effective written communication and professional presentation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, take initiative, and collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary environment.

• Ph.D. in Pharmacology or aclosely related discipline (Neuroscience, Molecular/Cellular Biology) bythe…