Postdoctoral Research Associate , Department of Neurosurgery

Postdoctoral Research Associate I, Department of Neurosurgery

At the forefront of innovation and excellence, the Department of Neurosurgery is dedicated to delivering seamless, safe, and compassionate patient care. Our mission is built on bold innovation, state-of-the-art technology, collaborative research, and world-class education — all aimed at improving the lives of the people we serve.

A postdoctoral position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Terry O Matsunaga, Pharm.

D, PhD in the Department of Neurosurgery and Biomedical Engineering at the University of Arizona (Tucson, AZ). The successful candidate will assume a lead role in developing stabilized microbubble conjugates for delivery of neurotransmitters and therapeutics for brain imaging and delivery technology. The project will take advantage of selective ultrasound-mediated cavitation and delivery to landmarks in the brain. The successful applicant will work closely with Dr.

Matsunaga and a collaborative team from major universities in the United Kingdom for evaluation and refinement. Initial characterization will include using a Malvern Nano Zetasizer and ultrasound studies using the Verasonics platform.

Outstanding UA 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 relocations services, please .

• Develop novel microbubble/drug loaded conjugates
• Characterization including size, drug-loading quantification and initial ultrasound-mediated studies
• Prepare and submit high quality research publications
• Assist mentor in supervising undergraduate and graduate research students

• PhD in Biomedical Engineering, Formulations Chemistry or related field
• 0-1 years of postdoctoral research experience
• At least two publications in biomedical imaging (1st authorship preferred)
• Experience in nanoparticle, nanodroplet, microbubble, or liposome design; drug loading experience preferred

• Self-motivated, able to work independently in a multidisciplinary environment
• Moderate experience ultrasound system by Verasonics
• Moderate experience characterizing nano-sized ultrasound systems
• Fluency in English with excellent writing and presentation skills

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

Open Date 9/12/2025

Open Until Filled Yes

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

Special Instructions to Applicant

Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report:
In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics 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.

Apply Now