Postdoctoral Research Associate I

Postdoctoral Research Associate I Posting Number req26922 Department Materials Science & Engr Department Website Link https://engineering.arizona.edu/ Location Tucson Campus Address Tucson, AZ USA Position Highlights

The Biopolymer Materials Group led by Dr. Minkyu Kim at the University of Arizona is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher. The position will involve research in protein- and polymer-based biomaterials, with an emphasis on materials design, fabrication, characterization, and biomedical applications. The researcher will contribute to interdisciplinary projects integrating biomaterials, polymer science, and bioengineering.

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!

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Duties & Responsibilities

• Conduct independent and collaborative research on protein- and polymer-based biomaterials, including experimental design, material production and fabrication, characterization, and data analysis. Interpret research findings and disseminate outcomes through publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at scientific conferences.
• Help oversee and coordinate the research activities of graduate and undergraduate researchers, providing guidance on experimental design, data analysis, research quality, and progress toward project objectives.
• Participate in the preparation of grant proposals with the principal investigator, including development of research plans, preliminary data, figures, and other proposal materials.
• Contribute to progress reports and other documentation for funding sponsors, ensuring accurate and timely reporting of research activities, progress, and outcomes.
• Support laboratory operations, including maintenance and coordination of shared research equipment, laboratory protocols, research materials, and practices necessary for safe and efficient experimentation.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

• Knowledge of protein-, polymer-, and biomaterial-based systems and their characterization.
• Skill in experimental design, materials characterization, and analysis and interpretation of research data.
• Ability to independently conduct and troubleshoot research and communicate effectively in an interdisciplinary research environment.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Bioengineering, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Polymer Science, or a closely related discipline.
• Hands-on research experience in recombinant protein expression/production, purification, and characterization.
• Research experience in protein-, polymer-, biopolymer-, or biomaterial-based systems.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct research independently and communicate research findings through peer-reviewed publications and scientific presentations.
• PhD must be conferred before the start date.

Preferred Qualifications 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 10/1/2026 Expected End Date Contact Information for Candidates Minkyu Kim

Associate Professor

minkyukim@arizona.edu Open Date 8/27/2026 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 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@arizona.edu.