Postdoctoral Research Associate I

Postdoctoral Research Associate I Posting Number req26907 Department Physiology Department Website Link Location Tucson Campus Address 1501 N. Campbell Ave., Tucson, AZ 85719 USA Position Highlights

The Harris Lab in the University of Arizona Department of Physiology is seeking a highly motivated candidate for the full-time position of Postdoctoral Research Associate. Dr. Harris' NIH-funded research incorporates biochemical, physiological, and biophysical approaches at the cellular, protein, and whole-animal levels to identify the molecular mechanisms underlying heart and skeletal muscle diseases.

Current studies utilize methods ranging from protein biochemistry and biophysics to natural and engineered animal models to understand the molecular mechanisms by which contractile force is regulated in cardiac and skeletal muscle and how these mechanisms are altered in diseases such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

The Harris Lab also recently pioneered a novel hybrid protein/genetic engineering approach to accomplish the removal and replacement of a cardiac regulatory protein, myosin-binding protein C, in muscle sarcomeres in SITU for the first time. This new method allows robust and efficient protein replacement with any desired disease-associated point mutation, deletion, insertion, or biosensor (Napierski et al., Circulation Research, 2020). The new method will accelerate basic science discovery and promises to speed the translational impact of fundamental research.

The successful Postdoctoral candidate will possess the cell/molecular/biophysics skill set needed to accomplish the goals of the lab. In addition, they will possess the drive required to research complex disease and will be able to work independently as well as collaboratively.

• 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!

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Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead research projects in close collaboration with the PI and other lab members.
• Innovate new areas of experimental inquiry.
• Advance technical aspects of experimental approaches and mechanistic understanding of biological problems related to muscle structure and function.
• Mentor junior lab members and contribute to a productive scientific environment.
• Maintain detailed records and disseminate research findings in meetings and as manuscripts published in scientific journals.
• Apply for independent funding and contribute to grant proposals submitted by the PI.
• Additional duties may be assigned as relates to this position.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Skilled in cell/molecular/biophysics laboratory techniques.
• Demonstrated enthusiasm and initiative in pursuing scientific inquiry, with the ability to independently identify research questions and proactively address challenges.
• Excellent organizational/record-keeping skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Minimum Qualifications

• MD or PhD in biochemistry, molecular or cellular biology, physiology, biophysics, computational science, biotechnology, biomedical engineering, or related field by time of hire.
• Documented ability to conduct original research.

Preferred Qualifications

• Skills in computational analysis are highly desired.
• Experience in biochemistry, molecular biology, physiology, and biophysics methods.
• Experience using recombinant proteins, muscle proteins, and animal models of disease.
• Experience with enzyme kinetics/biochemical assays of protein-protein interactions.
• Expertise in cardiac and skeletal muscle biology, protein post-translational modifications and heart and skeletal muscle disease pathology.

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

Samantha Harris

samharris@arizona.edu

Open Date 8/26/2026 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).

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