Postdoctoral Research Associate - Pharmacology

Postdoctoral Research Associate - Pharmacology Posting Number req27652 Department Pharmacology Department Website Link https://pharmacology.arizona.edu/ Location Tucson Campus Address 1501 N. Campbell Ave., Tucson, AZ 85719 USA Position Highlights

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!

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Duties & Responsibilities

Duties and responsibilities:

• 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 DRG cell cultures and co-cultures with endometriotic tissue fragments and perform a variety of in vitro assays including ELISA and histological, immunohistochemical, and imaging methods.
• Help maintain genetically modified mouse lines.
• Analyze data (GraphPad Prism; basic R), prepare figures, write manuscripts, and present at national/international meetings.

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

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• 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.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Pharmacology or a closely related discipline (Neuroscience, Molecular/Cellular Biology) by the start date.
• Certification or documented training in rodent surgery and animal experimentation.
• Demonstrated expertise in preclinical pain research using rodent models (inflammatory, neuropathic, joint, and/or chemotherapy-induced models).
• Proficiency in standard behavioral pain assays and common injection/perfusion techniques.
• Hands-on experience with primary DRG neuron culture and/or isolation of primary uterine cells.
• Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals and evidence of independent experimental design.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with endometriosis or other chronic inflammatory pain models (MIA, CFA) and with ion-channel or GPCR pharmacology.
• Familiarity with stereotaxic viral vector injections, immunohistochemistry/histology (cryostat/microtome), and image analysis (ImageJ).
• Experience with maintenance of genetically modified lines.
• Prior mentoring of short-term interns and/or teaching experience.
• Oral and poster presentations at national or international pain/pharmacology meetings.
• Interest in sex-specific and hormonally modulated pain mechanisms relevant to endometriosis.

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

Edita Navratilova

[email protected]

Open Date 11/12/2026 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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