Postdoctoral Research Associate, Department of Child Health (College of Medicine - Phoenix)

Position Highlights

The Department of Child Health at the University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix is looking for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the Pulmonary Hypertension laboratory of Dr. Laszlo Farkas. The lab studies the molecular and immunological mechanisms underlying pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), with a particular focus on the role of endosomal dysfunction (deficiency in the GTPase RAB7) and its protein interaction partners, including CSDE1, in regulating pulmonary vascular remodeling and immune responses. Using mouse and rat models of pulmonary vascular disease and human cell-based systems, this research investigates how RAB7 deficiency via the RNA binding protein CSDE1 contributes to pulmonary vascular dysfunction, inflammatory signaling, and disease progression. The candidate will be mentored in career development toward independent research and training to become a principle investigator. Enthusiastic applicants with PhD, MD, or PhD/MD degree with expertise in cardiovascular and pulmonary biology and experience in molecular and cellular biology techniques are encouraged to apply.

This position is eligible for visa sponsorship.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Perform independent research experiments under the direction of the Principal Investigator.
• Design, implement, and manage independent and collaborative research projects focused on the molecular and immunological mechanisms of pulmonary hypertension.
• Conduct in vivo studies, including mouse handling, chronic hypoxia/SU5416 exposure protocols, physiological assessments, and tissue harvesting.
• Perform in vitro experiments using endothelial, smooth muscle cell, fibroblast and immune cell models, including gene knockdown, proliferation (BrdU), migration, and angiogenesis assays.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data, including high-throughput datasets such as bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing, proteomics (proximity-based biotinylation, secretomics).
• Investigate inflammatory and immune signaling pathways, including interferon-regulated gene expression and immune cell dynamics.
• Maintain mouse colonies.
• Analyze research data and statistics.
• Laboratory record keeping and general laboratory activities.
• Participate in the acquisition of research funding by initiating and writing grant proposals.
• Participate or author articles in peer-reviewed journals, books or chapter publications.
• Participate or present at meetings and research conferences.
• May co-author and may co-present results with principal investigators at meetings or conferences.

Assist with laboratory management including:

• Maintain and service laboratory equipment.
• Laboratory purchases and budgeting.
• Manage biosafety requirements.
• Organize laboratory and implement procedures.
• Coordinate with building/facilities management, gas delivery, and other key research infrastructure.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of coordinating experiments, and completing analysis, statistics, and interpretation. A strong team player.
• Ability to communicate in a clear, concise manner orally and in writing.
• Ability to participate at scientific conferences and present findings.
• Knowledge of grant writing and manuscript preparation.
• Demonstrated ability to independently develop reports and manuscripts and present findings in tabular, oral, written, and/or graphic formats.

Minimum Qualifications

• PhD, MD or PhD/MD in Biological Sciences, Medicine, or relevant field of study.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with AI models.
• Experience with bioinformatic methods including Omics analysis, flow cytometry, cell sorting, cell culture, and confocal microscopy.
• Experience working with mice colonies and mouse and rat models of disease. Experience with in vivo assessment and analysis of cardiopulmonary physiology.