Research Scientist III, Cellular and Molecular Medicine (Full-Time)

The Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine (CMM) and the Sarver Heart Center (SHC) at the University of Arizona in Tucson, AZ, with strong support from the College of Medicine – Tucson, invite applications for a Research Scientist III position in cardiovascular molecular, cellular, and biophysics, with particular interest in conducting experiments such as cardiac slicing and cardiomyocyte contractility and calcium transients (IonOptix), measuring pCa-force using papillary muscles (Aurora system), and performing myocardial infarction animal surgery and echocardiography.

This is a joint recruitment. The successful candidate will hold a Research Scientist III appointment in CMM and full membership in the Sarver Heart Center and will direct the day-to-day operations of the Sarver Heart Center cardiovascular physiology core facility—delivering state-of-the-art functional phenotyping services that connect molecular and cellular measurements to whole-heart function for investigators across the University of Arizona.

We seek an experienced, hands-on scientist with a strong command of cardiovascular physiology methods, a service-oriented approach, and the ability to train and support a community of investigators and trainees. Candidates holding a PhD, MD, or MD/PhD with demonstrated expertise in cardiac and skeletal muscle physiology, or a closely related experimental discipline, are encouraged to apply.

• Visa sponsorship is 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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• Develop, plan, design, and conduct advanced, multi-disciplinary research. Review progress and evaluate results.
• Formulate research methods, develop or collaborte in the development of new techniques, methods, and equipment.
• Recommend solutions for research methodology by interpreting principles and analyzing complex facts.

Perform aspects related to cellular and molecular biology research that include, but are not limited to:

• Animal surgery: Induce myocardial infarction in wild-type and disease models and test small molecules for SHC members.
• Echocardiography: Assess cardiac function and drug responses in animal disease models for SHC members.
• Cardiomyocyte/organoid contractility: Measure contractility and calcium transients in isolated, iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes, and organoids using the IonOptix System; test small molecules for SHC members.Cardiac slicing: Assess contractility and calcium transients in heart tissue using the IonOptix MyoClamp System and test small molecules for SHC members.
• pCa-force and muscle mechanics: Measure maximal force, myofilament calcium sensitivity, force redevelopment, and Hill coefficient in skinned papillary muscles using the Aurora System; test small molecules for SHC members.
• Data analysis, spreadsheet management, and data presentations. Assist with the maintenance of laboratory equipment and supplies inventory.
• Serve as the biosafety and chemical safety officer for the SHC, including the management of all lab safety and approval protocols.
• Review and edit protocols to ensure coherence, completeness, and consistency.
• Participate in the acquisition of research funding by initiating and writing grant proposals.
• Participate in the writing and research for publications and presentations.
• Guide the work of others and/or provides guidance to a specialized laboratory or research area. Manage daily laboratory operations, including supplies ordering and lab inventories related to cellular and molecular biology techniques that will include common use items (e.g., compressed gas, dry ice and liquid nitrogen).
• Coordinate laboratory work, including lab equipment management.
• Echocardiography, Data analyses, Preparation and presentation of the data and write result sections.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Demonstrated hands-on expertise with cardiovascular physiology techniques, ideally including IonOptix contractility and calcium systems, Aurora Scientific force–calcium measurements, cardiac slicing, small-animal cardiac surgery, and/or echocardiography.
• Experience training and supporting investigators and trainees in specialized experimental methods.
• Strong organizational skills and keen attention to detail.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, including the ability to explain technical methods and results to a range of scientific and clinical users.
• Computer literacy, including data acquisition and analysis software relevant to cardiovascular physiology measurements.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate and collaborate effectively across disciplines.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, users, and instruments simultaneously in a shared-resource environment.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and in a team environment.
• High level of integrity, ethics, and professionalism.
• General understanding of the University of Arizona’s mission, purpose, and goals.

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.

• Bachelor's degree in Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Molecular and Cell Biology, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.

• PhD, MD, or MD/PhD degree.
• Experience with cardiovascular or muscle physiology techniques relevant to the core facility’s services.
• Experience operating and maintaining specialized laboratory instrumentation.
• A record of research productivity, including peer-reviewed publications and/or technical contributions.
• Direct, hands-on experience with IonOptix systems for cardiomyocyte contractility and calcium transient measurements.
• Experience with Aurora Scientific systems for pCa–force measurements in permeabilized papillary or trabecular muscle preparations.
• Proficiency in cardiac tissue slicing, in small-animal survival surgery including myocardial infarction models, and in small-animal echocardiography.
• Experience developing and validating new physiological assays, and contributing to shared-instrumentation or multi-investigator grant applications.
• Documented success training users and supporting a variety of investigators in a core or shared-resource facility.
• Familiarity with laboratory animal regulations, biosafety, and quality-control practices in a research core setting.
• Experience contributing to publications and presentations arising from collaborative research.

Dr. Sakthivel Sadayappan

sadayappan@arizona.edu

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).