Postdoctoral Research Associate I, Department of Neurosurgery

University of Arizona

life insurance, sick time

United States, Arizona, Tucson

Sep 12, 2025

Postdoctoral Research Associate I, Department of Neurosurgery
Posting Number	req23923
Department	Neurosurgery
Department Website Link	https://medicine.arizona.edu/neurosurgery
Location	University of Arizona Health Sciences
Address	Tucson, AZ USA
Position Highlights	At the forefront of innovation and excellence, the Department of Neurosurgery is dedicated to delivering seamless, safe, and compassionate patient care. Our mission is built on bold innovation, state-of-the-art technology, collaborative research, and world-class education - all aimed at improving the lives of the people we serve. A postdoctoral position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Terry O Matsunaga, Pharm.D, PhD in the Department of Neurosurgery and Biomedical Engineering at the University of Arizona (Tucson, AZ). The successful candidate will assume a lead role in developing stabilized microbubble conjugates for delivery of neurotransmitters and therapeutics for brain imaging and delivery technology. The project will take advantage of selective ultrasound-mediated cavitation and delivery to landmarks in the brain. The successful applicant will work closely with Dr. Matsunaga and a collaborative team from major Universities in the United Kingdom for evaluation and refinement. In addition, initial characterization using a Malvern Nano Zetasizer and ultrasound studies using the Verasonics platform. Outstanding UA 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! The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here.
Duties & Responsibilities	Develop novel microbubble/drug loaded conjugates Characterization including size, drug-loading quantification and initial ultrasound-mediated studies. When appropriate, prepare and submit high quality research publications. Assist mentor in supervising undergraduate and graduate research students.
Minimum Qualifications	PhD in Biomedical Engineering, Formulations Chemistry or related field. 0-1 years of postdoctoral research experience. At least two publications in biomedical imaging (1st authorship preferred). Experience in nanoparticle, nanodroplet, microbubble, or liposome design. Drug loading experience preferred.
Preferred Qualifications	Candidate shall be self-motivated, able to work independently in a multidisciplinary environment. Moderate experience ultrasound system by Verasonics. Moderate experience characterizing nano-sized ultrasound systems. Fluency in English with excellent writing and presentation skills
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	Dr. Terry O Matsunaga \| tmatsunaga@radiology.arizona.edu
Open Date	9/12/2025
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 Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University's campuses.Thesereports 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.