Lead Research Scientist, Department of Anesthesiology (Extended Temporary)

The University of Arizona Department of Anesthesiology is a multidisciplinary group of clinicians, educators, and researchers who unite to advance medicine and health through innovations in patient care, a commitment to training, and the performance of cutting-edge research to provide high-quality, academic, patient-centered anesthesia care for Tucson.

The Research Scientist Lead will provide advanced research and program coordination support through specialized subject-matter expertise. This position will independently coordinate research programs and projects, develop research methods and protocols, and oversee day-to-day operations.

This is an Extended Temporary Employment (ETE) position.

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; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

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Grant and Contract Development and Submission

• Identifies extramural funding opportunities from federal agencies, foundations, and industry sponsors.
• Writes and edits scientific sections of grant applications, including specific aims, research strategy, and data analysis plans.
• Prepares budgets and budget justifications in collaboration with department and sponsored projects staff.
• Supports contract negotiation, progress reports, and compliance with sponsor requirements.

Clinical Trial Design, Conduct, and Analysis

• Designs and implements investigator-initiated and industry-sponsored clinical trials in perioperative medicine, acute pain, and anesthesiology.
• Develops protocols, statistical analysis plans, case report forms, and data management procedures. Performs or directs statistical analyses and interpretation of trial results.
• Prepares IRB submissions, amendments, and regulatory documentation.
• Oversees data quality and adherence to GCP and federal regulations.

Translational Research Program Development

• Leads and supports translational research that links laboratory, mechanistic, or biomarker findings to clinical questions and patient outcomes.
• Develops hypotheses and study designs that bridge basic science and clinical practice, integrating multimodal data sources (clinical, physiologic, pharmacologic, and electronic health record data).
• Builds research infrastructure, including databases, registries, and analytic pipelines, to sustain the department's research portfolio.

Collaboration and Consultation with Clinical Faculty

• Serves as a methodological and scientific resource for clinical faculty, residents, and fellows.
• Consults on study design, sample size, statistical methods, and feasibility.
• Helps clinical investigators turn clinical questions into fundable, publishable projects.
• Participates in multidisciplinary research teams across the College of Medicine and affiliated health system.

Scientific Dissemination and Mentoring

• Prepares manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals, abstracts, and presentations for national and international meetings.
• Mentors trainees and junior investigators in research methods and scientific writing.
• Contributes to departmental research education activities.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

• Ability to communicate effectively with different groups and individuals.
• Attention to detail, and high degree of openness to new approaches and new ideas.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information.
• Proficient with MS Office (e.g., Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint), and online collaboration tools (e.g., Google Docs, Box, Teams).
• Ability to independently manage multiple responsibilities, set appropriate timelines, and ensure projects and assignments are completed by established deadlines.

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 or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience required.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.