Jobloria
Assistant Professor, Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine
The University Of Arizona
Location : Tucson, AZ, 85701
Job Type : Full Time
Salary : commensurate with experience
Date Posted : 2 December 2025
The Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine (CMM) and Sarver Heart Center at the University of Arizona College of Medicine in Tucson (COM-T) are actively seeking a dynamic individual for a tenure-track, Assistant Professor position. The successful candidate will be expected to set up an innovative research program in cardiovascular research with extramural funding (e.g. NIH, NSF, AHA, etc.) and possess a desire to provide high-level instruction to medical and/or graduate students.
We are specifically interested in candidates with expertise in the following areas: ion channel electrophysiology, excitation-contraction coupling and arrhythmia studies, cellular, molecular, and physiological myofilament biology, animal models of cardiomyopathies and heart failure with reduced/preserved ejection fraction.
CMM is renowned for its research in cardiac and skeletal myofilament function, molecular basis of complex diseases, genome function, intracellular trafficking, and cancer research. Applicants bridging any of these disciplines are especially encouraged to apply. In addition, research target areas also include CMM is a fast-growing, highly interdisciplinary unit whose faculty make pivotal contributions to UA’s mission of multidisciplinary and collaborative discovery through cross-cutting basic and applied/translational research.
Excellent opportunities exist at UA for research collaborations within an active community of basic and clinical scientists in academic departments across the university, as well as participation in numerous Centers of Excellence that include Sarver Heart Center, BIO5, Arizona Cancer Center, Asthma and Airway Disease Research Center, Arizona Center for Drug Discovery, Arizona Arthritis Center, and the Southwest Environmental Health Sciences Center. The University of Arizona Health Sciences have proven interdisciplinary strengths in imaging, bioinformatics, genomics, precision medicine, etc.
The successful candidate will have access to excellent laboratory space in close proximity to numerous cardiovascular faculty, access to outstanding core facilities (e.g., to create and phenotype animal models), administrative support, and generous start-up funding.
Outstanding UA 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; retirement plans; 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, pleaseclick here.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Develop and maintain an established, well-funded, research program on cardiovascular molecular/cellular biology.
- Establish collaborations with UA colleagues within CMM and the Sarver Heart Center, participating in the development and conduct of innovative and significant research.
- Play an active role in teaching and training undergraduate, graduate, medical students, and postdoctoral/clinical fellows.
- Participate in appropriate departmental events, including seminars, retreats, and meetings.
- Participate in College of Medicine events.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Strong organizational skills and keen attention to detail.
- Strong oral and written communication skills.
- Computer literacy.
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively.
- Ability to multi-task effectively.
- Ability to work effectively 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.
- PhD in relevant field and/or MD degree.
- Strong publication record in high impact journals commensurate with experience.
- Experienced ion channel electrophysiologist.
- Extensive postdoctoral research experience in cardiac physiology.
- Active extramural research funding (AHA, NIH, etc.).
Freqently Asked Questions
This position uniquely blends cardiovascular molecular research with interdisciplinary collaborations at UA’s Sarver Heart Center, offering access to exceptional core facilities and generous start-up funding, which may surpass resources available at many comparable institutions, fostering innovative research in a vibrant academic environment.
Candidates usually need a PhD or MD with a strong postdoctoral background in cardiac physiology, an active extramural funding portfolio (e.g., NIH, AHA), and a proven publication record in high-impact journals, demonstrating expertise in areas such as ion channel electrophysiology and excitation-contraction coupling.
Daily tasks involve managing an independent cardiovascular research program, mentoring graduate and medical students, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, attending departmental seminars, and securing funding, all requiring a balance of hands-on lab work and academic leadership.
Tucson’s growing biotech and medical research sectors increase demand for molecular biology experts, especially those specializing in cardiovascular studies. The presence of institutions like UA fosters competitive hiring, with emphasis on candidates bringing innovative translational research skills.
Tucson offers manageable commute times with public transit and bike-friendly routes. However, candidates should consider seasonal heat and local housing costs, which are moderate compared to larger metro areas, impacting overall work-life balance and daily travel.
The role promotes synergy with UA’s Sarver Heart Center, Bio5, and other centers, enabling cross-disciplinary projects in genomics, precision medicine, and drug discovery, thus enriching cardiovascular research through collaboration and enhanced resource sharing.
Faculty here can leverage significant startup packages, access to cutting-edge facilities, and a collaborative environment that supports grant acquisition and leadership in emerging cardiac research areas, positioning them for tenure and national recognition.
Salaries for this role typically range from $85,000 to $110,000 annually, depending on experience and funding history, complemented by comprehensive benefits including health insurance, retirement plans, and tuition reductions, reflecting Tucson’s cost of living and academic standards.
UA offers robust start-up funding, access to advanced core facilities for animal modeling and phenotyping, and administrative assistance, allowing new faculty to rapidly establish competitive cardiovascular research programs with strong institutional backing.
This role stands out due to its integration within a thriving interdisciplinary unit, proximity to renowned cardiovascular experts, and access to specialized centers like Sarver Heart Center, fostering a research-rich environment that encourages innovative translational science.
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