Post Doctoral Fellow- AZ- Biomedical Sciences

A Postdoctoral Research Fellow position is immediately available to investigate the efficacy of a novel, proprietary redox-active manganese porphyrin on brain redox markers and motor behavior in a Drosophila model of Parkinson’s disease as part of an R15 funded project in Dr. Lori Buhlman’s laboratory at Midwestern University, Glendale, AZ.

We are seeking hard-working, highly motivated, detail-oriented candidates with background in neuroscience and experience with fluorescence imaging and analysis to join our research team. Experience in a Drosophila lab will be considered an asset. The ideal candidate will be able to work independently with minimal supervision within a multidisciplinary, diverse group of scientists. The individual hired for this position will receive mentorship in teaching and will be delivering lectures in master-level courses in Molecular Cell Biology and Neuroscience. This postdoctoral position offers early-career researchers the opportunity to develop research, grantsmanship, teaching skills, mentor master student trainees, and contribute to advancing scientific knowledge that are key to launching independent academic careers. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. The successful candidate may begin as soon as available. The appointment is for up to three years, renewable annually.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Plan and conduct experiments, analyze data, and prepare manuscript drafts for publication.
• Assists in training and mentoring lab personnel, including graduate students and other trainees.
• Perform thorough evaluation of literature.
• Possess interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate and communicate with individuals at all levels.
• Possesses strong written and oral communication skills.
• Present data at scientific conferences.
• Attend and Teach Biomedical Sciences Program lectures (25% of appointment)
• Serve as a member of Master of Biomedical Sciences thesis committee

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. The individual must be able to work in a constant state of alertness and safe manner and have regular in-person attendance Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

A PhD (or evidence of completion by the start date) in a biomedical science discipline (e.g., neuroscience, physiology, biochemistry, molecular biology, or closely related field) is required. Experience in fluorescence microscopy, molecular biology techniques, immunohistochemistry, will be considered an advantage. The successful candidate must have excellent communication skills and be able to work independently and as part of a team.

Please include the following in your application: 1) CV/Resume, 2) a cover letter describing your research background and interest, and 3) the name and contact information of three professional references.

Computer Skills                                           

Computer proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and software related to scientific literature, statistical analyses software such as GraphPad Prism.

Other Skills and Ability

Applicants must possess strong organizational, interpersonal and communication skills; must be highly motivated, productive team players with the ability to adapt to new projects and to work on multiple projects.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk; use hands to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms.  The employee is regularly required to sit, climb or balance; talk or hear.  The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee is frequently required to lift up to 10 pounds; regularly required to lift up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift to 50 pounds. 

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This position is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

To apply, please visit https://www.midwestern.edu/employment-mwu. For primary consideration, applications should be submitted by December 15, 2026. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis thereafter.

Information on Midwestern University and its graduate programs is available at www.midwestern.edu. Inquiries about the position should be directed to Dr. Buhlman at lbuhlman@midwestern.edu.

Midwestern University is a private, not-for-profit organization that provides graduate and post-graduate education in the health sciences. The University has two campuses, one in Downers Grove, Illinois and the other in Glendale, Arizona. More than 6,000 full-time students are enrolled in graduate programs in osteopathic medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physician assistant studies, physical therapy, occupational therapy, nurse anesthesia, cardiovascular perfusion, podiatry, optometry, clinical psychology, speech language pathology, biomedical sciences and veterinary medicine. Over 500 full-time faculty members and 400 staff members are dedicated to the education and development of our students in an environment that encourages learning, respect for all members of the health care team, service, interdisciplinary scholarly activity, and personal growth.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance plans as well as life insurance, short/long term disability and pet insurance.  We offer flexible spending accounts including healthcare reimbursement and child/dependent care account.  We offer a work life balance with competitive time off package including paid holiday’s, sick/flex days, personal days and vacation days.  We offer a 403(b) retirement plan, tuition reimbursement, child care subsidy reimbursement program, identity theft protection and an employee assistance program.  Wellness is important to us and we offer a wellness facility on-site with a fully equipped fitness facility. 

Midwestern University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer that does not discriminate against an employee or applicant based upon race; color; religion; creed; national origin or ancestry; ethnicity; sex (including pregnancy); gender (including gender expressions, gender identity; and sexual orientation); marital status; age; disability; citizenship; past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services; genetic information; or any other protected class, in accord with all federal, state and local laws and regulations. Midwestern University complies with the Smoke-Free Arizona Act (A.R.S. 36-601.01) and the Smoke Free Illinois Act (410 ILCS 82/).  Midwestern University complies with the Illinois Equal Pay Act of 2003 and Arizona Equal Pay Acts.