Research Scientist 3 in Albuquerque, New Mexico at University of New Mexico

Research Scientist 3Requisition ID req38213
Working Title Research Scientist 3
Position Grade 13
Position Summary

Position Summary
The Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences is seeking aResearch Scientist 3 to support translational research focused on diabeticretinopathy, retinal vascular biology, blood-retinal barrier dysfunction,inflammation, and development of novel therapeutic strategies.
Under general supervision of the Principal Investigator, the ResearchScientist 3 will independently plan, coordinate, and conduct in vitro and invivo studies involving retinal vascular disease models. The successfulcandidate will participate in experimental design, execution, data analysis andinterpretation, development and optimization of research methods, preparationof scientific manuscripts and presentations, and training of junior researchpersonnel.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Independently design, conduct, optimize, and troubleshoot cellular, molecular, and preclinical experiments related to retinal vascular biology and diabetic retinopathy.
• Perform and coordinate studies using mouse models, including colony management, animal handling, drug or biologic administration, tissue collection, and experimental monitoring.
• Conduct cell-based studies using retinal endothelial and other relevant cellular models and assist in development of advanced disease-modeling platforms.
• Perform molecular and cellular assays including Western blotting, immunofluorescence/confocal microscopy, flow cytometry, metabolic assays, and related biochemical techniques.
• Collect, organize, analyze, and interpret experimental data; maintain appropriate quality-control procedures and accurate research records.
• Adapt and modify established experimental methods and develop solutions to technical or scientific problems encountered during research.
• Prepare figures, scientific reports, manuscripts, abstracts, and presentations for publication and scientific meetings.
• Contribute to preparation of research proposals and supporting scientific materials.
• Assist with coordination of research projects and ensure compliance with approved research protocols, institutional policies, laboratory safety requirements, and animal-care procedures.
• Provide technical guidance and training to research staff, students, trainees, and other laboratory personnel.
• Assist in maintaining laboratory equipment, supplies, reagents, and research resources.
• Perform other research-related duties as assigned by the Principal Investigator.
  

See the Position Description for additional information.

Conditions of Employment

• Successful candidate must submit to a post-offer, pre-employment physical examination and medical history check. Additional health screenings may be required, dependent on the nature of the research conducted, as determined by Employee Occupational Health Services.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree; at least 3 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.

Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree in cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, biomedical sciences, vision science, or a closely related discipline.
• Postdoctoral or equivalent research experience in biomedical or translational research.
• Experience with preclinical mouse models and animal colony management.
• Experience with drug, viral-vector, or other experimental therapeutic administration.
• Experience in retinal vascular biology, diabetic retinopathy, endothelial biology, or related vascular disease models.
• Experience with mammalian cell culture and primary or patient-derived cellular models.
• Experience with Western blotting, immunofluorescence/confocal microscopy, flow cytometry, and molecular biology techniques.
• Experience analyzing experimental data and preparing figures, manuscripts, abstracts, and scientific presentations
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a collaborative multidisciplinary research environment.
• Demonstrated record of peer-reviewed scientific publications.

Additional Requirements
Campus: Health Sciences Center (HSC) - Albuquerque, NM
Department Ophthalmology Administration (409B)
Employment Type Staff
Staff Type Term - Full-Time
Term End Date 12/31/2029
Status Exempt
Pay Monthly: $4,277.87 - $6,009.47
Benefits Eligible This is a benefits eligible position. The University of New Mexico provides a comprehensive package of benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. In addition, UNM offers educational benefits through the tuition remission and dependent education programs. See the Benefits home page for a more information.
ERB Statement As a condition of employment, eligible employees working greater than .25 FTE as determined by the New Mexico Education Retirement Act must make mandatory retirement contributions. For more information, review the Benefits Eligibility at a Glance grid.
Background Check Required Yes
For Best Consideration Date 10/20/2026
Eligible for Hiring Incentive No
Eligible for Remote Work No
Eligible for Remote Work Statement
Application Instructions

Only applications submitted through the official UNMJobs site will be accepted. If you are viewing this job advertisement on a 3rd party site, please visit UNMJobs to submit an application.

Cover letter, CV/resume, publication list, and 3 professional references

Positions posted with a Staff Type of Regular or Term are eligible for the Veteran Preference Program. See the Veteran Preference Program webpage for additional details.

The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.

The University of New Mexico requires all regular staff positions successfully pass a pre-employment background check. This may include, but is not limited to, a criminal history background check, New Mexico Department of Health fingerprint screening, New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department fingerprint screening, verification of education credentials, and/or verification of prior employment. For more information about background checks, visit https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3280.html . Refer to https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3200.html for a definition of Regular Staff.