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Research Assistant Professor (Career-Track)

Posting Number req26728

Department Pharmacology and Toxicology

Department Website Link https://www.pharmacy.arizona.edu/departments-directory/pharmacology-toxicology-department

Medical Sub-Speciality

Location Tucson Campus

Address Tucson, AZ USA

The Research Assistant Professor in Virology will develop antifungals against fungal pathogens such as Cryptococcusneoformans, Candida auris, C. albicans, Coccidioides immitus, and Aspergillus fumigatus. The role involves designing andexecuting assays to identify and validate antifungal candidates and integrating mycology with drug discovery to advancepreclinical therapeutics.

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!

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.

• Design, develop, and execute in vitro assays to identify and characterizesmall-molecule and biologic antifungal candidates against emerging viruses, including Cryptococcus neoformans, Candidaauris, C. albicans, Coccidioides immitus, and Aspergillus fumigatus.

• Conduct and oversee preclinical in vivo studies in relevant animal models to assess efficacy, pharmacokinetics, and safety of antifungal candidates.

• Investigate fungal replication, pathogenesis, and host-fungi interactions to inform rational drug design and optimization of antifungal therapeutics.

• Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams including medicinal chemists, structural biologists, and clinicians to advance antiviral projects from discovery to preclinical development.

• Prepare manuscripts, grant reports, and presentations to disseminate research findings and support funding and regulatory requirements.

• Strong knowledge of mycology, fungal replication mechanisms, and host–fungus interactions.
• Skilled in designing and performing in vitro antifungal assays, cell culture techniques, and molecular biology methods.
• Skilled in conducting and interpreting in vivo animal studies for infectious diseases, including efficacy and PK/PD evaluation.
• Ability to analyze, interpret, and present complex scientific data clearly in written and oral formats.
• Demonstrated skills in experimental design, troubleshooting, and independent problem-solving.
• Ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams and manage multiple projects effectively.
• Knowledge and familiarity with biosafety regulations and experience working in BSL-2/BSL-3 laboratory environments

• Ph.D. in Virology, Mycology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, or a related biomedical field, with at least 5 years of relevant research experience in antifungal drug discovery or molecular mycology.
• Demonstrated expertise in in vitro mycology assays and experience with in vivo animal models for infectious diseases are required.
• A strong track record of peer-reviewed publications and experience working in multidisciplinary research teams is expected.

• Prior experience in antifungal drug discovery and development.
• Experience working with high-containment fungi and in BSL-3 laboratory settings.
• Prior experience in antiviral development against fungal pathogens and familiarity with BSL-2/BSL-3 laboratory practices is highly desirable.

Rank Assistant Professor

FLSA Exempt

Full Time/Part Time Full Time

Number of Hours Worked per Week 40

Job FTE 1.0

Work Calendar Fiscal

Job Category Faculty

Benefits Eligible Yes - Full Benefits

Rate of Pay DOE

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 Hongmin Li I hli001@pharmacy.arizona.edu

Open Date 8/7/2026

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 Campus Safety 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.