Job Details

Post Doc Res Assoc w/Ret

Position Number: 6220752
Location: Salt Lake City, UT
Position Type: Laboratory and Research

Post Doc Res Assoc w/Ret

Job Summary

The Sleep and Circadian Physiology Laboratory (PI: Dr. Christopher Depner) in the Department of Health and Kinesiology at the University of Utah is seeking a full-time Postdoctoral Research Associate to join a dynamic, collaborative, and highly productive research team. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to an NIH-funded clinical trial investigating how sleep loss and circadian misalignment impair insulin sensitivity-a key risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Our long-term goal is to develop innovative, personalized interventions that improve sleep and circadian health to prevent cardiometabolic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, especially in high-risk groups like shift workers, healthcare professionals, students, military personnel, and first responders. As a postdoctoral researcher in our lab, you will be at the forefront of translational human physiology research, working with a motivated and interdisciplinary team. This role will involve leading day-to-day study operations, maintaining the highest standards in data quality and protocol adherence, analyzing and publishing impactful research findings, and contributing to new grant applications and future study design. You'll also help with participant engagement, oversee overnight clinical research visits, and mentor graduate and undergraduate trainees-making this an excellent stepping stone for a future faculty or leadership role in health research. Study visits will take place in well-equipped clinical research spaces at the University of Utah Hospital and the College of Health Research Complex, offering a rich, supportive environment for clinical translational science.

Responsibilities
1. Coordinate and manage the progress and daily operations of our new NIH-funded clinical trial on sleep restriction and insulin sensitivity; monitor and report recruitment progress to ensure we meet study milestones.
2. Implement detailed study protocols with precision and efficiency; may occasionally support early morning or overnight shifts (up to 0-5/month).
3. Lead data workflows from collection and cleaning to statistical analysis, interpretation, and publication.
4. Train, supervise, and support a team of 10-15 undergraduate research assistants, 3-5 graduate students, and 2-5 research assistants.
5. Contribute to publications from current and completed studies; co-author peer-reviewed manuscripts and conference presentations.
6. Maintain clear, timely documentation of any adverse events, deviations, or modifications; assist with IRB/NIH/DSMB reports and compliance.

Minimum Qualifications

Preferences

Special Instructions

Requisition Number: PRN41862B
Full Time or Part Time? Full Time
Work Schedule Summary:
Department: 00196 - Health & Kinesiology
Location: Campus
Pay Rate Range: DOE and NIH guidelines
Close Date: 8/9/2025
Open Until Filled:

To apply, visit https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/182313