Research Scientist Jobs in Arizona
Research Scientist jobs in Arizona are in steady demand, with hiring concentrated in biotechnology, semiconductor research, defense sciences, and academic medicine, and openings for candidates at every level from entry-level associate researcher through senior principal scientist. Phoenix, Tucson, and the Tempe-Scottsdale corridor are the state's primary hiring centers, where employers such as Intel, Banner Health, and the University of Arizona sustain ongoing research programs. The most sought-after specializations in Arizona include materials science, biomedical research, and computational modeling. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 9+ Research Scientist jobs
Primary City/State:
Sun City, ArizonaDepartment Name:
Neuropathology Lab-RsrchWork Shift:
DayJob Category:
ResearchJoin One of the World's Leading Clinicopathological Research Programs
The Banner Sun Health Research Institute Brain and Body Donation Program (BBDP) is seeking an outstanding early-career PhD scientist to join our multidisciplinary research team studying aging and neurodegenerative diseases.
This position offers a rare opportunity to build an independent research program within one of the most extensively characterized longitudinal clinicopathological cohorts in the world. For nearly three decades, the BBDP has combined prospective clinical evaluations with comprehensive postmortem neuropathological assessments, creating an exceptionally rich resource for investigations of Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Lewy body disorders, and related neurodegenerative conditions. The successful candidate will have access to extensive human brain and body tissue collections linked to detailed clinical, neuropsychological, neuropathological, genetic, imaging, and biomarker data. The position provides broad opportunities to develop and lead research projects, publish high-impact studies, establish national and international collaborations, and contribute to major initiatives advancing the understanding of neurodegenerative disease and aging.
What You Will Do
- Develop and lead innovative research projects focused on Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Lewy body disorders, and related neurodegenerative conditions using one of the world's most extensively characterized clinicopathological cohorts and its associated longitudinal clinical, imaging, biomarker, genetic, and neuropathological datasets.
- Analyze and integrate multidisciplinary data and biospecimens to investigate disease mechanisms, resilience, progression, and clinicopathological relationships across aging and neurodegenerative disorders.
- Lead and contribute to scientific publications, conference presentations, grant applications, and collaborative research initiatives, with opportunities to develop an independent area of scientific focus and establish national and international collaborations.
- Work closely with clinical and research teams to integrate participant outcomes, longitudinal clinical observations, and neuropathological findings into impactful studies while helping maximize the scientific value of BBDP biological samples and data resources.
- Serve as a scientific resource for internal and external investigators, study staff, program participants, donors, and families, communicating scientific concepts, explaining research objectives and findings, and addressing research-related questions in collaboration with program leadership.
- Contribute to the scientific growth of BBDP, participating in collaborative initiatives, and fostering partnerships across academia, industry, and nonprofit organizations.
Qualifications
- PhD in neuroscience, neuropathology, pathology, biomedical sciences, or a related discipline, with approximately 3-4 years (or more) of postdoctoral research experience.
- Demonstrated expertise in neuropathology and neurodegenerative disease research, with experience working with human tissue specimens and clinicopathological datasets strongly preferred.
- Strong record of peer-reviewed publications, including first-author manuscripts, along with excellent scientific writing, analytical, communication, and organizational skills.
- Experience studying Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Lewy body disorders, or related neurodegenerative conditions, with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary research teams.
- Ability to communicate scientific concepts effectively to investigators, research staff, study participants, donors, and family members.
- Prior experience contributing to grant applications or obtaining research funding is welcomed but not required. Funding and infrastructure are available to support the successful candidate's research program, collaborations, and professional development.
Schedule: M-F 8am-430pm
Location: Banner Research, 10515 W. Santa Fe Drive, Sun City, AZ.
Banner Alzheimer's Institute (BAI) was established in 2006 as Banner Health's first Center of Excellence. Banner Sun Health Research Institute (BSHRI) was founded in 1986. Our team is uniquely, passionately, and strategically committed to ending Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders without losing another generation, advancing oncology research to improve cancer prevention and treatment outcomes, and providing an unparalleled model of care for families facing these devastating diseases. Banner Research is committed to improving people's lives through comprehensive patient care and advances that capitalize on the best biomedical research. We intend to make a transformational difference in Alzheimer's disease, other neurodegenerative disorders, and oncology research and care.POSITION SUMMARY
This position provides technical assistance in the areas of anatomical pathology through application and instruction and is responsible for complex clinical and research laboratory procedures and administrative duties to support the scope of the center. It oversees the performance and training of staff and includes supervision of Pathology Technicians and other laboratory employees.
CORE FUNCTIONS
1. Supervises preparatory logistics of human postmortem examinations: Supervises training and ongoing performance of Pathology Technicians and other laboratory staff and is also able to personally perform the following duties. Obtains perimortem clinical information from family/home care staff and arranges transportation of cadaver. Retrieves patient’s medical chart and other pertinent data for review by pathologist. Confers with the pathologist to identify any special techniques and procedures to be utilized in the completion of the postmortem examination. Advises department head of any unusual or potentially hazardous conditions relevant to the planned autopsy.
2. Supervises human postmortem examinations: Supervises training and ongoing performance of Pathology Technicians and other laboratory staff and is also able to personally perform the following duties. Performs postmortem examinations which may include: external examination; in situ organ inspection; evisceration; dissection. Dictates and/or records data such as organ weight, presence of body fluids, and gross anatomic findings. Recognizes and describes gross anatomic pathology. Selects, prepares and submits appropriate gross tissue samples as well as appropriate body fluids for research banking and diagnostic use. Performs database entry to provide records of autopsy findings and tissue obtained.
3. Fills research requests for tissue as well as needed clinical and pathological data, including consultation with researchers on their study design, especially in the area of appropriate subject and tissue selection, as well as inventory search, tissue retrieval from storage, tissue dissection as necessary, supervision of cryostat sectioning, shipping and database documentation of tissue requests and updated tissue inventory.
4. Photographs and/or supervises documentary photography of the body, organs, microscopic slides and other pertinent materials as needed.
5. Gathers and organizes clinical information and data and prepares a preliminary written summary of the clinical history. Supervises and/or performs written reports of gross autopsy findings.
6. Performs administrative, personnel supervision and training duties related to anatomic pathology, histology, research projects and research tissue banking protocols.
7. Assures the proper maintenance of essential equipment, the provision of adequate supplies and the cleanliness and orderliness of the autopsy suite, laboratory and tissue storage facilities.
8. Performs related work which may include animal surgery, histological procedures, analysis of microscopic slides or data, review and summary of scientific literature and writing of scientific reports and publications.
9. Customers are both external and internal to the organization and are primarily scientists who make tissue requests. Does come into contact with outside vendors, couriers, and professionals who bring specimens to the laboratory.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Candidates must have a Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent degree, a strong background in anatomy and histology and a minimum of four years of relevant experience as a postdoctoral fellow.
Must be organized and capable of supervising and training other staff. Demonstrated ability to maintain absolute confidentiality regarding specimens and the findings associated with the laboratory functions. Must be able to maintain good rapport with departmental personnel and be able to work flexible hours (e.g., evenings and weekends on-call).
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
PhD and additional education/experience in biomedical research involving human tissue. Eligible for a faculty appointment at the level of an Assistant or Associate Professor.
Additional related education and/or experience preferred.
EEO Statement:
EEO/Disabled/Veterans
Our organization supports a drug-free work environment.
Privacy Policy:
Privacy Policy
Primary City/State:
Sun City, ArizonaDepartment Name:
Neuropathology Lab-RsrchWork Shift:
DayJob Category:
ResearchJoin One of the World's Leading Clinicopathological Research Programs
The Banner Sun Health Research Institute Brain and Body Donation Program (BBDP) is seeking an outstanding early-career PhD scientist to join our multidisciplinary research team studying aging and neurodegenerative diseases.
This position offers a rare opportunity to build an independent research program within one of the most extensively characterized longitudinal clinicopathological cohorts in the world. For nearly three decades, the BBDP has combined prospective clinical evaluations with comprehensive postmortem neuropathological assessments, creating an exceptionally rich resource for investigations of Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Lewy body disorders, and related neurodegenerative conditions. The successful candidate will have access to extensive human brain and body tissue collections linked to detailed clinical, neuropsychological, neuropathological, genetic, imaging, and biomarker data. The position provides broad opportunities to develop and lead research projects, publish high-impact studies, establish national and international collaborations, and contribute to major initiatives advancing the understanding of neurodegenerative disease and aging.
What You Will Do
- Develop and lead innovative research projects focused on Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Lewy body disorders, and related neurodegenerative conditions using one of the world's most extensively characterized clinicopathological cohorts and its associated longitudinal clinical, imaging, biomarker, genetic, and neuropathological datasets.
- Analyze and integrate multidisciplinary data and biospecimens to investigate disease mechanisms, resilience, progression, and clinicopathological relationships across aging and neurodegenerative disorders.
- Lead and contribute to scientific publications, conference presentations, grant applications, and collaborative research initiatives, with opportunities to develop an independent area of scientific focus and establish national and international collaborations.
- Work closely with clinical and research teams to integrate participant outcomes, longitudinal clinical observations, and neuropathological findings into impactful studies while helping maximize the scientific value of BBDP biological samples and data resources.
- Serve as a scientific resource for internal and external investigators, study staff, program participants, donors, and families, communicating scientific concepts, explaining research objectives and findings, and addressing research-related questions in collaboration with program leadership.
- Contribute to the scientific growth of BBDP, participating in collaborative initiatives, and fostering partnerships across academia, industry, and nonprofit organizations.
Qualifications
- PhD in neuroscience, neuropathology, pathology, biomedical sciences, or a related discipline, with approximately 3-4 years (or more) of postdoctoral research experience.
- Demonstrated expertise in neuropathology and neurodegenerative disease research, with experience working with human tissue specimens and clinicopathological datasets strongly preferred.
- Strong record of peer-reviewed publications, including first-author manuscripts, along with excellent scientific writing, analytical, communication, and organizational skills.
- Experience studying Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Lewy body disorders, or related neurodegenerative conditions, with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary research teams.
- Ability to communicate scientific concepts effectively to investigators, research staff, study participants, donors, and family members.
- Prior experience contributing to grant applications or obtaining research funding is welcomed but not required. Funding and infrastructure are available to support the successful candidate's research program, collaborations, and professional development.
Schedule: M-F 8am-430pm
Location: Banner Research, 10515 W. Santa Fe Drive, Sun City, AZ.
Banner Alzheimer's Institute (BAI) was established in 2006 as Banner Health's first Center of Excellence. Banner Sun Health Research Institute (BSHRI) was founded in 1986. Our team is uniquely, passionately, and strategically committed to ending Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders without losing another generation, advancing oncology research to improve cancer prevention and treatment outcomes, and providing an unparalleled model of care for families facing these devastating diseases. Banner Research is committed to improving people's lives through comprehensive patient care and advances that capitalize on the best biomedical research. We intend to make a transformational difference in Alzheimer's disease, other neurodegenerative disorders, and oncology research and care.POSITION SUMMARY
This position provides technical assistance in the areas of anatomical pathology through application and instruction and is responsible for complex clinical and research laboratory procedures and administrative duties to support the scope of the center. It oversees the performance and training of staff and includes supervision of Pathology Technicians and other laboratory employees.
CORE FUNCTIONS
1. Supervises preparatory logistics of human postmortem examinations: Supervises training and ongoing performance of Pathology Technicians and other laboratory staff and is also able to personally perform the following duties. Obtains perimortem clinical information from family/home care staff and arranges transportation of cadaver. Retrieves patient’s medical chart and other pertinent data for review by pathologist. Confers with the pathologist to identify any special techniques and procedures to be utilized in the completion of the postmortem examination. Advises department head of any unusual or potentially hazardous conditions relevant to the planned autopsy.
2. Supervises human postmortem examinations: Supervises training and ongoing performance of Pathology Technicians and other laboratory staff and is also able to personally perform the following duties. Performs postmortem examinations which may include: external examination; in situ organ inspection; evisceration; dissection. Dictates and/or records data such as organ weight, presence of body fluids, and gross anatomic findings. Recognizes and describes gross anatomic pathology. Selects, prepares and submits appropriate gross tissue samples as well as appropriate body fluids for research banking and diagnostic use. Performs database entry to provide records of autopsy findings and tissue obtained.
3. Fills research requests for tissue as well as needed clinical and pathological data, including consultation with researchers on their study design, especially in the area of appropriate subject and tissue selection, as well as inventory search, tissue retrieval from storage, tissue dissection as necessary, supervision of cryostat sectioning, shipping and database documentation of tissue requests and updated tissue inventory.
4. Photographs and/or supervises documentary photography of the body, organs, microscopic slides and other pertinent materials as needed.
5. Gathers and organizes clinical information and data and prepares a preliminary written summary of the clinical history. Supervises and/or performs written reports of gross autopsy findings.
6. Performs administrative, personnel supervision and training duties related to anatomic pathology, histology, research projects and research tissue banking protocols.
7. Assures the proper maintenance of essential equipment, the provision of adequate supplies and the cleanliness and orderliness of the autopsy suite, laboratory and tissue storage facilities.
8. Performs related work which may include animal surgery, histological procedures, analysis of microscopic slides or data, review and summary of scientific literature and writing of scientific reports and publications.
9. Customers are both external and internal to the organization and are primarily scientists who make tissue requests. Does come into contact with outside vendors, couriers, and professionals who bring specimens to the laboratory.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Candidates must have a Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent degree, a strong background in anatomy and histology and a minimum of four years of relevant experience as a postdoctoral fellow.
Must be organized and capable of supervising and training other staff. Demonstrated ability to maintain absolute confidentiality regarding specimens and the findings associated with the laboratory functions. Must be able to maintain good rapport with departmental personnel and be able to work flexible hours (e.g., evenings and weekends on-call).
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
PhD and additional education/experience in biomedical research involving human tissue. Eligible for a faculty appointment at the level of an Assistant or Associate Professor.
Additional related education and/or experience preferred.
EEO Statement:
EEO/Disabled/Veterans
Our organization supports a drug-free work environment.
Privacy Policy:
Privacy Policy
See All 9 Research Scientist Jobs in Arizona
Find roles in Arizona that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Research Scientist JobsResearch Scientist Jobs by City in Arizona
Where Arizona roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Research Scientist Job Market in Arizona
A snapshot from current Arizona openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Government & Public Sector
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What Arizona Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in research scientist jobs across Arizona.
- Master's or doctoral degree in a relevant scientific discipline from an accredited institution
- Demonstrated laboratory or field research experience in biology, chemistry, or materials science
- Proficiency with statistical analysis software such as R, Python, or MATLAB
- Experience designing and executing controlled experiments and documenting protocols
- Ability to write and contribute to peer-reviewed publications or technical reports
- Familiarity with IRB, IACUC, or federal research compliance requirements for funded studies
Research Scientist Jobs in Arizona: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a research scientist in Arizona?
Most research scientist positions in Arizona require at least a master's degree, and many senior or principal roles require a doctorate in a field such as biology, chemistry, physics, or engineering. Arizona does not issue a state license specifically for research scientists, so hiring decisions rest on your academic credentials, publications, and demonstrated lab or field experience. Researchers working in clinical settings may need additional certifications tied to their specific area, such as clinical research coordinator credentials.
Which companies hire research scientists in Arizona?
Employers hiring research scientists in Arizona right now include CommonSpirit Health, University of Arizona, and Arizona State University, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Arizona's concentration of semiconductor manufacturers, academic medical centers, and federally funded defense contractors makes it a particularly active state for applied and translational research roles.
Which Arizona cities have the most research scientist jobs?
The cities with the most research scientist openings in Arizona are Phoenix, Tempe, and Tucson. Phoenix and its east Valley suburbs draw the largest share of postings because of the region's semiconductor fabrication facilities, large hospital research networks, and university satellite campuses, while Tucson's activity is anchored by the University of Arizona and its affiliated medical and science programs.
Are there remote research scientist jobs in Arizona?
Yes, but they're rare. Most research scientist work requires physical access to laboratory equipment, samples, or clinical settings, which limits fully remote arrangements. About 25% of research scientist openings tied to Arizona are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, and those positions tend to involve data analysis, bioinformatics, or scientific writing rather than bench or field work.
How can I get hired as a research scientist in Arizona with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a research assistant or junior research associate role, which major Arizona employers including Banner Health, the University of Arizona, and Arizona State University post regularly for candidates with a bachelor's degree and coursework in a relevant science. Completing a thesis-based master's program at an Arizona institution strengthens your candidacy significantly, as does a published paper or poster presentation. Lateral moves from clinical laboratory technician, quality control analyst, or data analyst roles are also common entry points for candidates without direct research titles.
Where can I find and apply to research scientist jobs in Arizona?
You can find and apply to research scientist jobs in Arizona on Migrate Mate, which lists current Arizona openings from employers across the state. Find the roles that fit your background and apply directly through each listing.
See All 9 Research Scientist Jobs in Arizona
Find roles in Arizona that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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