Research Technician III (Part-Time) (Extended Temporary Employment)

The School of Animal & Comparative Biomedical Sciences is currently seeking a well-organized and highly motivated candidate for the position of Research Technician III. This position will primarily support Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) diagnostic processes for aquaculture disease surveillance and analyzing results This Research Technician III will also provide support disease diagnosis work in shrimp. The successful candidate will carry out sampling of shrimp tissue, feed, feed ingredients, extract nucleic acids and perform PCR-based assays for crustacean pathogen detection. The successful candidate will be extremely detail-oriented and have the ability to work independently, demonstrating good organization and multi-tasking skills. The selected candidate will be designated to work under the supervision of a lab manager and lab director.

This is an Extended Temporary Employment (ETE) 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, please click here.

• PCR Diagnostics.
• Performing nucleic acid extractions (DNA and RNA).
• Preparation and running of PCR (conventional and real-time) reactions.
• Running agarose gel electrophoresis, analysis of PCR results.
• Preparation of diagnostic reports.
• Updating of diagnostic database to reflect day to day PCR results.
• Maintaining stocks of positive control tissue and plasmid.
• Conducting research work on shrimp diseases as directed by the PI.
• Provide routine and technical administrative support to research projects, including sample intake and maintaining organized records and files for PCR testing.
• Refine, adapt, and develop procedures or techniques to meet experimental or testing requirements.
• Modify or design equipment as needed for PCR testing.
• Assist in PCR studies at our West Campus location, which may be outside.
• Assists in conducting routine research studies for both internal and external collaborations under general supervision, including handling sample intake, collecting samples, compiling data, and completing basic result calculations.
• Set up and performs a variety of laboratory and field tests, which may include visits to the west campus for study activities or data collection.
• Records observations, analyzes data, and interprets test results to support ongoing research efforts.
• Communicate with internal departments to discuss findings in PCR testing of shrimp and other aquatic species.
• Assist as needed with cleaning the laboratory and maintaining equipment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to make decisions that impact their own job function or specific project.
• Knowledge of principles and policies of tissue processing for PCR testing.
• Skilled in functional data analysis.
• Skilled in multitasking and organization.
• Proficient in English and basic Spanish vocabulary (helpful but not required).
• Knowledgeable and able to contribute at a high level across all aspects of the job.

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.

• High School diploma or High School diploma equivalency.
• Five years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.

• Bachelor's or Master's Degree preferred.