Research Professional II - Turfgrass (Maricopa) (Extended Temporary Employment)

The Department of Environmental Sciences, extension is accepting applications for a Research Professional II to work at the Maricopa Agricultural Center. The primary responsibility of the Research Professional II will be providing technical support for turfgrass research focused on developing turfgrass germplasm with enhanced tolerance to abiotic (drought, heat, salinity) in collaboration with U. S. Arid Land Agricultural Research Center, Maricopa, AZ. This role involves hands-on work in the field, greenhouse, and laboratory settings, ensuring accurate data collection and implementation of breeding strategies to improve environmental resilience. The candidate will also conduct soil sampling, and analyses.

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!

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Planning, initiating, coordinating, and managing field, lab and greenhouse experiments:

• Prepare experimental plots, including planting, irrigation, fertilization, and weeding.
• Execute controlled environment and field experiments.
• Monitor plant growth, health, and stress responses (drought, heat, and salinity stress).
• Collect and record phenotypic data (yield, height, stress symptoms) and genotypic data (tissue samples), analyze, and interpret.
• Operate lab equipment (centrifuges, pH meters).
• Process samples (DNA extraction, seed cleaning) for molecular analysis.
• Maintain research facilities and equipment and ensure compliance with safety protocols.
• Collect soil samples, process them, and analyze them for soil parameters in the laboratory.
• Publish research results in peer-reviewed journals and presenting at relevant conferences, prepare project reports and procure research data.
• Prepare data summaries, charts, and outreach materials.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated experience in establishing complex field trials.
• Experience in plant genotypic (tissue samples) data collection.
• Experience in monitoring plant growth, health, and stress response.
• Experience with statistical analyses using software like R, SAS, or Python.
• Experience in handling and organizing large, complex datasets.

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.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience required.
• Three years of relevant work experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.

• PhD in turfgrass genetics.
• Demonstrated publications record in genetics, climate adaptation, or similar topics.
• Demonstrated experience in conducting field trials.