"Research Technician I"

Position Highlights

The 'Melandri Lab' at the School of Plant Sciences in Tucson and is seeking a Research Technician. The lab's research program focuses on physiological and biochemical mechanisms able to confer heat and drought stress tolerance to crops. We are seeking an enthusiastic, organized, technically skilled Research Technician who will assist in the management of the biochemistry laboratory and conduct biochemical experiments (90% of the time) and support field activities (10% of the time). Under supervision, the technician will carry out laboratory procedures following and optimizing protocols for measuring (via UV-Vis spectroscopy) targeted metabolites and enzyme activities in leaf tissues and estimating (via NIR analyzer) plant tissues/seeds composition in different crops. The technician will also assist with preparing tissue samples for metabolomics analyses (mainly conducted at the UA Mass Spectrometry Core Facility) and support field activities. The position is ideally suited for a recent college graduate who is seeking additional years of hands-on research experience before pursuing graduate school. The Research Technician will be under the direction of Dr. Giovanni Melandri and will be based and work in the Keating (BIO5) Bioresearch Building, in Tucson, and, occasionally, at the Maricopa Agricultural Center, in Maricopa.

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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Duties & Responsibilities

• Prepare clean sterilize and maintain lab samples and stocks.
• Operate and maintain lab equipment.
• Under the supervision of Dr. Melandri, conduct and optimize biochemical assays on plant tissue samples.
• Contribute to the organization and stock monitoring of laboratory supplies.
• Support field activities (planting, sampling, harvest).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to learn and operate complex lab equipment.
• Knowledge on how to prepare basic chemical solution (e.g., calculate molarity and dilutions).
• Ability to work in an agricultural field hot environment.
• Strong organizational skills, prioritization skills, time management skills, and attention to details.

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.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or high school diploma equivalency is required.
• Prior work experience not required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science with demonstrated laboratory experience.
• Preferred if BS in Biochemistry.

FLSA: Non-Exempt
Full Time/Part Time: Full Time
Number of Hours Worked per Week: 40
Job FTE: 1.0
Work Calendar: Fiscal
Job Category: Research
Benefits Eligible: Yes - Full Benefits
Rate of Pay: DOE
Compensation Type: hourly rate
Grade: 2

Compensation Guidance
The Rate of Pay Field represents the University of Arizona's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. The University considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.
The Grade Range represent a full range of career compensation growth over time. The university offers compensation growth opportunities within its career architecture. To learn more about compensation, please review our Applicant Compensation Guide and our Total Rewards Calculator.

Career Stream and Level: OC1
Job Family: Research & Lab
Job Function: Research
Type of criminal background check required: Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)
Number of Vacancies: 1

Contact Information for Candidates
Dr. Giovanni Melandri
gmelandri@arizona.edu

Open Until Filled: Yes
Documents Needed to Apply: Resume and Cover Letter