The University of Arizona

Research Technician III, Cellular and Molecular Medicine

Closes: Dec 5, 2026

Salary: $18 – $23 per hour

Posting Number: req27169

Department: Cellular & Molecular Medicine

Location: Tucson Campus

Address: Tucson, AZ USA

Position Highlights

The Churko Laboratory in the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine is hiring a Research Specialist to support NIH-funded research on bicuspid aortic valve disease. The lab uses patient-derived human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) to generate cardiomyocytes and other cardiac cell types, as well as a mouse model, to study the disease mechanisms with functional assays, single-cell genomics, and engineered heart tissues.

This person will be the wet-lab expert: maintaining hiPSC lines and a mouse colony, performing iPSC-derived cardiac differentiations, executing molecular and cellular assays, performing primary culture isolations, and keeping the lab organized.

Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; and more.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; state retirement plan; access to UA 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 relocation services, please click here.

Duties & Responsibilities

Conduct laboratory experiments with minimal supervision, including:

Maintain, expand, and quality-control human iPSC lines, including thawing, passaging, cryopreservation, and mycoplasma testing; troubleshoot culture problems such as contamination, spontaneous differentiation, or poor viability, and recommend corrective actions to the PI.

Differentiate hiPSCs into cardiomyocytes and other cardiac lineages, including epicardial, fibroblast, and endothelial cells; characterize and validate differentiated cell populations.

Perform functional phenotyping of iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes using calcium imaging, contractility measurements, and related functional assays, and determine whether data meet quality criteria before analysis.

Perform molecular and cell biology assays, including RNA and protein isolation, qPCR, Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and microscopy, and troubleshoot assay failures.

Maintain mouse colonies for laboratory research, including:

Plan and track breeding schemes and wean litters to maintain experimental lines.
Genotype mice and determine breeding and experimental assignments from results.
Harvest tissues for molecular and histological analysis.
Perform physiological assessments on study animals

Record-keeping, Analysis, and Presentations:

Communicate experimental progress, problems, and results to the PI and laboratory staff.
Maintain accurate, detailed records of experiments and results, and enter data into laboratory databases.
Catalog specimens and samples.
Analyze and interpret experimental data independently and present findings to the PI.

Operational Support:

Orders and catalogs laboratory supplies and supports laboratory operations.
Operating, maintaining and troubleshoot highly specialized and sophisticated scientific apparatuses, equipment, and instruments.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Knowledge of cell biology, molecular biology, and biochemistry principles and techniques.
Ability to maintain consistent, aseptic tissue culture practices and procedures.
Skill in troubleshooting laboratory procedures and optimizing experimental protocols.
Knowledge in effective organization, communication, and project management.
Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a collaborative research team.
Ability to learn quickly & multitask.
Knowledge and skill in cell culture, molecular cloning, nucleic acid analysis, protein biochemistry, and microscopy techniques.
Knowledge in the safe and appropriate handling of laboratory mice.

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.
Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.

Preferred Qualifications

B.S. degree with experience in cell biology, molecular biology, and/or biochemistry techniques.

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: $18.15-$22.69

Compensation Type: hourly rate

Grade

4

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

OC3

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

Gerry Flores

gflores007@arizona.edu

Open Until Filled: Yes

Documents Needed to Apply: Resume and Cover Letter

Special Instructions to Applicant

Application: The online application should be completed in its entirety. Blank or missing information may be considered an incomplete submission.

Cover Letter: Should clearly indicate how your skills and professional employment experience meet the Minimum and the Preferred qualifications (if applicable).

Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University's campuses. These reports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures.
Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at cleryact@arizona.edu.

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About the employer

The University of Arizona

3.5 Star Employer Ranking

AcademicJobs.com is the premier platform to discover University of Arizona jobs, connecting talented professionals with exceptional career opportunities at one of the United States’ leading public research universities. The University of Arizona, located in Tucson, Arizona, is renowned for its innovative research and academic excellence, making University of Arizona uni jobs highly sought after by academics and professionals globally. University of Arizona careers offer a dynamic and collaborative environment for individuals to excel. University of Arizona university careers span a diverse range of disciplines, reflecting the university’s key areas of academic specialization, including astronomy, optical sciences, biosciences, environmental science, and social sciences. Employment University of Arizona includes roles such as professors, research fellows, postdoctoral scholars, and professional staff positions, catering to various expertise levels. For those pursuing University of Arizona jobs Tucson, the university’s vibrant campus provides a collaborative workplace in a sunny, culturally rich desert city. University of Arizona vacancies and job postings are showcased on AcademicJobs.com, where candidates can explore opportunities in teaching, groundbreaking research, and administrative roles. Jobs at University of Arizona cover fields like space exploration, public health, and sustainable agriculture, aligning with the university’s commitment to addressing global challenges through discovery and innovation. Each University of Arizona vacancy is an opportunity to contribute to impactful projects within a distinguished academic community. University of Arizona Employment Opportunities are extensive, with University of Arizona job Opportunities ranging from academic faculty to technical and operational roles. A University of Arizona Career offers the chance to join an institution that values intellectual curiosity, diversity, and societal impact. University of Arizona uni openings are regularly updated on AcademicJobs.com, ensuring access to the latest University of Arizona vacancies. Jobs at University of Arizona uni are ideal for those passionate about advancing knowledge and driving progress. University of Arizona job postings include positions in anthropology, engineering, and professional services such as IT and research administration. University of Arizona Employment through AcademicJobs.com connects talented individuals with University of Arizona Uni vacancies, providing a seamless pathway to join a world-leading university shaping the future.

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Research Technician III, Cellular and Molecular Medicine