Research Technician III (Extended Temporary)

Position Highlights

The Babst lab in the School of Natural Resources and the Environment at the University of Arizona is seeking a qualified and highly motivated research technician with experience in leading and conducting research and laboratory tasks in the field of forest and landscape ecology. The lab uses a variety of field ecological, remote sensing, and laboratory-based approaches to assess vegetation growth and functioning in natural and anthropogenic dryland settings.

The successful candidate will partake in multiple scientific projects situated in and beyond the U.S. Southwest. They will lead tasks at many stages of the scientific process: field data collection, preparation of wood and soil samples, laboratory measurements of growth patterns (i.e., tree-ring data and radiocarbon dating), data curation and archiving. As part of a team and individually, the new team member will engage in data analysis and the dissemination of research outcome. The selected appointee will also guide the work of others, including undergraduate student workers, and will coordinate lab space and activities. Finally, the new team member may be asked to support teaching activities of the lab, as needed.

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.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Ecological data collection: Lead dendroecological field campaigns in and beyond the U.S. Southwest to collect wood and soil specimen. Prepare samples and measure plant parameters, including structure, growth, tissue density, rooting patterns, etc.
• Data processing and dissemination: Curate metadata and raw measurements of plant and soil parameters; conduct research-oriented data analyses including statistics, mapping, and visualization; archive data according to the FAIR principles; support the dissemination of research outcome to scientific, industrial, and public audiences.
• Coordination of lab space and activities: Maintain space and instrumentation in a clean and functional manner; organize the use of lab setups by team members; purchase supplies and equipment as needed; coordinate meetings and information exchange.
• Mentoring of junior lab members: Train undergraduate and graduate students in field sampling and laboratory techniques; guide data generation and analysis of student projects.
• Supporting educational activities: Assist with laboratory and/or discussion components of teaching done by other lab members; correspond with students on these topics as needed.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to work effectively in a team and communicate with people of all ages and ranks.
• Physical ability to conduct ecological fieldwork under U.S. Southwestern conditions (outdoor settings, heat), including hiking to field sites and lifting/carrying collected specimen.
• Knowledge of recent advancements in dendroecological laboratory techniques.
• Solid theoretical understanding of dryland ecosystem processes.

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 in research experience in natural resources, environmental sciences, ecology, geography, bio geochemistry, or related fields or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Ability to drive according to the University Fleet Safety Policy.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree upon hire.
• Experience with dendrochronological fieldwork and laboratory techniques.
• Experience with radiocarbon measurements of wood specimens.

FLSA: Non-Exempt

Full Time/Part Time: Full Time

Number of Hours Worked per Week: 40

Job FTE: 1.00

Work Calendar: Fiscal

Job Category: Research

Benefits Eligible: Yes - Full Benefits

Rate of Pay: DOE

Compensation Type: hourly rate

Grade: 4

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

Expected End Date: 5/24/2027

Contact Information for Candidates:
Dr. Flurin Babst
babst@arizona.edu

Open Until Filled: Yes

Documents Needed to Apply: Resume and Cover Letter