"Research Technologist I (Maricopa, AZ)"

Research Technologist I (Maricopa, AZ)

Company: The University of Arizona

Job Location: Tucson, 85724

Category: Laboratory and Research

Type: Full-Time

Posting Number: req23936

Department: School of Plant Sciences-Res

Location: Outside of Tucson

Address: 37860 W Smith Enke Rd., Maricopa, AZ 85138 USA

Position Highlights

The Melandri lab at the School of Plant Sciences is seeking a field specialist, Research Technologist I. 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 Field Research Technologist I who will be responsible for managing the experimental field trials conducted at the Maricopa Agricultural Center (MAC), in Maricopa, AZ. This is a harsh working environment that, during the summer, requires to spend several hours outside at temperatures that can reach 110°F.

Under the PI's supervision, and in collaboration with the farm crew at MAC, the field specialist will manage/organize all the aspects (e.g., field preparation, planting, weeding, fertilizer application, irrigation, spraying, tissue sampling, harvest, and post-harvest processing) of the crop field trials. The main crops of interest are sorghum, durum wheat, and cotton. The field specialist will also be responsible for collecting data (e.g., using handheld instruments, moisture probes, and the lab's drone) and organizing them in excel spreadsheets. The Field Research Technologist will be under the direction of Dr. Giovanni Melandri and mainly work at MAC.

Outstanding UA 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; retirement plans; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!

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Duties & Responsibilities

• Assist in the planning and set-up of MAC field crop trials for example: field preparation, planting, weeding, fertilizer application, irrigation, spraying, tissue sampling, harvest, and post-harvest processing, under the direction of supervisor.
• Assist with the collection and organization of data from the field trials utilizing handheld instruments, moisture probes, and the lab's drone, and maintain documentation of the data in excel spreadsheets as directed by supervisor.
• Assist in maintaining up-to-date digital field logbooks daily with guidance from supervisor.
• Operate and maintain field equipment on a weekly and monthly basis and assist with equipment training efforts as directed by supervisor.
• Assist in collecting tissue samples from field trials and store them in the freezer, under the supervisor direction.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Documented experience working in field crop trials, preferably in Arizona.
• Skilled in data collection.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through experience required.
• 1 year of relevant work experience required.
• Must have a valid driver's license and ability to drive according to the University Fleet Safety Policy.

FLSA: 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: $53,039 - $66,299

Compensation Type: salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)

Grade: 7

Career Stream and Level: PC1

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