Posting Number req26644
Department School of Plant Sciences-Res
Department Website Link School of Plant Sciences
Location Tucson Campus
Address 1145 E 4th Street, Tucson, AZ 85719 USA
Position Highlights
The University of Arizona School of Plant Sciences is looking for a Research Technician IV. The successful candidate for this position conducts and supports microbiology and plant-microbe interaction research by developing protocols to address challenging research questions about how plants and microbes interact, and whether these interactions can be engineered to develop new agricultural technologies. Duties will include leading and performing experiments, summarizing and interpreting experiment data, and submitting research reports in laboratory setting. We are looking for a research technician with background and experience in bacteriology specifically plant bacteriology (plant pathology or host-microbe interactions) who will develop, facilitate, and implement the scientific protocols needed to reach our biological research aims. We seek a candidate who with knowledge and technical skills related to culturing and working with bacteria. The research technician should be capable of evaluating data independently. They will develop, adapt, and build equipment, procedures, and techniques to fit specific experiment requirements. Duties will include performing necessary research and support related tasks in the laboratory. They will also manage daily laboratory maintenance and tasks.
This is an Extended Temporary Employment (ETE) position.
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; 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.
Duties & Responsibilities
Leads in the planning, design, set-up and disassembly of complex experimental systems.
Selects, adapts, and implements procedures, and standards to ensure the efficiency, effectiveness, and quality control of the laboratory operation and supports compliance activities with federal, state, and university regulations and standards.
Designs primers, plasmids, and chimeric receptors in silico by selecting and optimizing appropriate molecular designs.
Independently follows, evaluates, and adapts detailed protocols for PCR, and other molecular biology techniques to construct plasmids and bacterial strains, resolving complex technical issues with experimental design and execution.
Develops detailed protocols for the fluorescent, and luminescent reporting of bacterial signaling by independently designing and adapting current laboratory protocols for high throughput screening and developing advanced controls and standards for the generation and analysis of largescale, complex data.
Works collaboratively with plant scientists and computational scientists to lead interpretation of complex data, analyze results, and interpret protein structure data, providing technical input to experimental design decisions.
Maintains and organizes comprehensive records, observations, data analysis and interpretations of experimental results for effective team science.
Prepares detailed technical reports, summaries, and protocols that document methods, performance, and reliability of experimental systems.
Oversees and performs critical aspects of laboratory maintenance, including cleaning and sterilization of labware used for research, preparation of sterile media, buffers, and laboratory stock reagents, and the setup, monitoring, troubleshooting, and long-term optimization of bacterial cultures.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Knowledge of bacterial physiology.
Skills culturing bacteria and with sterile technique.
Knowledge fluorescent and luminescent assays.
Skills with bacterial genetics (e.g. PCR, analyzing sequence and genome data).
Skills in detail-oriented notetaking.
Ability to communicate scientific concepts clearly and promptly with team members and supervisors.
Ability to perform experiments and analyze experimental data independently.
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 7 years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
Preferred Qualifications
1 to 2 years of relevant work experience.
Bachelor’s degree in plant microbiology, plant pathology or related field.
Prior experience in plant microbiology (plant pathology, plant-microbe interactions).
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 $20.33 - $25.41
Compensation Type hourly rate
Grade 5
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 OC4
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
Target Hire Date 8/17/2026
Expected End Date 6/30/2027
Contact Information for Candidates Rebecca Schomer, Assistant Professor, Plant Sciences
[email protected]
Open Date 7/28/2026
Open Until Filled Yes
Documents Needed to Apply Curriculum Vitae (CV) and Cover Letter
Special Instructions to Applicant
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
[email protected].
