Research Technician IV (Extended Temporary)

Research Technician IV (Extended Temporary) Research Technician IV (Extended Temporary) 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. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here. Duties & Responsibilities Leads in theplanning, design, set-up and disassembly of complex experimental systems. Selects, adapts, and implements procedures, and standards to ensure theefficiency, effectiveness, and quality control of the laboratory operation andsupports compliance activities with federal, state, and university regulationsand standards. Designsprimers, plasmids, and chimeric receptors in silico by selecting and optimizingappropriate molecular designs. Independently follows, evaluates, and adaptsdetailed protocols for PCR, and other molecular biology techniques to constructplasmids and bacterial strains, resolving complex technical issues withexperimental design and execution. Developsdetailed protocols for the fluorescent, and luminescent reporting of bacterialsignaling by independently designing and adapting current laboratory protocolsfor high throughput screening and developing advanced controls and standardsfor the generation and analysis of largescale, complex data. Works collaboratively with plant scientists andcomputational scientists to lead interpretation of complex data, analyzeresults, and interpret protein structure data, providing technical input toexperimental design decisions. Maintains and organizes comprehensive records,observations, data analysis and interpretations of experimental results foreffective team science. Prepares detailed technical reports, summaries, andprotocols that document methods, performance, and reliability of experimentalsystems. Oversees andperforms critical aspects of laboratory maintenance, including cleaning andsterilization 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 ofbacterial 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 andsupervisors. 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. 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 View email address on click.appcast.io 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.Thesereports 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 View email address on click.appcast.io. #J-18808-Ljbffr UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA