Research Technician I

The University of Arizona • Tucson, AZ

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Research Technician I will conduct research in bacterial genetics and bacterial physiology to understand host-microbe interactions. The position involves following standardized protocols, maintaining detailed research notes, generating genetically modified bacterial strains, interpreting and summarizing experimental data, presenting findings to the research team, and preparing research reports in a laboratory setting. The work supports research on the life cycle of phytobacteria in collaboration with the principal investigator, graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and higher-level researchers.

Requirements

• High school diploma or high school diploma equivalency.
• Knowledge and background in microbial genetics.
• Ability to communicate effectively with peer team members and supervisors.
• Detail-oriented note-taking skills.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or 1–2 years of relevant work experience.
• Prior experience working with plant pathogens or plant-microbe interactions.
• Prior experience culturing bacteria.
• Prior experience with bacterial genetics techniques, such as PCR, gel electrophoresis, and sequence or genome analysis.

Responsibilities

• Assist higher-level researchers with constructing genetically modified bacterial strains by following established protocols, including primer design, PCR, cloning, bacterial transformation, growth, and propagation.
• Assist the principal investigator and collaborate with graduate students and postdoctoral researchers to design and conduct physiological experiments on the life cycle of phytobacteria.
• Maintain basic records, observations, data analyses, and interpretations of experimental results to support effective team science.
• Assist with laboratory maintenance, including cleaning and sterilizing labware, preparing sterile media, buffers, and stock reagents, and growing and maintaining bacterial cultures long term.
• Assist higher-level researchers with technical reports, research summaries, and laboratory protocols.
• Summarize, interpret, and present experimental data to the research team.

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Life insurance and disability programs.
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• University of Arizona, Arizona State University, and Northern Arizona University tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members.
• Retirement plans.
• Access to University of Arizona recreation and cultural activities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED