Research Technician II

The University of Arizona•Tucson, AZ

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Research Technician II supports the Arizona Center for Accelerated Biomedical Innovation’s human and large-animal cardiovascular research by carrying out laboratory and study procedures under approved protocols. The role performs on-site specimen collection and processing, wet-laboratory assays, and operation of specialized cardiovascular, hematology, and analytical equipment. It maintains study records; contributes to protocol development and data preparation; and coordinates supplies, equipment service, safety documentation, and regulatory training. Routine laboratory research activities are conducted under general supervision in collaboration with the principal investigator, research staff, students, and external study partners. The position is primarily on site in BSL-2 laboratory and animal research settings. Work hours may need to adjust for scheduled studies, animal procedures, daily specimen collection, time-sensitive assays, and equipment-dependent experiments. Work may involve exposure to blood and other biological specimens, research animals, chemicals and chemical waste, fumes or odors, and moving or electrical laboratory equipment. Required engineering controls and personal protective equipment are used. Visa sponsorship is not available.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent, or equivalent learning attained through experience.
Three years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and work experience.
Knowledge of biomedical laboratory practices, specimen handling, BSL-2 procedures, chemical safety, and research documentation standards.
Skill in performing wet-laboratory assays and operating, cleaning, troubleshooting, and maintaining laboratory equipment.
Ability to follow approved human and animal research protocols and maintain accurate, traceable records.
Ability to organize competing study activities, inventory, equipment maintenance, and time-sensitive experimental work with general direction.
Ability to analyze routine research data and prepare clear figures, summaries, reports, and presentations.
Ability to train laboratory personnel and communicate effectively with investigators, staff, students, facilities personnel, and external partners.
Ability to complete and maintain required institutional training and approvals for work involving animals, human specimens, BSL-2 practices, bloodborne pathogens, chemical safety, and hazardous waste before performing regulated duties.
Ability to work on site and adjust work hours when scheduled studies or time-sensitive specimen processing require it.

Responsibilities

Conduct assigned in vitro, ex vivo, and large-animal cardiovascular research procedures with general direction and in collaboration with the principal investigator, research staff, and students.
Support scheduled porcine Impella studies, including CP and 5.5 device testing on and off ice; perform authorized blood draws and other specimen collections; prepare reagents and daily dilutions; and complete study setup, execution, cleanup, and disinfection under approved protocols.
Process blood and other biological specimens for proteomics and lipidomics workflows and perform routine and specialized assays, including flow cytometry, ELISA, Western blotting, BSA protein quantification, hematology testing using Hemochron and HemoCue, cell counting, microscopy, and cell culture.
Maintain sample identification, handling, storage, and transfer records to protect specimen integrity and data quality.
Assist with experimental design and research method development; draft, update, validate, and follow protocols and standard operating procedures.
Maintain accurate experimental records; enter, organize, and perform routine analysis of study data; and contribute figures, summaries, presentations, reports, and manuscripts.
Operate, clean, monitor, and maintain laboratory and research equipment, including the HSD 2 “Stobie” system, Coulter cell counter, centrifuges, microscopes, microplate readers, and specialized hematology and cardiovascular research equipment.
Perform routine equipment maintenance and cleaning, including Coulter bleach purges and UHMWPE component cleaning; coordinate repairs, electrical or facilities issues, surplus requests, and vendor maintenance; maintain inventories; and order materials through BuyWays or P-card procedures.
Serve as laboratory safety coordinator and support compliance with institutional animal care, biosafety, human specimen, chemical safety, and research training requirements.
Maintain laboratory-specific safety procedures and training materials; manage personnel on RLSS approvals; track required training and protocol affirmations; train new staff, students, and visitors on approved laboratory procedures; manage chemical waste; monitor hazardous and peroxide-forming chemicals; and maintain spill kits, first-aid supplies, and personal protective equipment.
Complete and maintain required institutional training and approvals before performing regulated duties.
Work on site and adjust work hours when scheduled studies or time-sensitive specimen processing require it.