Research Technician II

University of Arizona; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Arizona seeks a Research Technician II for the ACRE project, focusing on alkaline soda lakes. Responsibilities include lab and field research, data management, and community engagement. Ideal candidates will possess strong communication skills and relevant experience in geochemistry or microbial ecology.

Benefits

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Paid vacation

Sick leave

Holidays

Tuition reduction

Retirement plans

Qualifications

• 3 years relevant experience or equivalent education.
• Experience with chemical/mineral analysis techniques.

Responsibilities

• Support laboratory and field activities for ACRE project.
• Conduct experiments and data management.
• Engage with local communities and Indigenous partners.

Skills

Communication

Fieldwork

Geochemistry

Mineralogy

Microbial Ecology

Data Analysis

Technical Writing

Education

High school diploma or equivalency

Bachelor’s degree in geoscience or related field

Tools

Spectrophotometers

pH meters

Microscopes

Excel

R

GIS tools

ImageJ

SpectraGryph

Job description

Join to apply for the Research Technician II role at University of Arizona

6 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants

Join to apply for the Research Technician II role at University of Arizona

Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features.

Position Highlights

The Arizona Astrobiology Center at the University of Arizona is in search of a Research Technician II. The Research Technician II will support laboratory and field activities associated with the five-year interdisciplinary Astrobiology in Carbonate-rich Environments (ACRE) project, which focuses on alkaline soda lakes such as Last Chance Lake in British Columbia. The position involves planning and executing lab and field tests related to geochemistry, mineralogy, and microbial ecology. The position will contribute to the development and adaptation of experimental protocols and assist in the organization of equipment and data from diverse environments relevant to early Earth and Astrobiological research. In addition, the technician will support efforts to establish and maintain relationships with local communities near field sites, including Indigenous partners, to ensure respectful, collaborative engagement throughout the research process.

Position Highlights

The Arizona Astrobiology Center at the University of Arizona is in search of a Research Technician II. The Research Technician II will support laboratory and field activities associated with the five-year interdisciplinary Astrobiology in Carbonate-rich Environments (ACRE) project, which focuses on alkaline soda lakes such as Last Chance Lake in British Columbia. The position involves planning and executing lab and field tests related to geochemistry, mineralogy, and microbial ecology. The position will contribute to the development and adaptation of experimental protocols and assist in the organization of equipment and data from diverse environments relevant to early Earth and Astrobiological research. In addition, the technician will support efforts to establish and maintain relationships with local communities near field sites, including Indigenous partners, to ensure respectful, collaborative engagement throughout the research process.

Astrobiology is an exciting interdisciplinary field about the origins, evolution and distribution of life in the universe. The Arizona Astrobiology Center is a hub for many scientific endeavors, providing bold and transformative dialogue.

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!

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

• Laboratory and Field Research Support Set up and perform experiments in both lab and field environments
• Data Management and Analysis
• Research Administration and Communication
• Team Collaboration and Administrative Support
• Community Engagement and Ethical Research Collaboration
• Additional duties may be assigned.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Willingness and physical ability to conduct fieldwork in remote locations under variable environmental conditions.
• Understanding of environmental geochemistry, carbonate mineralogy, and/or microbial ecology.
• Knowledge of laboratory procedures for water and sediment analysis (e.g., pH, conductivity, phosphate concentration).
• Familiarity with field data collection techniques including drone-assisted sampling and spectral mapping.
• Awareness of safety procedures for chemical handling and field operations.
• Understanding of astrobiology-related research goals, particularly prebiotic chemistry and biosignature analysis.
• Proficient in the use of lab instruments such as spectrophotometers, pH meters, and microscopes.
• Competency with data processing and analysis software (e.g., Excel, R, GIS tools, ImageJ, SpectraGryph).
• Skilled in modifying and maintaining scientific equipment to meet experimental needs.
• Ability to organize, manage, and accurately track scientific samples and metadata.
• Strong technical writing skills for preparing lab protocols, reports, and research documentation.
• Ability to conduct physically demanding fieldwork in remote and environmentally variable locations.
• Ability to adapt and troubleshoot protocols and instruments during dynamic field or lab conditions.
• Capacity to work independently and collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability to engage respectfully with Indigenous partners and community knowledge holders.
• Ability to manage time effectively and balance multiple research and administrative responsibilities.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or high school diploma equivalency and 3 years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in geoscience, chemistry, biology, environmental science, planetary science, or a closely related field (completed by the start date).
• Coursework or hands-on experience in: mineralogy, aqueous geochemistry, sedimentology, microbial ecology, or planetary science.
• Demonstrated laboratory experience with chemical or mineral analysis techniques.
  
  

FLSANon-ExemptFull Time/Part TimeFull TimeNumber of Hours Worked per Week40Job FTE1.0Work CalendarFiscalJob CategoryResearchBenefits EligibleYes - Full BenefitsRate of PayDOECompensation Typehourly rateGrade3Compensation GuidanceThe 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 LevelOC2Job FamilyResearch & LabJob FunctionResearchType of criminal background check required:Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)Number of Vacancies1Target Hire DateExpected End DateContact Information for CandidatesCorey Knox | [e-mail] Date5/9/2025Open Until FilledYesDocuments Needed to ApplyResume and Cover LetterSpecial Instructions to ApplicantNotice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety ReportIn compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics 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 [e-mail].

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Entry level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Research, Analyst, and Information Technology

• Industries

  Higher Education

Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at University of Arizona by 2x

Sign in to set job alerts for “Research Technician” roles.

Laboratory Research Assistant, Center for Disparities, Obesity and Metabolism (CDDOM)

Research Technician I (Part Time) (Temporary)

Research Technician III, University of Arizona Cancer Center (Multiple Positions) (Updated)

Research Technician I, Department of Surgery

Research Technician III, Department of Physiology

Research Technician I, Department of Medicine (Temporary)

Clinical Research Assistant (Asthma & Airway Disease Research Center)

Research Technician II (Part-Time) (Pharmacology and Toxicology)

Research Technician II, Sarver Heart Center (Multiple Positions)

Research Technician II (Extended Temporary) (Multiple Positions)

Research Technician II (Extended Temporary)

Research Technician II, College of Nursing (Part-Time)

Research Engineering Technician II, Aerospace & Mechanical Engineering (Part Time)

Medical Laboratory Technician (Notional Opportunity))

Adjunct Faculty Pool - Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT)

Heavy Equipment Operations Lab Assistant

We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.