Research Technician III, Cellular and Molecular Medicine

University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 25,000 - 31,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full benefits

Tuition reduction

Job summary

University of Arizona is seeking a Research Technician III in the Churko Laboratory to support NIH-funded studies on bicuspid aortic valve disease using hiPSCs and mouse models. The role focuses on wet-lab expertise, hiPSC maintenance, differentiations to cardiomyocytes, and functional assays.

The candidate will perform molecular biology assays, maintain mouse colonies, and contribute to data analysis, record-keeping, and presenting findings to the PI.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Experience with hiPSC culture and mouse husbandry preferred.

Responsibilities

• Maintain hiPSC lines, differentiate into cardiomyocytes and other cardiac lineages.
• Perform molecular and cellular assays (RNA/protein, qPCR, Western blotting, immunofluorescence).
• Maintain mouse colonies, genotype and breed for experimental needs.
• Record and present data to PI, manage lab records and specimens.

Skills

hiPSC culture

mouse handling

molecular assays

cell differentiation

data analysis

Education

B.S. in biology

Tools

qPCR

Western blot

Immunofluorescence

Calcium imaging

Job description

Research Technician III, Cellular and Molecular Medicine

Research Technician III, Cellular and Molecular Medicine

Posting Number req27169

Department Cellular & Molecular Medicine

Department Website Link https://cmm.arizona.edu/

Location Tucson Campus

Address Tucson, AZ USA

Position Highlights

The Churko Laboratory in the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine is hiring a Research Specialist to support NIH-funded research on bicuspid aortic valve disease. The lab uses patient-derived human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) to generate cardiomyocytes and other cardiac cell types, as well as a mouse model, to study the disease mechanisms with functional assays, single-cell genomics, and engineered heart tissues.

This person will be the wet-lab expert: maintaining hiPSC lines and a mouse colony, performing iPSC-derived cardiac differentiations, executing molecular and cellular assays, performing primary culture isolations, and keeping the lab organized.

Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; and more.

Outstanding U of A 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; state retirement plan; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!

• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Duties & Responsibilities

Conduct laboratory experiments with minimal supervision, including:

• Maintain, expand, and quality-control human iPSC lines, including thawing, passaging, cryopreservation, and mycoplasma testing; troubleshoot culture problems such as contamination, spontaneous differentiation, or poor viability, and recommend corrective actions to the PI.
• Differentiate hiPSCs into cardiomyocytes and other cardiac lineages, including epicardial, fibroblast, and endothelial cells; characterize and validate differentiated cell populations.
• Perform functional phenotyping of iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes using calcium imaging, contractility measurements, and related functional assays, and determine whether data meet quality criteria before analysis.
• Perform molecular and cell biology assays, including RNA and protein isolation, qPCR, Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and microscopy, and troubleshoot assay failures.

Maintain mouse colonies for laboratory research, including:

• Plan and track breeding schemes and wean litters to maintain experimental lines.
• Genotype mice and determine breeding and experimental assignments from results.
• Harvest tissues for molecular and histological analysis.
• Perform physiological assessments on study animals.

Record-keeping, Analysis, and Presentations:

• Communicate experimental progress, problems, and results to the PI and laboratory staff.
• Maintain accurate, detailed records of experiments and results, and enter data into laboratory databases.
• Catalog specimens and samples.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data independently and present findings to the PI.

Operational Support:

• Orders and catalogs laboratory supplies and supports laboratory operations.
• Operating, maintaining and troubleshoot highly specialized and sophisticated scientific apparatuses, equipment, and instruments.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of cell biology, molecular biology, and biochemistry principles and techniques.
• Ability to maintain consistent, aseptic tissue culture practices and procedures.
• Skill in troubleshooting laboratory procedures and optimizing experimental protocols.
• Knowledge in effective organization, communication, and project management.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a collaborative research team.
• Ability to learn quickly & multitask.
• Knowledge and skill in cell culture, molecular cloning, nucleic acid analysis, protein biochemistry, and microscopy techniques.
• Knowledge in the safe and appropriate handling of laboratory mice.

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 5 years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• B.S. degree with experience in cell biology, molecular biology, and/or biochemistry techniques.

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

$18.15-$22.69

Compensation Type

hourly rate

Grade

4

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

OC3

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

Expected End Date

Contact Information for Candidates

Gerry Flores

[e-mail]

Open Date

9/28/2026

Open Until Filled

Yes

Documents Needed to Apply

Resume and Cover Letter

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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 [e-mail].