Research Technician III, Geosciences

Arizona International; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 25,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Arizona's Department of Geosciences invites you to apply for the role of Research Technician III. In this position you will prepare and analyze materials for isotopic geochronology, mount samples, perform mineral separations, and assist in SEM and mass spectrometry operations for the Arizona LaserChron Center researchers.

This full-time, non-exempt role requires a high school diploma and at least 5 years of related experience; a Bachelor's degree is preferred.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency is required.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.

Responsibilities

• Mount detrital zircon and accessory minerals using an optical microscope.
• Polish sample mounts and acquire optical images; ensure cleanliness between samples.
• Order mounting and preparation supplies as needed.
• Track and record samples through zircon extraction, mounting, SEM imaging, and isotopic analysis.
• Perform mineral separation, including Frantz magnetic separations and related steps.
• Assist with SEM and mass spectrometer operation to acquire geochronologic data.
• Train students and visiting researchers on mounting, polishing, and imaging samples.

Skills

U-Pb geochronology

Mass spectrometer operation

Excimer laser operation

SEM operation

Sample tracking

Lab safety

Education

High school diploma

Bachelor's degree (preferred)

Tools

Mass spectrometer

Excimer laser

SEM

Job description

Research Technician III, Geosciences

Position Highlights

The Department of Geosciences is part of the College of Science, a unit aiming to produce knowledge about earth and environmental processes and human-environment interactions at all geographic and temporal scales. Our department focuses on research and education in the nature, genesis, and history of the Earth and its crust, and the evolution of the environment and biota at the Earth's surface. We encourage interdisciplinary approaches to research in the geosciences, both within the department and through interdepartmental programs.

The University of Arizona's Department of Geosciences invites you to apply for the role of Research Technician III. In this position, you will primarily conduct sample preparation and analysis of materials for geochronologic research conducted in the Arizona LaserChron Center, within the Department of Geosciences. You will contribute to a wide range of research operations, including mounting geological materials for analysis using an optical microscope, tracking and ordering supplies for the mounting room, tracking customer samples and coordinating with the researchers to ensure samples arrive in a timely manner, performing mineral separation activities, including Frantz magnetic separations, and occasionally assisting in the operation of scanning electron microscope and/or mass spectrometers to generate geochronological data for ALC visitors and researchers.

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!

Location

Tucson Campus, Tucson, AZ USA

Duties & Responsibilities

Preparation of geological samples for isotopic analysis:

• Mounting detrital zircon and other accessory minerals using an optical microscope.
• Polishing sample mounts and acquire optical images. Involves cleaning of equipment thoroughly between samples to avoid any contamination is a significant component to this position.
• Ordering sample mounting and preparation supplies as needed.
• Monitoring, tracking, and recording ALC user samples as they move through the entire process from zircon extraction, mounting, SEM imaging, and isotopic analysis. This will involve corresponding with visiting researchers to ensure we are on-track for their session, and that their samples are ready to analyze.
• Performing mineral separation in a laboratory setting, including but not limited to Frantz magnetic separations, ultrasonic bath operation, heavy liquid separations, Wig-L-Bug separations, acid washing samples, and mounting samples.
• Use of personal protective equipment (e.g. safety glasses, laboratory coat, nitrile gloves, engineered ventilation hood system, etc.) required.
• Assist with the operation of scanning electron microscope (SEM) and/or mass spectrometers/excimer laser systems to acquire geochronologic and/or geochemical data for the Arizona LaserChron Center researchers.
• Perform basic data reduction using in-house MATLAB protocols to evaluate quality of data.
• Training students and visiting researchers on how to mount, polish, and image samples.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

• Knowledge of U-Pb geochronology, especially as it pertains to detrital zircon geochronology.
• Knowledge of the operation of mass spectrometer, excimer laser, and scanning electron microscope (SEM).
• Ability to follow laboratory safety protocols and maintain a clean work environment to prevent sample contamination.
• Ability to accurately track, organize, and document samples and laboratory records.
• Ability to communicate effectively with students, researchers, and visiting scientists.

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

• Bachelor's degree.
• Two or more years of experience in geochronology, particularly in detrital zircon sample mount preparation of geologic samples.
• Experience in geochronology, especially in the mineral separation of geological samples.
• Experience operating mass spectrometers and excimer lasers.
• Experience operating a scanning electron microscope (SEM).

FLSA

Non-Exempt

Full Time/Part Time

Full Time

Number of Hours Worked per Week

40

Job FTE

1.0

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

Contact Information for Candidates

Dr. Mark Pecha, PhD
Research Lab Coordinator
[e-mail]

Open Date

Open Date: 9/29/2026

Open Until Filled

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].