Research Technician (Maricopa) (Extended Temporary)

UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA; Maricopa (AZ); On-site; USD 22,730 - 25,830; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Disability programs

Paid vacation

Sick leave

Holidays

Tuition reduction

Retirement plans

Recreation access

And more

Job summary

University of Arizona seeks a Research Technician I in Maricopa to assist with field operations, sampling, data collection, and outreach under supervision. The role supports USDA-funded cotton phenotyping projects in semi-arid conditions. Excellent attention to detail and the ability to work outdoors are essential.

The position is an Extended Temporary Employment with a full-time schedule (40 hours/week). Visa sponsorship is not available.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency is required.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and ability to drive according to the University Fleet Safety Policy.

Responsibilities

• Operate farm machinery and equipment to prepare field and greenhouse plots.
• Assist with soil sampling, irrigation, fertilization, herbicide spray, weed management and other agronomic practices.
• Record field and laboratory observations accurately and organize experimental data.
• Utilize statistics software for data entry, analysis and visualization (e.g., Excel, R); follow PI guidance.
• Support outreach activities: prepare reports, organize workshops, and participate in on-farm demonstrations.

Skills

Basic computing

Teamwork

Chemicals handling

Electronic instruments

Driver's license

Rapid learner

Report writing

Stakeholder engagement

Field work

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

Excel

R

Agronomy software

Job description

Research Technician (Maricopa) (Extended Temporary)

Research Technician (Maricopa) (Extended Temporary)

Posting Number req26637

Department School of Plant Sciences-Ext

Department Website Link https://spls.arizona.edu/extension

Location Maricopa

Address 37860 W. Smith Enke Road, Maricopa, AZ 85138 USA

Position Highlights The laboratory of Dr. Bhupinder Singh in the School of Plant Sciences seeks to fill the position of Research Technician I.

The primary responsibility of the Research Technician will be assisting with running, under supervision field operations such as planting, spraying, and harvesting. Research duties will include operating farm tool and machinery to conduct trails, collecting soil, water, and plant biomass samples from the field, procuring and organizing research data, performing statistical analyses, and writing brief study reports. The individual will also participate under supervision in outreach activities like presenting research data during meetings or similar events and publishing research and educational manuscripts. This position is to support USDA funded project's tasks focusing on cotton field physiological phenotyping under Semi‑Arid Growing Conditions.

This is an Extended Temporary Employment position.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Benefits

• 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!

Duties & Responsibilities

Under the supervision of Dr. Singh:

• Operate farm machinery, and equipment, to prepare field and greenhouse experimental plots.
• Assist with performing soil sampling, irrigation, fertilization, herbicide spray, weed management, and other agronomic practices, following standardized protocols.
• Work individually or with other fellow technicians, students, and researchers under the supervision of the project PIs and senior research professionals.
• Maintain accurate records of field and laboratory observations and experimental conditions.
• Utilize statistical software for data entry, analysis, and visualization, such as Excel, R, or specialized agronomy software. Clear instructions will be provided by the project PIs to carry out these tasks.
• Support project PIs and fellow researchers in outreach and extension activities such as:
  • Assist with the preparation of research reports, publications, and presentations.
  • Assist with organizing workshops based on collected data.
  • Assist with on-farm demonstrations.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Basic computer skills.
• Ability to work well in a team environment.
• Experience in working with chemicals and electronic instruments.
• Ability to drive vehicles to rural and urban field research sites.
• Ability to learn new skills.
• Ability to write reports and scientific manuscripts.
• Ability to work with agricultural stakeholders.
• Ability to work outside in open fields for extended hours.

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.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and ability to drive according to the University Fleet Safety Policy.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong understanding of agronomic and weed management principles, operations and practices, with a minimum of one year of experience in field operations.

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 $16.50 - $18.75

Compensation Type hourly rate

Grade 2

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 OC1

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

Expected End Date 3/31/2027

Contact Information for Candidates Dr. Bhupinder Singh
[e-mail]

Open Date 7/28/2026

Open Until Filled Yes

Documents Needed to Apply Resume and Cover Letter