Research Technician III; Part Time; Extended Temporary

Research Technician III (Part‑Time) – Extended Temporary Employment

Location: Main Campus, Tucson, AZ

The School of Animal & Comparative Biomedical Sciences is currently seeking a well‑organized and highly motivated candidate for the position of Research Technician III. This role will primarily support Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) diagnostic processes for aquaculture disease surveillance and provide diagnostic work in shrimp. The successful candidate will carry out sampling of shrimp tissue, feed, feed ingredients, extract nucleic acids, and perform PCR‑based assays for crustacean pathogen detection.

The position requires a detail‑oriented individual who can work independently, with strong organization and multitasking skills. The selected candidate will work under the supervision of a lab manager and lab director.

This is an Extended Temporary Employment (ETE) 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!

For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please .

• PCR Diagnostics.
• Performing nucleic acid extractions (DNA and RNA).
• Preparation and running of PCR (conventional and real‑time) reactions.
• Running agarose gel electrophoresis, analyzing PCR results.
• Preparation of diagnostic reports.
• Updating the diagnostic database to reflect day‑to‑day PCR results.
• Maintaining stocks of positive control tissue and plasmid.
• Conducting research work on shrimp diseases as directed by the PI.
• Providing routine and technical administrative support to research projects, including sample intake and maintaining organized records and files for PCR testing.
• Refining, adapting, and developing procedures or techniques to meet experimental or testing requirements.
• Modifying or designing equipment as needed for PCR testing.
• Assisting in PCR studies at our West Campus location, which may be outside.
• Assisting in conducting routine research studies for both internal and external collaborations under general supervision, including handling sample intake, collecting samples, compiling data, and completing basic result calculations.
• Setting up and performing a variety of laboratory and field tests, including visits to the West Campus for study activities or data collection.
• Recording observations, analyzing data, and interpreting test results to support ongoing research efforts.
• Communicating with internal departments to discuss findings in PCR testing of shrimp and other aquatic species.
• Assisting as needed with cleaning the laboratory and maintaining equipment.

• Ability to make decisions that impact the job function or specific project.
• Knowledge of principles and policies of tissue processing for PCR testing.
• Skilled in functional data analysis.
• Skilled in multitasking and organization.
• Proficient in English and basic Spanish vocabulary (helpful but not required).
• Knowledgeable and able to contribute at a high level across all aspects of the job.

• High School diploma or equivalency.
• Five years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and work experience.

• Bachelor's or Master's Degree preferred.

Hourly Rate: $18.15 - $22.69. Job FTE: 0.625 (25 hours per week).

Expected End Date: 9/1/2026. Position is open until filled.

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.