Research Technician III (Santa Rosa, CA) (Extended Temporary Employment)

College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Arizona is in search of a Research Technician III. This individual will be responsible for conducting and coordinating cognitive and behavioral studies with domestic dogs (puppies to adults), coordinating data collection and management resulting from these studies, and supporting cross-functional research and organizational priorities. This is a fully in-person position based on the Canine Companions campus in Santa Rosa, California. The position operates within a collaborative supervision structure, including University of Arizona faculty and an on-site Canine Companions Research Program Manager. Most research will occur on-site with Canine Companions' population of assistance dogs.

The Research Technician III will apply extensive knowledge and initiative in managing research logistics, Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) protocols, biobanking, and scheduling, and will serve as a key coordination point between the research team, internal stakeholders, and external partners. This role also supports broader organizational initiatives and may take on higher-priority projects as directed by leadership. Some evening and weekend hours may be required during active testing periods.

This is an Extended Temporary Employment (ETE) position.

Physical and Environmental Requirements:
The individual will work at a partner facility to conduct behavioral testing, which is physically intensive and requires long periods of standing, squatting, kneeling, time on the floor, and physical manipulation of dogs weighing up to 80 lbs. and lifting puppies weighing up to 15 lbs.

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!

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.

In-Person Data Collection and Behavioral Research Execution:

• Conduct and coordinate in-person sampling and data collection within a population of assistance dogs, applying extensive knowledge of animal behavior and research protocols.
• Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: administration of the Canine Assessment of Neuropsychological Impairments in Dogs (CANID) battery and other behavioral assessments, actigraphy data collection, biological sample collection (stool, urine, saliva), video recordings, and survey data.
• Applies knowledge of established protocols to field conditions; identifies issues and escalates as appropriate in coordination with the supervisor.

Data Management and Quality Oversight:

• Coordinate and perform data management processes including organization of research videos, preparation of data collection documents, data checking, and preparation of datasets for analysis.
• Apply extensive knowledge of research data standards to ensure accuracy and integrity across experimental measures and survey responses.
• Rigorously follow all established protocols and recommend improvements to data workflows and systems as appropriate.
• Conduct behavioral scoring of research videos in accordance with established coding protocols, identifying and escalating issues in scoring consistency as appropriate.

Biobank Management and Sample Collection:

• Maintain and organize biological sample bank and corresponding electronic library, identifying and escalating issues in sample quality or equipment as appropriate.
• Coordinate sample collection across different regions and store samples in a timely manner.
• High degree of accuracy and attention to detail required in sample management and organization.

Research Coordination, Protocol Management, and External Coordination:

• Manage research logistics, including supply ordering, scheduling coordination, IACUC protocol updates, and record keeping.
• Scheduling responsibilities include direct communication with Canine Companions constituents, including graduates, to coordinate research participation.
• Coordinate with other departments, external collaborators, and sponsor contacts to achieve research objectives.
• Exercise initiative to prioritize activities and resolve logistical challenges, and communicate proactively to ensure alignment and progress, as well as flexibility in meeting shifting priorities and evolving needs of the organization and its sponsors.
• Interact professionally with staff, volunteers, donors, and visitors, and provide general information about research activities in a knowledgeable and welcoming manner.

Visiting Student Researcher and Volunteer Coordination:

• Serve as the day-to-day coordination point for local volunteers as well as visiting student researchers, including veterinary students, graduate students, and interns participating in research activities.
• Responsibilities include orientation to the space, day-to-day guidance, task assignment, and ensuring adherence to research protocols and safety standards.
• Exercises judgment to identify and address training gaps, escalate concerns, and foster a productive and professional research environment.
• This coordination role requires regular communication across departments and with external academic partners.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of dog behavior and proven ability to work effectively and safely with domestic dogs across developmental stages.
• Demonstrated ability to apply knowledge and judgment when encountering complex or novel situations in a research setting, including identifying issues and escalating appropriately.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with a proven track record of meeting research deadlines and managing multiple concurrent projects and priorities under general supervision, including the ability to prioritize effectively when working on-site at a partner facility.
• Strong attention to detail and precision in implementing research protocols.
• Ability to effectively exchange information and coordinate across departments, external entities, and sponsor contacts to advance research and organizational objectives.
• Ability to exhibit a professional demeanor and interpersonal skills to interact effectively within an external partner setting; ability to engage donors, visitors, and stakeholders with warmth, professionalism, and flexibility.
• Ability to answer questions and provide accurate information about research activities when engaging during cognition testing visits, donor visits, and facility tours.
• Possesses the knowledge, skills, or abilities to provide day-to-day guidance and support to student researchers, interns, or volunteers, including onboarding, task coordination, and protocol oversight.
• Ability to exhibit flexibility and willingness to take on higher-priority projects or organizational initiatives outside of core research responsibilities as directed by leadership.
• Ability to show initiative to complete assigned tasks and projects and take accountability to perform assigned work in a rigorous and timely manner.
• Knowledge of IACUC protocols, biobanking procedures, and research compliance requirements.
• Extensive knowledge and application of concepts within the job function required.
• Demonstrated ability to work under minimal supervision with assigned general expectations; exercises independent judgment to determine best approach.
• Demonstrated ability to exchange information and coordinate effectively with other departments or external contacts to achieve objectives.

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.

• High school diploma or equivalent, or equivalent learning attained through experience required.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.

• Bachelor's degree in a field related to animal behavior, psychology, biology, or veterinary/animal science.
• Prior experience serving as a lead or senior technician in a behavioral or comparative cognition research setting.