Research Technician II, Molecular and Cellular Biology

The Buchan Lab, within the University of Arizona's Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, invites you to apply for the role of Research Technician II. In this role, you will provide technical and operational support for a laboratory-based research program. You will perform routine laboratory procedures, maintain shared laboratory spaces and equipment, manage supplies and inventories, and support compliance with laboratory safety and operating procedures. With training and increasing proficiency, you will assist with research activities using Saccharomyces cerevisiae (baker's yeast) as a model system. Work is performed under the general direction of the principal investigator (PI) or designated senior laboratory personnel, with increasing responsibility for organizing assigned tasks, documenting results, and identifying routine equipment and supply needs.

This position may be filled on either a part-time or full-time basis and is well suited for candidates seeking an entry-level opportunity in academic research.

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!

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Laboratory Operations and Safety:

• Maintain clean, organized, and appropriately supplied common laboratory areas.
• Perform routine cleaning, preparation, and organization of laboratory workspaces.
• Conduct basic checks of laboratory equipment and report malfunctions or maintenance needs.
• Assist with routine equipment maintenance, calibration, and service coordination, as authorized.
• Prepare commonly used reagents, media, buffers, and other laboratory materials according to established procedures.
• Follow University, laboratory, and regulatory requirements for laboratory safety, waste disposal, chemical handling, and biological materials.

Research Support and
Technical Procedures:

• Assist the PI and senior laboratory personnel with research activities involving S. cerevisiae and related laboratory methods.
• Perform established, routine technical procedures after receiving appropriate training.
• Support culture preparation, sample handling, labeling, storage, and other assigned experimental activities.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records, including sample information, procedures performed, observations, and experimental results.
• Operate laboratory instruments and equipment in accordance with established protocols.
• Recognize routine problems, document deviations, and communicate issues to the PI or designated supervisor.
• Develop proficiency in assigned techniques and perform work with increasing independence within established procedures.

Inventory and
Resource Management:

• Monitor laboratory supplies, reagents, consumables, and equipment.
• Maintain inventory records and communicate anticipated supply needs.
• Assist with preparing orders, receiving materials, checking shipments, and organizing storage areas.
• Ensure materials are appropriately labeled, dated, and stored.
• Maintain records related to purchases, equipment, maintenance, and laboratory activities.
• Assist with scheduling routine equipment servicing and coordinating shared laboratory resources.

Documentation,
Communication, and Professional Development:

• Maintain timely and accurate documentation using laboratory notebooks, electronic records, inventories, and other approved systems.
• Communicate work status, supply needs, equipment concerns, and research-related observations to the PI or senior laboratory staff.
• Participate in laboratory meetings, training sessions, and safety activities.
• Review and follow standard operating procedures and contribute feedback regarding routine laboratory workflows.
• Complete required training and develop competency in additional laboratory methods relevant to the research program.

Knowledge,
Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

• Ability to communicate clearly in both written and oral form.
• Ability to follow established laboratory protocols, including familiarity with scientific procedures and standard numerical manipulations.
• Strong time management skills and a strong work ethic.
• Demonstrated initiative and ability to work independently while recognizing when guidance is needed.
• Effective interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

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 high school diploma equivalency is required.
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.