Research Professional II - Turfgrass; Maricopa; Extended Temporary

Overview

Position Highlights
The Department of Environmental Sciences, extension is accepting applications for a Research Professional II to work at the Maricopa Agricultural Center. The primary responsibility is providing technical support for turfgrass research focused on developing turfgrass germplasm with enhanced tolerance to abiotic stress (drought, heat, salinity) in collaboration with the U.S. Arid Land Agricultural Research Center, Maricopa, AZ. This role involves hands-on work in the field, greenhouse, and laboratory settings, ensuring accurate data collection and implementation of breeding strategies to improve environmental resilience.

The candidate will also conduct soil sampling and analyses.

This is an Extended Temporary Employment (ETE) position
. Outstanding University of Arizona benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to recreation and cultural activities; and more. The University of Arizona has been recognized for innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocation services, please .

• Planning, initiating, coordinating, and managing field, lab and greenhouse experiments: prepare experimental plots, including planting, irrigation, fertilization, and weeding; execute controlled environment and field experiments; monitor plant growth, health, and stress responses (drought, heat, and salinity stress); collect and record phenotypic data (yield, height, stress symptoms) and genotypic data (tissue samples), analyze, and interpret; operate lab equipment (centrifuges, pH meters); process samples (DNA extraction, seed cleaning) for molecular analysis;
  
  maintain research facilities and equipment and ensure compliance with safety protocols; collect soil samples, process them, and analyze them for soil parameters in the laboratory; publish research results in peer-reviewed journals and present at relevant conferences, prepare project reports and procure research data; prepare data summaries, charts, and outreach materials.

• Demonstrated experience in establishing complex field trials.
• Experience in plant genotypic data collection (tissue samples).
• Experience in monitoring plant growth, health, and stress response.
• Experience with statistical analyses using software like R, SAS, or Python.
• Experience in handling and organizing large, complex datasets.

• Bachelors degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience required.
• Three years of relevant work experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.

• PhD in turfgrass genetics.
• Demonstrated publications record in genetics, climate adaptation, or similar topics.
• Demonstrated experience in conducting field trials.

FLSA Exempt
Full Time/Part Time Full Time
Hours per Week 40
Job Category Research
Benefits Eligible Yes - Full Benefits
Rate of Pay $53,039 - $66,299
Grade 7
Career Stream and Level PC2
Job Family Researchers & Scientists
Job Function Research

Contact Information Debankur Sanyal
dsanyal

Open Date 1/22/2026
Open Until Filled Yes
Documents Needed to Apply Resume, Cover Letter, and One Additional Document
Special Instructions Please include a writing sample along with resume and cover letter.