Wet Lab Technician II

Wet Lab Technician II

Posting Number: req
25621
Department:
School of Plant Sciences-Res

Location:

Tucson Campus, Tucson, AZ USA

The successful candidate will be integrated into a small, collaborative team of experienced researchers and will regularly perform projects involving nucleic acid extraction, as well as occasionally sequencing library preparation. This role will focus on hands‑on laboratory research and support ongoing and new experimental initiatives. Primary responsibilities include planning, executing, and documenting laboratory experiments; preparing samples using established molecular biology protocols;

and operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting laboratory instruments and equipment. The candidate will follow standard operating procedures and safety guidelines, with guidance from senior staff as needed, while gradually developing greater independence. The candidate will interact frequently with internal colleagues and external collaborators, including researchers in bio‑informatics and data analysis. Strong communication skills and the ability to translate and explain experimental concepts, results, and limitations across disciplines are essential.

The successful candidate should be comfortable working in a team‑oriented environment.

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!

• Extract nucleic acids using multiple protocols. Perform quality control with different instruments and methods.
• Maintain detailed records, summarize results in reports, and disseminate research findings in meetings and manuscripts in scientific journals.
• Receive, store, and track incoming samples, grind tissue.
• Prepare sequencing libraries for long‑ and short‑read sequencing platforms and execute other molecular biology lab protocols.

• Knowledge in handling DNA and RNA for modern genomic methods.
• Ability to manage a multifaceted workload, organizing notes and reports.
• Ability to work independently once cleared by supervisor.
• Knowledge of basic molecular biology techniques, including pipetting and DNA/RNA isolation and recombinant DNA techniques.
• Experience with single‑ and multi‑channel pipettes, making solutions, working with hazardous substances (liquid nitrogen, ethanol, chloroform, strong acids & bases), taking notes, interpreting, reporting, and presenting results at meetings and conferences.
• Ability to understand problematic samples and hypothesize troubleshooting procedures.

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 equivalency.
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Previous employment in a research laboratory performing molecular biology techniques.

• Good knowledge of biology, genetics, or related field, with 3+ years of experience in a molecular biology laboratory.
• Bachelor's degree and 3 years of relevant experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.