Research Professional ; Part-Time

Research Professional I (Part-Time)

Posting Number: req
26331 | Department:
Surgery |

Location:

Tucson Campus, Tucson, AZ USA | Open Date: 6/22/2026 | Position: 2 part‑time roles | Hours per Week: 10 (0.25 FTE) | Compensation: $22.67 - $28.45 per hour

The Department of Surgery seeks a motivated entry‑level Research Professional I to support projects focused on wound healing, tissue regeneration, and advanced therapeutics. The role involves laboratory experiments, data collection, and general lab maintenance to advance our understanding of wound repair and develop novel therapies. Candidates will also assist with compliance for manufacturing and testing isolated human islets in the Cellular Therapeutic Production Center (CTPC).

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

• Human Islet Isolation and Processing
  • Perform routine laboratory experiments under supervision, including cell cultures requiring sterile technique, tissue sample processing, and slide preparation with staining techniques.
  • Isolate human islet cells from donor pancreata under cleanroom conditions and conduct in‑vitro research including islet culture, sampling, and functional assessment.
  • Receive donor pancreata at the research facility, including nights and weekends as needed.
  • Document procedures and results in real time to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
• Data Collection and Preparation
  • Perform oxygen consumption measurements in cells for various projects and maintain and troubleshoot existing technology.
  • Maintain accurate records of experiments, procedures, and results in laboratory notebooks and databases.
  • Ensure compliance with safety regulations, biosafety protocols, and institutional guidelines.
• Team Collaboration
  • Work closely with postdoctoral researchers, graduate students, and principal investigators to support ongoing projects.
  • Attend continuous‑education events, participate in lab meetings, journal clubs, and departmental seminars.
  • Collaborate with senior researchers in designing research methodologies and establishing novel procedures.
  • Assist senior lab associates in preparing data and reports for grant applications and proposals.
• Laboratory Equipment and Technical Skills
  • Operate laboratory and experimental equipment such as microtomes, microscopes, electron microscopes, spectrophotometers, pipettes, and centrifuges.
  • Maintain laboratory equipment and ensure proper operation and cleanliness.
  • Prepare reagents, media, and other supplies necessary for experiments.
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Basic knowledge of laboratory techniques (pipetting, centrifugation, microscopy, etc.).
  • Strong organizational and time‑management skills.
  • Ability to work collaboratively and follow protocols carefully.
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through experience.
• 1 year of relevant work experience.

• Experience performing isolation of islets from human pancreas.
• Greater than 2 years experience in aseptic laboratory techniques.
• Proficiency with cell culture (independently maintaining cell lines, passaging, quantifying, cryopreservation).
• Experience working under laboratory safety protocols (e.g., BSL‑2 procedures).
• Enthusiasm for wound healing research, regenerative medicine, and translational science.
• Background in Biology, Physiology, Biomedical Sciences, Genetics, Biophysics, Biomedical Engineering, Life Sciences, or related field with minimum of 1 year of relevant experience.

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.