Research Technician II

Overview

The Arizona Astrobiology Center (AABC) at the University of Arizona seeks a highly motivated Research Technician II to support interdisciplinary research programs spanning microbial ecology, planetary science, and living systems in the search for life beyond Earth. The successful candidate will provide routine research support across laboratory, field, and computational settings, remote sensing, and modeling, and assist coordination of undergraduate research and outreach activities.

Astrobiology is an exciting interdisciplinary field about the origins, evolution and distribution of life in the universe.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Research Data Collection and Analysis:

• Support members, collaborators and staff in the collection, processing, and analysis of basic research data using common scientific software (e.g. Python, spreadsheets, GIS) and application of various methods to run established workflows.
• Assist with routine laboratory and field activities, including sample collection, sample handling, and data logging.

Undergraduate Research Program Support and Public Outreach:

• Assist with coordination of undergraduate research activities under general supervision and provide basic instruction to student researchers requiring some innovation/creativity.
• Assist with public outreach activities.

Data and Records Management:

• Organize and maintain research samples, datasets, records, and databases.
• Maintain records and contribute to figures, reports, and presentations.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge with Moon to Mars program and the integration of artificial intelligence into astrobiology.
• Familiarity with AABC outreach and undergraduate programming activities.
• Knowledge of current research directions in astrobiology and planetary science including NASA's.
• Basic understanding of microbial ecology or the study of microorganisms in their environments.
• General awareness of remote sensing principles and the modeling of planetary bodies.
• Familiarity with interdisciplinary research that connects biological, planetary, and computational fields.
• Awareness of basic laboratory safety practices for handling biological and field samples.
• Foundational laboratory skills relevant to microbiology or living-systems research, or willingness to learn them.
• Exposure to field research methods, including sample collection and site documentation.
• Basic comfort with computational tools for processing scientific data.
• Interest in contributing to public outreach and science communication activities.
• Basic organizational skills for managing multiple tasks.
• Ability to learn and apply new methods across unfamiliar disciplines.
• Ability to adapt to laboratory, field, and computational work settings.
• Ability to communicate and work effectively with students and the public.
• Ability to work independently and stay motivated within a collaborative research environment.
• Ability to help support and guide undergraduate researchers.

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

• Bachelor's degree in a STEM field related to Astrobiology.
• Education and experience involving scientific data analysis and/or laboratory and field research.
• Experience with public outreach in astrobiology and related disciplines.
• Experience in wet laboratory biological techniques.

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!

Non-Exempt. Full Time. 40 hours per week. Rate: $16.50 – $20.63 per hour (hourly). Grade 3.