Job Description

Research Technician II Posting Number
req26524 Department
Arizona Space Institute Department Website Link
https://astrobiology.arizona.edu/ Location
Tucson Campus Address
Tucson, AZ USA Position Highlights

The Arizona Astrobiology Center (AABC) at the University of Arizona seeks a highly motivated Research Technician II to support an 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. This position will also assist the coordination of undergraduate research and outreach activities.

Astrobiology is an exciting interdisciplinary field about the origins, evolution and distribution of life in the universe. The Arizona Astrobiology Center is a hub for many scientific endeavors, providing bold and transformative dialogue.

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!

The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here

Duties & Responsibilities

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 the coordination of undergraduate typically routine 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.

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.

Minimum Qualifications

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

Preferred Qualifications

• 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.

FLSA
Non-Exempt Full Time/Part Time
Full Time Number of Hours Worked per Week
40 Job FTE
1.0 Work Calendar
Fiscal Job Category
Research Benefits Eligible
Yes - Full Benefits Rate of Pay
$16.50 - $20.63 Compensation Type
hourly rate Grade
3 Compensation Guidance
The Rate of Pay Field represents the University of Arizona’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. The University considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.

The Grade Range represent a full range of career compensation growth over time. The university offers compensation growth opportunities within its career architecture. To learn more about compensation, please review our Applicant Compensation Guide and our Total Rewards Calculator Career Stream and Level
OC2 Job Family
Research & Lab Job Function
Research Type of criminal background check required:
Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive) Number of Vacancies
1 Target Hire Date
Expected End Date
Contact Information for Candidates
Corey Knox | cknox@arizona.edu Open Date
7/15/2026 Open Until Filled
Yes Documents Needed to Apply
Curriculum Vitae (CV) and Cover Letter Special Instructions to Applicant
Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report
In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University’s campuses. These reports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures.
Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at cleryact@arizona.edu.