Insect Rearing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Research Technician II (Multiple Positions)
Posting Number
req23928
Department
School of Plant Sciences-Res
Department Website Link
School of Plant Sciences
Location
Tucson Campus
Address
1140 E South Campus Drive, Tucson, AZ 85721 USA
Position Highlights
The School of Plant Sciences is seeking to fill the role of Research Technician II. This position will develop and/or implement existing protocols used for feeding assays on plants or artificial feeding solution/feeding chambers to evaluate molecules for knockdown efficacy and effects on mortality, or for plant virus ingestion and acquisition studies (2) develop and/or implement protocols for dissecting and carrying out immunolabeling/in situ hybridization of whole insects and extirpated organs, and (3) assist with maceration, DNA/RNA isolation and PCR/RT-PCR amplification of genes/transcripts and prepare amplicons for sequencing (Sanger or high-throughout sequencing). This will involve complete care of plants and colonies, maintenance, and ordering relevant supplies. The individual will have access to training to build upon existing or increase knowledge/understanding where certain skills may be rudimentary.
Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!
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Duties & Responsibilities

• Maintain laboratory plants and insect or other arthropods (mites, etc.) in colonies (indoor chambers); keep inventory of and place orders of relevant reagents, supplies, cages, sticky traps, pots, soil, labels, bulbs, and fertilizer.
• Conduct laboratory research supervised by the PI and senior post-doc or laboratory professional involving feeding assays, data collection, and downstream analysis.
• Carry out organ extirpations and in situ labeling and microscopy (light, fluorescence, confocal and/or TEM) of whole insect bodies or organs.
• Isolate DNA and RNA from specimens followed by PCR/RT-PCR amplification, cloning, and sequencing (Sanger or high throughput)/sequence analysis using lab protocols, in coordination with the PI and senior scientists in the lab.
• Summarize and assist in analysis and interpretation of data/results to arrive at conclusions and next steps.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

• General knowledge of insects and rearing, micro and macro-manipulation of insects.
• Knowledge of experimental design and ability to follow and troubleshoot protocols.
• General understanding of experimental design/controls.
• Knowledge of record keeping, including lab and e-notebooks.
• Interest in studying/knowledge of relevant literature.
• Ability to work independently and on a team.
• Excellent communications skills, written and oral.

Minimum Qualifications

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

Preferred Qualifications

• Three years experience working with experimental animals/plants.
• Experience making buffers, feeding solutions, and molecular biology reagent stocks.
• Experience with plant and insect colony maintenance and careful manipulation of live insects.
• Experience in sample prep for and/or conducting light and fluorescent microscopy.
• Expertise in sterile techniques for studies of whole animals and plants, tissues/cells, and molecules.

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
DOE
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
2
Target Hire Date
10/13/2025
Expected End Date
Contact Information for Candidates
Judith K. Brown, Ph.D.
Professor
jkbrown@arizona.edu
Open Date
9/15/2025
Open Until Filled
Yes
Documents Needed to Apply
Resume and Cover Letter
Special Instructions to Applicant
Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report
In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University's campuses.Thesereports 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.