Laboratory Technician, Marine Microbiology - Duhamel Lab, Molecular and Cellular Biology

Posting Number req26957

Department: Molecular and Cellular Biology

Department Website Link: https://mcb.arizona.edu

Location: Tucson Campus

Address: Tucson, AZ USA

Position Highlights

The Department of Molecular & Cellular Biology at the University of Arizona is dedicated to understanding the fundamental structures of life, exploring how biological molecules function within cells and how these processes are regulated through genetics. Our collaborative and innovative research community spans a broad range of disciplines. The Duhamel Lab studies the role of microorganisms in biogeochemical transformations, their adaptation to different environments, and their stress response.

As part of this dynamic environment, you will have the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research and collaborate with a multidisciplinary group of scientists advancing discoveries in biology. The Duhamel Lab at the University of Arizona (marine microbial ecology and biogeochemistry) is hiring a part-time Research Laboratory Technician to support a newly funded, three-year National Science Foundation (NSF Biological Oceanography) project carried out in collaboration with the Charvet Lab at Susquehanna University.

The project investigates mixoplankton, which are single-celled marine organisms that can both photosynthesize like plants and eat prey like animals, and tests whether prasinophyte green algae switch from photosynthesis to feeding when phosphorus becomes scarce. The work combines continuous algal cultures, radioisotope tracer experiments (¹⁴C and ³³P), flow cytometry, and transcriptomics to understand how these globally abundant organisms will respond to expanding nutrient-poor regions of the ocean.

The technician will be a core member of the experimental team, working closely with the PI (Dr. Solange Duhamel) and a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Arizona, while also helping to coordinate experiments with collaborators at Susquehanna University. This project is expected to last up to three years, contingent on funding. The anticipated end date of the position will be determined based on the selected candidate's start date, with the possibility of extension beyond the initial term subject to continued funding and satisfactory performance. 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

• Maintain cultures of marine prasinophyte algae and bacterial prey, including media preparation and sterile technique.
• Set up, optimize, and monitor exponentially fed batch (EFB) continuous culture experiments, including characterizing growth phases of the study species.
• Coordinate experiment timing with visiting collaborators and help maintain backup cultures to ensure successful sampling campaigns.
• Conduct routine sampling of experiments and assist with sample analyses (e.g., flow cytometry, cell counts and biovolume, chlorophyll, nutrient, and radioisotope uptake measurements).
• Assist the postdoctoral researcher with processing and analyzing samples generated by the project.
• Assist the PI and postdoc with data management, record keeping, and general laboratory organization.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):

• Knowledge of basic microbiology and cell biology laboratory practices, including sterile/aseptic technique.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety practices, including the safe handling of chemicals and, with training, radioisotopes.
• Skill in preparing culture media, reagents, and solutions accurately and reproducibly.
• Skill in operating laboratory instrumentation (e.g., flow cytometer, fluorometer, particle counter) following established protocols.
• Skill in maintaining detailed, well-organized records of experiments and samples in lab notebooks and shared digital files.
• Ability to follow detailed written protocols precisely and carry out repetitive procedures with a high level of attention to detail.
• Ability to organize and prioritize tasks across concurrently running cultures and experiments, and to adapt work schedules to experiment timelines.
• Ability to troubleshoot routine problems with cultures or instruments and communicate issues to the team promptly.
• Ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively with team members and collaborators at partner institutions, as well as independently after training.

Physical Requirements and Environmental Demands:

Work is performed primarily in a research laboratory environment. Requires the ability to access and work throughout laboratory areas, which may include extended periods of standing and walking, and to perform repetitive laboratory procedures. Requires handling laboratory equipment, chemicals, biological materials, and, following required training, radioisotopes. Must adhere to established laboratory safety procedures and wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

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 is required. Minimum of 3 years of experience with basic laboratory practices, including sterile/aseptic technique and careful record keeping, or an equivalent combination of education and work experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience culturing algae, phytoplankton, or other microorganisms.
• Experience using flow cytometry, fluorometry, nutrient analyses, or radioisotope techniques (training will be provided).
• Experience with analytical instrumentation such as GC-MS, HPLC, or similar instruments is a plus, but not necessary.
• Experience with data management or analysis (e.g., spreadsheets, R, or Python).
• Coursework, research experience, volunteer activities, or demonstrated academic interest in marine microbiology, oceanography, or biogeochemistry.

FLSA

Non-Exempt

Full Time/Part Time

Part Time

Number of Hours Worked per Week: 20

Job FTE: 0.5

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 represents 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: 9/14/2026

Expected End Date: 9/14/2029

Contact Information for Candidates

Requests for information or inquiries about the position can be sent to: Valerie McClure, Human Resources Generalist, vmcclure@arizona.edu

Open Date: 9/4/2026

Open Until Filled: Yes

Documents Needed to Apply

Resume and Cover Letter

Special Instructions to Applicant

Finalists will be asked to provide at least three professional references.

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.