New

Research Technologist I (Maricopa, AZ)

University of Arizona

life insurance, vision insurance, sick time

United States, Arizona, Maricopa

37860 West Smith Enke Road (Show on map)

Sep 16, 2025

Research Technologist I (Maricopa, AZ)
Posting Number	req23936
Department	School of Plant Sciences-Res
Department Website Link	https://spls.arizona.edu/
Location	Outside of Tucson
Address	37860 W Smith Enke Rd., Maricopa , AZ 85138 USA
Position Highlights	The 'Melandri lab' at the School of Plant Sciences is seeking a field specialist, Research Technologist I. The lab's research program focuses on physiological and biochemical mechanisms able to confer heat and drought stress tolerance to crops. We are seeking an enthusiastic, organized, technically skilled Field Research Technologist I who will be responsible for managing the experimental field trials conducted at the Maricopa Agricultural Center (MAC), in Maricopa, AZ. This is a harsh working environment that, during the summer, requires to spend several hours outside at temperatures that can reach 110F. Under the PI's supervision, and in collaboration with the farm crew at MAC, the field specialist will manage/organize all the aspects (e.g., field preparation, planting, weeding, fertilizer application, irrigation, spraying, tissue sampling, harvest, and post-harvest processing) of the crop field trials. The main crops of interest are sorghum, durum wheat, and cotton. The field specialist will also be responsible for collecting data (e.g., using handheld instruments, moisture probes, and the lab's drone) and organizing them in excel spreadsheets. The Field Research Technologist will be under the direction of Dr. Giovanni Melandri and mainly work at MAC. 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! 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	Assist in the planning and set-up of MAC field crop trials for example: field preparation, planting, weeding, fertilizer application, irrigation, spraying, tissue sampling, harvest, and post-harvest processing, under the direction of supervisor. Assist with the collection and organization of data from the field trials utilizing handheld instruments, moisture probes, and the lab's drone, and maintain documentation of the data in excel spreadsheets as directed by supervisor. Assist in maintaining up-to-date digital field logbooks daily with guidance from supervisor. Operate and maintain field equipment on a weekly and monthly basis and assist with equipment training efforts as directed by supervisor. Assist in collecting tissue samples from field trials and store them in the freezer, under the supervisor direction. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Documented experience working in field crop trials, preferably in Arizona. Skilled in data collection.
Minimum Qualifications	Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through experience required. 1 year of relevant work experience required. Must have a valid driver's license and ability to drive according to the University Fleet Safety Policy.
Preferred Qualifications
FLSA	Exempt
Full Time/Part Time	Full Time
Number of Hours Worked per Week	40
Job FTE	1.00
Work Calendar	Fiscal
Job Category	Research
Benefits Eligible	Yes - Full Benefits
Rate of Pay	$53,039 - $66,299
Compensation Type	salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)
Grade	7
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	PC1
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	10/20/2025
Expected End Date
Contact Information for Candidates	Dr. Giovanni Melandri gmelandri@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.