Research Technician I - Yuma Agricultural Center

The Department of Entomology seeks candidates for a Research Technician I position. The primary purpose of this position will be to provide technical support to research activities conducted in Dr. Wilfrid Calvin's lab at the Yuma Agricultural Center. This position will assist in field, greenhouse, and laboratory related research activities. There will be several experiments throughout the spring, summer, and fall growing seasons to evaluate pest management practices for controlling major arthropod pests of vegetable, citrus and date crops. The experiments will involve field and laboratory research activities including planting, insecticide applications, data collections, insect sampling, insect rearing, data processing, etc. These activities require technical support. Therefore, the Research Technician I will assist the PI to effectively perform these research activities.

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!

• Assist in field plot preparation, planting of experimental plots, irrigation, insecticide applications, insect and injury data collection as well as harvesting when yield is involved.
• Assist in collecting plant, insect pest, and beneficial samples from the field to be processed in the laboratory for research purposes.
• Provide support in preparing samples for immediate or future laboratory studies.
• After gaining enough experience, the technician will be responsible to conduct some of the laboratory bioassay under the supervision of the PI. That will involve bioassay preparation until data collection.
• Maintain insect colonies. Because the research that will be conducted will involve laboratory and greenhouse studies, insect colonies will be maintained in the laboratory. The technician will have the responsibility to provide necessary care to these insect colonies under the supervision of the PI.
• Along with these other duties described above, the technician will also assist in purchasing equipment and supplies for research activities to be conducted in the field, greenhouse, and the laboratory as needed.
• Additionally, the technician will also be responsible for performing regular maintenance for the equipment.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Basic math knowledge is required.
• Detail oriented.
• Ability to communicate effectively.

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.

• Bachelors of Science in Agriculture related field.
• Posses a valid drivers license.
• Experience with insect identification.