Research Technician

NAU aims to be the nation’s preeminent engine of opportunity, vehicle of economic mobility, and driver of social impact by delivering equitable postsecondary value in Arizona and beyond.

• This position is subject to the availability of funding. The incumbent is not eligible for Classified Staff layoff or recall status.
• This position is an on-site position which requires the incumbent to complete their work primarily at an NAU site, campus, or facility with or without accommodation. Opportunities for remote work are rare.
• This position requires the ability to pass a Department of Justice Select Agent Program Security Risk Assessment.
• This position requires the ability to participate in occupational health monitoring required by Northern Arizona University.

The School of Forestry and Pathogen and Microbiome Institute (PMI) at Northern Arizona University seeks a Research Technician to perform basic and applied research largely focused on vertebrate and pathogen genetics. This will be a position in Dr. Faith Walker's lab (https://joinpmi.com/walker-lab/) with emphasis on the Species from Feces program (https://nau.edu/sff/). The Walker Lab has recent funding for two environmental DNA (eDNA) projects, so we are specifically seeking candidates with experience developing and applying eDNA assays. A Research Technician 1) performs standardized research assignments involving detailed and controlled research or laboratory procedures related to a particular discipline, 2) conducts a variety of standardized procedures, such as preparing specimens and setting up and operating standard laboratory equipment of moderate complexity, and 3) records data provides basic analyses and interpretations and troubleshoots protocol issues. The top candidates for this position should be highly motivated and have genetics experience.

Lab Work - 75%

• DNA extraction from ancient and modern samples.
• Environmental DNA assay development.
• PCR/qPCR sample screening.
• Sanger sequencing.

Sample Organization and Tracking - 10%

• Freezer organization.
• Spreadsheet tracking.
• Working with R scripts.

Data Analysis - 5%

• Statistical analysis.
• Preparation of figures.

Writing - 5%

• Preparation of reports.

Other - 5%

• Other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree in Biology or related field.
• Any combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis.

• Publication in peer-reviewed journals.

• Experience with genetic techniques such as DNA extraction from modern and ancient samples, PCR, qPCR, Sanger sequencing, library preparation for next-generation sequencing, DNA metabarcoding
• Experience developing qPCR assays for use with environmental DNA, analyzing data, writing reports, presenting results, and preparing manuscripts.
• Experience collecting non-invasive genetic samples from wildlife in the field.
• Ability to work safely with hazardous chemicals and biohazardous materials.
• Candidate must be well-organized, with an eye for detail.
• Ability to work successfully within a laboratory group.
• Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing.

This position has been identified as a safety/security sensitive position. Therefore, per AZ Revised Statute, Northern Arizona University requires satisfactory results for the following: a criminal background investigation, employment history investigation, degree verification (in some cases) and fingerprinting. If you are applying for a job that requires a CDL, you will be required to register with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse and adhere to the clearinghouse requirements. Additionally, as an employer in the state of Arizona, NAU is required to participate in the federal E-Verify program that assists employers with verifying new employees' right to work in the United States. Finally, each year Northern Arizona University releases an Annual Security Report. The report is a result of a federal law known as the Clery Act. The report includes Clery reportable crime statistics for the three most recent completed calendar years and discloses procedures, practices and programs NAU uses to keep students and employees safe including how to report crimes or other emergencies occurring on campus. In addition, the Fire Safety Report is combined with the Annual Security Report for the NAU Flagstaff Mountain Campus as this campus has on-campus student housing. This report discloses fire safety policies and procedures related to on-campus student housing and statistics for fires that occurred in those facilities. If you would like a free paper copy of the report, please contact the NAUPD Records Department at (928) 523-8884 or by visiting the department at 525 E. Pine Knoll Drive in Flagstaff.

Salary range begins at $43,000. Annual salary commensurate with candidate's qualifications and related experience.

This position is non-exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The incumbent is eligible for overtime pay or compensatory time according to University policy. Further, the employee must submit timesheets that accurately reflect all hours worked.

This is a Classified Staff (CLS) position. NAU offers an excellent benefit package including generous health, dental and vision insurance; participation in the Arizona State Retirement System; paid vacation and 10 holidays per year; and tuition reduction for employees and qualified dependents. More information on benefits at NAU is available on the Human Resources benefits website. Classified Staff employees are in a probationary status for their first six months at NAU. NAU is a tobacco and smoke-free campus. Employees offered a position will be eligible for state health plans (including NAU's BCBS Plan). New employees are eligible for benefits on the first day of the pay period following their enrollment, after their employment date. Employees will have 31 days from their start date to enroll in benefits. Additionally, new employees will begin participating in the Arizona State Retirement System, and the long-term disability coverage that accompanies it, on the first of the pay period following 6 months after the new employee's start date.

Your career at Northern Arizona University includes the opportunity for professional development. New employee on-boarding training includes courses to be completed within the first 30 days.

NAU will not provide any U.S. immigration support or sponsorship for this position.

May 12, 2025 at 11:59 p.m.

To apply for this position, please click on the "Apply" button on this page. You must submit your application by clicking on the "Submit" button by midnight of the application deadline. If you need assistance completing your application there are instructions available on the Human Resources website or in person in the Human Resources Department located in Building 91 on the NAU Campus - on the corner of Beaver and DuPont Streets.

If you are an individual with a disability and need reasonable accommodation to participate in the hiring process, please contact the Disability Resources Office at 928-523-8773, DR@nau.edu, or PO Box 5633, Flagstaff AZ 86011.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including Disabled/Protected Veterans. NAU is responsive to the needs of dual career couples.

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