Research Technician III, Cellular and Molecular Medicine

Research Technician III, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Posting Number req27169 Department Cellular & Molecular Medicine Department Website Link https://cmm.arizona.edu/ Location Tucson Campus Address Tucson, AZ USA Position Highlights

The Churko Laboratory in the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine is hiring a Research Specialist to support NIH-funded research on bicuspid aortic valve disease. The lab uses patient-derived human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) to generate cardiomyocytes and other cardiac cell types, as well as a mouse model, to study the disease mechanisms with functional assays, single-cell genomics, and engineered heart tissues.

This person will be the wet-lab expert: maintaining hiPSC lines and a mouse colony, performing iPSC-derived cardiac differentiations, executing molecular and cellular assays, performing primary culture isolations, and keeping the lab organized.

Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; and more.

• 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; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; state retirement plan; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!

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Duties & Responsibilities

Conduct laboratory experiments with minimal supervision, including:

• Maintain, expand, and quality-control human iPSC lines, including thawing, passaging, cryopreservation, and mycoplasma testing; troubleshoot culture problems such as contamination, spontaneous differentiation, or poor viability, and recommend corrective actions to the PI.
• Differentiate hiPSCs into cardiomyocytes and other cardiac lineages, including epicardial, fibroblast, and endothelial cells; characterize and validate differentiated cell populations.
• Perform functional phenotyping of iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes using calcium imaging, contractility measurements, and related functional assays, and determine whether data meet quality criteria before analysis.
• Perform molecular and cell biology assays, including RNA and protein isolation, qPCR, Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and microscopy, and troubleshoot assay failures.

Maintain mouse colonies for laboratory research, including:

• Plan and track breeding schemes and wean litters to maintain experimental lines.
• Genotype mice and determine breeding and experimental assignments from results.
• Harvest tissues for molecular and histological analysis.
• Perform physiological assessments on study animals

Record-keeping, Analysis, and Presentations:

• Communicate experimental progress, problems, and results to the PI and laboratory staff.
• Maintain accurate, detailed records of experiments and results, and enter data into laboratory databases.
• Catalog specimens and samples.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data independently and present findings to the PI.

Operational Support:

• Orders and catalogs laboratory supplies and supports laboratory operations.
• Operating, maintaining and troubleshoot highly specialized and sophisticated scientific apparatuses, equipment, and instruments.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of cell biology, molecular biology, and biochemistry principles and techniques.
• Ability to maintain consistent, aseptic tissue culture practices and procedures.
• Skill in troubleshooting laboratory procedures and optimizing experimental protocols.
• Knowledge in effective organization, communication, and project management.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a collaborative research team.
• Ability to learn quickly & multitask.
• Knowledge and skill in cell culture, molecular cloning, nucleic acid analysis, protein biochemistry, and microscopy techniques.
• Knowledge in the safe and appropriate handling of laboratory mice.

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 5 years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• B.S. degree with experience in cell biology, molecular biology, and/or biochemistry techniques.

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 $18.15-$22.69 Compensation Type hourly rate Grade 4 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 OC3 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 Expected End Date Contact Information for Candidates

Gerry Flores

[email protected]

Open Date 9/28/2026 Open Until Filled Yes Documents Needed to Apply Resume and Cover Letter Special Instructions to Applicant

Application: The online application should be completed in its entirety. Blank or missing information may be considered an incomplete submission.

Cover Letter: Should clearly indicate how your skills and professional employment experience meet the Minimum and the Preferred qualifications (if applicable).

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