Research Technician for Small Grain Breeding

The Institute of Natural Resources and Extension is excited to announce we are seeking a Research Technician of Small Grain Breeding. This position will be part of the Small Grain Breeding lab. The research will focus on greenhouse and field research associated with cereal and oilseed cultivar breeding for Alaska farmers.

The Research Technician for Small Grain Breeding plays a vital role in supporting crop improvement efforts focused on small grains such as wheat, barley, and oats. This position assists with the planning, implementation, and evaluation of field and greenhouse experiments aimed at developing high-performing, resilient crop varieties. Responsibilities include planting, maintaining, and harvesting trial plots; collecting and managing data; and supporting laboratory activities such as seed processing and sample preparation.

Working closely with researchers, faculty, and students, the technician helps ensure the accuracy and integrity of research results while maintaining equipment, supplies, and research spaces. This role requires strong attention to detail, the ability to work both independently and collaboratively, and adaptability to seasonal fieldwork demands. The position offers hands-on experience in agricultural research and contributes directly to advancing sustainable crop production and food security.

Success in this position requires a combination of curiosity, reliability, and a strong work ethic. The ideal candidate enjoys hands-on, outdoor work and is comfortable with the seasonal nature of agricultural research, including long days during planting and harvest. Attention to detail is essential, as accurate data collection and careful handling of plant materials directly impact research outcomes.

Thriving in this role also means being adaptable and solutions-oriented, as field conditions, weather, and research priorities can shift quickly. Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks are key, along with a willingness to learn new techniques in both field and laboratory settings. Effective communication and collaboration are important, as this role supports a team of researchers, students, and partners.

A genuine interest in agriculture, plant science, or crop improvement will help you stay engaged and motivated, while a proactive attitude and commitment to quality work will set you apart.

Minimum Qualifications:

Two years college coursework in the life sciences and two years experience in a field relevant to the research (agriculture, greenhouse, etc) or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Position Details:

This position is located on the Troth Yeddha' campus in Fairbanks Alaska. This is a full-time, term-funded, non-exempt staff position complete with both a competitive salary and full employee benefits package. UA provides a generous compensation package that includes retirement options, annual leave, 12 paid holidays per year, tuition waivers for employees and family members, and affordable medical, dental and vision care coverage. New hires will be placed on the UA Staff Salary Schedule, Grade 77, based on education and experience.

Application review will begin on May 5, 2026. To ensure consideration, please submit your application by 11:55 PM Alaska Standard Time on May 4, 2026. 

The University of Alaska (UA) reserves the right to require employees to work on-site at the UA facilities. Hybrid and remote work may be approved for employees based in Alaska at the University's discretion. Remote work for employees based outside the State of Alaska may be approved only in exceptional circumstances or when required by the position's job duties.

📃To view the full list of job responsibilities, please click HERE.

☎️If you have any questions regarding this position, please contact Kenna Metivier, Signers' Business Office at kjmetivier@alaska.edu or 907-474-1847

*To be eligible for this position, applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without restriction.  Applicants who now or may in the future require visa sponsorship to work in the United States are not eligible.

This position is a term-funded position and is reviewed annually for contract renewal at the University's discretion.

The University of Alaska (UA) is responsible for providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the applicant screening process. If you need assistance in completing this application or during any phase of the interview process, please contact the ADA team at ua-ada@alaska.edu.

The University of Alaska (www.alaska.edu) is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access Employer and Educational Institution.  The University is committed to a policy of non-discrimination (www.alaska.edu/nondiscrimination) against individuals on the basis of any legally protected status.

The successful applicant is required to complete a background check. Any offer of employment is contingent on the background check.

Your application for employment with the University of Alaska is subject to public disclosure under the Alaska Public Records Act.

All employees at the University of Alaska are expected to uphold the highest standards of ethics and professionalism when conducting or engaged in university business.

*Each university within the University of Alaska system publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report which contains information regarding campus safety and security including topics such as: campus law enforcement authority; crime reporting policies; campus alerts (Timely Warnings and Emergency Notifications); fire safety policies and procedures; programs to prevent dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking; the procedures the University will follow when one of these crimes is reported; and other matters of importance related to security on campus. The report also contains information about crime statistics for the three most recent calendar years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus; in On-Campus Student Housing Facilities; in Noncampus buildings or property owned or controlled by the University or a recognized student organization; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus.  The report also contains fire statistics for any fires occurring in an On-Campus Student Housing Facility during the three most recent calendar years.  

Access to the reports is available at:

UAA: (Addresses Anchorage campus, Aviation Technology Complex, JBER - Elmendorf Extension, JBER - Richardson Extension, Kenai Peninsula College - Kachemak Bay campus, Kenai Peninsula College - Kenai River campus, Kodiak College, Kodiak High School Extension, Matanuska-Susitna College, Prince William Sound College, and Prince William Sound College - Cordova Extension) Online: https://www.uaa.alaska.edu/students/safety. Request a paper copy in person: UAA Police Department Office at Room 114 of Eugene Short Hall on the Anchorage campus / UAA Dean of Students Office at Room 122 of Rasmuson Hall on the Anchorage campus. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-786-1120 or police@uaa.alaska.edu / 907-786-1214 or uaa_deanofstudents@alaska.edu. 

UAF: (Addresses Fairbanks Campus, Bristol Bay Campus, Chukchi Campus, Community and Technical College, Kasitsna Bay Campus, Seward Marine Center, Tok Campus, Kuskokwim Campus, and Northwest Campus) Online: https://www.uaf.edu/orca/files/ASFSR.pdf. Request a paper copy in person: UAF Office of Rights, Compliance and Accountability on the 3rd Floor of Constitution Hall. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-474-7300 or uaf-orca@alaska.edu.

UAS: (Addresses the Juneau Auke Bay Campus, Juneau Technical Education Center, Sitka Campus, & Ketchikan Campus) Online: https://uas.alaska.edu/equity-and-compliance/docs/clery/UAS_ASFSR.pdf. Request a paper copy in person: Hendrickson Building, Suite 202 on the Juneau campus. Request a paper copy by mail: 907-796-6371 or emailing uas.clery@alaska.edu.