A Research Technician provides technical support to a research program or project. Responsibilities typically include preparing laboratory materials, operating scientific equipment, performing experiments, collecting and recording data, and ensuring compliance with laboratory safety standards. Works in a variety of fields within science or the social sciences, in programs based at a university or research institution, or works on government or industry sponsored research projects. Conducts field or library research or recruits participants for a study; may also assist with legal research. These roles typically have training in laboratory techniques and may hold relevant degrees or certifications to applicable fields.
Research Technician, Research Technician I, Temporary
Job no: 560959
Work type: Staff
Location:
Sonoma
Categories:
Unit 9 - CSUEU - Technical Support Services, Temporary, Full Time, Research, On-site (work in-person at business location)
Application Process
This position is open until filled. For full consideration, please submit application, along with cover letter and resume, by 8am on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.
Please review the position description listed above for full scope of responsibilities and qualifications. Evidence of degree(s) or certificate(s) and/or license(s) required at time of hire.
Job Summary
Reporting to the Director of Operations, and with additional work direction provided by the Principal Investigator (PI), the Research Technician supports research activities in the Hughes' Lab at Sonoma State University, specifically, for grant funded projects through Greater Farallones Association and the Nature Conservancy to monitor and restore coastal ecosystems in northern California.
Key Qualifications
This position requires the equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university, including or supplemented by a course in statistics; additional experience which has demonstrated that the applicant has acquired and successfully applied the knowledge and abilities delineated above may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis. One year of experience in technical research or statistical work, and/or one year of graduate study in the social sciences, economics, mathematics, statistics, public or business administration, or engineering fields is also required. A M.S.
in relevant field of science:
biology, environmental science, oceanography, conservation or similar major is preferred. Strong writing and analytical/quantitative skills highly preferred. Experience doing field work related to marine ecosystems is preferred. Intermediate proficiency with computers and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel) required. Knowledge of Google Suite, data management and analysis platforms including Excel, R, RStudio, Github, and PeopleSoft preferred. The incumbent may be subject to successfully complete a pre-placement exam to confirm the ability to dive and perform the duties of the position. The incumbent must possess and/or obtain and tafter maintain a valid California Driver's License, California Boater Card, and an American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS) certification for the operation of any vehicle or equipment required to maintain and operate. Salary and Benefits
This is a full time, temporary, non-exempt position. The CSU Classification Step Range for this position is $4,595 - $6,694 per month (step 1 - step 20). Step placement will be determined based on relevant qualifications and professional experience. Step placement upon appointment is not expected to exceed Step 3 ($4,780). Reappointment to this position is dependent upon the individual's performance as well as administrative and budgetary considerations. The university reserves the right to terminate this appointment earlier than the scheduled expiration date.
This position is eligible for a broad range of benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurances, retirement (CalPERS), tuition waiver, vacation and sick leave. In addition, 15 paid holidays are offered each year and a Personal Holiday that may be taken any time during the year. Sonoma State University is also a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) Employer.
A comprehensive benefits summary for this position is available online by to be taken to the CSU benefits page.
For eligible employees, CSUEU collective bargaining agreement Article 17.10 will be honored.
Supplemental Information
About Sonoma State University:
Sonoma State University is committed to achieving excellence through teaching, scholarship, learning and inclusion. In line with our Strategic Plan and our Seawolf Commitment, our values include diversity, sustainability, community engagement, respect, responsibility, excellence and integrity. We strive to cultivate a community in which a diverse population can learn and work in an atmosp of civility and respect. We encourage innovation, experimentation and creativity, as well as contributions to equity and inclusion, in the pursuit of excellence for all members of our university community.
Equal Opportunity & Mandated Reporting:
The University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, medical condition, disability, marital status, or protected veteran status.
Mandated Reporting:
This position may be considered a "mandated reporter" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.
