Dave and Shelby O'Connor Labs Research Specialist

The successful candidate will assist in developing, planning, and executing experiments, will have a strong academic background, and show exceptional eagerness and enthusiasm. They will operate, clean, and maintain organization of research equipment and research areas as well as track inventory levels and place replenishment orders. Day-to-day responsibilities will include obtaining residual samples for sequencing from the multiplex PCR team in the lab, isolating nucleic acids and performing metagenomic sequencing, and interpreting sequencing data, as well as communicating results.

The successful applicant will also be expected to assist in the preparation of data for publication purposes and participate in routine lab maintenance and other ongoing projects as needed.

• 30% Conducts research experiments according to established research protocols with moderate impact to the project(s). Collects data and monitors test results
• 10% Operates, cleans, and maintains organization of research equipment and research area. Tracks inventory levels and places replenishment orders
• 20% Reviews, analyzes, and interprets data and/or documents results for presentations and/or reporting to internal and external audiences
• 20% Participates in the development, interpretation, and implementation of research methodology and materials
• 10% Provides operational guidance on day-to-day activities of unit or program staff and/or student workers
• 10% Performs literature reviews and writes reports

Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.

For more information on diversity and inclusion on campus, please visit: Diversity and Inclusion

Required
Bachelor's Degree
Specializing in Immunology, Virology, Microbiology, or a related field.

Two positions are currently available for this posting.

For the first position, involves isolating RNA from air samples collected at various locations in the local community as well as other sites that are expanding their air sample collection in various domestic and international locations. The samples are then assayed to determine which pathogens are present using multiplex PCR panels. Other duties will include helping to design and execute quality control experiments and optimizing novel PCR assays to expand our ability to detect a greater number of pathogens.

The second position involves using metagenomic sequencing as a method of environmental surveillance to understand virus presence and transmission in a variety of congregate settings with a special emphasis on air samples.

Applicants with strong molecular biology skills and wet lab experience are encouraged to apply. In addition, since management of large numbers of samples and interpretation of sequencing data are complex, the successful applicant will have strong computer skills.

UW-Madison complies with all applicable health and safety regulations. Nevertheless, working with pathogens poses health risks. UW-Madison will provide necessary personal protective equipment, but a successful candidate must be willing to work with samples containing viruses and potentially other BSL-2 or BSL-3 pathogens despite the aforementioned risks.

Required
Drivers License - Valid and Meets UW Risk Management Standards
The applicant must possess a valid driver's license that meets standards of UW Risk Management Driving Authorization and Car Fleet eligibility requirements in order to transport samples to/from collaborators when necessary.

Full Time: 100%

This position may require some work to be performed in-person, onsite, at a designated campus work location. Some work may be performed remotely, at an offsite, non-campus work location.

Ongoing/Renewable

Minimum $44,543 ANNUAL (12 months)
Depending on Qualifications
Employees in this position can expect to receive benefits such as generous vacation, holidays, and sick leave; competitive insurances and savings accounts; retirement benefits. Benefits information can be found at (https://hr.wisc.edu/benefits/). SMPH Academic Staff Benefits flyer: (https://uwmadison.box.com/s/r50myohfvfd15bqltljn0g4laubuz7t0).

University sponsorship is not available for this position, including transfers of sponsorship. The selected applicant will be responsible for ensuring their continuous eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of an employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment. This position is an ongoing position that will require continuous work eligibility. UW-Madison is not an E-Verify employer, and therefore, is not eligible to employ F1 STEM OPT Extension participants. If you are selected for this position you must provide proof of work authorization and eligibility to work.

To apply for this position, please click on the "Apply Now" button. You will be asked to upload a current resume/CV and a cover letter briefly describing your qualifications and experience, and a document listing contact information for three (3) references, including your current/most recent supervisor. References will not be contacted without prior notice.

Tia Seguin
tia.seguin@wisc.edu
608-263-3731
Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information.

Research Specialist(RE047)

A53-MEDICAL SCHOOL/PATHOL-LAB MED/ANAT PATH

Academic Staff-Renewable

309513-AS