Research Specialist I - Pathology Services

The Pathology Services Unit of the Wisconsin National Primate Research Center (WNPRC) is seeking a highly motivated, detail oriented, and organized individual with excellent written and verbal skills to work as part of a team of research specialists and veterinary pathologists in providing diagnostic services and research support to investigators on campus, as well as across the United States and internationally.

The Pathology Services Unit provides timely and accurate diagnostic testing, postmortem sample collection and processing, and determination of causes of morbidity and mortality through clinical and anatomic pathology services in support of clinical veterinary medicine and scientific research. The Unit is responsible for the development of new techniques necessary to meet the needs of investigators and clinical veterinarians. The Unit works closely with researchers on a variety of studies, including vaccine development for global infectious diseases, reproductive health, transgenic animal models, models of aging, models of neurodegenerative diseases and neurophysiology, and stem cell biology. The WNPRC holds the service contract for the National Institute on Aging (NIA) nonhuman primate tissue bank, a repository of tissues primarily from aged nonhuman primates available for use in research on aging. Additionally, the Unit distributes biological samples and tissues to investigators through the WNPRC Nonhuman Primate Biological Materials Distribution Core.

• 60% Conducts research experiments according to established research protocols with moderate impact to the project(s). Collects data and monitors test results
• 15% Operates, cleans, and maintains organization of research equipment and research area. Tracks inventory levels and places replenishment orders
• 5% Reviews, analyzes, and interprets data and/or documents results for presentations and/or reporting to internal and external audiences
• 5% Participates in the development, interpretation, and implementation of research methodology and materials
• 5% Provides operational guidance on day-to-day activities of unit or program staff and/or student workers
• 5% Performs literature reviews and writes reports
• 5% Serves as a liaison with internal and external investigators and program clients

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Required
BS/BA from an accredited university in zoology, biology, medical technology, clinical laboratory science, animal sciences, or related field. Will consider veterinary technicians and laboratory animal technicians with a BS/BA in conjunction with relevant experience.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
-At least one year of experience in a research or clinical laboratory setting; laboratory experience gained through coursework or professional training will be considered
-Self-motivated with excellent interpersonal skills
-Must be able to work as an integral part of a team, as well as work independently
-Demonstrated ability to learn and perform complicated tasks through instruction and independent study
-Meticulous attention to detail, as well as strong organization and prioritization skills
-Demonstrated customer service skills necessary
-Excellent verbal and written communications skills
-Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint, as well as complex online databases
-Must be comfortable working with Macintosh and PC computers
-Demonstrated complex problem-solving skills

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
-Clinical pathology and/or necropsy skills highly desirable
-Prior experience working with animals and/or biological materials, in particular nonhuman primates (NHPs), strongly preferred
-Experience in an academic research laboratory desirable

Full Time: 100%

It is anticipated this position requires work be performed in-person, onsite, at a designated campus work location.

Ongoing/Renewable

Minimum $46,700 ANNUAL (12 months)
Depending on Qualifications
Employees in these positions can expect to receive a generous benefit package, including paid time off, competitive insurances and savings accounts, and retirement benefits.

Applicant must be comfortable working with nonhuman primates, biological materials, including infectious agents, and chemicals in a biomedical research setting, and with wearing various required personal protective equipment (PPE).

The applicant will be introduced to the standard procedures used for tissue handling at the Primate Center and will be required to obtain UW animal care and handling certification from RARC. Additional relevant training may be required as needed.

-Required on-call duties will include weekend, evening, and holiday work.
-Training on the shipment of biologically and chemically hazardous materials is required and will be provided.
-BSL2+ certification will be acquired upon hire.
-Must be TB negative.
-Applicant will be required to have a measles titer within the first week of employment. Depending on the results of the blood test, applicant may need to be immunized.
-Allergies to animals must be controlled by medication.
-Must possess a valid driver's license that meets standards of UW Risk Management in order to operate WNPRC vehicles.
-A pre-employment check of applicant driving record will be required.
-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.
-This is considered an essential position and, as such, applicants must be willing to fulfill the duties of the position.
-Employees are expected to act in the best interest of the University and to protect the University from both actual conflicts of interest and the appearance of conflicts of interest.
-A one-year period of evaluation will be required.

The WNPRC is one of seven federally supported National Primate Research Centers and the only one in the Midwest. WNPRC's mission is to increase the understanding of basic primate biology and to improve human health and quality of life through research. To accomplish this, the WNPRC helps discover treatments, preventions and cures for human disease; generates new knowledge of primate biology, from the molecular and whole animal levels to the understanding of primate ecosystems; facilitates research progress by providing expertise, resources and training to scientists worldwide; and collects primate information and disseminates to the research community and to the public.

Click on the "Apply Online" button to start the application process.
You will be prompted to upload the following documents:
Resume (REQUIRED)
Cover letter (REQUIRED)

Please use your cover letter to speak to each of the Required Qualifications for this position (listed above in the Qualifications section). For each Required Qualification, describe your relevant experience, using specific examples from your work history to illustrate how your experience satisfies the requirement. If you have experience that matches with the Preferred Qualifications, describe your relevant experience with specific examples.

Applicants will also be asked to provide 3 professional references, including phone and email addresses. We will not contact your current supervisor without advance notice.

Deb Jurmu
djurmu@primate.wisc.edu
608-263-3504
Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information.

Research Specialist(RE047)

A34-OVCR/PRIMATE/PRIMATE

Academic Staff-Renewable

309775-AS