New

Research Specialist

University of Wisconsin Madison
$45,000 ANNUAL (12 months)
paid time off
United States, Wisconsin, Madison
21 North Park Street (Show on map)
Mar 28, 2025
Job Summary: This multi-functional Research Specialist position housed within the Department of Plant Pathology UW-Madison College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) provides support to the UW-Madison Wisconsin Seed Potato Certification Program (WSPCP). The WSPCP, established in 1913, inspects and certifies Wisconsin seed potatoes with the goal of providing potato farmers with healthy seed potato planting stock. This position is focused on providing support to the program's tissue culture and diagnostic laboratories but provides opportunities to learn and support the other facets of the program such as certification, early generation seed production, research advancement, and outreach activities. This is an agriculturally based laboratory position and may require extra hours during certain times of the year, including peak seed production seasons and increased diagnostic periods. Responsibilities: Develops, designs, and conducts one or more research projects and organizes daily operation of projects and specialized research areas to ensure work meets established objectives under moderate supervision. 40% 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 15% 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 10% Participates in novel pathogen testing of seed potato samples. 5% Documents and maintains Standard Operation Procedures (SOP). Ensures compliance with established policies and procedures. Institutional Statement on Diversity: 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 Education: Required Bachelor's Degree, or higher, in a field related to the responsibilities of this position such as plant pathology, bacteriology, agronomy/plant science, horticulture, plant breeding. Qualifications: Required: - Laboratory diagnostic experience: Familiarity with performing molecular assays, specifically ELISA, Conventional, Immunocapture and real-time PCR, RNA and DNA extraction. - General Laboratory skills and knowledge: examples include following Standard Operating Procedures, measuring and making various medias, utilizing a pH meter, knowledge of how to pipette, understands and utilizes sterile technique, etc. Preferred: - Experience in Micropropagation. - Experience with research experimental design and implementation. License/Certification: Required Drivers License - Valid and Meets UW Risk Management Standards Work Type: Full Time: 100% It is anticipated this position requires work be performed in-person, onsite, at a designated campus work location. This position is in Middleton, WI but requires travel to the program's diagnostic laboratory in Madison, WI, and occasionally to the program's certification and early generation greenhouse production sites in Antigo, WI and Rhinelander, WI respectively. Occasional travel outside of Wisconsin expected. Appointment Type, Duration: Ongoing/Renewable Salary: Minimum $45,000 ANNUAL (12 months) Depending on Qualifications The minimum salary rate for this position is $45,000 annually, however, final salary will depend on experience and qualifications. Employees in this position can expect to receive benefits such as generous vacation, holidays, and paid time off; competitive insurances and savings accounts; retirement benefits. Additional benefits information can be found at: https://www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/benefits/download/fasl.pdf Additional Information: - An evaluation period may be required - Work Authorization: The successful applicant will be responsible for ensuring eligibility for employment in the United States by the start of the appointment. How to Apply: Click on the "Apply Online" button to start the application process. You will be prompted to upload the following documents/Application Materials: Resume (required) - Detail your educational and professional background Cover letter (required) - Refer to your related work experience References (required) - List contact information for three (3) references, including your current/most recent supervisor. References will not be contacted without prior notice. It's important that your cover letter and resume reflect your experience for this position related to the Qualifications section. Your application materials will be used during our evaluation to determine your qualifications as they relate to the job. The most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process. Contact: Megan Sullivan megan.sullivan@wisc.edu 608-265-5882 Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information. Official Title: Research Specialist(RE047) Department(s): A07-COL OF AG & LIFE SCIENCES/PLANT PATHOLOGY/POTATO OP Employment Class: Academic Staff-Renewable Job Number: 313252-AS The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence through diversity and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. For more information regarding applicant and employee rights and to view federal and state required postings, click here If you need to request an accommodation because of a disability, you can find information about how to make a request at the following website: https://employeedisabilities.wisc.edu/disability-accommodation-information-for-applicants/ Employment may require a criminal background check. It may also require you and your references to answer questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment. The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7). The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report contains current campus safety and disciplinary policies, crime statistics for the previous 3 calendar years, and on-campus student housing fire safety policies and fire statistics for the previous 3 calendar years. UW-Madison will provide a paper copy upon request; please contact the University of Wisconsin Police Department.