Client-Based Researcher

University of Wisconsin Madison
$85,000 ANNUAL (12 months)
paid time off
United States, Wisconsin, Madison
21 North Park Street (Show on map)
May 03, 2025
Job Summary: The Center for Dairy Research (CDR) is seeking a Client-Based Researcher to support a growing innovative unit on the UW-Madison campus. Housed in a new, state-of-the-art facility in Babcock Hall, CDR is the largest dairy foods research program in the US. The Center has over 60 full-time staff, supports graduate and undergraduate research, and provides technical and training support services to hundreds of dairy producers and processers around the globe. Currently, CDR is actively addressing a key dairy industry issue regarding the utilization of dairy byproducts such as whey and permeate. We are looking to accelerate the commercialization of relevant new technologies, utilizing the state-of-the-art facilities at the CDR. This position will be responsible for client engagement as the CDR executes its strategies in circular bioeconomy and dairy sustainability. They will engage directly with CDR clients in the design and execution of pilot plant trials, with the overall objective of scaling-up their technologies at the CDR facilities. More specifically, they will provide technical support to clients as they partner with the CDR. Activities include the following: - Review technical applications from clients and assist with scoping and feasibility evaluations. Assist with the preparation of agreements such as NDAs and develop scopes of work for clients - Provide technical expertise for upstream and downstream processing of raw materials and finished products - Provide technical expertise in the design and execution of pilot plant trials at the CDR to deliver an optimized process ready for commercialization - Prepare interim and final reports for clients - Track project progress using CDR systems - Prepare and submit cost information for Invoicing In addition, the Client-Based Researcher will assist with identifying and applying for appropriate grant/funding opportunities and aid in meeting reporting requirements for applicable grants. Responsibilities: Designs methodology, conducts data collection and analysis, and prepares reports for moderately complex client-based research. May co-author publications, present research, and guide the efforts of other research staff. 40% Directs the development of research methodologies and procedures according to client-based objectives and specifications 5% Identifies concerns and recommends solutions to leadership 20% Collects and analyzes moderately complex research data for one or more research projects. Designs and conducts experiments and interviews. Documents results according to established policies and procedures 10% Prepares reports and materials and disseminates information to appropriate entities 5% Reviews and edits research protocols under limited supervision 5% Participates in research publishing and informational presentations to contribute to the development of (research type) 5% Supervises day-to-day operations of a research unit and may supervise others within a specialized laboratory or research area 10% Identify and apply to additional grant opportunities that align with researching and scaling new technologies that impact the dairy industry as a whole 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 in Dairy Science, Food Science, Food Engineering, or related field Qualifications: Required Qualifications: - Work experience or training in process development or optimization in food, chemical, bioprocessing, or bio-based industries - Demonstrated knowledge of project reporting and communication with internal and/or external clients - Strong project management skills as demonstrated by having led multiple projects to completion Preferred Qualifications: - Experience working in the dairy industry, operating dairy processing equipment in a pilot plant or manufacturing setting - Experience working in a pilot plant or manufacturing environment operating processing equipment for fractionation and/or concentration of biological materials (e.g., membrane systems, dryers, evaporators, fermenters, or mechanical separators) - Experience designing and executing project trials for the dairy industry - Exposure to projects involving dairy streams, renewable feedstocks, or circular economy initiatives - Experience with membrane separation, fractionation, fermentation, or purification technologies - Experience working with grant-funded projects and reporting to federal agencies Well qualified applicants will have some/all of the above experience in addition to meeting the Required Qualifications. Work Type: Full Time: 100% It is anticipated this position requires work be performed in-person, onsite, at a designated campus work location. Typical working hours are between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday Appointment Type, Duration: Ongoing/Renewable Salary: Minimum $85,000 ANNUAL (12 months) Depending on Qualifications The minimum salary for this position is $85,000. 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: - Evaluation/Probationary Period may be required - University sponsorship is available for this position 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 It is 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: Deborah Holland deborah.holland@wisc.edu 608-263-2941 Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information. Official Title: Client-Based Researcher II(RE002) Department(s): A07-COL OF AG & LIFE SCIENCES/DAIRY RES, CTR FOR Employment Class: Academic Staff-Renewable Job Number: 314605-AS The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, 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 by acknowledging skills and expertise from all backgrounds 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 To request a disability or pregnancy-related accommodation for any step in the hiring process (e.g., application, interview, pre-employment testing, etc.), please contact the Division Disability Representative (DDR) in the division you are applying to. Please make your request as soon as possible to help the university respond most effectively to you. 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.