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Researcher I or II

University of Wisconsin Madison
sick time
United States, Wisconsin, Madison
21 North Park Street (Show on map)
Feb 14, 2026
Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Jobs Hub to apply through the internal application process. Job Category:Academic Staff Employment Type:Regular Job Profile:Researcher I Job Summary:

This position is a key member of an immunology research team focused on investigating the biology and function of invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells and leveraging their unique properties to develop novel immunotherapies. The role supports research efforts within the Gumperz lab and contributes to collaborative projects examining Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) pathogenesis and the development of immuneresistant cells for pancreatic islet transplantation. The successful candidate will participate in the design and execution of rigorous laboratory experiments, contribute to data analysis and interpretation, and support daytoday research activities. This position requires strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills, a solid understanding of experimental design principles, and enthusiasm for handson research and mentoring undergraduate trainees in a collaborative laboratory environment.


  • This position requires work to be completed onsite, at a designated campus work location.

  • This position has been identified as a position of trust with access to vulnerable populations. The selected candidate will be required to pass an initial caregiver check to be eligible for employment under the Wisconsin Caregiver Law and every four years. Applicants for this position will be considered for the following titles Researcher I and Researcher II. The title is determined by the experience and qualifications of the finalist.

  • This vacancy is being announced simultaneously with job posting JR10007843; please note that only one vacancy exists. Having two position vacancy listings allows the School of Medicine and Public Health to consider candidates with a variety of experience and qualifications.


Key Job Responsibilities:

Isolate and culture primary mammalian cells, and other cell lines to support laboratory experiments and collaborative efforts; generate preparations of antigens; generate stocks of purified and/or labeled monoclonal antibodies, recombinant fusion proteins, and other 'in-house' laboratory reagents.

Troubleshoot and solve problems related to research techniques and protocols used in the lab.

Carry out duties related to maintenance of mice for experimental use, including management/oversight of ordering, breeding, and experimental colonies.

Supervise undergraduate student hourly workers and mentor undergraduates performing independent research projects in the lab.

Conduct independent laboratory research under the guidance of the PI.

Carry out duties related to laboratory management (e.g. oversight and ordering of supplies, maintenance of equipment and laboratory stocks, coordination of scheduling related to use of equipment and lab space, training others on use of equipment as needed).

Assist in developing grant applications and proposals to secure research funding

Department:

The mission of the Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology is to provide comprehensive scientific instruction to students, conduct novel and meaningful research, and offer consultation and service in microbiology and immunology as they relate to human health and disease.

Compensation:

The starting salary for this position is $47,000; but is negotiable based on experiences and 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. For more information, refer to the campus benefits webpage.

  • SMPH Faculty /Academic Staff Benefits Flyer 2026

Required Qualifications:

Researcher I:


  • At least 6 years hands-on laboratory research experience in immunology or a related biological science discipline

  • Experience isolating, culturing, and analyzing primary human immune cells (T cells and/or NK cells required; experience with monocytes, macrophages, or dendritic cells a plus)

  • Proficiency performing common immunoassays (e.g., ELISA, ELISpot, cytotoxicity, lymphocyte proliferation)

  • Experience working with murine models, including basic in vivo procedures and support of mouse colony maintenance (breeding, genotyping, husbandry)

  • Experience analyzing flow cytometry data using FlowJo or similar software


Researcher II:


  • At least 6 years handson laboratory research experience in immunology or a related biological science, with the ability to independently execute experimental workflows

  • Experience isolating, culturing, and analyzing primary human immune cells, including T cells and/or NK cells (experience with monocytes, macrophages, or dendritic cells beneficial)

  • Proficiency in performing a range of immunoassays, such as ELISA, ELISpot, cytotoxicity assays, and lymphocyte proliferation assays, with the ability to troubleshoot and optimize assays as needed

  • Experience working with murine models, including performing routine in vivo procedures and independently supporting mouse colony management (breeding, genotyping, and husbandry)

  • Experience conducting and interpreting flow cytometry experiments, including data analysis using FlowJo or similar software


Preferred Qualifications:

Researcher I Preferred Qualifications:


  • Experience isolating and culturing primary human tumor cells or tumorinfiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), including work with tumor spheroid/organoid cultures

  • Experience supporting in vitro assays to evaluate antitumor immune responses and familiarity with xenograft mouse models involving human tumor or immune cells

  • Experience with histology, fluorescence microscopy, and/or livecell imaging systems (e.g., IncuCyte)

  • Experience performing molecular biology techniques such as realtime PCR (qPCR) and transcriptomic/genomic analyses (e.g., RNAseq, ATACseq, ChIPseq)

  • Experience with protein analysis techniques, including immunoprecipitation and Western blotting



Researcher II Preferred Qualifications:


  • Experience designing, optimizing, or troubleshooting assays involving primary human immune cells or related cellular models

  • Experience isolating and culturing primary human tumor cells or tumorinfiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), including work with spheroid or organoid cultures

  • Experience conducting in vitro assays to evaluate antitumor immune responses

  • Experience working with xenograft mouse models involving human tumor tissue or immune cells

  • Experience performing molecular biology techniques such as realtime PCR (qPCR) and transcriptomic/genomic methods (e.g., RNAseq, ATACseq, ChIPseq)

  • Experience with protein analysis techniques, including immunoprecipitation and Western blotting

  • Demonstrated ability to independently analyze data, troubleshoot technical issues, and contribute to experimental planning

  • Strong organizational skills and experience coordinating research activities within a team environment


Education:

MS required, majoring in Biological Sciences or equivalent.

How to Apply:

For the best experience completing your application, we recommend using Chrome or Firefox as your web browser.

To apply for this position, select either "I am a current employee" or "I am not a current employee" under Apply Now. You will then be prompted to upload your application materials.

Important: The application has only one attachment field. Upload the following documents in that field, either as a single combined file or as multiple files in the same upload area.


  • Cover letter required

  • Resume

  • Your cover letter should address how your training and experience aligns with the required and preferred qualifications listed above. Application reviewers will rely on these written materials to determine which applicants move forward in the process. References will be requested from final candidates. All applicants will be notified once the search concludes and a candidate is selected


University sponsorship is not available for this position, including transfers of sponsorship and TN visas. 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. If you are selected for this position you must provide proof of work authorization and eligibility to work.

Contact Information:

Lily Schafer

HR Business Partner

lbschafer@wisc.edu

(608) 263-5443

Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information.

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.

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, visit the Human Resources Workplace Poster website.

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 Divisional 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 your references to answer questions regarding misconduct, including 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.

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