Job Summary:

The Smith Lab in the Department of Plant and Agroecosystem Sciences is seeking a full-time Research Specialist. This individual will be responsible for helping to organize and manage supplies for the lab, and will assist in the supervision of one to two students in the laboratory and greenhouse. Successful applicants will be expected to assist in molecular biology and chemical analyses of plant samples, in addition to basic greenhouse tasks, such as planting, watering, harvesting tissues and taking agronomic measurements. Some degree of field work is anticipated in this position, which would involve long periods of time standing and walking in the field plots and working outdoors in inclement weather. This position also involves project management responsibilities for laboratory, greenhouse and field trial work, including creating and managing project timelines, consolidating data for reports and maintaining documentation on plants grown in the greenhouse and field.

This position is for 1 year, with the possibility of an appointment extension if funding becomes available.

The College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) is committed to maintaining and growing a culture that embraces diversity, inclusion, and equity, believing that these values are foundational elements of our excellence and fundamental components of a positive and enriching learning and working environment for all students, faculty, and staff. At CALS, we acknowledge that bias, prejudice, racism, and hate have historically occurred in many forms that cause significant and lasting harm to members of our community. We commit to taking actions each day toward a college that is inclusive and welcoming to all. We encourage applications from potential candidates of all races, class, gender, sexuality, ability, nationality, religion, and other group identities.

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.

• 30% Conducts research experiments according to established research protocols with moderate impact to the project(s). Collects data and monitors test results
• 25% 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
• 10% Provides operational guidance on day-to-day activities of unit or program staff and/or student workers
• 5% Performs literature reviews and writes reports
• 15% Planting, maintaining and helping take measurements from populations of wild-type and transgenic plants in the greenhouse and field
• 5% Participate in professional development activities to support the lab culture and climate

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
Required: BSc in agronomy, botany, plant science or related field

Qualifications:

Required:

Valid US Driver's License required as employee will be picking up supplies and checking on projects at different greenhouses or fields

Preferred:

Experience with molecular biology techniques; examples may be: DNA and RNA extraction, PCR, Sequencing

Experience performing plant care, research, and maintenance techniques (greenhouse and/or field)

Project Management experience in the laboratory and/or field trials

License/Certification:

Preferred
Drivers License - Valid

Work Type:

Full Time: 100%

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

Appointment Type, Duration:

Terminal, 12 month appointment.
This position has the possibility to be extended or converted to an ongoing appointment based on need and/or funding

Salary:

Minimum $45,000 ANNUAL (12 months)
Depending on Qualifications
The anticipated salary range for this position is $45,000 - $60,000. However, the 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:

Criminal Background Check may be required

Evaluation/Probationary Period may be required

Applicants must become an approved driver through UW-Madison's driver authorization process. This requires meeting established driver authorization criteria listed at https://businessservices.wisc.edu/managing-risk/driver-authorization-and-insurance/driver-authorization/.

Work Authorization:
-The successful applicant will be responsible for ensuring eligibility for employment in the United States by the start of the appointment.
- University visa sponsorship is not 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

References (required) - List contact information for three (3) references, including your current/most recent supervisor. References will not be contacted without prior notice.

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:

Julie Rodenberg
jjrodenberg@wisc.edu
608-265-4475
Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information.

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Official Title:

Research Specialist(RE047)

Department(s):

A07-COL OF AG & LIFE SCIENCES/PLANT & AGROECOSYSTEM SCI

Employment Class:

Academic Staff-Terminal

Job Number:

306129-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.