O'Connor Lab Research Specialist
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Job Summary:
We are seeking a Research Specialist to join our environmental surveillance team, which conducts comprehensive air and wastewater monitoring to understand pathogen presence and transmission in congregate settings. Working under the supervision of the principal investigators and senior lab scientists, you will lead components of our environmental monitoring program. This role combines fieldwork at community sites with laboratory analysis and data preparation for scientific publication.
Your field operations responsibilities will include organizing and maintaining air sampling equipment, conducting routine sample collection at schools, hospitals, and other partner sites, and coordinating with facility staff to maintain professional relationships at sampling locations. This community-facing aspect of the role requires regular travel to various sites and direct interaction with partners across different institutional settings.
In the laboratory, you will process air samples for nucleic acid extraction and prepare samples for pathogen testing. You will also perform routine laboratory maintenance and quality control procedures to ensure data integrity and equipment functionality. These technical responsibilities require attention to detail and adherence to established protocols for sample handling and processing.
Your research support duties will involve assisting in data analysis and preparation for publication, contributing to ongoing research projects as needed, and maintaining detailed records and documentation. This aspect of the role provides exposure to the full research pipeline from sample collection through scientific publication.
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.- 25% 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
- 10% Reviews, analyzes, and interprets data and/or documents results for presentations and/or reporting to internal and external audiences
- 10% 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
- 20% Organizes air sampling surveillance program by creating detailed schedules for sample collection and coordinating the deployment of air sampling machines to local (Wisconsin) sites.
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:
Preferred
Bachelor's Degree in immunology, virology, microbiology, or a related field
Qualifications:
Required:
Experience with research databases.
Experience in designing and conducting experiments.
Experience in data collection and analysis.
This position requires accuracy, the ability to manage multiple projects, and strong written and verbal communication skills
License/Certification:
Required
Drivers License - Valid and Meets UW Risk Management Standards
The applicant must possess a valid driver's license that meets the UW Risk Management Driving Authorization and Car Fleet eligibility requirements to transport samples to/from collaborators when necessary.
Work Type:
Full Time: 100%
This position may require some work to be performed in-person, onsite, at a designated campus work location. Some work may be performed remotely, at an offsite, non-campus work location.
Appointment Type, Duration:
Ongoing/Renewable
Salary:
Minimum $44,543 ANNUAL (12 months)
Depending on 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. Benefits information can be found at (https://hr.wisc.edu/benefits/). SMPH Academic Staff Benefits flyer: (https://uwmadison.box.com/s/r50myohfvfd15bqltljn0g4laubuz7t0).
Additional Information:
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.
How to Apply:
To apply for this position, please click on the "Apply Now" button. You will be asked to upload a current resume/CV and a cover letter briefly describing your qualifications and experience.
Contact:
Tia Seguin
tia.seguin@wisc.edu
608-263-3731
Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information.
Official Title:
Research Specialist(RE047)
Department(s):
A53-MEDICAL SCHOOL/PATHOL-LAB MED/ANAT PATH
Employment Class:
Academic Staff-Renewable
Job Number:
316363-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 hereTo 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.