Job Summary:
The selected candidate will support research in soil ecology under the supervision of Dr. Thea Whitman in the Department of Soil Science. The successful candidate will work closely with the principal investigator and other lab members, managing lab activities and performing research. Skills that will help a candidate do well in this job include being (1) organized and meticulous in producing quality results, (2) innovative and resourceful in their approach to challenges, and (3) self-driven and enjoying working independently, but also having strong interpersonal skills and enjoying working as part of a team. The candidate will be trained in new techniques. Their duties will include soil ecology research as well as lab management.
Specific Duties:
50% - Soil Ecology Research:
The selected candidate will be responsible for performing a broad range of molecular and soil ecology lab work. This will include, but not be limited to, soil DNA extraction, cloning, PCR, qPCR, preparing samples for Sanger and high-throughput Illumina sequencing, DNA quantification, enzyme assays, culturing isolates, preparing culture media and plates, preparing chemical reagents and solutions, running electrophoretic gels, and working in fume hoods and laminar flow hoods. In addition, it will include initiating and maintaining soil incubations, taking gas samples, working with gas cylinders, operating a 13CO2- and 13CH4-measuring CRDS, preparing soil (sieving, grinding, drying, weighing), performing soil extractions, and preparing soil samples for isotopic and elemental analysis.
The candidate will also perform greenhouse work and fieldwork, which will include initiating and maintaining greenhouse experiments and field trials, planting, plant care, soil sampling, and sample preservation.
The individual will be responsible for maintaining well-organized and meticulous research records. They will maintain aseptic technique, lab safety and lab hygiene. They will be responsible for data analysis and will also be expected to maintain awareness of current literature and knowledge in areas of research. The selected candidate will actively participate in research group meetings and present weekly results and progress on projects.
50% - Lab Management:
The selected candidate will assist in daily laboratory responsibilities including, but not limited to, cataloguing and organizing existing lab supplies and equipment, researching new lab equipment and materials to be purchased and interacting with vendors, maintaining equipment, ordering supplies and maintaining lab inventory using an online management system, training and supporting other research team members, supervising students, coordinating equipment use and project management between lab members, keeping lab members up to date with lab safety trainings, shipping samples, and preparing or assisting in the preparation of standard operating procedures, permits, progress reports, grants, conference abstracts, and manuscripts.
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.
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.
- 35% 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
- 20% 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
- 10% Provides operational guidance on day-to-day activities of unit or program staff and/or student workers
- 10% Performs literature reviews and writes reports
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
Degree focus in Soil Science, Microbiology, Environmental Science, Biology, or related field preferred.
Qualifications:
Direct experience with laboratory research is required. This could come from laboratory courses, research experiences, or employment in a laboratory setting, among other experiences. Previous experience with soil science, microbiology, or lab management is an asset.
Work Type:
Full or Part Time: 50% - 100%
It is anticipated this position requires work be performed in-person, onsite, at a designated campus work location.
Normal hours are 9AM-5PM, Monday through Friday. Occasional nights, weekends, and multi-week field expeditions may be required for this position.
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 $44,543 ANNUAL (12 months)
Depending on Qualifications
The anticipated salary range for this position is $44,543-$57,400. Final salary will depend on experience and qualifications. Employees in this position will receive benefits including 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/univstaff.pdf or https://www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/benefits/download/fasl.pdf
Additional Information:
* Criminal Background Check may be required
* Evaluation/Probationary Period may be required
* Working conditions, lifting requirements, driving authorization
* 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 and approval from the candidate.
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:
Thea Whitman
twhitman@wisc.edu
608-263-4947
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/SOIL SCIENCE
Employment Class:
Academic Staff-Terminal
Job Number:
301597-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 hereIf 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).
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