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Job Category:
Academic Staff
Employment Type:
Regular
Job Profile:
Scientist I
Job Summary:
The Nirschl and Kolb laboratories at the University of Wisconsin–Madison invite applications for a Scientist I or II to contribute to the discovery and development of novel PET imaging tracers targeting pathological protein aggregates in neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, frontotemporal dementia, and ALS. These efforts support multi-institutional collaborations focused on improving early diagnosis and therapeutic development. The successful candidate will lead discovery/optimization by setting up and executing custom tissue-based assays, including autoradiography and radioligand-binding assays, competition assays, and immunoassays or immunostaining, to evaluate compound binding affinity and specificity in human and animal biospecimens. Additional responsibilities include radioligand displacement studies, immunohistochemical validation, and biochemical extraction of pathological proteins from brain tissue. The role also involves conducting surface plasmon resonance (SPR) experiments to quantify molecular interactions. These efforts are critical to lead compound optimization and translational imaging biomarker validation. Applicants should have demonstrated expertise in tissue assay development, protein biochemistry, or molecular imaging and the ability to work in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment. We seek applicants with a track record of outstanding research accomplishments and an ability to work in a highly collegial and collaborative academic environment.
It is expected that the successful applicant will have a broad knowledge base in bioassay development, including:
A. Histopathological characterization of brain tissue samples,
B. Tissue homogenization, biochemical extraction and purification of pathological proteins from brain tissue samples,
C. Radioligand binding assays using tissue slices, homogenates, and purified proteins,
D. Autoradiography experiments for evaluating tracer binding,
E. Surface Plasmon Resonance measurements for assessing molecular interactions.
Key Job Responsibilities:
- Conducts literature reviews, prepares reports and materials, and disseminates information to appropriate entities
- Writes or assists in developing grant applications and proposals to secure research funding
- Collects and analyzes research data, conducts experiments and interviews, and documents results according to established policies and procedures under general supervision and limited responsibility
Assists with ordering, tracking, and maintenance of lab instruments and radiolabeled compounds; ensuring appropriate safety, documentation and regulatory compliance (e.g., EH&S, ORS)
- Attends and assists with the facilitation of scholarly events and presentations in support of continued professional development and the dissemination of research information
- Assists with the identification of research problems and the development of research methodologies and procedures
- Serves as a main point of contact and liaison with internal and external stakeholders providing information and representing the interests of a specialized research area
Department:
School of Medicine and Public Health, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Nirschl Lab
The Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine is dedicated to the highest quality patient care, cutting-edge and impactful research, and teaching the next generation of pathologists and scientists. We emphasize a healthy work-life balance and provide a supportive work environment committed to the growth and advancement of our members. Our vibrant clinical department integrates anatomic pathology, laboratory medicine, teaching, and a robust research enterprise, and serves the UW, American Family Children’s, VA, and other Madison hospitals. Our basic science and translational research programs have made fundamental discoveries in cell and stem cell biology, immunology, neuroscience, and infectious disease. Opportunities in education include a T32-funded PhD graduate program, pathology resident and fellowship programs, and both medical school and undergraduate curricula.
The Department of Medical Physics is one of 10 basic science and 17 clinical departments in the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. Medical Physics faculty research is broadly focused on using physical principles to improve our understanding of the biological basis of disease and health, improving our ability to non-invasively diagnosis disease as early as possible, and for developing, guiding, and non-invasively assessing therapeutic interventions. Together with our clinical colleagues, we advance state-of-the-art patient care by developing, validating, and translating to the clinical environment novel imaging systems, minimally invasive, personalized treatments, and early treatment assessment.
Madison, often rated as one of the best places to live in America, is built on an isthmus, surrounded by lakes. The city, campus, green spaces and urban areas are blended to create a place unlike any other.
Compensation:
The starting salary for the position is $50,278; but is negotiable based on experience 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 and the SMPH Academic Staff Benefits Flyer.
Required Qualifications:
Preferred Qualifications:
Advanced experience in tissue-based assay development, including autoradiography and radioligand binding assays using both tissue slices and purified proteins.
Proficiency in biochemical extraction and purification of pathological proteins (e.g., α-synuclein, tau) from human and animal brain tissue.
Demonstrated ability to perform competitive binding and displacement assays to quantify tracer specificity and affinity.
Experience conducting Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) experiments or related biophysical assays for assessing molecular interactions.
Familiarity with histopathological techniques, including immunostaining and tissue sectioning for quantitative analysis.
Strong record of collaborative research in interdisciplinary, multi-site translational programs.
Ability to independently troubleshoot complex experimental systems and contribute to project design.
Commitment to maintaining high standards of scientific rigor, data documentation, and reproducibility.
Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a collegial academic research environment.
Education:
PhD Degree required; focus in bioanalytical science, biochemistry, molecular biology or a related field required.
How to Apply:
To apply for this position, please click on the "I am a current employee" button or "I am not a current employee" button under Apply Now. You will be prompted to upload the following documents.
Please note, there is only one attachment field. You must upload all your documents in the attachment field. Applicants are to submit a cover letter and resume detailing their training and experience relating to the required and preferred qualifications referenced above. The application reviewers will be relying on written application materials to determine which qualified applicants will advance in the recruitment process. We will notify selected applicants to participate further in the selection process directly. References will be requested of final candidates. All applicants will be notified after the search is complete and a candidate has been 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:
Tia Seguin, tia.seguin@wisc.edu, 608-263-3731
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.
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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).
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