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Job Category:
Academic Staff
Employment Type:
Regular
Job Profile:
Research Specialist
Job Summary:
We are seeking a Research specialist to join the O'Connor Lab's environmental surveillance team and perform sample processing for a new study conducted in collaboration with the laboratory of Dr. Jonathan Temte, founder of the Oregon Child Absenteeism due to Respiratory Disease Study (ORCHARDS) program at UW–Madison. ORCHARDS investigates the causes of child absenteeism from school, and the addition of household air sampling provides a new window onto respiratory viral transmission within the home. During the 2026–2027 school year, paired clinical swab and air samples will be collected from participants with respiratory viral infections across up to 200 households and delivered to our laboratory for intake, processing, sequencing, and analysis.
The successful candidate will work alongside a PhD scientist to understand the data collected from this project, organize and process samples, develop new molecular analyses, and evaluate and publicize the results of the project. Responsibilities include coordinating and executing sample processing for both clinical swabs and air samples, running downstream molecular biology assays, and analyzing data to identify the respiratory pathogens present in each participating household. While many of the techniques are already used by the lab, this person will work with a PhD scientist to create and validate assays designed to quantify pathogen nucleic acids in air and clinical samples. The research specialist will also work closely with the PhD scientist to refine and implement improved techniques for sequencing and data analysis. Scientific work will be performed under the guidance of the PhD scientist and principal investigators, as well as in partnership with the broader environmental surveillance team. The successful candidate will also need to demonstrate effective scientific decision-making skills, a thorough understanding of the theoretical and practical background of the project, and develop and implement novel techniques independently under the supervision of the PhD scientist.
In addition to bench and method-development work, the research specialist will manage the organization and processing of the samples for the study, tracking thousands of samples through multi-step workflows, maintaining timelines and deliverables for our program. The research specialist will also contribute to data analysis, manuscript preparation, and other lab projects as needed, and will maintain rigorous records and documentation. Regular work with human clinical swab samples is expected. Because the labs communicate extensively in writing with one another and with collaborators, outstanding written and verbal scientific communication skills are essential.
Key Job Responsibilities:
- Participates in the development, interpretation, and implementation of research methodology and materials
- Operates, cleans, and maintains organization of research equipment and research area. Tracks inventory levels and places replenishment orders
- Provides operational guidance on day-to-day activities of unit or program staff and/or student workers
- Receives and organizes samples, maintains electronic experiments, and spreadsheets
- Performs literature reviews and writes reports
- Reviews, analyzes, and interprets data and/or documents results for presentations and/or reporting to internal and external audiences
- Conducts research experiments according to established research protocols with moderate impact to the project(s). Collects data and monitors test results
Department:
School of Medicine and Public Health, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, O'Connor 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.
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 $ 61,780 annually; 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. SMPH Faculty /Academic Staff Benefits Flyer 2026
Required Qualifications:
Experience in designing and conducting experiments.
Experience in data collection and analysis.
Experience organizing large numbers of samples
Experience with written and verbal scientific communication.
Education:
Bachelor’s Degree preferred; focus in public health, immunology, microbiology, virology, or a related field is preferred.
How to Apply:
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. Failure to submit the required documents will result in no longer being considered for the position.
• Cover letter required
• Resume required
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:
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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