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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 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 field operations of our environmental monitoring program in Wisconsin. 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 under the supervision of senior scientists. 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.
The person in this role will need to be able to (a) connect with air sampling sites in the community, (b) support the processing of air samples in the lab, and (c) be exceptionally well-organized to ensure the workflow is seamless.
This position requires work to be completed onsite, at a designated campus work location.
Must provide a valid driver's license. Employees may use their own transportation or receive approval for University Car Fleet usage. Employment is conditional pending the results of a Pre-hire Driver Authorization Check. See https://businessservices.wisc.edu/managing-risk/driver-authorization-and-insurance/driver-authorization/#become-authorized-driver (click on “Become an authorized driver;” then click on “Required criteria”).
Key Job Responsibilities:
- Serves as a subject matter expert and unit liaison. Provides updates on project components and timelines to stakeholders as needed
- Develops and facilitates research specific presentations to internal and external audiences
- May direct the day-to-day activities of staff and resolve routine personnel issues
- Assists with the design, monitoring, and execution of project-specific experiments. Identifies and resolves technical issues
- Assists with the development and auditing of project-specific budgets
- Develops operating policies and procedures to comply with regulations, institutional policies, and unit objectives
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 $63,697 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 with research databases.
Experience in designing and conducting experiments.
Experience in data collection and analysis.
Experience working with community partners
Preferred Qualifications:
This position will benefit from someone who has demonstrated accuracy, the ability to manage multiple projects, strong written and verbal communication skills, and strong organizational skills.
Education:
Bachelor’s Degree preferred; focus in immunology, virology, microbiology, or a related field preferred. Those with an MPH are encouraged to apply.
How to Apply:
For the best experience completing your application, we recommend using Chrome or Firefox as your web browser.
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
Your cover letter should address how your training and experience aligns with the required and preferred qualifications listed above. 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
Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information.
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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