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Research Specialist

Research Specialist

  • JR10009534
  • On Site
  • Madison, Wisconsin
  • Research
  • Full time
  • Opening at: Mar 29 2026 - 11:00pm CDT
  • Closing at: Apr 12 2026 - 11:00pm CDT
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Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process.

Job Category:

Academic Staff

Employment Type:

Regular

Job Profile:

Research Specialist

Job Summary:

The Pathology Services Unit of the Wisconsin National Primate Research Center (WNPRC) is seeking a highly motivated, detail-oriented individual to join our team of research specialists and veterinary pathologists. In this role, you will provide critical diagnostic services and time sensitive research support to investigators (local, national, and international) through clinical pathology testing, necropsy support, and tissue distribution services. Our team supports both veterinary care and scientific research with multiple species of nonhuman primates by providing the following key services: • Clinical Pathology testing including Complete Blood Counts (CBCs), chemistry testing, fecal parasitology, and urinalysis • Anatomic Pathology including postmortem examinations with sample collection and the processing and shipment of samples • Tissue Distribution and Banking including sharing of biospecimens with investigators and long-term retention of frozen and fixed biospecimens for use in research Our team collaborates closely with researchers on a variety of studies, including vaccine development for global infectious diseases, reproductive health, transgenic animal models, models of aging, models of neurodegenerative diseases, neurophysiology, and stem cell biology.

Key Job Responsibilities:

  • 60% 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

  • 5% Reviews, analyzes, and interprets data and/or documents results for presentations and/or reporting to internal and external audiences

  • 5% Participates in the development, interpretation, and implementation of research methodology and materials

  • 5% Serves as a liaison with internal and external investigators and program clients

  • 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 

Department: UWMSN | OVCR | WNPRC Pathology 

Compensation: Minimum starting salary of $46,700.

Required Qualifications:

  • At least one year of experience in a research, diagnostic, or clinical laboratory or veterinary clinic (experience gained through coursework or professional training will be considered)

  • Must be able to work effectively both as part of a collaborative team and performing independent assigned work

  • Quick learner capable of mastering and accurately performing complicated tasks after training, instruction and/or independent study

  • Must be self-motivated with meticulous attention to detail, exceptional organization, effective time management and project prioritization, and complex problem-solving skills

  • Strong communicator (written and verbal) with excellent interpersonal and customer service skills

  • Comfortable working with Mac and PC computers with proficiency in Microsoft Office (e.g. Word, Excel and Powerpoint)

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Clinical pathology and/or necropsy skills

  • Prior experience working with animals and/or biological materials, in particular nonhuman primates (NHPs)

  • Proficiency with Electronic Health Records, complex databases, and/or laboratory equipment and instruments

Education:

Bachelor's Degree (BS/BA) required from an accredited university in zoology, biology, medical technology, clinical laboratory science, animal sciences, or related field required. Veterinary and laboratory animal technicians with a BS/BA in an unrelated field (plus relevant experience) are eligible for consideration.

How to Apply:

Please submit a resume and cover letter that speaks to each of the Required Qualifications for this position (listed above in the Qualifications section). For each Required Qualification, describe your relevant experience, using specific examples from your work history to illustrate how your experience satisfies the requirement. If you have experience that matches with the Preferred Qualifications, describe your relevant experience with specific examples. Applicants will also be asked to provide 3 professional references, including phone and email addresses. We will not contact your current supervisor without advance notice.

Please note, there is only one attachment field. You must upload all your documents into the one attachment field.

Contact Information:

WNPRC HR Generalist: krouman@wisc.edu

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.

To 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 Divisional 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 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). 
 
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.

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