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Researcher I

Researcher I

  • Madison, Wisconsin
  • COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURAL & LIFE SCIENCES/FOOD MICROBIOLOGY & TOXICOLOGY-GEN
  • Research
  • Onsite
  • Staff-Full Time
  • Opening at: Apr 28 2025 - 10:25am CDT
  • Closing at: May 12 2025 - 11:55pm CDT
  • 312741-AS

Job Summary:

Food Research Institute (FRI) Applied Food Microbiology and Safety Laboratory is looking to hire a Researcher to help conduct practical research and testing of food formulations. Results from these studies are used to identify strategies to inhibit microbial growth and toxin production or to enhance the rate of inactivation of foodborne bacterial pathogens. Routine shelf-life studies are not conducted.

Microbial challenge studies reflect guidelines developed by the National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods (click here for info). Data derived from well-designed and implemented studies are used by manufacturers to modify formulation, processing, cooking instructions, and storage time and temperatures, and to identify limits for critical control points. https://fri.wisc.edu/resources_afsl.php 

Responsibilities:

Provides technical expertise to fundamental and/or applied scientific research under the direction of senior research personnel or faculty.
  • 20% Collects and analyzes basic research data, conducts experiments and interviews, and documents results according to established policies and procedures
  • 20% Conducts literature reviews, prepares reports and materials, and disseminates information to appropriate entities and assists with publications
  • 20% Trains individuals and groups on equipment operations, research protocols, and techniques within a specialized laboratory or research area
  • 10% Assists with the development of research methodologies and procedures
  • 20% Identifies concerns and recommends solutions to leadership
  • 10% Assists in developing grant applications and proposals to secure research funding

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
Master's Degree in food science, microbiology, or related

Qualifications:

Required:
- Research experience with Listeria monocytogenes and clostridium perfringens
- Experience conducting food challenge studies
- Must be able to pass Tier I Select Agent screening requirements

Preferred:
- Experience working with laboratory animals
- Basic food analysis experience

Work Type:

Full Time: 100%

It is anticipated this position requires work be performed in-person, onsite, at a designated campus work location.

Monday-Friday between the hours of 7:30-5:30; some weekend and holiday work may be necessary.

Appointment Type, Duration:

Ongoing/Renewable

Salary:

Minimum $45,000 ANNUAL (12 months)
Depending on Qualifications
Salary will depend on experience and qualifications. Employees in this position can expect to receive benefits such as generous 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/fasl.pdf 

Additional Information:

Candidate must have the following:
-Ability to work outside of regular business hours (some nights, weekends, and holidays required)
-Ability to work safely with foodborne pathogens in dairy products and processed meats
-Ability to work safely with chemicals including carcinogens, mutagens, and toxins
-Ability to work safely with pathogens, toxins, and other microbes

An Evaluation/Probationary Period may be required
The successful applicant will be responsible for ensuring eligibility for employment in the United States by the start of the appointment.
University sponsorship is not available for this position

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

It is 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:

Hong Zhang
hong.zhang@wisc.edu
608-265-4473
Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information.



Official Title:

Researcher I(RE040)

Department(s):

A07-COL OF AG & LIFE SCIENCES/FOOD RES INSTITUTE/FRI

Employment Class:

Academic Staff-Renewable

Job Number:

312741-AS

 

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, click here

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 Division 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 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).

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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