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Job Category:
Academic Staff
Employment Type:
Regular
Job Profile:
Scientist II
Job Summary:
The Scientist position will work with the faculty leaders, Dr. Josh Lang and Dr. Marina Sharifi, in the Circulating Biomarker Core (CBC) at the UW Carbone Cancer Center (UWCCC), which is distinguished and supported by the National Cancer Institute as a comprehensive cancer center for core facilities that meet rigorous high standards. The focus of the CBC facility is to provide sample processing and analysis services to members of the UWCCC, UW and the broader research community for the development and clinical translation of biomarkers from circulation that can predict or detect therapeutic resistance in patients with cancer.
Expertise in molecular biology methods, including DNA and RNA sequencing, are required for this position. Circulating biomarkers are evaluated on clinical specimens, primarily patient blood draws, through a series of sample processing steps, including ficoll density centrifugation, magnetic depletion of normal blood cells using standard MACS columns, magnetic enrichment and protein staining or nucleic acid (DNA/mRNA) extraction of metastatic tumor cells using either a customized pipetting robot or a handheld microfluidic device.
Analytical systems include fluorescence microscopy image acquisition, raw image conversion into quantitative data using both automated image processing algorithms and manual review of identified objects. Rare cell RNA extraction, quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and RNA sequencing are commonly performed methods. The CBC also develops the controls and analytical validation datasets required for regulatory approval. Our team of highly cooperative researchers coordinate the receipt, processing and analysis of 15-25 patient samples each week, testing a number of different protein and nucleic acid biomarkers, for numerous different projects involving basic research and clinical trials.
The CBC Scientist position identifies research problems, designs molecular biology methodologies, performs and supervises research, trains staff in accurate execution of existing and new assays, monitors performance of new and existing assays, and prepares and presents results to professional organizations or for scholarly publications.
Candidates who demonstrate the following knowledge, skills, and abilities will be given first consideration:
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
Demonstrated organizational skills, including the ability to work independently, delegate, and oversee tasks
Demonstrated ability to train and supervise staff to perform complex protocols to a high degree of accuracy
Key Job Responsibilities:
- Collects and analyzes highly complex research data, conducts experiments and interviews, and documents results according to established policies and procedures
- Attends and assists with the facilitation of scholarly events and presentations in support of continued professional development and the dissemination of research information
- Identifies research problems and develops highly complex research methodologies and procedures. Publishes and presents results to help advance research
- Monitors program budget and approves unit expenditures
- Serves as an institutional subject matter expert and liaison with key internal and external stakeholders providing expert level information and representing the interests of a specialized research area
- May supervise the day-to-day activities of a research unit and staff and resolve routine personnel issues
- Conducts literature reviews, prepares reports and materials and, disseminates information to appropriate entities
- Identifies, writes, or assists in developing grant opportunities, grant applications, and proposals to secure research funding
Department:
School of Medicine and Public Health, Carbone Cancer Center: CORE Translational Sciences Circulating Biomarker Core (CBC)
Our mission is a commitment to defeating cancer through rapid application of groundbreaking research, prevention, and treatment. The University of Wisconsin (UW) Carbone Cancer Center has been an NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center since 1973. UW Carbone is an integral part of the UW School of Medicine and Public Health and UW Health, bringing together more than 330 physicians and scientists from 50 departments and nine schools to conduct research and translate laboratory discoveries into new patient treatments. UWCCC builds community by creating a collaborative, respectful, and welcoming environment in which all faculty, students, and staff will thrive.
Compensation:
The starting salary/hourly wage for the position is $64,000 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:
Proven expertise in DNA/RNA extraction and sequencing methods
Experience using Microsoft Office 365 and basic computer programs (e.g., Teams, Sharepoint, OneNote, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe, Google, etc.)
Experience interacting professionally with internal and external collaborators, and diverse stakeholders
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience managing complex projects that involve multiple principal investigators, sites, institutions, and/or public health practice settings
Demonstrated ability to follow research protocols or other detailed procedures consistently and accurately, with a high level of attention to detail.
Experience with microfluidic technologies and liquid biopsy research
Experience with or willingness to learn to use electronic record systems, such as REDCap - Computer literacy for literature searches, data entry, data management, data tabulation, statistical analysis and data presentation in tabular and graphic formats
Education:
Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, or closely related discipline, is required
How to Apply:
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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.
• 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.
The department will not be able to support a request for a J-1 waiver. If you choose to pursue a waiver and apply for our position, neither the UW nor UWMF will reimburse you for your legal or waiver fees.
Contact Information:
Devonne Tucker, dtucker@wisc.edu 608-263-9404
Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information.
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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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