Microbiologist

**Job Summary**:
The Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory is currently seeking a microbiologist to join their team. The work at WVDL plays a significant role in animal health, disease prevention and control, and treatment methods. The mission of WVDL is to enhance animal and human health, as well as the agricultural economy of the state and the nation, by providing high-quality veterinary diagnostics and excellent customer service.

**Responsibilities**: Performs testing services within a microbiology laboratory including human, animal, and plant diagnostics, surveillance, screening, environmental monitoring, and forensic science to report clear and concise testing results.
- 30% Performs, interprets, and reports microbiological tests or assays for diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of illnesses or determine sources of contamination in the environment
- 30% Prepares specimens for scientific examination and analysis and/or prepares the laboratory for accreditation audits/inspections
- 5% Conducts biological research experiments employing quality control and quality assurance practices and adhering to regulatory standards and requirements
- 5% Operates and maintains laboratory instrumentation and information management systems
- 15% Prepares, reviews, verifies, and reports test result data
- 5% Communicates with internal and external stakeholders as needed
- 5% Supports and/or trains new employees, students, and other professional colleagues
- 5% Participate in the National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) preparedness and disease monitoring programs in order to provide and build capacity for NAHLN surveillance and investigational testing.

**Tasks**:

- Receive diagnostic specimens for molecular testing and maintain records. Process molecular samples including: homogenizing and/or soaking samples, pooling samples when requested, semen sample processing.
- Utilize automated technology, isolate nucleic acid, perform real-time PCR assays, perform conventional PCR, utilize specific Quality Control (QC) measures to limit contamination. Complete molecular testing on a rotational basis.
- Participate in section specific programs such as oligo preparation, assay control, media and master mix preparation, reagent qualification programs.
- Perform section wide duties as required such as: maintain (QC) records, perform autoclave, maintain clean work space, ensure adequate reagent and consumable supply.
- Perform other duties as assigned such as: provide guidance to ensure work duties are covered in lab, provide technical advice and training, prepare sample for referrals, serve on committees.
- Assist investigations into new equipment and technologies and make recommendations on assay improvements as well as troubleshoot procedures as needed.
- Maintain proficiency in molecular diagnostics according to quality program guidelines.
- Consult case coordinators or pathologists as needed regarding testing requests.
- Comply with WVDL safety and quality requirements (see Quality and Safety manuals).
- Maintain competency in (NAHLN) program by passing annual proficiency testing requirements and complete NAHLN surveillance and foreign animal disease investigational testing following NAHLN specific standard operating procedures on a rotational basis.
- Maintain select agent clearance and performance of duties.

**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.

**Education**:
Required
Bachelor's Degree
Strongly preferred in biology, microbiology or related life science field.

**Qualifications**:
Knowledge/Skills Preferred:

- Previous experience working in a laboratory environment.

**Work Type**:
Full Time: 100%

It is anticipated this position requires work be performed in-person, onsite, at a designated campus work location. Standard business hours are 7:45AM - 4:30PM M-F with some flexibility.

**Appointment Type, Duration**:
Ongoing/Renewable

**Salary**:
**Minimum** $49,386 ANNUAL (12 months)
Depending on Qualifications
Minimum $49,386 ANNUAL (12 MONTHS)

**Additional Information**:
Please note that successful applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without need of employer sponsorship, on or before the effective date of appointment. University sponsorship is not available for this position.

The WVDL is dedicated to fostering a healthy work environment that emphasizes mutual respect, integrity,