O'Connor Lab Research Specialist

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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 team developing a model for SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis during pregnancy. Working under the supervision of the principal investigators and senior laboratory scientists, the ideal candidate will assist with experimental scheduling and organization, sample processing and archiving, coordinating sample transfer to collaborating laboratories, and data analysis and preparation for scientific publication. These technical responsibilities require attention to detail, careful documentation, and adherence to established protocols for sample handling and processing.

This position involves helping with projects that study pathogenesis and immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 and other pathogens in the laboratories of Dr. David and Shelby O'Connor. The day-to-day responsibilities of this role include experimental organization and scheduling, sample collection scheduling, processing blood and other body fluids and tissues from both human and nonhuman primates according to established laboratory protocols, assisting with molecular and immunological assays, documenting experiments, managing samples and metadata, interpreting results, and communicating findings to colleagues and collaborators.

In addition to responsibilities specific to this position, the candidate will also contribute to and perform routine laboratory maintenance and quality control measures and procedures to ensure data integrity and equipment functionality, as well as contributing to other laboratory needs as time permits.

• 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 (click on "Become an authorized driver;" then click on "Required criteria").
• Within the first week, both a measles titer and TB test will be performed by UW Occupational Health.
• This role involves work with nonhuman primates in environments where animal allergens are present. Individuals must be able to work safely under these conditions and perform the essential function of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Key job responsibilities:

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

• Conducts research experiments according to established research protocols with moderate impact to the project(s). Collects data and monitors test results

• Performs literature reviews and writes reports

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

• Provides operational guidance on day-to-day activities of unit or program staff and/or student workers

• Operates, cleans, and maintains organization of research equipment and research area. Tracks inventory levels and places replenishment orders

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 $44,543 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.

Required qualifications:

• Experience in designing and conducting experiments.
• Experience in data collection and analysis.
• Experience with written and verbal scientific communication.

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree preferred
• Candidates with a bachelor's degree in immunology, microbiology, virology, or related field will be given first consideration.

How to apply:

To apply for this position, please click on the "I am a current employee" button or "I am not a current employee" button under Apply Now. You will be prompted to upload the following documents.

• Cover Letter
• Resume

Please note, there is only one attachment field. You must upload all your documents in the attachment field. Applicants are to submit a cover letter and resume detailing their training and experience relating to the required and preferred qualifications referenced above. The application reviewers will be relying on written application materials to determine which qualified applicants will advance in the recruitment process. We will notify selected applicants to participate further in the selection process directly. References will be requested of final candidates. All applicants will be notified after the search is complete and a candidate has been 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, ,

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.

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

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