University of Wisconsin-Madison
Plant Analysis Research Specialist
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Job Category
Academic Staff
Employment Type
Regular
Job Profile
Research Specialist
Job Summary
The Wisconsin Crop Innovation Center (WCIC) at the University of Wisconsin–Madison is seeking a highly motivated, independent, and detail-oriented individual to join the Plant Analysis Team as a Research Specialist.
Join WCIC’s Plant Analysis Team and help confirm the success of cutting-edge plant transformation projects. As a Plant Analysis Research Specialist, you will work under moderate supervision and test hundreds of plants each week using molecular techniques such as PCR, qPCR, ddPCR, and PACE—and communicate results that guide greenhouse decisions and project direction. You will sample plants, extract DNA, perform genetic assays, interpret sequence data, maintain laboratory supplies, and work alongside student employees. This position also offers opportunities to expand your skills in plant transformation, plasmid construction, and transgenic plant greenhouse management.
WCIC is a ~100,000 square foot state-of-the-art agricultural biotechnology complex, housing laboratories and greenhouses dedicated to the production and analysis of transgenic and gene edited plants. This facility is the largest publicly held plant transformation facility in the United States and is aimed at improving crop plants for humans, livestock, and the environment.
Key Job Responsibilities
- Reviews, analyzes, and interprets data and/or documents results for presentations and/or reporting to internal and external audiences
- Performs literature reviews and writes reports
- Conducts research experiments according to established research protocols with moderate impact to the project(s). Collects data and monitors test results
- Participates in the development, interpretation, and implementation of research methodology and materials
- Operates, cleans, and maintains organization of research equipment and research area. Tracks inventory levels and places replenishment orders
- Provides operational guidance on day-to-day activities of unit or program staff and/or student workers
Department
The Wisconsin Crop Innovation Center (WCIC)
Compensation
The starting salary for the position is $48,000 annually; but is negotiable based on experience and qualifications. Employees in this position can expect to receive benefits such as generous vacation, holidays, and 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
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Required Qualifications
- Minimum of 1 year of laboratory experience in academic, industry, or research settings (may include undergraduate research experience)
- Minimum of 1 year of experience performing data collection, recordkeeping, and basic data analysis
- Minimum of 1 year of experience with standard molecular biology techniques (for example pipetting, DNA extraction, PCR, Gel Electrophoresis)
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in advanced molecular biology techniques (multi-channel pipetting, automated pipetting, RNA extraction, qPCR, ddPCR, PACE / KASP assays, primer and probe design)
- Experience with high throughput / automation
- Experience with sequence / SNP analysis
- Hands on experience with plants / greenhouse
Education
Required: Bachelor’s Degree in the biological sciences (General Biology, Biochemistry, Environmental Biology, Health Science, or a similar field)
Preferred: Bachelor’s Degree specialized in plant science and/or genetics (Plant Biotechnology, Plant Breeding, Genetics, Molecular Biology, Plant Pathology, Horticulture, Crop Science, Plant Biology, or a similar field)
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 into the one attachment field. All listed application materials must be received to be considered.
Finalists will be asked to provide contact information (phone and email) for three references, one of which must be a current or former supervisor. References will not be contacted without prior notice.
It’s 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.
Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their 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 need of employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of the appointment. University sponsorship is not available for this position.
Additional Information
- Criminal Background Check may be required
- A 12-month evaluation period may be required
- Lab bench duties require repetitive motions, precise hand-eye coordination, hand dexterity, and ability to stand for extended periods of time.
- Up to 15% of the time duties will include working in greenhouse temperatures and conditions
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Work Schedule
Normal hours are 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Occasional nights and weekends may be required for this position.
Contact Information
Sonia Parker, CALS HR Generalist
- Email: sonia.parker@wisc.edu
- Phone: 608-890-2547
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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