Research Specialist

About the role

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• Job Category: Academic Staff
• Employment Type: Regular
• Job Profile: Research Specialist

Job Summary

The Research Specialist supports the DNA Sequencing Facility by performing DNA extraction, preparing DNA sequencing libraries, supporting clients, and evaluating new technologies. The position works in a fast-paced production environment that provides data to the UW Madison Research Community. The two sequencing platforms used are Illumina and Oxford Nanopore. These technologies require an understanding of molecular biology and experience working with DNA. The position also includes customer service aspects.

Key Job Responsibilities

• Reviews, analyzes, and interprets data and/or documents results for presentations and/or reporting to internal and external audiences.
• Participates in the development, interpretation, and implementation of research methodology and materials.
• Provides operational guidance on day-to-day activities of unit or program staff and/or student workers.
• 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.
• Operates, cleans, and maintains organization of research equipment and research area. Tracks inventory levels and places replenishment orders.

Department

Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research, Biotechnology Center DNA Sequencing Core

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of a B.S. with one year of laboratory experience, two years preferred, which may have been accumulated during academic study.
• Knowledge and experience in general research laboratory practices and molecular biology techniques (PCR/qPCR, DNA extractions, gel electrophoresis, or similar skills).
• Excellent record documentation skills, excellent organization skills and attention to detail, knowledge and understanding of laboratory safety and operations protocols, and the ability to work independently and to consistently follow laboratory protocols.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills. Basic computer skills. Experience with DNA extraction on multiple sample types.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience generating Oxford Nanopore sequencing libraries and loading/operating the GridION/PromethION.
• Experience generating Illumina sequencing libraries and loading/operating the Illumina NovaSeq X and MiSeq i100.
• Experience operating and developing protocols for liquid handling equipment (Biomek FX/NXp, epMotion 5075).
• Experience with a LIMS is desirable.

• Education: Bachelor of Science
• Cell or Molecular Biology or related field.

How to Apply

Please click the Apply Now box to start the application process. Please upload the following documents:

• A current resume or CV highlighting your experience, training, and/or credentials relevant to the position.
• A cover letter describing your interest in the position, summarizing your relevant experience, and explaining how your background aligns with the requirements of the role.
• Please note, there will only be one attachment field. You must upload all of your documents in the attachment field. Applications submitted without both documents may still be considered, but both a cover letter and resume are required to guarantee consideration. Professional references will be requested of all final candidates.
• A successful applicant will be responsible for ensuring eligibility for employment in the United States on or before the effective date of the appointment. University sponsorship is not available for this position.

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.

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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• 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).

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