Wisconsin
Direct Workday career site

Scientist II

Pay
$73,000 – $75,000 per year
Location
University of Wisconsin Madison
Listed
2 days ago

About the role

Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process.

  • Job Category: Academic Staff
  • Employment Type: Regular
  • Job Profile: Scientist II

Job Summary

The Goldsmith group is looking for a Scientist with extensive knowledge of the optical properties of high-finesse fiber-based Fabry-Perot microcavities, their optical and mechanical properties, and associated electronic and optical hardware. These microcavities will be used for applications in labelfree sensing of molecules for biophysical characterization, or applications in molecular quantum optics.

Key Job Responsibilities

  • Collects and analyzes complex research data, conducts experiments and interviews, and documents results according to established policies and procedures under general supervision
  • Conducts literature reviews, prepares reports and materials, and disseminates information to appropriate entities
  • Serves as a unit subject matter expert and liaison to internal and external stakeholders providing advanced level information and representing the interests of a specialized research area
  • Monitors program budget and approves unit expenditures
  • Identifies research problems and develops complex research methodologies and procedures
  • May supervise the day-to-day activities of a research unit as needed
  • Writes or assists in developing grant applications and proposals to secure research funding
  • Attends and assists with the facilitation of scholarly events and presentations in support of continued professional development and the dissemination of research information

Department: College of Letters and Science, Department of Chemistry

Compensation

The expected salary range for this position is $73,000 - $75,000 depending on qualifications and experience. Actual pay within this range will depend on experience and qualifications. Only those with extensive relevant experience will be placed around the high end of that range.

Employees in this position can expect to receive benefits such as generous vacation, holidays, and sick leave; competitive insurances and savings accounts; retirement benefits. Please review the summary of benefits for more information

Required Qualifications

  • At least three years experience working with high-finesse optical microcavities.
  • Experience with frequency analysis of optical systems.
  • Experience with Multiphysics FDTD software such as COMSOL.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Demonstrated experience of at least 6 years conducting independent research.
  • Demonstrated experience using photonic systems for sensing and spectroscopy

Education: PhD in Chemistry or related field is required.

How to Apply

  • For the best experience completing your application, we recommend using Chrome or Firefox as your web browser.
  • 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.
  • All listed application materials must be submitted for your application to be considered.
  • Please submit only the materials specified; additional materials will not be reviewed.

To be considered for this recruitment, you must upload

  • Cover Letter clarifying how your research training and background and your personal qualities align with the position.
  • Resume/Curriculum Vitae

Additional information

The materials should address your experience relating to the qualifications referenced above. Specifically, applicants should describe why they are interested in this position and how their previous experience makes them qualified.

The application deadline is 11:59pm on 11/13/2026.

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.

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.

Read the original posting

From Wisconsin's careers page, first listed on Rolev.ai on November 8, 2026. Rolev.ai is not the employer.

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Common questions

What is the salary for the Scientist II role at Wisconsin?

The Scientist II posting at Wisconsin states compensation of $73,000 – $75,000 per year. Final pay may depend on location, experience, and interview evaluation on Wisconsin's official career site.

Where is the Scientist II job at Wisconsin located?

This Scientist II position at Wisconsin is located in University of Wisconsin Madison. Always check Wisconsin's application page for specific state eligibility or relocation policies.

How do I apply for the Scientist II position at Wisconsin?

This listing links directly to Wisconsin's Workday application page. You can apply directly on Wisconsin's site, or use Rolev.ai to check your resume fit, generate a zero-hallucination tailored resume and cover letter for this posting, and autofill the Workday application form in 1 click with the Rolev.ai Chrome extension. You always review the form and press Submit yourself.