Research Specialist in Middleton

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 Monocot Research and Development (R&D) Team as a Research Specialist. WCIC is a ~100,000 square foot state-of-the-art agricultural biotechnology center dedicated to advancing crop improvement for the benefit of people, livestock, and the environment. In support of this mission, the Monocot R&D Team focuses on developing and optimizing transformation technologies for monocot crop species. This is an exciting opportunity for someone passionate about plant science and eager to contribute across a diverse range of research activities.

This position offers hands-on experience across multiple aspects of plant biotechnology, including plasmid construction, plant transformation and tissue culture, molecular genotyping (PCR and next-generation sequencing), greenhouse management of transgenic plants, and stewardship of regulated materials during field trials in compliance with USDA regulations. Working under moderate supervision, the candidate will play a key role in supporting both scientific research and coordinating day-to-day activities, ensuring projects are completed efficiently and in alignment with established research objectives.

Primary responsibilities include:

• Organizing and executing experiments
• Collecting and analyzing data to support process improvement initiatives
• Training and mentoring student employees
• Managing laboratory supplies and inventory
• Maintaining an organized and efficient research environment

The successful candidate will gain practical experience in plant genetics while also seeing how genetic discoveries translate into real-world outcomes.

Key Job Responsibilities:

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

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.

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

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with plant tissue culture and/or plant transformation techniques
• Experience with standard molecular biology techniques, including DNA extraction, PCR, cloning, plasmid preparation, and gel electrophoresis
• Experience training or mentoring students, interns, or laboratory personnel

Education: Bachelor’s degree required in a science field (e.g., Biology, Physics, Chemistry or similar scientific fields). Bachelor's degree preferred in plant biology, molecular biology, plant biotechnology, plant physiology, horticulture, crop science, botany, or similar field.

Work Schedule: Normal hours are 8:00am - 5:00pm, Monday through Friday. Occasional nights and weekends may be required for this position.

Additional Information: Criminal Background Check may be required. A 12-month evaluation Period may be required.

Contact Information: Sonia Parker, CALS HR Generalist, sonia.parker@wisc.edu, 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.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, 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.