Research Specialist in Middleton

The Wisconsin Crop Innovation Center (WCIC) at the University of Wisconsin – Madison 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. WCIC is part of the UW system but is conveniently located in Middleton with free parking and easy access to the Pheasant Branch trail system and many Dane county parks.

The WCIC has an exciting opportunity for the growth of our Greenhouse team! This position will be responsible for growing and advancing plants from tissue culture and from seed. Together with the other members of this team, you will help turn researchers’ ideas into real plants and seeds. The selected individual will be responsible for supporting the operational activities of a greenhouse and seed facility; conduct research; review, analyze and interpret data; resolve problems in the moment; maintain plant production; assist with detailed records and inventories; and general systems maintenance to ensure operational efficiencies.

Key Job Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.

The minimum salary for this position is $48,000. However, final salary will depend 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 plant care, greenhouse and/or field experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• General research.
• Seed storage.
• Knowledge of greenhouse control system.
• Conventional crops and/or transgenic plant stewardship practices.

License

Pesticide applicators license preferred or willingness to obtain.

Education

Bachelor's Degree in biology, ecology, horticulture or closely related field preferred.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, please click on the appropriate button under Apply Now. You will be prompted to upload the following documents: Cover Letter and Resume. Please note, there is only one attachment field. You must upload all your documents into the one attachment field.

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 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.
• 1 year Evaluation Period may be required.
• Physical environment: Working with temperature extremes; extended periods of standing/walking; ability to occasionally lift up to 50 pounds.
• Normal hours are 7:45am – 4:30pm, Monday through Friday. Occasional nights and weekends may be required for this position.

Contact Information

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

Madeilene (Maddie) Hoffman, CALS HR Generalist, madeilene.hoffman@wisc.edu

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.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

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