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- Tasks: Support innovative research in plant pathology and contribute to the Wisconsin Seed Potato Certification Program.
- Company: Join the University of Wisconsin-Madison, a leader in agricultural sciences.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous vacation, and comprehensive health benefits.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for growth and learning.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on agriculture while gaining hands-on research experience.
- Qualifications: Laboratory experience and a passion for plant science are essential.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 45000 £ per year.
This multi-functional Research Specialist position housed within the Department of Plant Pathology, UW-Madison College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) provides support to the UW-Madison Wisconsin Seed Potato Certification Program (WSPCP). The WSPCP, established in 1913, inspects and certifies Wisconsin seed potatoes with the goal of providing potato farmers with healthy seed potato planting stock. This position is focused on providing support to the program’s tissue culture and diagnostic laboratories but provides opportunities to learn and support the other facets of the program such as certification, early generation seed production, research advancement, and outreach activities.
Location and Travel: This position is housed in Middleton, WI but requires travel to the program’s diagnostic laboratory in Madison, WI, and occasionally to the program’s certification and early generation greenhouse production sites in Antigo, WI and Rhinelander, WI respectively. Work is in-person in Middleton, WI and surrounding areas, remotely, and occasional travel outside Wisconsin. Occasional night and weekend work is required. Must hold a valid US Driver’s License and meet UW Risk Management standards.
Key Job Responsibilities
- Documents and maintains Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). Ensures compliance with established policies and procedures.
- Operates, cleans, and maintains organization of research equipment and research area. Tracks inventory levels and places replenishment orders.
- Participates in novel pathogen testing of seed potato samples.
- 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.
Department: College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, Department of Plant Pathology, Wisconsin Seed Potato Certification Program
Compensation: Minimum $45,000 ANNUAL (12 months) Depending on Qualifications. Employees in this position can expect to receive benefits such as generous vacation, holidays, and sick leave; competitive insurances and savings accounts; retirement benefits.
Required Qualifications
- Laboratory diagnostic experience: Familiarity with performing molecular assays, specifically ELISA, Conventional, Immunocapture and real-time PCR, RNA and/or DNA extraction.
- General Laboratory skills and knowledge: examples include following Standard Operating Procedures, measuring and making various medias, utilizing a pH meter, knowledge of how to pipette, understanding/utilization of sterile technique, etc.
- Drivers License Required - Valid and Meets UW Risk Management Standards.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in Micropropagation on potato or similar crops.
- Experience with research experimental design and implementation.
- Experience in website design, survey development, working on cloud-based databases, and/or performing data analysis.
Education: Bachelor’s Degree Preferred; focus in a field related to the responsibilities of this position such as plant pathology, bacteriology, agronomy/plant science, horticulture, plant breeding preferred.
How to Apply: Click the "Apply" button to start the application process. You will be prompted to upload the following documents: Resume, Letter of Qualifications. Applicants should attach a letter of qualifications and resume detailing their training and experience relating to the required and preferred qualifications referenced above.
Contact Information: Megan Sullivan, megan.sullivan@wisc.edu
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. The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Research Specialist in Middleton employer: UW–Madison College of Agricultural and Life Sciences
Contact Detail:
UW–Madison College of Agricultural and Life Sciences Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Specialist in Middleton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at UW-Madison or in the plant pathology field. A friendly chat can give us insights into the role and might even lead to a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your lab skills and knowledge of molecular assays. We want to show that we’re not just familiar with the techniques but can also discuss them confidently.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase our passion for plant pathology! During interviews, share any relevant experiences or projects that highlight our commitment to the field and how we can contribute to the WSPCP.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets seen. Plus, it shows we’re serious about joining the team at UW-Madison.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Specialist in Middleton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Resume: Make sure your resume highlights the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the Research Specialist role. We want to see how your background aligns with the job description, so don’t be shy about showcasing your lab skills and any relevant research experience!
Craft a Compelling Letter of Qualifications: Your letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain how your experiences make you a great fit for the position. Be specific about your laboratory diagnostic experience and any familiarity with molecular assays, as these are key for us.
Follow the Application Instructions: When applying, ensure you upload all required documents through our website. Missing out on any part of the application can hinder your chances, so double-check that everything is in order before hitting submit!
Show Your Passion for Plant Pathology: In both your resume and letter, let your enthusiasm for plant pathology and agricultural sciences shine through. We love candidates who are genuinely excited about contributing to the Wisconsin Seed Potato Certification Program!
How to prepare for a job interview at UW–Madison College of Agricultural and Life Sciences
✨Know Your Lab Skills
Make sure you brush up on your laboratory diagnostic experience, especially with molecular assays like ELISA and PCR. Be ready to discuss your familiarity with Standard Operating Procedures and general lab techniques, as these will be crucial for the Research Specialist role.
✨Showcase Your Research Experience
Prepare to talk about any previous research projects you've been involved in, particularly those related to plant pathology or similar fields. Highlight your experience with experimental design and data analysis, as this will demonstrate your capability to contribute effectively to the Wisconsin Seed Potato Certification Program.
✨Understand the Program's Goals
Familiarise yourself with the mission of the Wisconsin Seed Potato Certification Program. Knowing how the program supports potato farmers and contributes to agricultural practices will show your genuine interest and alignment with their objectives during the interview.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask at the end of your interview. This could include inquiries about the team dynamics, opportunities for professional development, or specifics about the research methodologies used. It shows you're engaged and eager to learn more about the position.