Research Specialist

The Waisman Center is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge about human development, developmental disabilities, and neurodegenerative diseases throughout the lifespan. One of 15 centers of its kind in the United States, the Waisman Center encompasses laboratories for biomedical and behavioral research, several scientific research cores, and a clinical biomanufacturing facility for the production of pharmaceuticals for early stage human clinical trials. In addition to its research efforts, the Center provides an array of services to people with developmental disabilities, offers numerous educational and outreach programs to young children and their families, and trains scientists and clinicians who will serve our nation in the future.

The Gamm Lab studies inherited and acquired eye diseases that culminate in the degeneration of photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), a significant cause of visual morbidity. One of the main goals of the lab is to develop and test stem cell-derived cell replacement therapies for currently untreatable blinding retinal disorders.

The Research Specialist will evaluate transplanted human pluripotent stem cell-derived photoreceptors in animal models of retinal disease using functional testing and histological methods for a current project which aims to use retinal lineage cells derived from these pluripotent sources to test cell replacement strategies. Principal duties will include adhering to standard operation procedures to independently and efficiently perform rat imaging and testing, histology (cryosectioning and paraffin), immunolabeling, imaging, cell counting using stereology methods, data entry and analysis, and documentation and data review according to Good Documentation Practices.

• 80% Conducts research experiments according to established research protocols with moderate impact to the project(s). Collects data and monitors test results
• 5% Operates, cleans, and maintains organization of research equipment and research area. Tracks inventory levels and places replenishment orders
• 5% Reviews, analyzes, and interprets data and/or documents results for presentations and/or reporting to internal and external audiences
• 5% Participates in the development, interpretation, and implementation of research methodology and materials
• 5% Performs literature reviews and writes reports

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.

For more information on diversity and inclusion on campus, please visit: Diversity and Inclusion

Required
Bachelor's Degree in Biology or a related field.

Well-qualified applicants will have the following preferred experience:
- Minimum of one year of experience in biological sciences research. Undergraduate research experience will be considered.
- Experience working with rodents.
- Experience with histology.
- Experience with cell counting methods such as stereology.
- Experience with immunolabeling.
- Experience with microscopy.

Full Time: 100%

It is anticipated this position requires work be performed in-person, onsite, at a designated campus work location.

Ongoing/Renewable

Minimum $44,543 ANNUAL (12 months)
Depending on Qualifications
Salary is negotiable and will be based on experience and skills. Employees in this position can expect to receive benefits such as generous vacation, holidays, and paid time off; competitive insurances and savings accounts and retirement benefits. Learn more at https://hr.wisc.edu/benefits/.

Must complete HIPAA training and receive certification within the first 5 days of employment and annually thereafter.

Reporting requirements must be completed in a timely manner, including but not limited to effort reporting and outside activities reporting.

Please click on the "Apply Now" button to begin the application process. You will be asked to upload a resume, cover letter and list of three references.

Melissa Henning
melissa.henning@wisc.edu
608-890-1388
Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information.

Research Specialist(RE047)

A34-OVCR/WAISMAN/WAISMAN

Academic Staff-Renewable

315288-AS