Research Specialist

The Smith Lab in the Department of Plant and Agroecosystem Sciences is seeking a full-time Research Specialist. This individual will be responsible for helping to organize and manage supplies for the lab and will assist in the supervision of one to two students in the laboratory and greenhouse. The research specialist will be expected to assist in molecular biology and chemical analyses of plant samples, in addition to basic greenhouse tasks, such as planting, watering, harvesting tissues and taking agronomic measurements. Some degree of field work is anticipated in this position, which would involve long periods of time standing and walking in the field plots and working outdoors in inclement weather. This position also involves project management responsibilities for laboratory, greenhouse and field trial work, including creating and managing project timelines, consolidating data for reports and maintaining documentation on plants grown in the greenhouse and field.

This position has the possibility to be extended or converted to an ongoing appointment based on need and/or funding.

• Participates in the development, interpretation, and implementation of research methodology and materials

• Participate in professional development activities to support the lab culture and climate

• Planting, maintaining and helping take measurements from populations of wild-type and transgenic plants in the greenhouse and field

• Conducts research experiments according to established research protocols with moderate impact to the project(s). Collects data and monitors test results

• 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

• Provides operational guidance on day-to-day activities of unit or program staff and/or student workers

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

College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, Department of Plant and Agroecosystem Sciences, Smith Lab

The anticipated salary range for this position is $45,000 - $57,000. 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. Additional benefits information can be found at: https://www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/benefits/download/fasl.pdf

Experience with laboratory and greenhouse or field work performing plant care, research, and maintenance techniques

Experience with molecular biology techniques; examples may be DNA and RNA extraction, PCR, Sequencing

Project Management experience in the laboratory and/or field trials

Bachelor's degree required; BSc in Agronomy, Botany, Plant Science or related field

Click the "Apply" button to start the application process. You will be prompted to upload the following documents/application materials:

Resume (required) - Detail your educational and professional background
Cover letter (required) - Refer to your related work experience

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 (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without need of employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment.University sponsorship is not available for this position.

Madeilene Hoffman, madeilene.hoffman@wisc.edu, 608 265 2951

Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information.

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