Research Specialist

The Research Specialist will provide technical assistance for research projects in the Werling Lab in the Department of Genetics, to understand the role of genetic variation and sex differences in brain development and risk for neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders. For this position, the Werling lab is seeking an independent worker with excellent organizational skills to be involved in all hands-on steps of sample collection and sample processing for the generation of genetic and functional genomics data sets. Duties will include:

-Work with research animals: managing maintenance of research animal colonies including wild-type and mutant mouse lines; coordinating with campus animal care facilities to order animals, generate appropriate crosses, maintain breeding colonies; schedule mating and sample collection from research animals at specific time points according to experimental design
-Sample preparation for generation of functional genomics data and associated molecular biology tasks, including: tissue dissection, sample preservation, and storage; extraction of DNA, RNA, protein and/or nuclei from tissue samples; quantitation of extracted DNA, RNA, protein, and nuclei; genotyping by PCR (polymerase chain reaction) and gel electrophoresis; tissue sectioning and immunohistochemical staining
-Lab maintenance and organization, including: maintaining supply inventory and ordering reagents and consumables; ordering new equipment and maintaining equipment; maintaining detailed records of experimental procedures, data, and research specimens; waste disposal; assistance with updating laboratory biosafety, chemical hygiene, and animal use protocols; maintaining safety and procedure training records for lab personnel.
-Supervision of student hourly workers.

• 40% Conducts research experiments according to established research protocols with moderate impact to the project(s). Collects data and monitors test results
• 15% Operates, cleans, and maintains organization of research equipment and research area. Tracks inventory levels and places replenishment orders
• 10% Reviews, analyzes, and interprets data and/or documents results for presentations and/or reporting to internal and external audiences
• 25% Participates in the development, interpretation, and implementation of research methodology and materials
• 5% Provides operational guidance on day-to-day activities of unit or program staff and/or student workers
• 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

Preferred
Bachelor's Degree
Bachelors degree in Genetics, Neuroscience, Biology, or related field strongly preferred.

Required:
- Experience with laboratory work in the area of genetics, molecular biology, neurobiology, or a related field, in a professional and/or student staff role.
- Hands-on experience with animal studies (rodent models), for example including common procedures for animal handling, tissue collection, and/or tissue dissection

Preferred:
- Hands-on experience running molecular biology protocols, for example including sample preservation and storage, DNA, RNA, and/or protein extraction, PCR, qRT-PCR, western blotting, immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization.
- Prior experience with animal husbandry or managing a rodent breeding colony, including animals of specific genotypes, genetic crosses, and timed matings.
- Experience working with rodent neural tissue.

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
The anticipated salary range for this position is $44,543 - $55,000. 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

- A Criminal Background Check will be required
- An Evaluation Period will be required
- Work Authorization:The successful applicant will be responsible for ensuring eligibility for employment in the United States on or before the effective date of the appointment.

Click on the "Apply Online" 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
References (required) List contact information for three (3) references, including your current/most recent 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.

Donna Werling
dwerling@wisc.edu
608-262-3113
Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information.

Research Specialist(RE047)

A07-COL OF AG & LIFE SCIENCES/GENETICS

Academic Staff-Renewable

313221-AS