Career Center

This is a Research Specialist position in the Pathogen Sequencing subunit within the Genomics Services (GS) Unit of the Wisconsin National Primate Research Center (WNPRC). This research service unit specializes in sequencing pathogens for clients both at UW and outside of UW. Some pathogens include strains of SIV, HIV, Zika, SARS-CoV-2, as well as other viruses.

The successful applicant will contribute to the overall research. They will provide services to our clients in ways that include, but are not limited to, the following:

a. Sequence virus populations using deep sequencing technologies (this includes sequencing by an Illumina and/or Oxford Nanopore instrument)
b. Isolate RNA from clinical samples, prepare cDNA, generate appropriate libraries, and set up instrument runs
c. Generate alignments from sequence data using available software, such as Geneious or opensource tools in the terminal
d. Generate alignments, tables, or figures vital to the clients' needs
e. Assist with the development of new tools and protocols to improve the generation, analysis, management, and presentation of sequence data
f. Maintain records of samples that have been sequenced, and for which clients have been invoiced, which requires exceptional data organization and communication skills.

Additionally, this position requires the individual to participate in routine lab maintenance, conduct other research projects as needed, train new laboratory personnel, mentor undergraduate students, and assist in the preparation of data for publication purposes. The person in this position will need to work effectively as an individual and as a team member.

• 30% Conducts research experiments according to established research protocols with moderate impact to the project(s). Collects data and monitors test results
• 10% Operates, cleans, and maintains organization of research equipment and research area. Tracks inventory levels and places replenishment orders
• 25% 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

Required
Bachelor's Degree
Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Virology or a related field required.

Previous benchwork in a molecular biology laboratory is required. Experience working with viruses and isolating viral RNA using different methods is strongly preferred. Experience working with Illumina and/or Oxford Nanopore sequencing technologies and analysis of sequence data is required. Experience working with bioinformatic tools and using the terminal is strongly preferred.

Exceptional academic experience is preferred, including the capability of constructing text for manuscripts, protocols, and client emails. Capability of mentoring others and managing multiple tasks at the same time are preferred.

Full Time: 100%

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

Ongoing/Renewable

Minimum $45,775 ANNUAL (12 months)
Depending on Qualifications

This position must be willing and able to work with radioactive materials.

The WNPRC is one of seven federally supported National Primate Research Centers and the only one in the Midwest. WNPRC's mission is to increase the understanding of basic primate biology and to improve human health and quality of life through research. To accomplish this, the WNPRC helps discover treatments, preventions and cures for human disease; generates new knowledge of primate biology, from the molecular and whole animal levels to the understanding of primate ecosystems; facilitates research progress by providing expertise, resources and training to scientists worldwide; and collects primate information and disseminates to the research community and to the public.

Based in the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Education (OVCRGE) of the University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW-Madison), the WNPRC is committed to diversity both as an end in itself, but also as a valuable means for eliminating health disparities through research.

Please click "Apply Now" to begin the application process. We are eager to learn more about how your experience and passion may align with this position. Please submit a cover letter referring to your related work experience and a resume detailing your educational and professional background. In your cover letter, please provide at least one personal example of sequencing nucleic acids using Illumina and/or Oxford Nanopore instruments and performing bioinformatic analyses of a sequence data set.

Please keep in mind, applicants need to articulate all required qualifications in their cover letter and/or resume. The application reviewers will be relying on written application materials to determine who may advance to preliminary interviews.

Applicants will also be asked to provide 3 professional references, including phone and email addresses. We will not contact your current supervisor without advance notice.

*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.

Rachael Buss
rbuss@primate.wisc.edu
608-890-3585
Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information.

Research Specialist(RE047)

A348800-VCRGE/PRIMATE/PRIMATE

Academic Staff-Renewable

272364-AS