Research Specialist

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Job Category

Academic Staff

Employment Type

Terminal (Fixed Term)

Job Profile

Research Specialist

Job Summary

The Department of Biology seeks a Research Specialist to support the lab of Professor Hiroshi Maeda. This position may be filled between 50% and 100% FTE depending on candidate qualifications, departmental needs, funding availability, and mutual agreement between the selected candidate and hiring department. The initial term of this appointment is one year, with the possibility to be extended or converted to an ongoing appointment based on need and/or funding.

The Maeda lab studies aromatic amino acid biosynthesis and nitrogen metabolism as well as their regulation in various plants using biochemistry, evolutionary biology, genetics, and analytical chemistry (https://maeda.biology.wisc.edu/). We are looking for a well-organized and responsible technical individual, who can help manage the lab and conduct basic biological experiments using the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana as well as some crop species, such as tobacco and sorghum. The person hired for this position will work closely with other lab members and collaborators on multiple funded projects. An individual who is interested in biochemistry, analytical chemistry, plant science, and/or basic biology in general are encouraged to apply. You will be able to gain rigorous laboratory and research experience, which will be helpful in advancing your scientific career, such as going to a graduate school or working in industry.

Key Job Responsibilities

• Conducts research experiments according to established research protocols with moderate impact to the project(s). Collects data and monitors test results
• Performs literature reviews and writes reports
• Reviews, analyzes, and interprets data and/or documents results for presentations and/or reporting to internal and external audiences
• 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
• Participates in the development, interpretation, and implementation of research methodology and materials

Department

College of Letters & Science, Department of Biology

Compensation

The expected salary range for this position is $45,879 up to $65,608 for highly experienced candidates. Actual pay within this range will depend on experience, qualifications, and FTE.

Employees in this position can expect to receive benefits such as generous vacation, holidays, and sick leave; competitive insurances and savings accounts; retirement benefits. Please review the summary of benefits for more information.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 1 year experience in analytical or biological research (may include independent undergraduate research)
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills
• Strong organization skills and attention to detail
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively with individuals at multiple levels of expertise

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing a research lab

Education

Bachelor's degree required, degree in biological sciences, plant biology, biochemistry, chemistry or a related field is preferred.

How to Apply

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To be considered for this recruitment, you must upload:

• Cover Letter
• Resume/Curriculum Vitae

The materials should address your experience relating to the qualifications referenced above. Specifically, applicants should describe why they are interested in this position and how their previous experience makes them qualified.

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.

Contact Information

Hiroshi Maeda, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Biology, maeda2@wisc.edu

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

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