Research Specialist

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Job Category:

Academic Staff

Employment Type:

Terminal (Fixed Term)

Job Profile:

Research Specialist

Job Summary:

A Research Specialist position is available in Dr. Steven Hall's laboratory within the Department of Plant and Agroecosystem Sciences. This position will support laboratory and field research related to soil and water quality. Research projects include studies of nitrogen and phosphorus dynamics and greenhouse gas emissions.

The Research Specialist will assist with the planning and execution of laboratory and field experiments, collection and management of research data, sample processing and analysis, and maintenance of research equipment and facilities. The successful candidate will also support ongoing research projects conducted by other members of the laboratory and contribute to a collaborative, team-oriented research environment.

The position is based in Madison, Wisconsin, and requires periodic travel throughout the state to conduct field measurements and support research activities. Candidates must be comfortable working outdoors in a variety of weather conditions and field environments.

Qualified candidates will demonstrate strong problem-solving skills, the ability to troubleshoot research experiments, and a passion for scientific discovery. A collaborative mindset, attention to detail, and a rigorous approach to research are essential for success in this role.

Additional information:

• This position is a full-time, onsite position housed in Moore Hall on the UW-Madison campus

• This is a terminal, 12-month appointment. It may be extended for a second year or converted to renewable based on need and/or funding

• This position requires the ability to lift up to 30 pounds

• A criminal background check may be required

• A 12-month evaluation period may be required

Key Job Responsibilities:

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

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

• 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 

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

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

Department:

College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, Plant and Agroecosystem Sciences, Hall Research Program

Compensation:

The minimum salary for this position is $48,000. Actual 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 

Required Qualifications:

• Experience in analytical chemistry including chemical analysis of soil, water, and/or gases

• Experience operating, troubleshooting, and calibrating scientific instrumentation in a research setting

• Experience using R programming software for data management, sample calibration, and reproducible research workflows

• Employee must have a valid driver's license and become an approved driver through UW-Madison's driver authorization process. This requires meeting established driver authorization criteria listed at https://businessservices.wisc.edu/managing-risk/driver-authorization-and-insurance/driver-authorization/

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience using spectrophotometers and trace gas analyzer

• Experience preparing chemical solutions in accordance with laboratory protocols

• Experience conducting field work in adverse weather conditions 

Education:

Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Agronomy, Soil Science, Ecology, or a closely related field is required

How to Apply:

To apply for this position, please click on the "I am a current employee" button or "I am not a current employee" button under "Apply Now". You will be prompted to upload the following documents.

• Resume (required) - Detail your educational and professional background

• Cover letter (required) - Address each of the required and preferred qualifications as they relate to your 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.

IMPORTANT: There is only one attachment field; please upload all application materials here. All requested application materials must be submitted for your application to be considered. Please submit only the materials specified; additional materials will not be reviewed.

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 the appointment. University sponsorship is not available for this position.

References: Finalists will be asked to provide contact information (phone and email) for three references, one of which must be a current or former supervisor. References will not be contacted without prior notice.

Contact Information:

Madeilene Hoffman | HR Generalist at [email protected]

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

Institutional Statement on Diversity:

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.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence by acknowledging skills and expertise from all backgrounds and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. For more information regarding applicant and employee rights and to view federal and state required postings, visit the Human Resources Workplace Poster website.

To request a disability or pregnancy-related accommodation for any step in the hiring process (e.g., application, interview, pre-employment testing, etc.), please contact the Divisional Disability Representative (DDR) in the division you are applying to. Please make your request as soon as possible to help the university respond most effectively to you.

Employment may require a criminal background check. It may also require your references to answer questions regarding misconduct, including sexual violence and sexual harassment. 
 
The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7). 
 
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