Analytical Research Specialist

Job Summary

The Center for Dairy Research (CDR) is seeking a research specialist to support a growing innovative unit on the UW-Madison campus. Housed in a new, state-of-the-art facility in Babcock Hall, CDR is the largest dairy foods research program in the US. The Center has over 60 full-time staff, supports graduate and undergraduate research, and provides technical and training support services to hundreds of dairy producers and processers around the globe.

CDR is currently searching for a full time research specialist to provide analytical support related to dairy products. This position will perform various analyses (chemical, physical, and functional) of dairy products related to public and privately funded research projects. Independent analysis of samples, acquiring research data, data entry and review, summarizing findings, and informing the trial organizer (or principal investigator) of results/findings will be required. Products will be analyzed as scheduled through trial organizer. The research specialist will also assist with analysis method development in conjunction with CDR researchers/scientists. In addition, the research specialist will be required to attend to the maintenance of the various analytical instruments utilized for analysis of dairy foods and work directly with outside vendors to maintain analytical equipment. The research specialist will also train student hourly employees when required, and assist/participate in CDR short courses and meetings and seminars. This position is supported by the Dairy Business Innovation Alliance (DBIA) and helps support its goals and clients.

As a member of an analytical research team, a successful candidate will have excellent communication skills, the ability to manage projects and tasks independently and with team members and focus on the details of each individual project or test. An ideal candidate has worked in an analytical laboratory setting where they have used a variety of analytical instruments, methods and techniques to conduct chemical analysis of food products.

Key Job Responsibilities

• 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
• 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
• Trains staff, graduate students and student employees on equipment operations, research protocols, and techniques within a specialized laboratory or research area