Client Based Researcher II

Job Summary

The Center for Dairy Research (CDR) is seeking a Client Based Researcher 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. Currently, CDR is actively addressing a key dairy industry issue regarding the utilization of dairy byproducts such as whey and permeate. We are looking to bring relevant new technologies to commercialization utilizing the state-of-the-art facilities at the CDR.

This position will be responsible for client engagement as the CDR executes its strategies in the circular bioeconomy and dairy sustainability. They will engage with CDR clients, with the overall objective of scaling-up their technologies at the CDR facilities. More specifically, they will provide technical support to clients as they partner with the CDR.

Key Job Responsibilities

• Reviews and edits research protocols under limited supervision
• Prepares reports and materials and disseminates information to appropriate entities
• Collects and analyzes moderately complex research data for one or more research projects. Designs and conducts experiments and interviews. Documents results according to established policies and procedures
• Supervises day-to-day operations of a research unit and may supervise others within a specialized laboratory or research area
• Identifies concerns and recommends solutions to leadership
• Participates in research publishing and informational presentations to contribute to the development of (research type)
• Directs the development of research methodologies and procedures according to client-based objectives and specifications

Required Qualifications

• Experience operating dairy processing equipment in a pilot plant or manufacturing setting
• Experience designing and executing project trials for the dairy industry
• Demonstrated knowledge of project reporting and communication with internal and/or external clients
• Strong project management skills as demonstrated by having led multiple projects to completion

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with fermentation processing
• Experience working with grant-funded projects and reporting to funding agencies
• Experience working with colleagues to develop winning grant applications with state, federal, and industry sponsors