Job Summary

This multi-functional research specialist position housed within the Department of Plant Pathology UW-Madison College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) provides support to the UW-Madison Wisconsin Seed Potato Certification Program (WSPCP). The WSPCP, established in 1913, inspects and certifies Wisconsin seed potatoes with the goal of providing potato farmers with healthy seed potato planting stock. This position is focused on providing support to the program's tissue culture and diagnostic laboratories but provides opportunities to learn and support the other facets of the program such as certification, early generation seed production, research advancement, and outreach activities.

This is an agriculturally based laboratory position and may require extra hours during certain times of the year, including peak seed production seasons and increased diagnostic periods. Required to travel within and outside Wisconsin as requested for the position. Required to work occasional night and weekends. Required to drive for extended periods of time

Key Job Responsibilities

• Documents and maintains Standard Operation Procedures. (SOP). Ensures compliance with established policies and procedures.
• Participates in novel pathogen testing of seed potato samples.
• Participates in the development, interpretation, and implementation of research methodology and materials
• Must hold a valid US driver's license and meet UW Risk Management standards.
• Performs literature reviews and writes reports
• Operates, cleans, and maintains organization of research equipment and research area. Tracks inventory levels and places replenishment orders
• 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
• Conducts research experiments according to established research protocols with moderate impact to the project(s). Collects data and monitors test results