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Job Category: Academic Staff

Employment Type: Regular

Job Profile: Research Specialist

Job Summary:

The Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology is looking for a Research Specialist to join the Sauer Lab to support research focused on host pathogen interactions, antibiotic development, and/or tumor immunology. We are looking for an individual who possesses the following characteristics:

Highly motivated and organized
Strong desire and demonstrated ability to advance scientific projects
Excellent work ethic
Thrives in a fast-paced environment
Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
Enjoys working as a team member as well as independently

The Research Specialist will perform molecular, cell biology, and/or immunology experiments to support ongoing projects in the lab. The Research Specialist will participate in problem solving and carrying out portions of projects both in a team and independently.

This position requires work to be completed onsite, at a designated campus work location.

Key Job Responsibilities:

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

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

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

Department:

School of Medicine and Public Health, Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Sauer Lab.

The Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology is dedicated to impactful research, and medical and graduate student teaching, and service to the public and scientific fields in the areas of immunology and infectious diseases. We emphasize a healthy work-life balance and provide a supportive work environment committed to the growth and advancement of our members.

Compensation:

The starting salary for the position is $45,879 annually but is negotiable based on experience and qualifications.

Employees in this position can expect to receive benefits such as generous vacation, holidays, and sick leave; competitive insurances and savings accounts; retirement benefits. For more information, refer to the campus benefits webpage.

SMPH Faculty /Academic Staff Benefits Flyer 2026

Required Qualifications:

One year of lab experience (undergraduate independent laboratory research experience is acceptable)

Strong background in molecular biology, cell biology and/or biochemistry

Experience with Microsoft products including Word, Excel and PowerPoint

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with microbiology and immunology
Experiences with mouse handling and murine models of infection
Experience analyzing data and using statistics

Education:

BS/BA Degree required; focus in microbiology, immunology, molecular biology, biochemistry, biology preferred

How to Apply:

For the best experience completing your application, we recommend using Chrome or Firefox as your web browser.

To apply for this position, select either "I am a current employee" or "I am not a current employee" under Apply Now. You will then be prompted to upload your application materials.

Important: The application has only one attachment field. Upload the following documents in that field, either as a single combined file or as multiple files in the same upload area.

Cover letter required
Resume required

Your cover letter should address how your training and experience aligns with the required and preferred qualifications listed above, what drives your interest in the position and what your short and long term goals are with regards to a career in science. Application reviewers will rely on these written materials to determine which applicants move forward in the process. References will be requested from final candidates. All applicants will be notified once the search concludes and a candidate is selected.

University sponsorship is not available for this position, including transfers of sponsorship and TN visas. The selected applicant will be responsible for ensuring their continuous 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 the need of an employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment. This position is an ongoing position that will require continuous work eligibility. If you are selected for this position you must provide proof of work authorization and eligibility to work.

Contact Information:

Lily Schafer, lbschafer@wisc.edu, 608 -263-5443

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).

The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report contains current campus safety and disciplinary policies, crime statistics for the previous 3 calendar years, and on-campus student housing fire safety policies and fire statistics for the previous 3 calendar years. UW-Madison will provide a paper copy upon request; please contact the University of Wisconsin Police Department.

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Research Specialist