"Researcher (UCEDD)"

Job Details

Salary: Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process.

Job Category: Academic Staff

Employment Type: Regular

Job Profile: Researcher I

Job Duties: The Waisman Center is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge about human development, developmental disabilities, and neurodegenerative diseases throughout the lifespan. One of 15 centers of its kind in the United States, the Waisman Center encompasses laboratories for biomedical and behavioral research, several scientific research cores, and a clinical biomanufacturing facility for the production of pharmaceuticals for early stage human clinical trials. In addition to its research efforts, the Center provides an array of services to people with developmental disabilities, offers numerous educational and outreach programs to young children and their families, and trains scientists and clinicians who will serve our nation in the future.

This position will work within the Implementation Research unit, part of the Waisman Center's University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD). The mission of the UCEDD is to support the full inclusion and self-determination of people with developmental disabilities and their families through: development of personnel qualified to provide services in the health, education and social service systems; provision of services, technical assistance and the dissemination of information; and the contribution of new knowledge about the causes and prevention of developmental disabilities, the impact of disabilities on individuals and families, and the efficacy of assessment, intervention and support methods.

The Researcher will be responsible for coordinating and supporting federally funded research activities, including study design, regulatory compliance, data collection and analysis, participant recruitment, project implementation, and dissemination of findings, with responsibilities and independence increasing by level (I–III). This position will be responsible for overseeing research-related activities across the multi-site Autism Research Consortium-Systems of Care project, which seeks to advance systems-level implementation of evidence-based practices that ensure timely screening, diagnosis, and access to appropriate services for individuals with autism and their families across the lifespan. Key responsibilities will include preparing IRB submissions, gathering Steering Committee feedback, developing research protocols, coordinating participant recruitment, recruitment of local Research Advisory Board (RAB) members, scheduling and attending meetings with the Steering Committee, RABs and Leadership Team, distributing participant incentives, continually monitoring progress and tracking adaptations to research protocols, contributing to the development of implementation strategies and toolkits, and supporting grant submissions and publications. This position will also assist with activities pertaining to mentoring early career researchers.

Key Job Responsibilities:

• Conducts literature reviews, prepares reports and materials, assists with, co-authors and/or authors publications and disseminates information to appropriate entities
• Collects and analyzes basic to complex research data, conducts experiments and interviews, and documents results according to established policies and procedures
• Identifies concerns and recommends solutions to leadership
• Assists in developing, writing and/or submitting grant applications and proposals to secure research funding
• Trains individuals and groups on equipment operations, research protocols, and techniques within a specialized laboratory or research area
• Reviews and edits protocols to ensure accuracy, thoroughness and consistency
• Assists with the development or develops and implements basic to complex research projects, methodologies, procedures and/or criteria
• Provides operational guidance on day-to-day activities of unit or program staff and student workers

Department: Waisman Center

Compensation: $60,000 minimum; Salary is negotiable and will be based on education, experience and skills. Employees in this position can expect to receive benefits such as generous vacation, holidays and paid time off; competitive insurances and savings accounts and retirement benefits.

Required Qualifications:

• At least two years of experience conducting human subjects research in academic, clinical, or community settings
• Documented experience preparing and submitting IRB applications and amendments
• Evidence of scholarly productivity, including at least two peer-reviewed publications or conference presentations
• Demonstrated experience with statistical software (e.g., SPSS, SAS, R, or equivalent)
• Proficiency with data management platforms (e.g., REDCap, Qualtrics) and Microsoft Office Suite
• Proven ability to coordinate complex projects, including scheduling, meeting facilitation, and progress tracking
• Strong written and oral communication skills, with experience preparing reports, protocols, or manuscripts
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively across disciplines

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with grant preparation and submissions
• Experience with implementation science, program evaluation, or systems-level interventions
• Familiarity with autism or developmental disability research or services
• Experience supervising or mentoring research staff, trainees, or students
• Experience with community-engaged or participatory research methods

Education: A Master’s Degree in Psychology, Public Health, Social Work, Special Education, Human Development and Family Studies, Health Services Research, or a related field is required. A PhD in the aforementioned fields is highly preferred.

Additional Information: Applicants for this position will be considered for the Researcher I, Researcher II and Researcher III titles. The title will be determined by the experience and qualifications of the finalist. A Criminal Background Check will be performed. The successful applicant will be required to complete HIPAA training and receive certification upon hire and annually thereafter. Reporting requirements must be completed in a timely manner, including but not limited to effort reporting and outside activities reporting.

How to Apply: Click on the "Apply" button to begin the application process. Please upload a resume, cover letter, and a list of professional references.

Contact Information: For questions regarding this position, please contact Melissa Henning at melissa.henning@wisc.edu.

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. For more information on diversity and inclusion on campus, please visit: Diversity and Inclusion. The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal Opportunity Employer.