Job Summary

WSLH seeks a Scientist with expertise in molecular genomics and sequencing technologies to support and expand innovative research and public health surveillance programs focused on monitoring pathogens in wastewater. The person in this position will play a key role in developing and implementing next generation sequencing workflows, including library preparation, targeted enrichment strategies, and sequencing-based pathogen detection. The scientist will contribute to the development of hybrid capture and other targeted sequencing approaches to enhance pathogen detection in complex environmental matrices.

This role will also involve training and mentoring laboratory staff in molecular and sequencing protocols, contributing to the development of standardized procedures, and helping maintain high-quality laboratory workflows through strong organizational practices and documentation.

Across the projects, the scientist will be collaborating with other university researchers, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, and the CDC. This scientist will pursue Federal Competitive Grant Proposals as a PI in collaboration with other researchers at UW-Madison and develop a scholarly publication record based on the research activities in this position at WSLH.

Essential Responsibilities (Scientist I)

• 20% Assists with the identification of research problems and the development of research methodologies and procedures
• 25% Collects and analyzes research data, conducts experiments and interviews, and documents results according to established policies and procedures under general supervision and limited responsibility
• 10% Conducts literature reviews, prepares reports and materials, and disseminates information to appropriate entities
• 5% Attends and assists with the facilitation of scholarly events and presentations in support of continued professional development and the dissemination of research information
• 10% Writes or assists in developing grant applications and proposals to secure research funding
• 10% Serves as a main point of contact and liaison with internal and external stakeholders providing information and representing the interests of a specialized research area
• 20% Developing and implementing next generation sequencing workflows for wastewater surveillance

Essential Responsibilities (Scientist II)

• 20% Identifies research problems and develops complex research methodologies and procedures
• 20% Collects and analyzes complex research data, conducts experiments and interviews, and documents results according to established policies and procedures under general supervision
• 10% Conducts literature reviews, prepares reports and materials, and disseminates information to appropriate entities
• 5% Attends and assists with the facilitation of scholarly events and presentations in support of continued professional development and the dissemination of research information
• 5% Writes or assists in developing grant applications and proposals to secure research funding
• 10% May supervise the day-to-day activities of a research unit as needed
• 10% Serves as a unit subject matter expert and liaison to internal and external stakeholders providing advanced level information and representing the interests of a specialized research area
• 20% Developing and implementing next generation sequencing workflows for wastewater surveillance