"Scientist"

Job Summary

This position will work under the direction of Dr. Amaya Atucha in the Department of Plant and Agroecosystem Sciences. The main responsibility of the position is to establish hazelnut micropropagation protocol to be expanded to the commercial nursery industry. Responsibilities of the position include development of protocols to establish in vitro cultures, shoot propagation, plant multiplication, and rooting of explants of hazelnut hybrid selections. In addition, care and maintenance (i.e., irrigation, fertilization, and pest control) of greenhouse plants is also expected.

The ideal candidate will have strong organizational skills and the ability to maintain detailed laboratory records and manage multiple propagation cycles simultaneously. They will have the capacity to independently develop the research program and the ability to communicate effectively with research collaborators, commercial nursery partners, and industry stakeholders.

Additional information

• This is a terminal position for 12 months. If additional funding becomes available, it may be extended to a maximum of 24 months.
• This position requires work to be completed onsite, at a designated campus work location.
• A criminal background check may be required.
• A 12 month probationary/evaluation period may be required.

Key Job Responsibilities

• 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
• Assists with the identification of research problems and the development of research methodologies and procedures
• Attends and assists with the facilitation of scholarly events and presentations in support of continued professional development and the dissemination of research information
• Collects and analyzes research data, conducts experiments and interviews, and documents results according to established policies and procedures under general supervision and limited responsibility
• Writes or assists in developing grant applications and proposals to secure research funding
• Conducts literature reviews, prepares reports and materials, and disseminates information to appropriate entities

Department

College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, Plant and Agroecosystem Sciences, Atucha Research Program

Compensation

The minimum salary for this position is $70,000. Actual salary will depend on experience and qualifications.

Employees in this position can expect to receive benefits such as generous vacation, holidays, and paid time off; competitive insurances and savings accounts; retirement benefits. Additional benefits information can be found at: https://www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/benefits/download/fasl.pdf

Required Qualifications

• Experience in plant tissue culture, including micropropagation techniques; experience with hazelnut micropropagation is required.
• Experience establishing and maintaining aseptic in vitro cultures, including shoot proliferation, multiplication, and rooting of explants.
• Experience managing greenhouse plant care, including irrigation, fertilization, and pest management.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience assisting with preparation of grant reports, research summaries, or technical documentation.
• Experience scaling micropropagation systems from research to applied or commercial settings.

Education

Master's Degree in Plant Science or related field required; PhD in Plant Science or related field preferred