Sweet Corn Breeding Researcher

Employer: University of Wisconsin-Madison

Location: Madison, Wisconsin, United States

Salary: Competitive Salary

Date posted: Nov 13, 2025

Position Type: Faculty Positions, Agriculture & Animal Sciences, Administrative, Academic Affairs, Research Administration

Employment Type: Full Time

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 III

Job Summary:

The Sweet Corn Breeding Researcher in the Department of Plant and Agroecosystem Sciences will oversee daily operations of the Wisconsin sweetcorn breeding program, focusing on genetic improvement and research.

Primary duties consist of:

• Planning, organizing, and planting field projects
• Operating and maintaining agricultural equipment (planters, tractors, sprayers, etc.)
• Managing data, inventory, and supervising student workers
• Monitoring plant growth, pest control, and performing hand pollination
• Seasonal tasks such as harvesting, drying, and storing seed

This position requires the ability to lift up to 50 pounds when harvesting corn. Some weekend work is needed during peak seasons.

Additional Information:

• Applicants who are offered a position must pass a drug test as a condition of employment.
• Applicants must become an approved driver through UW-Madison's driver authorization process. This requires meeting established driver authorization criteria listed at https://businessservices.wisc.edu/managing-risk/driver-authorization-and-insurance/driver-authorization/.
• Applicants must have or obtain a CDL upon hire. Employees who need to obtain their CDL upon their start of employment will be required to do so within their first six months of employment. Failure to obtain a CDL before the end of six months will result in termination of employment. Employees will be required to personally cover the expense of the CDL training and testing and will be able to attend the training and testing in work/pay status. For information regarding the Entry-Level Driver Training, including access to a listing of current training providers in WI and training costs, visit the FMCSA website at https://tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov/. Training Providers set their own rate for the training. Information regarding the CDL skills test and fees is available through the Wisconsin DOT website at https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/dmv/com-drv-vehs/cdl-how-aply/thirdparty.aspx.
• Applicants must have or obtain a Wisconsin Commercial Pesticide Applicator Certification upon hire. Candidates who need to obtain the certification will be required to do so within the first three months on the job. More information can be found here: https://datcp.wi.gov/Pages/Licenses_Permits/CommercialApplicator.aspx
• A criminal background check is required.
• A 12-month evaluation period is required.

Key Job Responsibilities:

• Reviews and evaluates results
• Develops and implements complex research projects, methodologies, procedures, and criteria
• Trains individuals and groups on equipment operations, research protocols, and techniques within a specialized laboratory or research area
• Provides operational guidance on day-to-day activities of unit or program staff and student workers
• Conducts literature reviews, prepares reports and materials, authors or co-authors publications, and disseminates information to appropriate entities through various communication mediums
• Assists with writing and submitting grant applications and proposals to secure research funding
• Collects and analyzes complex research data, conducts experiments and interviews, and documents results according to established policies and procedures

Department:

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

Compensation:

The minimum starting salary for this position is $65,353. However, final 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 operating and maintaining farm machinery, such as tractors, planters, cultivators, sprayers, and forklifts, etc.
• Hands-on experience in growing and managing field crops
• Background in plant breeding/genetics; i.e. conducting research activities, designing/conducting experiments, and analyzing complex data.
• Driver’s License and CDL Required – Licenses must be valid and meet UW Risk Management Standards. CDL must be obtained within six months of hire date. Please see additional information in the Job Summary section of this announcement.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience in employee management, including supervising, training and coordinating teamwork activities
• Experience organizing and interpreting data using statistical software

Education:

Master's degree in plant biology or related field preferred, or commensurate training/experience

How to Apply:

To apply for this position, please click on the "I am a current employee" button or "I am not a current employee" button under . You will be prompted to upload the following documents.

• Cover Letter
• Resume

Please note, there is only one attachment field. You must upload all your documents into the one attachment field.

It’s important that your cover letter and resume reflect your experience for this position related to the Qualifications section. Your application materials will be used during our evaluation to determine your qualifications as they relate to the job. The most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process.

Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their 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 need of employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of the appointment. University sponsorship is not available for this position.

References: Finalists will be asked to provide contact information (phone and email) for three references, one of which must be a current or former supervisor. References will not be contacted without prior notice.

Contact Information: Madeilene Hoffman, HR Generalist at madeilene.hoffman@wisc.edu or call 608 265 2951