O'Connor Lab Research Specialist

Job Summary

We are seeking a Research Specialist to join the O'Connor Lab's environmental surveillance team to perform sample processing for a new study conducted in collaboration with Dr. Jonathan Temte's team at UW–Madison. The study will collect paired clinical swab and air samples from up to 200 households during the 2026–2027 school year for sequencing, analysis, and investigation of respiratory viral transmission within homes.

The successful candidate will work alongside a PhD scientist to organize and process samples, develop and validate molecular assays, refine sequencing and data analysis techniques, and contribute to manuscript preparation and other lab projects. Responsibilities also include maintaining rigorous records, tracking thousands of samples through multi‑step workflows, and ensuring timely delivery of results. Outstanding written and verbal scientific communication skills are essential.

• Develop, interpret, and implement research methodology and materials.
• Operate, clean, and maintain research equipment and workspace; track inventory and place replenishment orders.
• Provide operational guidance to unit or program staff and/or student workers.
• Receive and organize samples, maintain electronic records, and manage spreadsheets.
• Perform literature reviews and write reports.
• Review, analyze, and interpret data, and document results for presentations and reporting to internal and external audiences.
• Conduct research experiments according to established protocols with a moderate impact on the project(s). Collect data and monitor test results.
• Coordinate and execute sample processing for both clinical swabs and air samples, and run downstream molecular biology assays.
• Analyze data to identify respiratory pathogens in each participating household.
• Validate and implement assays designed to quantify pathogen nucleic acids in air and clinical samples.
• Collaborate with the PhD scientist to refine and implement improved techniques for sequencing and data analysis.
• Manage organization and processing of samples, tracking thousands of samples through multi‑step workflows and maintaining timelines and deliverables.
• Contribute to data analysis, manuscript preparation, and other lab projects as needed.
• Maintain rigorous records and documentation.

• Experience in designing and conducting experiments.
• Experience in data collection and analysis.
• Experience organizing large numbers of samples.
• Experience with written and verbal scientific communication.
• Ability to work onsite at a designated campus work location.

Bachelor’s degree preferred, with a focus in public health, immunology, microbiology, virology, or a related field. A Master’s or PhD is an advantage.

The starting salary for the position is $61,780 annually; salary is negotiable based on experience and qualifications. Employees can expect benefits such as generous vacation, holidays, and sick leave; competitive insurance and savings account options; and retirement benefits. For more information, refer to the campus benefits webpage referenced in the original posting.

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. The University of Wisconsin–Madison is an Equal Opportunity Employer. For more information regarding applicant and employee rights, and to view required postings, visit the Human Resources Workplace Poster website.