Scientist I or II

Scientist I

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 n us in making a significant impact on public health through cutting-edge scientific research and innovation.

The employee in this position is expected to use the tools and principles of quality management in performing their daily work including the following:
Demonstrate exceptional customer service by establishing and maintaining effective professional relationships with managers, supervisor, coworkers, and all customers. Provide constructive feedback for the purpose of continuous improvement in a manner that is supportive of WSLH and its mission. Use data collection tools as appropriate. Use effective team skills to contribute to the efficient operation of the work unit. Present ideas, carry out assignments, and provide information as required.

Participate in continuous learning through professional development activities.

Standard

Summary:

RE043 Scientist I:

Identifies research problems, designs research methodologies, performs research, and helps to prepare the results for presentation to professional organizations or for scholarly publications to help advance research.

Essential Responsibilities:

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

Unique Responsibilities

• Developing and implementing next generation sequencing workflows for wastewater surveillance

Required Qualifications:

A minimum of 3 years of experience in a professional or academic setting is required. The successful candidate will have extensive experience with molecular biology techniques supporting next-generation sequencing workflows, including nucleic acid extraction, library preparation, targeted enrichment, and sequencing quality control. Experience implementing, developing, or optimizing NGS library preparation protocols is required. Experience with laboratory automation and liquid handling platforms is preferred.

The successful candidate will have a record of peer-reviewed publications and demonstrated experience training, mentoring, or supervising junior staff, students, or laboratory personnel in molecular laboratory protocols.

Knowledge:

• Advanced molecular biology techniques supporting sequencing workflows, including nucleic acid extraction, qPCR, and next-generation sequencing library preparation
• Targeted enrichment and hybrid capture techniques
• Operation and troubleshooting of sequencing platforms (e.g. Illumina, Oxford Nanopore, Pac Bio)
• Bioinformatics approaches for analysis of data sets
• Quality assurance and quality control practices for molecular and sequencing workflows
• Laboratory automation technologies, including liquid handling instruments

Experience:

• Developing, optimizing, or implementing NGS library preparation workflows
• Familiarity with hybrid capture or probe-based enrichment methods
• Training or mentoring laboratory personnel in molecular protocols and laboratory best practices
• Scientific communication including scientific writing (reports, publications, research papers) and oral…