Scientist II

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Academic Staff

Employment Type:

Regular Job Profile:
Scientist II

Job Summary:

The Topkara Laboratory in the Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine at University of Wisconsin - Madison School of Medicine and Public Health is seeking to recruit an outstanding Scientist II to study transcriptional regulatory mechanisms of heart failure and myocardial recovery. Leveraging our cardiac tissue repository from patients undergoing left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation and cardiac transplantation, we utilize state-of-art techniques including high-throughput sequencing, computational genomics, human iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes, and genetically engineered mouse models to discover and characterize new gene targets for heart failure.

Current projects are focusing on understanding the role of non-coding RNAs, RNA binding proteins, and RNA splicing regulation in heart failure and myocardial recovery. The Scientist II will perform experiments to characterize genetically modified mice models and delineate the mechanism of RNA processing dysregulation during heart failure.

• 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
• 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 complex research data, conducts experiments and interviews, and documents results according to established policies and procedures under general supervision
• Writes or assists in developing grant applications and proposals to secure research funding
• Identifies research problems and develops complex research methodologies and procedures
• Conducts literature reviews, prepares reports and materials, and disseminates information to appropriate entities
• May supervise the day‑to‑day activities of a research unit as needed
• This position requires work to be completed onsite, at a designated campus work location.

The starting salary wage for the position is $64,000 annually; but is negotiable based on experience and qualifications. Employees in this position can expect to receive benefits such as generous vacation, holidays, and sick leave; competitive insurances and savings accounts; retirement benefits. For more information, refer to campus benefits webpage. SMPH Faculty /Academic Staff Benefits Flyer 2026.

• Expertise in cellular and molecular biology techniques, cell culture and differentiation, and genetically engineered mouse models
• Research publications and presentations
• Experience in cardiovascular research and cardiac phenotyping

• Background in bioinformatic of high-throughput genetic data analysis including RNA sequencing and/or GWAS

Ph.D. in Biological Sciences, Healthcare, or closely related field is required by the start date of the position.

Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW‑Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals. The University of Wisconsin‑Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.

The University of Wisconsin‑Madison is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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 and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence by acknowledging skills and expertise from all backgrounds and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.

For more information regarding applicant and employee rights and to view federal and state required postings, visit Human Resources Workplace Poster website.