Research Specialist

Current Employees:
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Job Category:

Academic Staff

Employment Type:

Terminal (Fixed Term)

Job Profile:

Research Specialist

Job Summary:

The Research Specialist supports grains breeding and research projects across field, greenhouse, and laboratory environments. This position helps design and implement research methods; manages daily logistics for oats, wheat, and barley projects; and maintains equipment, inventories, shared digital resources, and organized research spaces. The role collects and manages data, ensures research protocols are followed, and coordinates activities with external partners to keep projects running efficiently.

A key responsibility of this position is leading and supporting people: the Research Specialist trains, schedules, and supervises undergraduate and hourly employees, works closely with graduate students on project planning and execution, and provides reliable continuity for seasonal and long-term research efforts. High attention to detail, strong communication skills, and an interest in learning more about plant breeding are essential to success in this role.

This is a full time, onsite position that requires regular travel to research sites throughout the state. This position is headquartered in Moore Hall on the UW-Madison campus. During field season, work will be performed at West Madison Agricultural Research Station. During peak seasons such as planting and harvest, extended days and weekend work may be necessary depending on weather conditions.

The role requires the ability to work outdoors in inclement weather, be on one's feet for long periods, lift 60-pound bushels, and wear a respirator mask when working. The employee must hold a valid driver's license, meet UW-Madison's driver authorization criteria, and complete a trailer driving course (available during work hours). A criminal background check and a 12-month evaluation period may be required.

This is a 2-year terminal appointment.

Key

Job Responsibilities:

* Performs literature reviews and writes reports

* Reviews, analyzes, and interprets data and/or documents results for presentations and/or reporting to internal and external audiences

* Conducts research experiments according to established research protocols with moderate impact to the project(s). Collects data and monitors test results

* Participates in the development, interpretation, and implementation of research methodology and materials

* Operates, cleans, and maintains organization of research equipment and research area. Tracks inventory levels and places replenishment orders

* Provides operational guidance on day-to-day activities of unit or program staff and/or student workers

* Manages and organizes all germplasm and small‑grain lines across the breeding program, ensuring accurate tracking and strong program organization

Department:

College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, Plant and Agroecosystem Sciences, Dawson Lab

Compensation:

The minimum starting salary for this position is $50,000 per yer. 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://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./

Required Qualifications:

* Experience conducting field research, including implementing protocols and managing experiments

* Experience safely operating research equipment used by breeding programs including plot combine, plot planter, and thrashers

* Demonstrated ability to collect and manage research data

Preferred Qualifications:

* Experience in data analysis and report preparation

* Experience leading field crews and supervising employees; i.e. student workers

* Demonstrated experience managing plant breeding research trials

Education:

Bachelor's degree required in agricultural or biology related field

How to Apply:

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