O'Connor Lab Research Specialist

Job Summary

We are seeking a Research Specialist to join our environmental surveillance team, which conducts comprehensive air and wastewater monitoring to understand pathogen presence and transmission in congregate settings. Working under the supervision of the principal investigators and senior lab scientists, you will lead field operations of our environmental monitoring program in Wisconsin and combine fieldwork at community sites with laboratory analysis and data preparation for scientific publication.

Organize and maintain air sampling equipment, conduct routine sample collection at schools, hospitals, and other partner sites, and coordinate with facility staff to maintain professional relationships at sampling locations. This community‑facing aspect of the role requires regular travel to various sites and direct interaction with partners across different institutional settings.

Process air samples for nucleic acid extraction and prepare samples for pathogen testing under the supervision of senior scientists. Perform routine laboratory maintenance and quality control procedures to ensure data integrity and equipment functionality. These technical responsibilities require attention to detail and adherence to established protocols for sample handling and processing.

Assist in data analysis and preparation for publication, contribute to ongoing research projects as needed, and maintain detailed records and documentation. This aspect of the role provides exposure to the full research pipeline from sample collection through scientific publication.

• Serves as a subject matter expert and unit liaison. Provides updates on project components and timelines to stakeholders as needed.
• Develops and facilitates research specific presentations to internal and external audiences.
• May direct the day‑to‑day activities of staff and resolve routine personnel issues.
• Assists with the design, monitoring, and execution of project‑specific experiments. Identifies and resolves technical issues.
• Assists with the development and auditing of project‑specific budgets.
• Develops operating policies and procedures to comply with regulations, institutional policies, and unit objectives.

• This position requires work to be completed onsite at a designated campus work location.
• Must provide a valid driver’s license. Employment is conditional pending the results of a pre‑hire driver authorization check. See (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

The starting salary for the position is $63,697 annually; it 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.

• Experience with research databases.
• Experience in designing and conducting experiments.
• Experience in data collection and analysis.
• Experience working with community partners.

• Demonstrated accuracy, the ability to manage multiple projects, strong written and verbal communication skills, and strong organizational skills.

Preferred:
Bachelor’s Degree with a focus in immunology, virology, microbiology, or a related field. MPH holders are encouraged to apply.

Tia Seguin, tia.seguin, 608‑263‑3731

University sponsorship is not available for this position. The selected applicant will be responsible for ensuring continuous eligibility to work in the United States (i.e., a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, or a foreign national authorized to work without employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment. Continuous work eligibility is required for this ongoing position.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran, as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. The University of Wisconsin‑Madison is an Equal Opportunity Employer. For disability or pregnancy‑related accommodations, contact the Divisional Disability Representative in the division you are applying to.

Employment may require a criminal background check and may also require references to answer questions regarding misconduct, including sexual violence and sexual harassment. The University of Wisconsin System does not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released.