Plant Analysis Research Specialist

The Wisconsin Crop Innovation Center (WCIC) at the University of WisconsinMadison is seeking a highly motivated independent and detail-oriented individual to join the Plant Analysis Team as a Research Specialist.

Join WCICs Plant Analysis Team and help confirm the success of cutting-edge plant transformation projects. As a Plant Analysis Research Specialist you will work under moderate supervision and test hundreds of plants each week using molecular techniques such as PCR qPCR ddPCR and PACEand communicate results that guide greenhouse decisions and project direction. You will sample plants extract DNA perform genetic assays interpret sequence data maintain laboratory supplies and work alongside student employees. This position also offers opportunities to expand your skills in plant transformation plasmid construction and transgenic plant greenhouse management.

WCIC is a 100000 square foot state-of-the-art agricultural biotechnology complex housing laboratories and greenhouses dedicated to the production and analysis of transgenic and gene edited plants. This facility is the largest publicly held plant transformation facility in the United States and is aimed at improving crop plants for humans livestock and the environment.

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

• Performs literature reviews and writes reports

• 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

The Wisconsin Crop Innovation Center (WCIC)

The starting salary for the position is $48000 annually; but is negotiable based 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: Qualifications:

• Minimum of 1 year of laboratory experience in academic industry or research settings (may include undergraduate research experience)
• Minimum of 1 year of experience performing data collection recordkeeping and basic data analysis
• Minimum of 1 year of experience with standard molecular biology techniques (for example pipetting DNA extraction PCR Gel Electrophoresis)

• Experience in advanced molecular biology techniques (multi-channel pipetting automated pipetting RNA extraction qPCR ddPCR PACE / KASP assays primer and probe design)
• Experience with high throughput / automation
• Experience with sequence / SNP analysis
• Hands on experience with plants / greenhouse

Required: Bachelors Degree in the biological sciences (General Biology Biochemistry Environmental Biology Health Science or a similar field)

Preferred: Bachelors Degree specialized in plant science and/or genetics (Plant Biotechnology Plant Breeding Genetics Molecular Biology Plant Pathology Horticulture Crop Science Plant Biology or a similar field)

To apply for this position please click on the I am a current employee button or I am not a current employee button under Apply Now. You will be prompted to upload the following documents.

• Cover Letter
• Resume

Please note there is only one attachment field. You must upload all your documents into the one attachment field. All listed application materials must be received to be considered.

Finalists will be asked to provide contact information (phone and email) for three references one of which must be a current or former supervisor. References will not be contacted without prior notice.

Its important that your cover letter and resume reflect your experience for this position related to the Qualifications section. Your application materials will be used during our evaluation to determine your qualifications as they relate to the job. The most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process.

Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States a lawful permanent resident a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without need of employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of the appointment. University sponsorship is not available for this position.

Additional Information:

• Criminal Background Check may be required
• A 12-month evaluation period may be required

• Lab bench duties require repetitive motions precise hand-eye coordination hand dexterity and ability to stand for extended periods of time.
• Up to 15% of the time duties will include working in greenhouse temperatures and conditions

Work Schedule:

Normal hours are 8:00 am 5:00 pm Monday through Friday. Occasional nights and weekends may be required for this position.

Sonia Parker CALS HR Generalist

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 OpportunityEmployer.

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 backgroundsand encourage all qualified individuals to apply. For more information regarding applicant and employee rights and to view federal and state required postings visit the Human Resources Workplace Poster website.

To request a disability or pregnancy-related accommodationfor any step in the hiring process (e.g. application interview pre-employment testing etc.) please contact the Divisional Disability Representative (DDR)in the division you are applying make your request as soon as possible to help the university respond most effectively to you.

Employment may require a criminal background check. It may also require your references to answer questions regarding misconduct including sexual violence and sexual harassment.

The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7).

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