O'Connor Lab Research Specialist

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Job Category:
Academic Staff

Employment Type:

Regular

Job Profile:
Research Specialist

We are seeking a Research Specialist to join our team sequencing environmental samples for up to 240 different human pathogens. Working under the supervision of the principal investigators and senior laboratory scientists, the ideal candidate will assist with experimental scheduling and organization, sample processing and archiving, sequencing samples, and data analysis and preparation for scientific publication. These technical responsibilities require attention to detail, careful documentation, and adherence to established protocols for sample handling and processing.

This position involves collaborating with the team on projects that study pathogens in the environment, collected through air sampling, wastewater, or other methods of environmental sampling, working in the laboratories of Drs. David and Shelby O'Connor. Additionally, some samples may be derived from patient samples. The day-to-day responsibilities of this role include experimental organization and scheduling, processing samples according to established laboratory protocols, assisting with molecular assays, documenting experiments, managing samples and metadata, interpreting results, and communicating findings to colleagues and collaborators.

In addition to responsibilities specific to this position, the candidate will also contribute to and perform routine laboratory maintenance and quality control measures and procedures to ensure data integrity and equipment functionality. Furthermore, the candidate will contribute to other laboratory needs as time permits.

• This position requires work to be completed onsite, at a designated campus work location.
• Must provide a valid driver's license. Employees may use their own transportation or receive approval for University Car Fleet usage. Employment is conditional pending the results of a Pre-hire Driver Authorization Check. See (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). for details.
• Candidates who demonstrate the following knowledge, skills, and abilities will be given first consideration: a background in bioinformatics or python scripting.

• Performs literature reviews and writes reports
• Provides operational guidance on day-to-day activities of unit or program staff and/or student workers
• Participates in the development, interpretation, and implementation of research methodology and materials
• Reviews, analyzes, and interprets data and/or documents results for presentations and/or reporting to internal and external audiences
• Operates, cleans, and maintains organization of research equipment and research area. Tracks inventory levels and places replenishment orders
• Conducts research experiments according to established research protocols with moderate impact to the project(s). Collects data and monitors test results

School of Medicine and Public Health, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, O'Connor Lab

The Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine is dedicated to the highest quality patient care, cutting‑edge and impactful research, and teaching the next generation of pathologists and scientists. We emphasize a healthy work‑life balance and provide a supportive work environment committed to the growth and advancement of our members. Our vibrant clinical department integrates anatomic pathology, laboratory medicine, teaching, and a robust research enterprise, and serves the UW, American Family Children's, VA, and other Madison hospitals.

Our basic science and translational research programs have made fundamental discoveries in cell and stem cell biology, immunology, neuroscience, and infectious disease. Opportunities in education include a T32‑funded PhD graduate program, pathology resident and fellowship programs, and both medical school and undergraduate curricula.

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