Research Specialist

Current Employees:
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Academic Staff

Terminal (Fixed Term)

Research Specialist

The Research Specialist will support the Dawson Research Program by leading the OREI Seeds research project and coordinating the daily operations of additional program projects. This role involves hands on work at research stations and in greenhouse environments to ensure the successful execution of field, greenhouse, and laboratory activities. All work is performed onsite.

This position may be filled at 50–100% FTE and may require occasional evening or weekend work. It is a two-year terminal appointment with the possibility of conversion to a renewable position based on program needs and/or available funding.

• Strong attention to detail
• Effective recordkeeping skills
• Good communication and training ability
• Ability to follow protocols precisely under moderate supervision
• Ability to troubleshoot and maintain laboratory equipment

• A criminal background check may be required
• An evaluation/probationary period may be required
• Occasional travel to conferences for reporting is required
• Applicants must become an approved driver through UW–Madison’s driver authorization process, which requires meeting the criteria outlined at: /
• Physical requirements include the ability to lift 40 pounds repeatedly during harvest, the ability to work outdoors in inclement weather, and the ability to stand for extended periods.

• 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
• Maintains and organizes training, lab records and protocols, group websites, and online storage of information.
• Trains and supervises TE/student hourlies in the field and lab.
• 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

College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, Plant and Agroecosystem Sciences, Dawson Research Program

The minimum salary for this position is $48,000. However, final 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)./

• Field experience and prior involvement in a plant breeding program
• Experience supervising and training hourly student employees
• Experience managing research trials, including planning, implementation, and data collection

• Experience with organic tomato production and high tunnel growing systems
• Experience conducting post harvest quality testing

Bachelor's degree in genetics, plant science or related science field preferred

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.

It’s 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…