Scientist I/II | University of Wisconsin Madison - Military Veterans

Job Summary: WSLH seeks a Scientist with expertise in environmental molecular biology to drive the scientific innovation across several programs to safeguard public and environmental health. The person in this position will join our dynamic wastewater surveillance team, which began tracking SARS-CoV-2 across Wisconsin in 2020. As a CDC recognized National Wastewater Surveillance System Center of Excellence, we lead one of the country's largest monitoring efforts. Beyond SARS-CoV-2, we have expanded our scope to include targets such as influenza, RSV, norovirus, and antibiotic-resistant genes. This Scientist will develop analyses for new targets and sequencing approaches to enhance the utility of wastewater surveillance. This role will also promote efforts to advance microbial source tracking (MST) techniques. MST is crucial for identifying and mitigating contamination risks in water sources, benefiting water quality and public health. Additionally, they will join the team developing novel approaches in environmental microbiology outbreak testing responses. Across the projects, the Scientist will be collaborating with other university researchers, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, and the CDC. This Scientist will pursue Federal Competitive Grant Proposals as a PI in collaboration with other researchers at UW-Madison and develop a scholarly publication record based on the research activities in this position at WSLH. Join us in making a significant impact on public health through cutting-edge scientific research and innovation. The employee in this position is expected to use the tools and principles of quality management in performing their daily work including the following: Demonstrate exceptional customer service by establishing and maintaining effective professional relationships with managers, supervisor, coworkers, and all customers. Provide constructive feedback for the purpose of continuous improvement in a manner that is supportive of WSLH and its mission. Use data collection tools as appropriate. Use effective team skills to contribute to the efficient operation of the work unit. Present ideas, carry out assignments, and provide information as required. Participate in continuous learning through professional development activities. Responsibilities: Scientist I (RE043) Scientist II (RE044) Institutional Statement on Diversity: 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. For more information on diversity and inclusion on campus, please visit: Diversity and Inclusion Education: Required PhDin Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Bioinformatics, Environmental Science or related field. Qualifications: A minimum of 3 years of experience in a professional or academic setting is required. Experience with molecular methods including nucleic acid extraction, purification, PCR design and next-generation sequencing, as well as bioinformatics and quality control procedures is required. The successful candidate will have a record of peer-reviewed publications. Experience working with wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) is preferred. Knowledge of: 1. Methods for isolation of viruses, bacteria, parasites and potential emerging pathogens, preferably from environmental sources 2. Molecular methods for identification and/or quantification of pathogens such as qPCR, dPCR, sequencing 3. Bioinformatics approaches for analysis of data sets 4. QA/QC requirements for molecular methods Experience: 1. Scientific communication including scientific writing (reports, publications, research papers) and oral presentations 2. Professional working knowledge of statistical methodologies and tools, particularly R 3. Linux operating system 4. Working with Illumina sequencing instruments, Oxford Nanopore, and/or PacBio 5. Experience with laboratory automation, e.g. liquid handling instruments 6. Participation in competitive grant applications Abilities: 1. Work effectively as a team player in a diverse work group 2. Excellent communication skills in working with other team members, customers and outside contacts 3. Excellent organizational, planning, and problem-solving skills 4. Demonstrated ability to think critically, troubleshoot effectively and make timely and sound decisions 5. Ability to maintain accurate and organized records Work Type: Full Time: 100% It is anticipated this position requires work be performed in-person, onsite, at a designated campus work location. Work hours: Monday through Friday 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Appointment Type, Duration: Ongoing/Renewable Salary: Minimum $70,000 ANNUAL (12 months) Depending on Qualifications Additional Information: An official or copy of an official, transcript will be required prior to an offer of employment. (Applicants with degrees from foreign institutions must have the transcripts evaluated by a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services http://www.naces.org/ and the applicant is responsible for all costs associated with that evaluation). How to Apply: To begin the application process please click on the "Apply Now" button. You will be asked to upload a current resume/CV, a cover letter briefly describing your qualifications relevant to the position, and a document listing contact information for three (3) references, including at least one supervisor. If you have questions, you may email hrstaff@slh.wisc.edu or call Dan Makovec, 608-890-1011. Contact: Dan Makovec hrstaff@slh.wisc.edu 608-890-1011 Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information. Official Title: Scientist I(RE043) or Scientist II(RE044) Department(s): A52-WI STATE LAB OF HYGIENE/WATER MICROBIOLOGY Employment Class: Academic Staff-Renewable Job Number: 301942-AS The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, 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 through diversity and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. For more information regarding applicant and employee rights and to view federal and state required postings, click here If you need to request an accommodation because of a disability, you can find information about how to make a request at the following website: https://employeedisabilities.wisc.edu/disability-accommodation-information-for-applicants/ Employment may require a criminal background check. It may also require you and your references to answer questions regarding 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). The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report contains current campus safety and disciplinary policies, crime statistics for the previous 3 calendar years, and on-campus student housing fire safety policies and fire statistics for the previous 3 calendar years. UW-Madison will provide a paper copy upon request; please contact the University of Wisconsin Police Department .