Virology Researcher

Job Summary:

The Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, is seeking a Researcher I to join the Williams Lab. The Williams Lab studies human metapneumovirus (HMPV), a leading cause of respiratory illness in children. We strive for a collegial and kind work environment. Our goal is to advance knowledge relevant to human health while fostering the professional growth and development of research team members. Ideal candidates will be skilled in techniques used to investigate viral pathogenesis including standard tools of molecular biology, virology, and immunology.

The researcher will be studying immunopathogenesis of human metapneumovirus (HMPV). This will chiefly involve work using a mouse model of infection. The researcher will be investigating how various elements of immunity, including epithelial cells and T cells, regulate the host response to HMPV. The research includes studies of the role specific HMPV proteins play in pathogenesis using epithelial cell culture models and mouse models.

This position will involve experimental skills of mouse handling and breeding; administration of viral infection to mice; analysis of mouse immune cell populations by antibody staining for surface makers; and preparation and analysis of immune cell populations by flow cytometry with accompanying facility with Aurora and FACSAria instruments and methodologies. Additionally, utilization of cell analysis software such as FlowJo will be required. For work studying the role of viral proteins in pathogenesis, position will include facility of gene cloning, viral culture, and biochemical analysis of gene products through western blotting, and mouse skills as described above.

The Department of Pediatrics at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health is a vibrant academic department comprising more than 200 faculty in 16 subspecialty divisions. The department promotes and enhances the health of children through outstanding clinical care, exemplary education of pediatric trainees, performance of cutting-edge research, and vigorous advocacy. To learn more about the department’s work and accomplishments, please visit: https://www.pediatrics.wisc.edu/.

Responsibilities:

Provides technical expertise to fundamental and/or applied scientific research under the direction of senior research personnel or faculty.

• 50% Collects and analyzes basic research data, conducts experiments and interviews, and documents results according to established policies and procedures
• 10% Conducts literature reviews, prepares reports and materials, and disseminates information to appropriate entities and assists with publications
• 10% Trains individuals and groups on equipment operations, research protocols, and techniques within a specialized laboratory or research area
• 10% Assists with the development of research methodologies and procedures
• 10% Identifies concerns and recommends solutions to leadership
• 10% Assists in developing grant applications and proposals to secure research funding

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.

Education:

Required
Master’s Degree in molecular biology, virology, immunology, or related field by position start date

Qualifications:

Work Type:

Full Time: 100%

It is anticipated this position requires work be performed in-person, onsite, at a designated campus work location.

Appointment Type, Duration:

Ongoing/Renewable

Salary:

Minimum $50,000 ANNUAL (12 months)
Depending on Qualifications
The starting salary for the position is $50,000 but 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. Benefits information can be found at (https://hr.wisc.edu/benefits/).

SMPH Academic Staff Benefits flyer: (https://uwmadison.box.com/s/r50myohfvfd15bqltljn0g4laubuz7t0)

Additional Information:

This vacancy is being announced simultaneously with Position Vacancy Listing 305494 (Researcher Specialist) and 305496 (Scientist I); please note that only one vacancy exists. Applicants for this position will be considered for all titles listed in these postings. The title is determined by the experience and qualifications of the finalist.

How to Apply:

To apply for this position, please click on the “Apply Now” button. You will be asked to upload a current resume/CV and a cover letter briefly describing your qualifications and experience.

Contact:

Ashley Mueller
[email protected]
608-265-3961
Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information.

Official Title:

Researcher I(RE040)

Department(s):

A53-MEDICAL SCHOOL/PEDIATRICS/INFECT DIS

Employment Class:

Academic Staff-Renewable

Job Number:

305495-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.

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.