Research Technician

Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process. Job Category: University Staff Employment Type: Terminal (Fixed Term) Job Profile: Research Technician Job Summary: We are seeking a Research Technician to join the Dillard Lab and perform research for a new study on the role of peptidoglycan fragment release and the NOD2 response elicited by the bacterial pathogen Neisseria gonorrhoeae resulting in pelvic inflammatory disease. The functions of the enzyme NlpC will be determined and its mechanisms involved in activating NOD2 responses in human epithelial cells, cervix tissue explants, and Fallopian tube explants in will be identified. The successful candidate will work alongside a PhD scientist to produce peptidoglycan substrates, analyze enzyme products by HPLC, and measure inflammatory responses from human cells and tissue. Responsibilities include purifying enzymes, preparing bacterial samples for super-resolution microscopy, measuring cytokine levels, and creating mutation constructs in E. coli and mutant Neisseria gonorrhoeae strains. While many of the techniques are already used by the lab, this person will work with a PhD scientist to create and validate assays designed to quantify inflammatory responses in tissue. Scientific work will be performed under the guidance of the PhD scientist and principal investigator. The successful candidate will also need to demonstrate effective scientific decision-making skills, a thorough understanding of the theoretical and practical background of the project and develop and implement novel techniques independently under the supervision of the principal investigator. In addition to bench and method-development work, the research technician will contribute to data analysis and manuscript preparation, and will maintain rigorous records and documentation. Regular work with human tissues is expected. Because communication is an essential part of the scientific enterprise, outstanding written and verbal scientific communication skills are essential. This position requires work to be completed onsite, at a designated campus work location. The work schedule is flexible and will be determined at time of hire. This position has the possibility to be extended or converted to an ongoing appointment based on need and/or funding. Key Job Responsibilities: Reviews data to summarize results for presentations or reporting Inspects and maintains equipment, supplies, inventory, and facility spaces Collects data and monitors test results according to established research requirements and specifications May assist with literature reviews and/or report writing Performs lab and/or field test materials and samples according to established research requirements and specifications. Performs lab or field tests Department: School of Medicine and Public Health, Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Dillard Lab The Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology is dedicated to impactful research, and medical and graduate student teaching, and service to the public and scientific fields in the areas of immunology and infectious diseases. We emphasize a healthy work-life balance and provide a supportive work environment committed to the growth and advancement of our members. Compensation: The expected salary range for this position is $40,000 up to $45,000 for highly experienced candidates and actual pay within this range will depend 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. For more information, refer to the campus benefits webpage. SMPH University Staff Benefits Flyer 2026 Preferred Qualifications: One year previous laboratory research experience, beyond laboratory class exercises. Experience using molecular biology techniques including PCR and cloning and sequencing of DNA. Experience with bacterial growth or genetics. Ability to graph data in Excel or Prism and perform statistical analyses. Education: Bachelor's Degree Required, preferably in biology or chemistry related field. How to Apply: For the best experience completing your application, we recommend using Chrome or Firefox as your web browser. To apply for this position, select either “I am a current employee” or “I am not a current employee” under Apply Now. You will then be prompted to upload your application materials. Important: The application has only one attachment field. Upload the following documents in that field, either as a single combined file or as multiple files in the same upload area. • Cover letter required • Resume Your cover letter should address how your training and experience aligns with the required and preferred qualifications listed above. Application reviewers will rely on these written materials to determine which applicants move forward in the process. References will be requested from final candidates. All applicants will be notified once the search concludes and a candidate is selected University sponsorship is not available for this position, including transfers of sponsorship and TN visas. The selected applicant will be responsible for ensuring their continuous 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 the need of an employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment. This position is currently scheduled to end May 31, 2028 and will require eligibility to work until that time]. If you are selected for this position you must provide proof of work authorization and eligibility to work. Contact Information: Lily Schafer, View email address on click.appcast.io, View phone number on click.appcast.io Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information. 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. The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 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 backgrounds and 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 accommodation for 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 to. Please 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). 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. Work with purpose, make an impact, and grow your career. The University of Wisconsin–Madison is committed to equity, inclusion and employee well-being as we proudly work to improve the lives of people in Wisconsin and beyond. UW–Madison offers a wide range of professions that cover various interests and skill levels. We employ everything from accountants to arborists, chefs to custodians, editors to electricians, graphic designers to groundskeepers, HR associates to HVAC technicians, librarians to locksmiths, mechanics to medical assistants, painters to police officers, web designers to welders, and absolutely everything in between! No matter what you are looking for professionally, chances are you will not only find it but will thrive at it while working at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.