Research Technician

Overview 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. The 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. The 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, 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 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. The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard 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. 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, please contact the Divisional Disability Representative. Employment may require a criminal background check. The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality. The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report contains current campus safety and disciplinary policies. UW-Madison will provide a paper copy upon request. #J-18808-Ljbffr