Analytical Research Specialist

Research Specialist

The Center for Dairy Research (CDR) is seeking a research specialist to support a growing innovative unit on the UW-Madison campus. Housed in a new, state-of-the-art facility in Babcock Hall, CDR is the largest dairy foods research program in the US. The Center has over 60 full-time staff, supports graduate and undergraduate research, and provides technical and training support services to hundreds of dairy producers and processers around the globe.

CDR is currently searching for a full time research specialist to provide analytical support related to dairy products. This position will perform various analyses (chemical, physical, and functional) of dairy products related to public and privately funded research projects. Independent analysis of samples, acquiring research data, data entry and review, summarizing findings, and informing the trial organizer (or principal investigator) of results/findings will be required. Products will be analyzed as scheduled through trial organizer. The research specialist will also assist with analysis method development in conjunction with CDR researchers/scientists. In addition, the research specialist will be required to attend to the maintenance of the various analytical instruments utilized for analysis of dairy foods and work directly with outside vendors to maintain analytical equipment. The research specialist will also train student hourly employees when required, and assist/participate in CDR short courses and meetings and seminars. This position is supported by the Dairy Business Innovation Alliance (DBIA) and helps support its goals and clients.

As a member of an analytical research team, a successful candidate will have excellent communication skills, the ability to manage projects and tasks independently and with team members and focus on the details of each individual project or test. An ideal candidate has worked in an analytical laboratory setting where they have used a variety of analytical instruments, methods and techniques to conduct chemical analysis of food products.

Additional information:

• Criminal Background Check may be required
• Evaluation/Probationary Period may be required
• Work will be performed onsite; the headquarter location is Babcock Hall
• This position requires occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds

Key Job Responsibilities:

• Conducts research experiments according to established research protocols with moderate impact to the project(s). Collects data and monitors test results
• Participates in the development, interpretation, and implementation of research methodology and materials
• Performs literature reviews and writes reports
• Reviews, analyzes, and interprets data and/or documents results for presentations and/or reporting to internal and external audiences
• Provides operational guidance on day-to-day activities of unit or program staff and/or student workers
• Operates, cleans, and maintains organization of research equipment and research area. Tracks inventory levels and places replenishment orders
• Trains staff, graduate students and student employees on equipment operations, research protocols, and techniques within a specialized laboratory or research area

Department:

College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, Center for Dairy Research-Analytical Lab

Compensation:

The anticipated salary range for this position is $52,000-58,000. 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:

Required Qualifications:

Experience working in an analytical laboratory setting

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in the chemical analysis of foods using various analytical instruments
• Experience with advanced techniques such as gas chromatography, ion chromatography, HPLC, and microscopy

Education:

BS in Food Science, Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, or related field is required

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.