Research Specialist

Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, please log in to Workday and apply through the internal application process. Job Category: Academic Staff Employment Type: Terminal (Fixed Term) Job Profile: Research Specialist Job Summary: The Research Specialist supports grain breeding and research projects across field, greenhouse, and laboratory environments. This position designs and implements research methods, manages daily logistics for oats, wheat, and barley projects, and maintains equipment, inventories, shared digital resources, and organized research spaces. The role collects and manages data, ensures research protocols are followed, and coordinates activities with external partners to keep projects running efficiently. A key responsibility is leading and supporting people: the Research Specialist trains, schedules, and supervises undergraduate and hourly employees, works closely with graduate students on project planning and execution, and provides reliable continuity for seasonal and long‑term research efforts. High attention to detail and strong communication skills are essential to success in this role. The position is full time, onsite and requires regular travel to research sites throughout the state. It is headquartered in Moore Hall on the UW‑Madison campus. During field season, work will be performed at West Madison Agricultural Research Station. During peak seasons such as planting and harvest, extended days and weekend work may be necessary depending on weather conditions. The role requires the ability to work outdoors in inclement weather, be on one’s feet for long periods, lift 60‑pound bushels, and wear a respirator mask when working. The employee must hold a valid driver’s license, meet UW‑Madison’s driver authorization criteria, and complete a trailer driving course (available during work hours). A criminal background check and a 12‑month evaluation period may be required. This is a 2‑year terminal appointment. Key Job Responsibilities 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. 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. Operates, cleans, and maintains the organization of research equipment and research area. Tracks inventory levels and places replenishment orders. Provides operational guidance on day‑to‑day activities of unit or program staff and/or student workers. Manages and organizes all germplasm and small‑grain lines across the breeding program, ensuring accurate tracking and strong program organization. Required Qualifications Experience conducting field research, including implementing protocols and managing experiments. Experience safely operating research equipment used by breeding programs, including plot combine, plot planter, and thrashers. Demonstrated ability to collect and manage research data. Preferred Qualifications Experience in data analysis and report preparation. Experience leading field crews and supervising employees, i.e., student workers. Demonstrated experience managing plant breeding research trials. Education Bachelor’s degree required in agricultural or biology related field. Compensation The minimum starting salary for this position is $50,000 per year. Actual salary will depend on experience and qualifications. Benefits Employees in this position can expect generous vacation, holidays, and paid time off; competitive insurances and savings accounts; retirement benefits. Additional benefits information can be found at University sponsorship is available for this position. 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. Equal Opportunity Employer 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. 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr UW–Madison College of Agricultural and Life Sciences