Research Associate - Biology

Universities of Wisconsin•Whitewater, WI

2d•$45,000 - $50,000

About The Position

The Department of Biology in the College of Letters and Sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater seeks a postdoctoral fellow in developmental biology, cell biology, physiology, or molecular genetics. This National Science Foundation-funded position studies circadian gene regulation of metabolism and gene expression during dorsal mesoderm specification in Xenopus laevis. The project builds on findings that circadian genes bmal1 and rev-erba affect the metabolic shift during dorsal mesoderm specification. The position includes research (75%) and teaching and mentoring undergraduate students (25%). The candidate will use embryological and molecular genetic approaches and receive training in genome editing using CRISPR-Cas9, luciferase-based assay systems, RNA-Seq, bioinformatics, microinjection, and microdissection of Xenopus embryos. Training in pedagogy will be available through university workshops and programs and one-on-one mentoring by the PI. The PI will support career development through publication of results, sharing reagents and resources including transgenic lines, help with grant writing, and attendance at professional meetings. Teaching responsibilities include introductory biology lecture and laboratory courses and developmental biology. Research duties include supporting the PI’s grant-funded research, publishing results, mentoring undergraduate research students, and writing grant proposals. Employees are expected to ensure their materials are digitally accessible and use standard university-supported platforms, including Navigate, Canvas, and Microsoft Office applications such as Outlook. The position is a terminal fixed-term appointment. The annual starting salary is $45,000–$50,000, commensurate with education, related experience, and qualifications. The position begins in August 2026. A Ph.D. in Biology is required; ABD candidates may apply subject to the degree-completion conditions specified in the posting. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at hire and maintain authorization throughout the employment term; visa sponsorship is not offered.

Requirements

Ph.D. in Biology; ABD candidates may apply but must complete the degree by the August 2026 contract start date, or, if hired on a one-year contract, before January 2027.
Demonstrated interest in teaching at the undergraduate level.
Ability to communicate complex information effectively, verbally and in writing, to inclusive audiences.
Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively with a team.
Ability to interact respectfully with people from diverse socioeconomic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds.
Willingness and ability to follow applicable safety rules and regulations, including required training and drills.
Legally authorized to work in the United States at hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term.

Nice To Haves

Experience in developmental biology, cell biology, physiology, or molecular genetics.
Experience in RNA-Seq, CRISPR-Cas9, and bioinformatics.

Responsibilities

Conduct research on circadian gene regulation of metabolism and gene expression during dorsal mesoderm specification in Xenopus laevis.
Support the PI’s grant-funded research.
Teach introductory biology lecture and laboratory courses and developmental biology.
Mentor undergraduate research students.
Publish research results.
Write grant proposals.
Ensure materials are digitally accessible and use standard technology platforms supported by UW-Whitewater.