Research Specialist

University of Wisconsin Madison•Madison, WI

20h•Hybrid

About The Position

The research lab of Dr. Benjamin Spector is conducting exciting research investigating the molecular basis of kidney transplant pathologies. We conduct human subjects research exploring epigenetic changes in kidney transplant recipients in various disease states. Through this work, we hope to identify drug targets and diagnostic biomarkers that impact the health of kidney transplant patients. The Spector Lab is hiring a Research Specialist to aid in the coordination and performance of this translational research. The interested candidate can expect to help develop, design, and conduct one or more research projects and organize daily operation of projects and specialized research areas to ensure work meets established objectives under moderate supervision. This position requires excellent communication skills and an enthusiasm to engage with potential study participants and study team members. Though not required, experience in bioinformatics is preferred. The Spector Lab is part of the School of Medicine Department of Pediatrics, a vibrant, interdisciplinary, nationally recognized clinical and research academic department. This position is full or part-time, 80%-100% Terminal, 24-month appointment. This position has the possibility to be extended or converted to an ongoing appointment based on need and/or funding. This position may require some work to be performed in-person, onsite, at a designated campus work location. Some work may be performed remotely, at an offsite, non-campus work location. This position has been identified as a position of trust with access to vulnerable populations. The selected candidate will be required to pass an initial caregiver check to be eligible for employment under the Wisconsin Caregiver Law and every four years.

Requirements

Experience with basic lab techniques, including DNA or RNA isolation (can include lab experiences as part of undergraduate coursework).
Experience with human subjects research.

Nice To Haves

Experience recruiting and consenting subjects for human subjects research.
Experience with bioinformatics, data science, and/or computational biology, including the use of R computing language.
Experience with REDCap or similar programs.

Responsibilities

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