O'Connor Lab Research Specialist

Universities of Wisconsin•Madison, WI

23h•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a Research Specialist to join our environmental surveillance team, which conducts comprehensive air and wastewater monitoring to understand pathogen presence and transmission in congregate settings. Working under the supervision of the principal investigators and senior lab scientists, you will lead field operations of our environmental monitoring program in Wisconsin. This role combines fieldwork at community sites with laboratory analysis and data preparation for scientific publication. Your field operations responsibilities will include organizing and maintaining air sampling equipment, conducting routine sample collection at schools, hospitals, and other partner sites, and coordinating with facility staff to maintain professional relationships at sampling locations. This community-facing aspect of the role requires regular travel to various sites and direct interaction with partners across different institutional settings. In the laboratory, you will process air samples for nucleic acid extraction and prepare samples for pathogen testing under the supervision of senior scientists. You will also perform routine laboratory maintenance and quality control procedures to ensure data integrity and equipment functionality. These technical responsibilities require attention to detail and adherence to established protocols for sample handling and processing. Your research support duties will involve assisting in data analysis and preparation for publication, contributing to ongoing research projects as needed, and maintaining detailed records and documentation. This aspect of the role provides exposure to the full research pipeline from sample collection through scientific publication. The person in this role will need to be able to (a) connect with air sampling sites in the community, (b) support the processing of air samples in the lab, and (c) be exceptionally well-organized to ensure the workflow is seamless. This position requires work to be completed onsite, at a designated campus work location.

Requirements

Experience with research databases.
Experience in designing and conducting experiments.
Experience in data collection and analysis.
Experience working with community partners
Must provide a valid driver's license.
Employment is conditional pending the results of a Pre-hire Driver Authorization Check.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated accuracy
Ability to manage multiple projects
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Strong organizational skills
Bachelor’s Degree preferred; focus in immunology, virology, microbiology, or a related field preferred.
Those with an MPH are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

Organizing and maintaining air sampling equipment
Conducting routine sample collection at schools, hospitals, and other partner sites
Coordinating with facility staff to maintain professional relationships at sampling locations
Processing air samples for nucleic acid extraction
Preparing samples for pathogen testing
Performing routine laboratory maintenance and quality control procedures
Assisting in data analysis and preparation for publication
Contributing to ongoing research projects as needed
Maintaining detailed records and documentation
Serves as a subject matter expert and unit liaison.
Provides updates on project components and timelines to stakeholders as needed
Develops and facilitates research specific presentations to internal and external audiences
May direct the day-to-day activities of staff and resolve routine personnel issues
Assists with the design, monitoring, and execution of project-specific experiments.
Identifies and resolves technical issues
Assists with the development and auditing of project-specific budgets
Develops operating policies and procedures to comply with regulations, institutional policies, and unit objectives