Research Specialist-Pediatrics

University of Wisconsin Madison • Madison, WI

7d

About The Position

The Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, is seeking a Research Specialist to join the Williams Lab. The lab studies human metapneumovirus (HMPV), a leading cause of respiratory illness in children, and aims to advance knowledge relevant to human health while fostering the professional growth and development of research team members in a collegial and kind environment.

The Research Specialist will study the immunopathogenesis of HMPV, chiefly using a mouse infection model. Research will investigate how immune elements, including epithelial cells and T cells, regulate the host response to HMPV, and the roles of specific HMPV proteins in pathogenesis using epithelial cell culture and mouse models. Work includes mouse handling and infection, immune-cell analysis using antibody staining and flow cytometry, and analysis of virus-specific antibody responses using methods such as ELISA and microneutralization. Other techniques include gene cloning, viral culture, and biochemical analysis of gene products through western blotting.

The position also conducts research experiments under established protocols, collects and analyzes data, participates in developing and implementing research methods and materials, maintains research equipment and areas, tracks inventory, provides day-to-day operational guidance, reviews literature, and prepares reports and results for presentations or reporting.

Requirements

• Previous laboratory experience in virology, immunology, or molecular biology.
• Bachelor’s degree with a focus in microbiology, virology, immunology, molecular biology, or a related field.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with cell culture.
• Experience with virology or immunology methods such as plaque assay, ELISA, microneutralization, or flow cytometry.
• Experience using mouse models of viral infection, including anesthesia, intranasal or intratracheal viral inoculation, euthanasia, and necropsy.

Responsibilities

• Operate, clean, and maintain research equipment and keep the research area organized.
• Track inventory levels and place replenishment orders.
• Provide operational guidance on day-to-day activities of unit or program staff and/or student workers.
• Review, analyze, and interpret data and/or document results for presentations and reporting to internal and external audiences.
• Perform literature reviews and write reports.
• Conduct research experiments according to established research protocols and collect data and monitor test results.
• Participate in the development, interpretation, and implementation of research methodology and materials.
• Study HMPV immunopathogenesis, primarily using a mouse model of infection.
• Handle mice and administer viral infection to mice.
• Analyze mouse immune-cell populations using antibody staining for surface markers and flow cytometry, including cell-analysis software such as FlowJo.
• Analyze virus-specific antibody responses using ELISA, microneutralization, and related methods.
• Use epithelial cell culture and mouse models to study the roles of specific HMPV proteins in pathogenesis.
• Perform gene cloning, viral culture, and biochemical analysis of gene products through western blotting.

Benefits

• Generous vacation, holidays, and sick leave.
• Competitive insurances and savings accounts.
• Retirement benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level