Research Specialist-Pediatrics

Universities of Wisconsin • Madison, WI

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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 supporting the professional growth and development of research team members in a collegial and kind work environment.

The position studies the immunopathogenesis of HMPV, chiefly using a mouse model of infection. Research will investigate how elements of immunity, including epithelial cells and T cells, regulate the host response to HMPV, and the role of specific HMPV proteins in pathogenesis using epithelial cell culture and mouse models. Work involves mouse handling and viral infection, immune-cell analysis using antibody staining and flow cytometry, and analysis of virus-specific antibody responses using ELISA and microneutralization. Research on viral proteins also involves gene cloning, viral culture, and biochemical analysis of gene products through western blotting.

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 and 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 organize the research area; track inventory 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 protocols, collect data, and monitor test results.
• Participate in developing, interpreting, and implementing research methodology and materials.
• Study HMPV immunopathogenesis, primarily using mouse infection models, epithelial cell culture, and investigations of immune responses and viral proteins.
• Handle mice and administer viral infections; analyze immune-cell populations using antibody staining and flow cytometry.
• Analyze virus-specific antibody responses using methods such as ELISA and microneutralization.
• Perform gene cloning, viral culture, and western blotting for analysis of viral gene products.

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