O'Connor Lab Research Specialist

Universities of Wisconsin•Madison, WI

2d•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a Research Specialist to join our expanding team monitoring viruses in air and wastewater samples. The position involves primarily collecting air samples, extracting nucleic acids, and testing for viral pathogens. Similar processing of nasal swabs may also occur. Samples are collected at locations within the local community as well as at domestic and international partner sites that are building out their own air sampling programs. We have many ongoing projects, but our overarching goal is to use air sampling to provide better awareness of common and emerging respiratory illnesses in diverse types of congregate indoor spaces. The successful candidate will work under the supervision of the principal investigators and senior lab scientists, alongside a team of undergraduate researchers and research specialists. In the laboratory, the person in this specific role will be responsible for receiving and processing samples that require immediate pathogen testing with point-of-care tools, followed by communicating the results to stakeholders. In addition, they will contribute to the larger team who process routine air samples and nasal swab samples for nucleic acid extraction. They may also perform multiplex PCR or metagenomics assays to determine which respiratory pathogens are present. They will also perform routine laboratory maintenance and quality control procedures to ensure data integrity and equipment functionality. These responsibilities require attention to detail and strict adherence to established protocols for sample handling and processing. Beyond processing the immediate samples, they will contribute to the larger team who processes thousands of samples through multi-step workflows, help maintain timelines and deliverables for the program, analyze data, prepare results for publication and distribution to project partners, and maintain rigorous records and documentation. This role provides exposure to the full research pipeline, from sample collection through scientific publication, and the ideal candidate will thrive doing full-time work at the bench. Regular work with human clinical swab samples is possible. This is not a hybrid or remote position. This position requires work to be completed onsite, at a designated campus work location. Must provide a valid driver's license. Employees may use their own transportation or receive approval for University Car Fleet usage. Employment is conditional pending the results of a Pre-hire Driver Authorization Check.

Requirements

Experience in designing and conducting experiments.
Experience in data collection and analysis.
Experience organizing large numbers of samples
Experience with written and verbal scientific communication.
Must provide a valid driver's license.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s Degree preferred; focus in public health, immunology, microbiology, virology, or a related field is preferred.

Responsibilities

Operates, cleans, and maintains organization of research equipment and research area. Tracks inventory levels and places replenishment orders
Provides operational guidance on day-to-day activities of unit or program staff and/or student workers
Reviews, analyzes, and interprets data and/or documents results for presentations and/or reporting to internal and external audiences
Performs literature reviews and writes reports
Conducts research experiments according to established research protocols with moderate impact to the project(s). Collects data and monitors test results
Participates in the development, interpretation, and implementation of research methodology and materials
Optimize workflows to ensure rapid turnaround of air sampling data for sites requiring immediate feedback
Support other lab projects, as needed