Scientist I or II

University of Wisconsin Madison•Madison, WI

1d•Onsite

About The Position

WSLH seeks a Scientist with expertise in molecular genomics and sequencing technologies to support and expand innovative research and public health surveillance programs focused on monitoring pathogens in wastewater. The person in this position will play a key role in developing and implementing next generation sequencing workflows, including library preparation, targeted enrichment strategies, and sequencing-based pathogen detection. The scientist will contribute to the development of hybrid capture and other targeted sequencing approaches to enhance pathogen detection in complex environmental matrices. This role will also involve training and mentoring laboratory staff in molecular and sequencing protocols, contributing to the development of standardized procedures, and helping maintain high-quality laboratory workflows through strong organizational practices and documentation. Across the projects, the scientist will be collaborating with other university researchers, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, and the CDC. This scientist will pursue Federal Competitive Grant Proposals as a PI in collaboration with other researchers at UW-Madison and develop a scholarly publication record based on the research activities in this position at WSLH. Join us in making a significant impact on public health through cutting-edge scientific research and innovation. The employee in this position is expected to use the tools and principles of quality management in performing their daily work including the following: Demonstrate exceptional customer service by establishing and maintaining effective professional relationships with managers, supervisor, coworkers, and all customers. Provide constructive feedback for the purpose of continuous improvement in a manner that is supportive of WSLH and its mission. Use data collection tools as appropriate. Use effective team skills to contribute to the efficient operation of the work unit. Present ideas, carry out assignments, and provide information as required. Participate in continuous learning through professional development activities.

Requirements

A minimum of 3 years of experience in a professional or academic setting is required.
Extensive experience with molecular biology techniques supporting next-generation sequencing workflows, including nucleic acid extraction, library preparation, targeted enrichment, and sequencing quality control.
Experience implementing, developing, or optimizing NGS library preparation protocols is required.
A record of peer-reviewed publications and demonstrated experience training, mentoring, or supervising junior staff, students, or laboratory personnel in molecular laboratory protocols.
Advanced molecular biology techniques supporting sequencing workflows, including nucleic acid extraction, qPCR, and next-generation sequencing library preparation
Targeted enrichment and hybrid capture techniques
Operation and troubleshooting of sequencing platforms (e.g. Illumina, Oxford Nanopore, PacBio)
Bioinformatics approaches for analysis of data sets
Quality assurance and quality control practices for molecular and sequencing workflows
Laboratory automation technologies, including liquid handling instruments
Developing, optimizing, or implementing NGS library preparation workflows
Familiarity with hybrid capture or probe-based enrichment methods
Training or mentoring laboratory personnel in molecular protocols and laboratory best practices
Scientific communication including scientific writing (reports, publications, research papers) and oral presentations
Professional working knowledge of statistical methodologies and tools (e.g., R)
Linux operating system
Working with Illumina, Oxford Nanopore, and/or PacBio sequencing platforms
Experience with laboratory automation, e.g. liquid handling instruments
Participation in competitive grant applications
Demonstrated ability to train and mentor junior staff and students in laboratory techniques
Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot experimental protocols and optimize laboratory workflows
Work effectively as a team player in a diverse work group
Excellent communication skills in working with other team members, customers and outside contacts
Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage complex laboratory workflows and maintain detailed documentation

Nice To Haves

Experience with laboratory automation and liquid handling platforms is preferred.
Experience applying molecular approaches to environmental samples, including wastewater, is beneficial but not required.

Responsibilities

Assists with the identification of research problems and the development of research methodologies and procedures
Collects and analyzes research data, conducts experiments and interviews, and documents results according to established policies and procedures under general supervision and limited responsibility
Conducts literature reviews, prepares reports and materials, and disseminates information to appropriate entities
Attends and assists with the facilitation of scholarly events and presentations in support of continued professional development and the dissemination of research information
Writes or assists in developing grant applications and proposals to secure research funding
Serves as a main point of contact and liaison with internal and external stakeholders providing information and representing the interests of a specialized research area
Developing and implementing next generation sequencing workflows for wastewater surveillance
Identifies research problems and develops complex research methodologies and procedures
Collects and analyzes complex research data, conducts experiments and interviews, and documents results according to established policies and procedures under general supervision
May supervise the day-to-day activities of a research unit as needed
Serves as a unit subject matter expert and liaison to internal and external stakeholders providing advanced level information and representing the interests of a specialized research area
Monitors program budget and approves unit expenditures