Scientist I

Universities of Wisconsin • Madison, WI

3d • $80,000

About The Position

The Waisman Center is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge about human development, developmental disabilities, and neurodegenerative diseases throughout the lifespan. One of 15 centers of its kind in the United States, the Waisman Center encompasses laboratories for biomedical and behavioral research, several scientific research cores, and a clinical biomanufacturing facility for the production of pharmaceuticals for early stage human clinical trials. In addition to its research efforts, the Center provides an array of services to people with developmental disabilities, offers numerous educational and outreach programs to young children and their families, and trains scientists and clinicians who will serve our nation in the future. The Gamm Laboratory studies inherited and acquired eye diseases that culminate in the degeneration of photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), a significant cause of visual morbidity. One of the main goals of the lab is to develop and test stem cell-derived cell replacement therapies for currently untreatable blinding retinal disorders. The Scientist I is responsible for identifying research problems, designing research methodologies, and performing research related to pluripotent cell-based therapy. This position will lead research projects and organize work within a group, including the oversight of technicians and students within the laboratory. Additionally, this position will prepare study reports, manuscripts and oral presentations of the research for industry collaborators, professional organizations and scholarly publications.

Requirements

• A minimum of 4-6 years of directly relevant research experience.
• Experience writing study reports for industry collaborators.
• Previous laboratory management experience.
• A PhD in Biology, Biochemistry, Vision Science or a related field is required.

Nice To Haves

• Previous research experience in human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived RPE and photoreceptor cell replacement therapies, including experience performing pre-clinical evaluations in animal models of retinal disease highly preferred.
• Expertise in subretinal surgery, in vivo imaging (OCT imaging), visual function testing (optokinetic response and automated pupillometry, histological analyses (paraffin and cryosectioning histology and staining methods), and quantitative analyses of cell transplants highly preferred.
• Knowledge of retinal anatomy and circuitry, human stem cell biology, and ocular biology highly preferred.
• Knowledge of grant management highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manages grants and communicate with financial administrators and collaborators to maintain laboratory budgets
• Writes or assists in developing grant applications and proposals to secure research funding
• Conducts literature reviews, prepares reports and materials, and disseminates information to appropriate entities
• 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
• Assists with the identification of research problems and the development of research methodologies and procedures
• Attends and assists with the facilitation of scholarly events and presentations in support of continued professional development and the dissemination of research information
• Collects and analyzes research data, conducts experiments and interviews, and documents results according to established policies and procedures under general supervision and limited responsibility

Benefits

• Employees in this position can expect to receive benefits such as generous vacation, holidays, and paid time off; competitive insurances and savings accounts and retirement benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree