MICROBIOLOGIST

Salary:

Minimum $46,556 ANNUAL (12 months)
Depending on Qualifications

Job Summary:

This is a Microbiologist position within the Molecular section of the Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. Major responsibilities for this position will include: utilize automated technology, isolate nucleic acid, perform real-time PCR assays, perform conventional PCR, prepare samples for sequencing, utilize specific QC measures to limit contamination; receive diagnostic specimens for molecular testing and maintain records; process molecular samples including: homogenizing and/or soaking samples, pooling samples when requested, semen sample processing; prepares media; consult case coordinators or pathologists as needed regarding testing requests; maintain proficiency in molecular diagnostics according to quality program guidelines.

Diagnostic microbiology has a major impact on animal health, disease prevention and control, and treatment methods. The WVDL's mission is to promote animal and human health and the vitality of the state and national agricultural economy through the delivery of high-quality veterinary diagnostics and exemplary customer service. This diagnostic microbiologist position is a hands-on opportunity to contribute to that mission.

Responsibilities:

Performs testing services within a microbiology laboratory including human, animal, and plant diagnostics, surveillance, screening, environmental monitoring, and forensic science to report clear and concise testing results.

• 35% Performs, interprets, and reports microbiological tests or assays for diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of illnesses or determine sources of contamination in the environment
• 30% Prepares specimens for scientific examination and analysis and/or prepares the laboratory for accreditation audits/inspections
• 5% Conducts biological research experiments employing quality control and quality assurance practices and adhering to regulatory standards and requirements
• 5% Operates and maintains laboratory instrumentation and information management systems
• 15% Prepares, reviews, verifies, and reports test result data
• 5% Communicates with internal and external stakeholders as needed
• 5% Supports and/or trains new employees, students, and other professional colleagues

Tasks:

• Utilize automated technology, isolate nucleic acid, perform real-time PCR assays, perform conventional PCR, prepare samples for sequencing, utilize specific QC measures to limit contamination.
• Maintain proficiency in molecular diagnostics according to quality program guidelines.
• Participate in the NAHLN testing program, maintain proficiency by passing annual testing requirements, complete molecular testing on a rotational basis, respond to foreign animal outbreaks as needed.
• Receive diagnostic specimens for molecular testing and maintain records. Process molecular samples including: homogenizing and/or soaking samples, pooling samples when requested, semen sample processing.
• Consult case coordinators or pathologists as needed regarding testing requests.
• Maintain clean workspace, provide guidance to ensure work duties are covered in lab, provide technical advice and training, prepare sample for referrals, serve on committees.
• Participate in section specific programs such as oligo preparation, assay control, media and mastermix preparation, reagent qualification programs, cost accounting.
• Perform section wide duties as required such as: prepare media, maintain QC records, perform autoclave, maintain media clean room status, ensure adequate reagent and consumable supply.
• Comply with WVDL safety and quality requirements (see Quality and Safety manuals).
• Assist investigations into new equipment and technologies and make recommendations on assay improvements as well as troubleshoot procedures as needed.

Institutional Statement on Diversity:

Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.

For more information on diversity and inclusion on campus, please visit: Diversity and Inclusion

Education:

Required
Bachelor's Degree

Qualifications:

A bachelor's degree in biology, microbiology, or other related scientific discipline is strongly preferred.

Minimum of 5 years of professional or research experience in a laboratory environment is preferred.

COVID-19 Considerations:

UW-Madison continues to follow necessary health and safety protocols to protect our campus from COVID-19. All employees remain subject to the COVID-19 Workplace Safety Policy: https://policy.wisc.edu/library/UW-5086 . Please visit https://covidresponse.wisc.edu for the most up-to-date information.

Work Type:

Full Time: 100%

It is anticipated this position requires work be performed in-person, onsite, at a designated campus work location.

Appointment Type, Duration:

Ongoing/Renewable


How to Apply:

Salary will be assigned within the appropriate range, commensurate with the candidate's qualifications and experience. An excellent benefits package is also included. Anticipated start date on or after August 1, 2022.

Successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without need of employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment.

To ensure consideration, complete applications must be received by no later than 11:55pm CDT, on the assured consideration date. Please submit a resume, cover letter and a list of three professional references including one current or recent supervisor.

Review of applications will begin immediately. The deadline for assuring full consideration is July 17, 2022.

NOTE: Unless confidentiality is requested in your online application, information regarding the names of applicants must be released upon request. Finalists cannot be guaranteed confidentiality.

Special Note: UW-Madison conducts criminal background checks for final candidate(s).

The WVDL is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect, integrity, trust and accountability where employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit and business need. The WVDL believes that diversity and inclusion among our teammates is critical to our success as a lab, and we seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. We strive for continuous improvement by setting our goals high and expecting high standards using our core values.

UW-Madison is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. We promote excellence through diversity and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.

Contact:

Jennifer Cooper
jennifer.cooper@wvdl.wisc.edu
608-262-5432
Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1 (out-of-state: TTY: 800.947.3529, STS: 800.833.7637) and above Phone number (See RELAY_SERVICE for further information. )

Official Title:

Microbiologist I(HS052)

Department(s):

A882420-WIS VET DIAGNOSTIC LAB/MSN/VIROLOGY/MOLECULAR

Employment Class:

Academic Staff-Renewable

Job Number:

262085-AS



The University of Wisconsin is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We promote excellence through diversity and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.

If you need to request an accommodation because of a disability, you can find information about how to make a request at the following website: https://employeedisabilities.wisc.edu/disability-accommodation-information-for-applicants/

Employment will require a criminal background check. It will also require you and your references to answer questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment.

The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7).

The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report contains current campus safety and disciplinary policies, crime statistics for the previous 3 calendar years, and on-campus student housing fire safety policies and fire statistics for the previous 3 calendar years. UW-Madison will provide a paper copy upon request; please contact the University of Wisconsin Police Department .

Applications Open: Jul 1 2022 Central Daylight Time
Applications Close: Jul 17 2022 11:55 PM Central Daylight Time