Gao Lab Research Specialist

University of Wisconsin; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 41,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

The Gao Lab in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at UW‑Madison is hiring a Research Specialist to support basic and translational hematology research, with a focus on stem cell biology and blood diseases. The successful candidate will contribute to multiple projects, perform independent research, help manage the lab, and collaborate with UW‑Madison and external teams.

Onsite work is required in WIMR.

Qualifications

• Prior laboratory research experience.
• Experience with biological assays, flow cytometry and laboratory animals/mice.
• Bachelor of Science Degree preferred; focus in biology or related field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provides operational guidance on day-to-day activities of unit or program staff and/or student workers
• Operates, cleans, and maintains organization of research equipment and research area. Tracks inventory levels and places replenishment orders
• Participates in the development, interpretation, and implementation of research methodology and materials
• Conducts research experiments according to established research protocols with moderate impact to the project(s). Collects data and monitors test results
• 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

Skills

Laboratory research experience

Biological assays

Flow cytometry

Laboratory animals

Education

Bachelor of Science Degree preferred

Job description

Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process.

Job Category:

Academic Staff

Employment Type:

Regular

Job Profile:

Research Specialist

Job Summary:

The Gao Lab in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine is hiring a research specialist to support the basic and translational research in hematology, focusing on stem cell biology and blood diseases. The successful applicant for this position will have the opportunity to contribute to a multitude of research projects and perform independent research. Other duties will include laboratory management and close collaboration with other research teams at UW-Madison and beyond. The laboratory is located in the Wisconsin Institutes for Medical Research (WIMR) building and candidates with an interest in hematology research are encouraged to apply.

This position requires work to be completed onsite, at a designated campus work location.

Key Job Responsibilities:

• Provides operational guidance on day-to-day activities of unit or program staff and/or student workers
• Operates, cleans, and maintains organization of research equipment and research area. Tracks inventory levels and places replenishment orders
• Participates in the development, interpretation, and implementation of research methodology and materials
• Conducts research experiments according to established research protocols with moderate impact to the project(s). Collects data and monitors test results
• 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

Department:

School of Medicine and Public Health, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Gao Lab

The Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine is dedicated to the highest quality patient care, cutting-edge and impactful research, and teaching the next generation of pathologists and scientists. We emphasize a healthy work-life balance and provide a supportive work environment committed to the growth and advancement of our members. Our vibrant clinical department integrates anatomic pathology, laboratory medicine, teaching, and a robust research enterprise, and serves the UW, American Family Children’s, VA, and other Madison hospitals. Our basic science and translational research programs have made fundamental discoveries in cell and stem cell biology, immunology, neuroscience, and infectious disease. Opportunities in education include a T32-funded PhD graduate program, pathology resident and fellowship programs, and both medical school and undergraduate curricula.

Madison, often rated as one of the best places to live in America, is built on an isthmus, surrounded by lakes. The city, campus, green spaces and urban areas are blended to create a place unlike any other.

Compensation:

The starting salary for the position is $45,879 annually; but is negotiable based on experience and qualifications.

Employees in this position can expect to receive benefits such as generous vacation, holidays, and sick leave; competitive insurances and savings accounts; retirement benefits. For more information, refer to the campus benefits webpage. SMPH Faculty /Academic Staff Benefits Flyer 2026

Required Qualifications:

• Prior laboratory research experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience with biological assays, flow cytometry and laboratory animals/mice

Education:

Bachelor of Science Degree preferred; focus in biology or related field preferred

Contact Information:

Tia Seguin, [e-mail], 608-263-3731

Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information.

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.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal OpportunityEmployer.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence by acknowledging skills and expertise from all backgroundsand encourage all qualified individuals to apply. For more information regarding applicant and employee rights and to view federal and state required postings, visit the Human Resources Workplace Poster website.

To request a disability or pregnancy-related accommodation for any step in the hiring process (e.g., application, interview, pre-employment testing, etc.), please contact the Divisional Disability Representative (DDR)in the division you are applying to.Please make your request as soon as possible to help the university respond most effectively to you.

Employment may require a criminal background check. It may also require your references to answer questions regarding misconduct, including 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.