Postdoctoral Fellow, Circadian Biology & Development

University of Wisconsin-Whitewater; Whitewater (WI); On-site; USD 45,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Wisconsin-Whitewater seeks a Research Associate in Biology to join a NSF-funded postdoctoral program beginning August 2026, focusing on developmental biology and related fields.

The role combines 75% research with 25% teaching and mentoring undergraduate students; opportunities for publication, reagent sharing, and career development through PI support.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Biology required; ABD may apply with degree completed by Aug 2026.
• Strong teaching skills at undergraduate level and ability to communicate clearly.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Teach introductory biology lecture and lab courses.
• Support PI’s grant research and publish results.
• Mentor undergraduate students and assist in grant proposals.

Skills

Teaching

Communication

Teamwork

Independent work

Education

Ph.D. in Biology

Job description

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

Position Title:Research Associate - Biology

Job Category:Employees in Training

Employment Type:Terminal (Fixed Term)

Job Profile:Research Associate

Job Duties:

Attention:

The Department of Biology in the College of Letters and Sciences atthe University of Wisconsin-Whitewater seeks a postdoctoral fellowin the area of developmental biology, cell biology, physiology, ormolecular genetics beginning August 2026. This is a NationalScience Foundation funded position with responsibilities forresearch (75%) and teaching and mentoring undergraduate students(25%). Experience in developmental biology, cell biology,physiology, or molecular genetics is preferred.

Job Details:

This is a National Science Foundation funded postdoctoral positionstudying circadian gene regulation of metabolism and geneexpression during dorsal mesoderm specification in Xenopuslaevis (RUI # 2523434). The project extends preliminaryfindings that circadian genes (bmal1 andrev-erba) impact the metabolic shift that occursduring dorsal mesoderm specification. We use a variety ofembryological and molecular genetic approaches. The candidate willbe trained in relevant techniques which include genome editingusing CRISPR-Cas9, luciferase-based assay systems, RNA-Seq,bioinformatics, microinjection, and microdissection ofXenopus embryos. The candidate will also receive training inpedagogical techniques by participating in workshops and programsat UWW as well as one on one mentoring by the PI. The candidate canalso expect the PI to support their career goals in the form ofpublication of results, sharing of reagents and resources,transgenic lines, support for writing grant proposals andattendance at professional meetings.

Responsibilities:

Teaching responsibilities include introductory biology lecture andlab courses and developmental biology. Research expectationsinclude supporting the PI’s grant research, publication of results,mentoring undergraduate research students, and writing grantproposals. All students, faculty, and staff are required to ensuretheir materials are digitally accessible and utilize standardtechnology platforms supported by UW-Whitewater. Examples include,but are not limited to, Navigate, Canvas, and Microsoft Officeapplications – including Outlook, which is essential for universityemail communications and scheduling.

Department Information:

The Biology department at the University of Wisconsin – Whitewateroffers Bachelor’s degrees in Biology, with emphases in five areas:Cell/Physiology; Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior; Honors; MarineBiology and Freshwater Ecology; and Pre-Biomedical Professions. TheBiology department has more than 300 majors and ~30 minors. We alsoserve the University by offering several general education coursesand supporting the pre-health professions certificates in dental,medical, physician’s assistant, optometry, and veterinary medicine.Our department is particularly supportive of undergraduate researchwith dedicated research labs for each of our faculty members, andmany of our students have presented their work at national andregional meetings. More information about the College of Lettersand Science ( https://www.uww.edu/cls ) and the Biology department( https://www.uww.edu/ cls/departments/biology ) may be found at theincluded links.

CONDITIONS OF APPOINTMENT:

University of Wisconsin-Whitewater does not offer H-1B or otherwork authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Candidatesmust be legally authorized to work in the United States at the timeof hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employmentterm. If you have questions regarding this, please contact HumanResources. UW-Whitewater is not an e-verify employer, thereforeSTEM extensions are not options for work authorization.

Key Job Responsibilities:

Department:

Biology

Compensation:

Well-qualified candidates can expect a starting annual salary of$45,000 - $50,000 commensurate with the candidate's education,related experience, and qualifications.

UW System employees receive an excellent benefit package. To learnmore about the UW System's comprehensive benefit package, reviewthe UW System Employee Benefits Brochure .

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Biology is required. ABD candidates may apply but musthave their degree completed by the contract start date in August2026; if not, they will be hired on a one-year contract with theunderstanding that their degree will be completed before January2027.
  
  
• Demonstrated interest in teaching at the undergraduate level,ability to effectively communicate complex information to diverseaudiences, both verbally and in writing, and ability to workeffectively both independently and collaboratively with a team arerequired.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in RNA-Seq, Crispr-Cas9, and bioinformatics ishelpful but not required.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to interact respectfully with people with diversesocioeconomic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds
  
  
• Willingness and ability to be an active participant infollowing applicable safety rules and regulations includingnecessary training and drills.
  
  

How to Apply:

Only complete application packages will be considered. Thisincludes online submission of the following documents:

• Cover letter/letter of interest
  
  
• Statement of teaching philosophy
  
  
• Statement outlining experiences working with undergraduateresearchers
  
  
• Curriculum Vita
  
  
• Names and contact information for three professional references(letters of recommendation may be solicited at a later time)
  
  
• Copies of unofficial graduate transcripts (Official transcriptswill be required if offered the position)
  
  

Contact Information:

If you have questions regarding this recruitment or if you areunable to complete the application online due to a disability orsystem problem, please contact us at [phone] or [e-mail] .

For questions regarding this position, please contact:

Search Committee Chair, Amber Kammeraad

[e-mail]

262.472.1092

To Ensure Consideration:

Applications received by September 19th, 2026, areensured full consideration. Applications received after that datemay be given consideration at the discretion of the searchcommittee. The most qualified applicants will be invited toparticipate in the next step of the selection process.

CAMPUS INFORMATION:

UW-Whitewater is a thriving public university located insoutheastern Wisconsin. It leads the way in providing world-class,affordable higher education programs to more students thanneighboring regional comprehensives in the University of WisconsinSystem. A collaborative team of 1,300 faculty and staff are devotedto the success of the university’s 11,500 students at its main andRock County campuses. The team provides high-impact practices andacademic programs — online and in person — from associate todoctoral levels. Recognized nationally for affordability,inclusion, and career development, UWW serves approximatelyone-third first-generation students and boasts strength in manyareas, especially business and education. The campus and communityembrace the Warhawk Family spirit, supporting the university’s artsand nationally recognized NCAA Division-III level championshipathletics. As a proud institution of access, more than 10 percentof undergraduate students use the acclaimed Center for Studentswith Disabilities — a priority mission since the 1970s.

UW-Whitewater's campuses are located centrally near Milwaukee,Madison, and Chicago, offering easy access to the cultural andcommercial opportunities of major metropolitan areas. Near bothLake Geneva and the Wisconsin Dells, the area attracts numerousvisitors from across the country. Whitewater is a vibrant collegecommunity near the Kettle Moraine State Forest offering arearesidents seasonal outdoor enjoyment. The nearby Rock County campusis located in Janesville, a town of 60,000 located on the RockRiver and known as Wisconsin’s Park Place.

ORGANIZATION INFORMATION:

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is part of the 13-campusUniversities of Wisconsin ( https://www.wisconsin.edu ).

Wisconsin Statute 19.36(7)(b) provides that applicants may indicatein writing that their identity should be kept confidential. Inresponse to a public records request, the University will notreveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality inwriting, except that the identity of the successful final candidatewill be released. See Wisconsin Statute 19.36(7)(a).

Per Regent Policy Document 20-19, University of Wisconsin SystemCriminal Background Check Policy and Universities of WisconsinAdministrative Policy 1275 Recruitment Policies, UW-Whitewaterrequires criminal background checks as a contingency to employment.A criminal background check will be conducted prior to an offer ofemployment. All final candidates must be asked, prior to hire,whether they have been found to have engaged in, are currentlyunder investigation for, or left employment during an activeinvestigation in which they were accused of sexual violence orsexual harassment. When obtaining employment reference checks,these same sexual violence or sexual harassment questions must alsobe asked.

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater requires that all employeesbe active participants in following applicable safety rules andregulations including necessary training and drills.

For UW-Whitewater Campus safety information and crimestatistics/annual Security Report, see Annual Security and Fire Safety Report if you would like apaper copy of the report please contact the UW-Whitewater Police at262-472-4660.

UW IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employmentwithout regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation,gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability,status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected byapplicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We arecommitted to building a workforce that represents a variety ofbackgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualifiedindividuals to apply.