Research Associate - Biology

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

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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 at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater seeks a postdoctoral fellow in the area of developmental biology, cell biology, physiology, or molecular genetics beginning August 2026. This is a National Science Foundation funded position with responsibilities for research (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 position studying circadian gene regulation of metabolism and gene expression during dorsal mesoderm specification in Xenopus laevis (RUI # 2523434). The project extends preliminary findings that circadian genes (bmal1 and rev-erb a) impact the metabolic shift that occurs during dorsal mesoderm specification. We use a variety of embryological and molecular genetic approaches. The candidate will be trained in relevant techniques which include genome editing using CRISPR-Cas9, luciferase-based assay systems, RNA-Seq, bioinformatics, microinjection, and microdissection of Xenopus embryos. The candidate will also receive training in pedagogical techniques by participating in workshops and programs at UWW as well as one on one mentoring by the PI. The candidate can also expect the PI to support their career goals in the form of publication of results, sharing of reagents and resources, transgenic lines, support for writing grant proposals and attendance at professional meetings.

Responsibilities

Teaching responsibilities include introductory biology lecture and lab courses and developmental biology. Research expectations include supporting the PI’s grant research, publication of results, mentoring undergraduate research students, and writing grant proposals. All students, faculty, and staff are required to ensure their materials are digitally accessible and utilize standard technology platforms supported by UW-Whitewater. Examples include, but are not limited to, Navigate, Canvas, and Microsoft Office applications - including Outlook, which is essential for university email communications and scheduling.

Department Information:

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

CONDITIONS OF APPOINTMENT:

University of Wisconsin-Whitewater does not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term. If you have questions regarding this, please contact Human Resources. UW-Whitewater is not an e-verify employer, therefore STEM 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 learn more about the UW System's comprehensive benefit package, review the UW System Employee Benefits Brochure.

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Biology is required. ABD candidates may apply but must have their degree completed by the contract start date in August 2026; if not, they will be hired on a one-year contract with the understanding that their degree will be completed before January 2027.
• Demonstrated interest in teaching at the undergraduate level, ability to effectively communicate complex information to diverse audiences, both verbally and in writing, and ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively with a team are required.

Preferred Qualifications:

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

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to interact respectfully with people with diverse socioeconomic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds
• Willingness and ability to be an active participant in