Research Specialist

UW School of Medicine and Public Health; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 47,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Dermatology at the UW School of Medicine and Public Health is recruiting a Research Specialist to support the Birbrair lab’s research portfolio. The role involves planning, designing, and executing experiments, plus coordinating lab operations and procurement under Dr.

Alexander Birbrair. Responsibilities include data analysis, literature synthesis, and ensuring adherence to lab policies and timelines.

Qualifications

• At least one year of experience in a research lab or supporting research processes.
• Experience with financial tracking, budgeting or procurement.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office or similar tools.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Performs literature reviews and writes reports.
• Reviews, analyzes, and interprets data and reports for presentations.
• Conducts research experiments per established protocols and collects data.
• Supports PI with research, lab, and budgeting tasks.
• Manages procurement and inventory for the lab.
• Maintains laboratory equipment and space organization.
• Provides operational guidance to staff and students.
• Tracks funding and spending for awards and lab needs.
• Ensures compliance with fiscal and regulatory policies.

Skills

Research experience

Budgeting

Procurement

Microsoft Office

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences

Tools

Workday

Concur

Microsoft Office

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 Department of Dermatology is recruiting a Research Specialist to join the laboratory of Dr. Alexander Birbrair. Dr. Birbrair's research focuses on identifying novel cellular and molecular mechanisms that may serve as therapeutic targets for cancer treatment. This position will provide both scientific and operational support and coordination of the Birbrair laboratory's research portfolio. Under the direction of Dr. Birbrair, the Research Specialist will participate in the planning, design, and execution of research projects while serving as a central resource for laboratory operations and coordination. Responsibilities include overseeing laboratory resources and procurement activities, supporting research planning efforts, implementing research procedures and methodologies, maintaining compliance with laboratory policies and protocols, and preparing reports, analyses, and literature reviews. The position will also facilitate efficient project execution and help ensure research activities align with established goals and timelines. As a key member of a dynamic and growing research program, the Research Specialist will contribute to advancing scientific discovery while supporting the operational infrastructure necessary for a productive and collaborative research environment. This role requires a combination of scientific expertise, organizational skills, and the ability to coordinate multiple laboratory activities in support of the lab's research mission.

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

Key Job Responsibilities:

• Performs literature reviews and writes reports
• Reviews, analyzes, and interprets data and/or documents results for presentations and/or reporting to internal and external audiences
• Conducts research experiments according to established research protocols with moderate impact to the project(s). Collects data and monitors test results
• Participates in the development, interpretation, and implementation of research methodology and materials
• Provides assistance to PI for research, lab and strategic matters, and expense submissions
• Operates, cleans, and maintains organization of research equipment and research area. Tracks inventory levels and places replenishment orders
• Provides operational guidance on day-to-day activities of unit or program staff and/or student workers
• Provides financial tracking for awards and funding for lab’s spending requirements
• Provides procurement for lab operational needs
• Assists with compliance matters for fiscal and regulatory matters

Department:

School of Medicine and Public Health, Dermatology, Alexander Birbrair Lab

The Department of Dermatology, within the UW School of Medicine and Public Health, is a nationally recognized leader in clinical care, education, and research. The department conducts state‑of‑the‑art basic, clinical, and translational research focused on skin biology, dermatologic diseases, and cancer, with faculty supported by funding from the NIH, VA, and other federal and private sources. With a strong culture of collaboration and innovation, UW Dermatology advances scientific discovery while improving patient care and training the next generation of dermatology professionals.

Compensation:

The starting salary for the position is $55,000 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:

• At least one year of experience in a research lab, or supporting research processes
• Experience with financial tracking, budgeting or procurement
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office or similar tools
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience providing support to principal investigators
• Proficiency in molecular and cell biology techniques, such as flow cytometry and others
• Proficiency in work with transgenic mouse models
• Experience with compliance, regulatory matters, or following other required policies
• Familiarity with Workday, Concur, and software tools used in research
• Experience performing literature review and writing reports

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences or related field preferred

Eligibility / Visa Sponsorship:

University sponsorship is not available for this position, including transfers of sponsorship and TN visas. The selected applicant will be responsible for ensuring their continuous 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 the need of an employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment. This position is an ongoing position that will require continuous work eligibility. If you are selected for this position you must provide proof of work authorization and eligibility to work.

Your cover letter should address how your training and experience aligns with the required and preferred qualifications listed above. Application reviewers will rely on these written materials to determine which applicants move forward in the process. References will be requested from final candidates. All applicants will be notified once the search concludes and a candidate is selected.

Contact Information:

Brittany Brown, [e-mail], 608-265-2978

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 Opportunity Employer.

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 backgrounds and 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.