Research Specialist

UW School of Medicine and Public Health; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 50,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous vacation and holidays

Sick leave

Retirement benefits

Hiring bonus

Job summary

The Engin Laboratory in the Department of Biomolecular Chemistry at the University of Wisconsin–Madison seeks a Research Specialist to advance metabolic and disease-focused projects. You will independently perform and optimize experiments, maintain records, and contribute to presentations and manuscripts in a collaborative, multidisciplinary team.

The position is onsite at our campus, with opportunities to work with mouse models, primary cells, molecular biology, imaging, and emerging genomic

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of full-time experience in an academic research laboratory.
• Hands-on experience with mice, including handling and colony management.
• Ability to independently perform experiments, follow protocols, and troubleshoot.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail; able to manage multiple experiments.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research experiments according to established protocols; collect data and monitor results.
• Develop and interpret research methodologies and materials.
• Maintain and organize equipment and inventory; track replenishment orders.

Skills

Mouse handling

Data analysis

Independent work

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

Molecular biology

Job description

Job Category

Academic Staff

Employment Type

Regular

Job Profile

Research Specialist

Job Summary

The Engin laboratory in the Department of Biomolecular Chemistry is looking for a highly motivated and talented Research Specialist to join the team. The lab’s research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms that regulate cellular metabolism, tissue function, and disease, with a particular emphasis on how metabolic and signaling pathways contribute to the development and progression of metabolic disorders.

The Research Specialist will have the opportunity to work in a collaborative and multidisciplinary research environment and contribute to innovative projects investigating cellular and molecular mechanisms of disease. The position will provide opportunities to gain expertise in a broad range of experimental approaches, including mouse models, primary cell and tissue studies, molecular and cellular biology, imaging, and genomic and transcriptomic technologies. The Research Specialist will also have opportunities to learn and apply emerging technologies and contribute to projects involving both basic and translational research.

The Research Specialist will be expected to independently perform and optimize experiments, maintain accurate and organized experimental records, analyze and interpret data, and contribute to the preparation of presentations, reports, and scientific manuscripts. The successful candidate will work closely with other members of the laboratory, collaborate with researchers across disciplines, and contribute to the overall scientific goals of the laboratory.

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

Key Job Responsibilities

• 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
• 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
• 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 Biomolecular Chemistry, Engin Laboratory

The mission of the Department of Biomolecular Chemistry (BMC) is to carry out world class research that addresses molecular mechanisms of biological processes, particularly as it relates to human disease, and to disseminate that knowledge through teaching and training of future scientists, physicians, and health science professionals. The advancement and transmission of knowledge is part of the broader mission of the School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH) and the University. Additionally, BMC faculty members provide service and expert advice to the SMPH and other units of the University, and the state, nation, and world. For the past century, the department has excelled in research, teaching and service as a proud member of the School of Medicine and Public Health. Our research is at the forefront of biochemical research, integrating fundamental molecular mechanisms with human disease. Our key strengths in Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Genomics, and Development make us a nexus for collaborative studies between basic scientists and clinicians.

Compensation

The starting salary for the position is $56,000 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

This position is eligible for a hiring bonus in the amount of $2,000.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of full-time experience working in an academic research laboratory.
• Previous hands-on experience working with laboratory mice, including mouse handling, experimental procedures, and managing and maintaining mouse colonies.
• Demonstrated ability to independently perform laboratory experiments, follow established protocols, maintain accurate experimental records, and troubleshoot experimental procedures.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple experiments and priorities simultaneously.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative research team.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with microscopy and tissue staining protocols, including immunohistochemistry and/or immunofluorescence.
• Experience with cell culture and primary cell culture experiments.
• Experience with molecular and cellular biology techniques.
• Experience processing and analyzing biological samples and experimental data.
• Familiarity with imaging-based assays and quantitative image analysis.
• Experience working with mouse tissues and organs for downstream molecular, histological, or cellular analyses.
• Experience with emerging genomic, transcriptomic, or single-cell technologies.

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred; focus in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, or related field preferred.

University Sponsorship

University sponsorship is not available for this position, including transfers of sponsorship and TN visa. 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.

The department will not be able to support a request for a J-1 waiver. If you choose to pursue a waiver and apply for our position, neither the UW not UWMF will reimburse you for your legal or waiver fees.

Contact Information

Feyza Engin, [e-mail], 608-262-8667

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.

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.

Disability and Pregnancy Accommodation

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.

Criminal Background Check

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

Confidentiality

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).

Safety

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.