Research Specialist-Pediatrics

University of Wisconsin-Madison; Kentucky; On-site; USD 41,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Pediatrics at the University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Medicine and Public Health is seeking a Research Specialist to study immunopathogenesis of HMPV using mouse models and epithelial cell culture systems. You will perform flow cytometry analyses, antibody responses, and molecular analyses to understand host–pathogen interactions.

Ideal candidates have experience in virology/immunology, cell culture, and animal handling, and hold a Bachelor's degree in a related field.

Qualifications

• Previous lab experience in virology, immunology or molecular biology.
• Experience with techniques including cell culture, virology/immunology methods such as plaque assay, ELISA, microneutralization, or flow cytometry
• Experience using mouse models of viral infection, including anesthesia, intranasal/intratracheal viral inoculation, and euthanasia and necropsy

Responsibilities

• 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
• 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

Skills

Virology experience

Immunology experience

Molecular biology skills

Mouse model experience

Flow cytometry

FlowJo software

Antibody assays (ELISA, microneutraliz

Education

Bachelor’s degree in microbiology/virology/immunology or related field

Tools

FlowJo

Job description

Job Category:Academic Staff

Employment Type:Regular

Job Profile:Research Specialist

Job Summary

The Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, is seeking a Research Specialist to join the Williams Lab. The Williams Lab studies human metapneumovirus (HMPV), a leading cause of respiratory illness in children. We strive for a collegial and kind work environment. Our goal is to advance knowledge relevant to human health while fostering the professional growth and development of research team members. Ideal candidates will be skilled in techniques used to investigate viral pathogenesis including standard tools of molecular biology, virology, and immunology.

The research specialist will be studying immunopathogenesis of human metapneumovirus (HMPV). This will chiefly involve work using a mouse model of infection. The research specialist will be investigating how various elements of immunity, including epithelial cells and T cells, regulate the host response to HMPV. The research includes studies of the role specific HMPV proteins play in pathogenesis using epithelial cell culture models and mouse models.

This position will involve experimental skills of mouse handling; administration of viral infection to mice; analysis of mouse immune cell populations by antibody staining for surface makers; preparation and analysis of immune cell populations by flow cytometry; and utilization of cell analysis software such as FlowJo. Additionally, analysis of virus‑specific antibody responses using ELISA, microneutralization, etc. will be required. For work studying the role of viral proteins in pathogenesis, position will include facility of gene cloning, viral culture, and biochemical analysis of gene products through western blotting, and mouse skills as described above.

Key Job Responsibilities

• 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
• 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

Department

School of Medicine and Public Health, Department of Pediatrics, Infectious Diseases

The Department of Pediatrics at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health is a vibrant academic department comprising more than 230 faculty members in 16 subspecialty divisions. The department promotes and enhances the health of children through outstanding clinical care, exemplary education of pediatric trainees, performance of cutting‑edge research, and vigorous advocacy. Our faculty and research staff enjoy a robust infrastructure of services as well as the opportunity to contribute to our world‑class research portfolio – since 2015 the department has ranked among the Top 20 pediatrics departments receiving NIH funding, according to Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research. To provide remarkable health care for everyone in our community, we are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment in all aspects of our work. To learn more about the department's work and accomplishments, please visit: https://www.pediatrics.wisc.edu/.

Compensation

Compensation:

The starting salary for the position is $46,000 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 and the SMPH Faculty /Academic Staff Benefits Flyer 2026

Required Qualifications

• Previous lab experience in virology, immunology or molecular biology

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with techniques including cell culture, virology/immunology methods such as plaque assay, ELISA, microneutralization, or flow cytometry
• Experience using mouse models of viral infection, including anesthesia, intranasal/intratracheal viral inoculation, and euthanasia and necropsy

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree required; focus in microbiology, virology, immunology, molecular biology or related field required

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.

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 nor UWMF will reimburse you for your legal or waiver fees.

Contact Information

Alex Scaffidi, [e-mail] , 608-262-7480

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).

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