Research Technician

University of Wisconsin-Madison; Town of Packwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 1,182,000 - 1,683,000; Part time

Job summary

The University of Wisconsin–Madison is seeking two temporary Field Research Technicians to support corn breeding research at the West Madison Agricultural Research Station. Roles involve corn hand harvesting, phenotyping, and seed/sample processing, starting mid-to-late September 2026 through December 15, 2026, with up to 40 hours/week and potential extension based on needs.

Ideal candidates are organized, dependable, able to work outdoors in agricultural settings, and capable of maintaining

Qualifications

• Proven ability to prepare and maintain records with accuracy.
• Demonstrated track record of following established procedures or protocols.
• Demonstrated ability to work as part of a diverse research team.
• Employee must have a valid driver's license and become an approved driver through UW‑Madison's driver authorization process.

Responsibilities

• May assist with literature reviews and/or report writing.
• Performs lab and/or field test materials and samples according to established research requirements and specifications. Performs lab or field tests.
• Reviews data to summarize results for presentations or reporting.
• Collects data and monitors test results according to established research requirements and specifications.
• Inspects and maintains equipment, supplies, inventory, and facility spaces.

Skills

Record keeping

Procedural adherence

Team collaboration

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred in plant sciences, agronomy, or closely related field

Job description

Salary:

Job Category: University Staff

Employment Type: Temporary (Fixed Term)

Job Profile: Research Technician

Job Summary: The Corn Breeding and Genetics Program within the Department of Plant and Agroecosystem Sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Madison is seeking two motivated and detail-oriented Field Research Technicians to support critical corn breeding research activities at the West Madison Agricultural Research Station. These temporary positions will play an important role in advancing research efforts through corn hand harvesting, phenotyping, and seed and sample processing activities.

These appointments are expected to begin in mid-to-late September 2026 and continue through approximately December 15, 2026, with flexibility in both start and end dates. While they are temporary positions, there may be an opportunity for extension based on program needs. Please note that appointments are limited to a maximum of 1,040 hours within a 12‑month period. Interested candidates will be needed for up to 40 hours per week with the opportunity for somewhat flexible scheduling.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, dependable, and capable of managing multiple responsibilities in a fast‑paced research environment. Strong time management, prioritization, and accurate record‑keeping skills are essential. Experience working outdoors, particularly in agricultural, research, or field‑based settings, is preferred. Candidates must be able to perform the physical requirements of agricultural fieldwork, including prolonged walking and standing on uneven terrain, and lifting, carrying, and moving materials weighing up to 50 pounds. Successful candidates will demonstrate effective communication and problem‑solving abilities, a strong work ethic, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a diverse research team. A willingness to learn and contribute to high‑quality research outcomes is highly valued.

Key Job Responsibilities

• May assist with literature reviews and/or report writing.
• Performs lab and/or field test materials and samples according to established research requirements and specifications. Performs lab or field tests.
• Reviews data to summarize results for presentations or reporting.
• Collects data and monitors test results according to established research requirements and specifications.
• Inspects and maintains equipment, supplies, inventory, and facility spaces.

Department: College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, Plant and Agroecosystem Sciences, De Leon Gatti Research Program

Compensation:

The rate of pay for this position is $20.00 per hour.

Required Qualifications

• Proven ability to prepare and maintain records with accuracy.
• Demonstrated track record of following established procedures or protocols.
• Demonstrated ability to work as part of a diverse research team.
• Employee must have a valid driver's license and become an approved driver through UW‑Madison's driver authorization process. This requires meeting established driver authorization criteria listed at https://businessservices.wisc.edu/managing-risk/driver-authorization-and-insurance/driver-authorization/driver-authorization/.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience conducting plant‑related research.
• Experience conducting field work in adverse weather conditions.

Education: Bachelor's degree preferred in plant sciences, agronomy, or closely related field.

Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their 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 need of employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of the appointment. University sponsorship is not available for this position.

References: Finalists will be asked to provide contact information (phone and email) for three references, one of which must be a current or former supervisor. References will not be contacted without prior notice.

Contact Information:

Madeilene Hoffman | HR Generalist at [e-mail]

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.

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 AnnualSecurity 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.