Researcher I or II

University of Wisconsin–Madison; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 50,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

The Lawson Laboratory at University of Wisconsin–Madison is recruiting a Researcher I to support ongoing studies in vascular development. The team uses zebrafish as a model and mammalian cell culture to explore vascular anomalies and origins of brain pericytes, with growing interest in deriving insights relevant to human health.

The position is onsite at a designated campus location and offers hands-on training, collaboration with a multidisciplinary group, and opportunities to contribute to

Qualifications

• Experience with molecular biology techniques related to cloning and genotyping (e.g. nucleic acid isolation, PCR, etc.) is essential
• Proficiency with standard molecular biology software (Benchling, DNASTAR, etc)
• Experience with handling mammalian cell lines

Responsibilities

• Identifies concerns and recommends solutions to leadership
• Trains individuals and groups on equipment operations, research protocols, and techniques within a specialized laboratory or research area
• Assists in developing grant applications and proposals to secure research funding
• Collects and analyzes basic research data, conducts experiments and interviews, and documents results according to established policies and procedures
• Assists with the development of research methodologies and procedures
• Conducts literature reviews, prepares reports and materials, and disseminates information to appropriate entities and assists with publications

Skills

Time management

Independent work

Verbal and written communication

Professionalism

Highly motivated

Education

Masters in Biological Sciences

Tools

Benchling

DNASTAR

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:

Researcher I

Job Summary:

The Lawson Laboratory is recruiting a motivatedResearcher to support ongoing studies focused on vascular development. We rely primarily on the zebrafish as a model system, with supporting studies using mammalian cell culture. Current projects include efforts to model vascular anomalies in zebrafish and human iPSC models, characterizing the developmental origin of brain pericytes, and developing genetic tools to enhance zebrafish as a model.

• Applicants for this position will be considered for Researcher I and Researcher II titles. The title is determined by the experience and qualifications of the finalist.
• This position requires work to be completed onsite, at a designated campus work location.
• Candidates who demonstrate the following knowledge, skills, and abilities will be given first consideration:
  • Excellent time management skills
  • Ability to work effectively independently and in a team setting
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Commitment to professionalism in the workplace
  • Highly motivated

Key Job Responsibilities:

• Identifies concerns and recommends solutions to leadership
• Trains individuals and groups on equipment operations, research protocols, and techniques within a specialized laboratory or research area
• Assists in developing grant applications and proposals to secure research funding
• Collects and analyzes basic research data, conducts experiments and interviews, and documents results according to established policies and procedures
• Assists with the development of research methodologies and procedures
• Conducts literature reviews, prepares reports and materials, and disseminates information to appropriate entities and assists with publications

Department:

School of Medicine and Public Health, Department of Dermatology, Nathan Lawson Research Group

The Department of Dermatology is committed to advancing cutting-edge research, training the next generation of leaders, and delivering world-class patient care for individuals of all ages. Guided by our vision to be a world leader in academic dermatology, we strive to be a center for remarkable care and a vibrant community dedicated to innovation, education, and inclusion. We embrace both independent and collaborative approaches to our work. Our philosophy is to empower individuals through comprehensive, hands‑on training and onboarding, while fostering a strong team culture through regular collaboration with colleagues and support staff across the department.

Compensation:

The minimum 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

Required Qualifications:

• Experience with molecular biology techniques related to cloning and genotyping (e.g. nucleic acid isolation, PCR, etc.) is essential
• Proficiency with standard molecular biology software (Benchling, DNASTAR, etc)
• Experience with handling mammalian cell lines

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience with using zebrafish as a model is helpful, but not required.
• Experience with recombinant protein expression and purification, and related techniques (e.g. Western analysis) is beneficial.

Education:

Masters degree in Biological Sciences is required

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 OpportunityEmployer.

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 backgroundsand 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.

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