Scientist

UW School of Medicine and Public Health; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 59,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Department of Pediatrics, Mohr Lab, seeks an experienced Scientist I to help establish a neonatal nonhuman primate model for maternal vaccine evaluation. The role leads study coordination, microbiology work, and collaborative data analysis onsite in Madison.

Qualifications include 3+ years with non-human primate models, first-author publications on neonatal or maternal-fetal infectious disease, and experience with

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of hands‑on experience with non‑human primate experimental models, including study design, animal handling, and endpoint assessment
• Published first-author, peer‑reviewed research on neonatal or maternal‑fetal infectious disease outcomes in animal models
• Direct experience with sample collection from pregnant and neonatal animals, necropsy coordination, and tissue processing
• Proficiency with serology methods (antibody detection via ELISA) and interpretation of serological data as evidence of colonization and immune response

Responsibilities

• Writes or assists in developing grant applications and proposals to secure research funding
• Conducts literature reviews, prepares reports and materials, and disseminates information to appropriate entities
• Serves as a main point of contact and liaison with internal and external stakeholders providing information and representing the interests of a specialized research area
• Assists with the identification of research problems and the development of research methodologies and procedures
• Attends and assists with the facilitation of scholarly events and presentations in support of continued professional development and the dissemination of research information
• Collects and analyzes research data, conducts experiments and interviews, and documents results according to established policies and procedures under general supervision and limited responsibility

Education

PhD in microbiology, immunology, pathology, veterinary science, or a related discipline

Job description

Job Category

Academic Staff

Employment Type

Terminal (Fixed Term)

Job Profile

Scientist I

Job Summary

The Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases in the Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine and Public Health, seeks an experienced Scientist to help establish a new neonatal nonhuman primate model for maternal vaccine evaluation. This externally funded project integrates neonatal clinical assessment, immunological evaluation, and maternal vaccination in a single translationally relevant platform, conducted in close collaboration with the Wisconsin National Primate Research Center (WNPRC). The successful candidate will take a lead, hands‑on role in study coordination, microbiology, and collaborative data analysis, and will mentor graduate and undergraduate trainees. This position is ideal for a researcher with documented expertise in neonatal nonhuman primate disease models, maternal‑fetal immunobiology, and infectious disease pathogenesis who wants to contribute to research addressing a leading cause of global infant mortality. Terminal, 24 month appointment. This position has the possibility to be extended or converted to an ongoing appointment based on need and/or funding. This position requires work to be completed onsite, at a designated campus work location.

Key Job Responsibilities

• Writes or assists in developing grant applications and proposals to secure research funding
• Conducts literature reviews, prepares reports and materials, and disseminates information to appropriate entities
• Serves as a main point of contact and liaison with internal and external stakeholders providing information and representing the interests of a specialized research area
• Assists with the identification of research problems and the development of research methodologies and procedures
• Attends and assists with the facilitation of scholarly events and presentations in support of continued professional development and the dissemination of research information
• Collects and analyzes research data, conducts experiments and interviews, and documents results according to established policies and procedures under general supervision and limited responsibility

Department

School of Medicine and Public Health, Department of Pediatrics, Mohr Lab

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

The starting salary/hourly wage for the position is $65,000 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

• Minimum 3 years of hands‑on experience with non‑human primate experimental models, including study design, animal handling, and endpoint assessment
• Published first-author, peer‑reviewed research on neonatal or maternal‑fetal infectious disease outcomes in animal models
• Direct experience with sample collection from pregnant and neonatal animals, necropsy coordination, and tissue processing
• Proficiency with serology methods (antibody detection via ELISA) and interpretation of serological data as evidence of colonization and immune response

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with congenital or perinatal infections
• Experience working under IACUC and IBC oversight
• Statistical analysis and data visualization in R

Education

• PhD in microbiology, immunology, pathology, veterinary science, or a related discipline

Contact Information

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

Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information.

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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.

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