Research Specialist-Pediatrics

Salary:

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the internal application process.

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:

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

How to Apply:

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To apply for this position, select either “I am a current employee”
or “I am not a current employee” under . You will then be prompted
to upload your application materials.

Important: The application has only one attachment field. Upload
the following documents in that field, either as a single combined
file or as multiple files in the same upload area.

• Cover letter
• Resume

Your cover letter should address how your training and experience
aligns with the required and preferred qualifications listed above.
Application reviewers will rely on these written materials to
determine which applicants move forward in the process. References
will be requested from final candidates. All applicants will be
notified once the search concludes and a candidate is
selected.

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, aascaffidi@wisc.edu
, 608-262-7480

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

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Employer.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment
without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color,
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request a disability or pregnancy-related accommodation for any
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Divisional Disability Representative (DDR) in the division you
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require your references to answer questions regarding misconduct,
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the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis.
Stat. sec. 19.36(7).

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