Diagnostic molecular biology has a major impact on animal health, disease prevention and control, and treatment methods. Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory's (WVDL) mission is to promote animal and human health and the vitality of the State and National agricultural economy through the delivery of high-quality veterinary diagnostics and exemplary customer service. The diagnostic microbiologist position is a hands-on opportunity to contribute to that mission.
The Microbiologist will work within the Molecular/Virology section of WVDL. The majority of the responsibilities include preparing specimens for molecular biology assays, isolating nucleic acid, performing real-time and conventional PCR assays, reporting results, and other duties as assigned. This position will work with nine other microbiologists in a highly productive team environment.
Responsibilities:
Performs testing services within a microbiology laboratory including human, animal, and plant diagnostics, surveillance, screening, environmental monitoring, and forensic science to report clear and concise testing results.
30% Performs, interprets, and reports microbiological tests or assays for diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of illnesses or determine sources of contamination in the environment
30% Prepares specimens for scientific examination and analysis and/or prepares the laboratory for accreditation audits/inspections
5% Conducts biological research experiments employing quality control and quality assurance practices and adhering to regulatory standards and requirements
5% Operates and maintains laboratory instrumentation and information management systems
15% Prepares, reviews, verifies, and reports test result data
5% Communicates with internal and external stakeholders as needed
5% Supports and/or trains new employees, students, and other professional colleagues
5% Participate in the NAHLN preparedness and disease monitoring programs in order to provide and build capacity for NAHLN surveillance and investigational testing.
Tasks:
Receive diagnostic specimens for molecular testing and maintain records. Process molecular samples including: homogenizing and/or soaking samples, pooling samples when requested, semen sample processing.
Utilize automated technology, isolate nucleic acid, perform real-time PCR assays, perform conventional PCR, utilize specific QC measures to limit contamination. Complete molecular testing on a rotational basis.
Participate in section specific programs such as oligo preparation, assay control, media and master mix preparation, reagent qualification programs.
Perform section wide duties as required such as: maintain QC records, perform autoclave, maintain clean work space, ensure adequate reagent and consumable supply.
Perform other duties as assigned such as: provide guidance to ensure work duties are covered in lab, provide technical advice and training, prepare sample for referrals, serve on committees.
Assist investigations into new equipment and technologies and make recommendations on assay improvements as well as troubleshoot procedures as needed.
Maintain proficiency in molecular diagnostics according to quality program guidelines.
Consult case coordinators or pathologists as needed regarding testing requests.
Comply with WVDL safety and quality requirements (see Quality and Safety manuals).
Maintain competency in NAHLN program by passing annual proficiency testing requirements and complete NAHLN surveillance and foreign animal disease investigational testing following NAHLN specific SOPs on a rotational basis.
Maintain select agent clearance and performance of duties.
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.
For more information on diversity and inclusion on campus, please visit: Diversity and Inclusion
Education:
Required Bachelor's Degree Bachelor of Science in biology, microbiology or related life science field.
Qualifications:
Previous experience working in a laboratory environment is preferred.
Work Type:
Full Time: 100%
It is anticipated this position requires work be performed in-person, onsite, at a designated campus work location. Standard business hours are 7:45AM - 4:30PM M-F.
Appointment Type, Duration:
Ongoing/Renewable
Salary:
Minimum $47,487 ANNUAL (12 months) Depending on Qualifications
Additional Information:
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 your appointment, and maintain eligibility without sponsorship throughout your appointment.
How to Apply:
Salary will be assigned within the appropriate range, commensurate with the candidate's qualifications and experience. An excellent benefits package is also included.
To ensure consideration, complete applications must be received by no later than 11:55pm CDT, on the assured consideration date. Please submit a resume, cover letter and a list of three professional references including one current or recent supervisor.
Review of applications will begin immediately after the assured consideration date.
NOTE: Unless confidentiality is requested in your online application, information regarding the names of applicants must be released upon request. Finalists cannot be guaranteed confidentiality.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, 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 through diversity and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.
Employment will require a criminal background check. It will also require you and your references to answer questions regarding 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 Annual Security 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.
The University of Wisconsin–Madison has been a catalyst for the extraordinary since its founding in 1848. Our students, staff, and faculty partake in world-class education and conduct prolific research that solves real-world problems. Our guiding principle is the Wisconsin Idea, a commitment to outreach that creates a better future for our state, our nation, and the world. We value the contributions of each person and recognize that diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation.
