Research Specialist

The Research Specialist will work with the principal investigator and graduate students or postdocs in the Biomolecular Chemistry Department to establish a robust research program studying pancreatic beta cell biology and diabetes. Work in the laboratory involves molecular and cell biology, biochemistry, genetics, cell culture, and in vivo mouse experiments. Personal initiative, independence, strong organizational abilities, and enthusiasm for laboratory research are essential.
The successful candidate will conduct independent research under the guidance of the PI involving molecular biology (cloning, PCR, qPCR, RNA/protein work), mammalian cell culture (transfection, knockdown or expression analysis), cell biology (immunostaining, immunofluorescence, confocal microscopy), immunology (flow cytometry).
Additional responsibilities include ordering supplies when necessary, maintaining laboratory records, preparation of some laboratory reagents, maintaining laboratory equipment, supervising students, and training laboratory staff in techniques and protocols. It is expected that the research specialist will be an active participant in the lab, attend and present at regular group meetings, and prepare portions of scientific manuscripts on which she/he will be a co-author.

• 70% Conducts research experiments according to established research protocols with moderate impact to the project(s). Collects data and monitors test results
• 10% Operates, cleans, and maintains organization of research equipment and research area. Tracks inventory levels and places replenishment orders
• 5% Reviews, analyzes, and interprets data and/or documents results for presentations and/or reporting to internal and external audiences
• 5% Participates in the development, interpretation, and implementation of research methodology and materials
• 10% Provides operational guidance on day-to-day activities of unit or program staff and/or student workers

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Preferred
Bachelor's Degree in the biochemical sciences.

Requirement
- 2 years' professional or post-degree research laboratory experience.
- Work with mice to maintain mouse colonies, breeding and genotyping; analyze metabolic phenotypes of mouse lines. Procedures include mouse husbandry, PCR genotyping and metabolic phenotyping (measurement of body weight and blood glucose levels, collection of blood, performing metabolic tests) or drug administration (i.p, i.g).
Preferences
- Research laboratory experience in the following areas is highly desired: molecular biology techniques, histology, imaging, mammalian cell culture or immunological techniques.
- Additional consideration will be given to applicants with previous experience working with transgenic mouse colonies, mouse models of human diseases.
- Demonstrated ability to learn new techniques and train others is highly desired.

Full Time: 100%
It is anticipated this position requires work be performed in-person, onsite, at a designated campus work location.

Ongoing/Renewable

Minimum $44,000 ANNUAL (12 months)
Depending on Qualifications
Employees in this position can expect to receive benefits such as generous vacation, holidays, and paid time off; competitive insurances and savings accounts; retirement benefits. Benefits information can be found at https://hr.wisc.edu/benefits .

The Engin Laboratory is focused on understanding how cellular stress response and organelle dysfunction plays a role in beta cell physiology and pathology. Current projects involve studying molecular mechanisms of cellular stress responses in pancreatic beta cells in autoimmune diabetes, ER-mitochondria communication, lysosome dysfunction, cellular senescence and the crosstalk between stressed beta cells and immune cells. The work involves working with the beta cell or immune cell-specific mouse models of the unfolded protein response pathway and mechanistic studies using cell culture (primary mouse and human islets), biochemical and immunological assays (Engin et al., Sci Transl Med 2013, Lee et al, Cell Metab 2020, Chen, et al., Nat Comm 2022). More information about our research and publications can be found at enginlab.org.
The successful applicant will be responsible for ensuring eligibility for employment in the United States on or before the effective date of the appointment. University sponsorship is not available for this position.

To apply for this position, please click on the "Apply Now" button. You will be asked to upload a current resume/CV and a cover letter briefly describing your qualifications and experience. You will also be asked to provide contact information for three (3) references, including your current/most recent supervisor during the application process. References will not be contacted without prior notice.

Melissa Zhang
[email protected]
608-263-0496
Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information.

Research Specialist(RE047)

A53-MEDICAL SCHOOL/BIOMOLEC CHEM/BIOMOL CHM

Academic Staff-Renewable

290791-AS