The Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory is currently seeking a microbiologist to join their team. The work at WVDL plays a significant role in animal health, disease prevention and control, and treatment methods. The mission of WVDL is to enhance animal and human health, as well as the agricultural economy of the state and the nation, by providing high-quality veterinary diagnostics and excellent customer service.

The Microbiologist will work within the Molecular section of WVDL. The primary responsibilities of the role include preparing specimens for molecular biology assays, isolating nucleic acid, performing real-time and conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays, reporting results, and other duties as assigned. The candidate will work in a team of nine microbiologists in a highly productive team environment. If you are interested in being part of our dynamic team at WVDL, apply now.

• 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 National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) preparedness and disease monitoring programs in order to provide and build capacity for NAHLN surveillance and investigational testing.

• 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 Quality Control (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 standard operating procedures on a rotational basis.
• Maintain select agent clearance and performance of duties.

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

Required
Bachelor's Degree
Strongly preferred in biology, microbiology or related life science field.

Knowledge/Skills Preferred:
- Previous experience working in a laboratory environment.

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 with some flexibility.

Ongoing/Renewable

Minimum $49,386 ANNUAL (12 months)
Depending on Qualifications
Minimum $49,386 ANNUAL (12 MONTHS)
Salary will be assigned within the appropriate range, commensurate with the candidate's qualifications and experience.

This position offers a comprehensive benefits package, including generous paid time off, competitively priced health/dental/vision/life insurance, tax-advantaged savings accounts, and participation in the nationally recognized Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) pension fund. For a summary of benefits, please reference: https://www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/benefits/download/fasl.pdf.

Please note that successful applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without need of employer sponsorship, on or before the effective date of appointment. University sponsorship is not available for this position.

The WVDL is dedicated to fostering a healthy work environment that emphasizes mutual respect, integrity, trust, and accountability. Because of our core values, WVDL seeks to recruit, retain, and develop talented team members to help contribute to WVDL's ability to continue setting high standards for excellence in our field of expertise.

WVDL Website: https://www.wvdl.wisc.edu/
University of Wisconsin-Madison: https://www.wisc.edu/about/ & https://transportation.wisc.edu/
Transportation Services: https://transportation.wisc.edu/commuter-solutions/
City of Madison: https://www.cityofmadison.com/

To apply for this position, please click on the "Apply Now" button. Review of applications will begin on May 20, 2024 and will continue until the position is filled. The deadline for assuring full consideration is May 20, 2024.

The following documents need to be submitted:
- Resume
- A cover letter briefly describing your qualifications relevant to the position.

Finalists will be asked to provide a list of at least three professional references with titles, emails, and phone numbers (including at least one supervisory reference). Note that references will not be contacted without your prior knowledge.

Jennifer Cooper
jennifer.cooper@wvdl.wisc.edu
608-262-5432
Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information.

Microbiologist I(HS052)

A88-WIS VET DIAGNOSTIC LAB/MSN/VIROLOGY/MOLECULAR

Academic Staff-Renewable

297575-AS