JOB SUMMARY:
The Safdar Lab is seeking a Research Specialist to support their ongoing and future projects within the Division of Infectious Diseases. As a part of the lab team, the selected candidate will process clinical specimens, identify microorganisms, update study databases, and ensure specimen integrity. Opportunities to lead laboratory-based projects and learn more advanced skills, such as DNA extraction, sequencing, and microbiome analysis, will be available based on interest, skill sets, and work ethic. Dr. Nasia Safdar, MD, PhD, is a Professor in the Department of Medicine and the associate dean for clinical trials in the School of Medicine and Public Health. Her research focuses on the prevention and treatment of hospital-associated infections, and she has multiple active clinical trials investigating novel interventions to prevent colonization and infection by Clostridioides difficile and other drug-resistant organisms. For more information on the Safdar Research Group, please visit https://www.medicine.wisc.edu/infectious-disease/safdar-research.

The School of Medicine and Public Health has a deep and profound commitment to diversity both as an end in itself but, also as a valuable means for eliminating health disparities. As such, we strongly encourage applications from candidates who foster and promote the values of diversity and inclusion.

RESPONSIBILITIES: Develops, designs, and conducts one or more research projects and organizes daily operation of projects and specialized research areas to ensure work meets established objectives under moderate supervision.
25% Conducts research experiments according to established research protocols with moderate impact to the project(s). Collects data and monitors test results
15% Operates, cleans, and maintains organization of research equipment and research area. Tracks inventory levels and places replenishment orders
10% Reviews, analyzes, and interprets data and/or documents results for presentations and/or reporting to internal and external audiences
10% 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
10% Performs literature reviews and writes reports
20% Provide technical assistance to the Safdar Lab focusing on microbiology.
TASKS:
learning proper handling procedures and aseptic technique
processing of clinical specimens
setting up bacterial cultures and biochemical tests
identification of microorganisms
autoclave operation and media preparation
antibiotic susceptibility testing
DNA extraction, PCR, and sequencing
data entry and record keeping
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:
Preferred
Bachelor's Degree
Focus in microbiology, biology, biochemistry, or related field preferred.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Minimum 1 year of experience in biology, clinical microbiology, or molecular biology required, undergraduate experience included.