Researcher II, RE041, Academic Staff, Renewable, 100%, 12-month Appointment, 1 Vacancy

DUTIES:

Provides research expertise to fundamental and applied scientific research and solves problems in research development and applications to support the advancement of research. Serves as a microbiologist for the Lake Superior Research Institute’s (LSRI) Great Waters Research Collaborative (GWRC) program and other projects.

View the complete Job Description.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in biology with a focus in environmental microbiology or a closely related field.
• Experience utilizing aseptic techniques in a microbial lab setting.
• Experience calibrating, verifying, and maintaining laboratory equipment (e.g. balances, pipettes, biosafety cabinet).
• Experience implementing quality assurance/quality control strategies (sterility checks, media checks, positive and negative controls, blanks, duplicates, etc.)
• Experience independently collecting, preparing, and analyzing water samples using various microbial techniques (e.g. IDEXX™ Quanti-Tray, agar spread plates, spectrophotometer).
• Experience operating and conducting routine maintenance on instrumentation such as: balances, pipettes, laminar flow hood, etc.
• Valid Driver’s License.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s Degree in microbiology or closely related field (e.g., environmental microbiology).
• 3 years of post-degree research experience (e.g., aquatic environmental microbiology).
• Experience drafting standard operating procedures (SOPs) and test plans.
• Experience with technical audits.
• Experience working with agencies on certification and compliance for a microbiology laboratory.
• Experience maintaining thorough, well-organized written and electronic records.
• Experience proofing and summarizing data.
• Experience as the lead author for technical reports.
• Experience as lead or co-author on a research grant or contract.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIREMENTS:

• Skilled in preparing and conducting microbial analysis of water samples (i.e., fecal indicators, heterotrophic bacteria counts, membrane filtration, epifluorescence microscopy).
• Skilled in data quality management.
• Knowledge and ability to collect and prepare water samples in the field for microbial analysis.
• Skilled in laboratory management (e.g., ordering equipment and chemicals, management of chemical waste, disposal of hazardous waste).
• Ability to problem solve and balance multiple priorities.
• Knowledge of basic statistical methods and analysis for assessing trends and relationships.
• Ability to lead development and design of applied research to expand capabilities in the microbiology laboratory, including identifying objectives, methods, schedules, budgets, and staffing needs.
• Knowledge and ability to collaborate with diverse groups (e.g., co-workers, student employees, researchers, stakeholders, agency staff, etc.).
• Ability to comfortably communicate at a professional level with diverse audiences (e.g., colleagues, students, researchers, stakeholders).
• Ability to maintain a positive attitude and adapt to rapidly changing situations (e.g., schedules, weather, research objectives, etc.).
• Ability to work both independently and in collaboration with team members to meet projected deadlines.
• Skilled in word processing and use of spreadsheets to enter, manipulate and report data.
• Knowledge of aquatic nuisance species.
• Ability to train and mentor staff and student employees.
• Ability to work outdoors in a wide variety of weather conditions.
• Given training and necessary safety equipment, ability to work in an industrial setting (i.e., on a large ship with tight quarters, variety of climates, loud noises).
• Ability to lift 40 lbs. and climb steep stairs while carrying sampling equipment.
• Candidate must be willing and able to travel. This position will require regional and international travel to collect and analyze samples. Trips may be 8 hours to 1 week in duration.
• Able and willing to work occasional weekends and nights.
• Ability to operate a state vehicle per state regulations within six months of start date.
• Able to obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) card and passport.
• Willingness to serve the mission of UWS and LSRI by being a representative at activities such as Science Fest, or Campus Preview Days.

STARTING DATE:

As soon as possible.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

For additional information about UW-Superior, visit www.uwsuper.edu.

For additional information about this position, contact Roberta Grube at rgrube2@uwsuper.edu

Salary range for this position is: $50,000 – $60,000 annually.  Specific benefit information can be found here. A snap-shot of benefits offered for this position include:

Paid Time Off Per Year:

• 176 hours of Vacation
• 36 hours of Personal
• 96 hours of Sick Leave
• 9 legal holidays

State Group Health Insurance Plans:

• Health Plan, High Deductible, or Access Plans available
• Flexible Spending or Health Savings Accounts

Access to Additional Insurance:

• Dental
• Vision
• Life
• Income Continuation

Retirement Plans Through Wisconsin Retirement System:

• 6.80% contribution with employer match
• Vested at 5 years (must meet eligibility requirements)

Other Benefits

• Employee Assistant Program (EAP) – provides free and confidential resources to address personal and work-related concerns for employee and their immediate family members.
• On-site wellness resources and opportunities through the Pruitt Center for Mindfulness and Well-Being, Marcovich Wellness Center, and Department of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Review of all complete applications will commence 8:00 AM October 2, 2023. In the event this search is extended for any reason, applications submitted after this date will be considered. Once an applicant applies, profile information remains in UW-Superior’s Talent Management System for future submissions.

If you are not currently employed by the University of Wisconsin System, you may apply online through this portal. If you are a current employee of the University of Wisconsin System, you may apply through our HRS System. Please include the following information in your application:

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter highlighting how you meet the qualification and Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities as listed in the Position Description
3. Contact Information for three (3) Professional References
4. Unofficial transcripts of all degrees earned

Internal applicants: select the internal applicant link. Registration for account not required.

External applicants: select the external applicant link and register for an account:

How to Register for a UW-Careers Account:

1. To register for a UW-Careers account, click on the Click Here to Register link to create your user name and password.
2. Search for the #24-18: Researcher II: Microbiologist, LSRI position and click on the Apply Now button to submit a resume.
   • At this time, you will be asked to complete your profile. Please select Save to continue the application process.
3. To submit your letter of application, unofficial transcripts, etc., you must add the document as an attachment by clicking on the Add Attachment link below the Cover Letters and Attachments box.
4. Clicking on the Next link, please complete the required Online Questionnaire.
5. After the Online Questionnaire has been completed, click Next again to provide contact information for three professional references, if required, in the References section by selecting the Add Reference link.
6. Once reference information has been listed, click on Next to complete the How did you find out about the position? section of the application process.
7. Once you have completed all sections, click on the Save button and then Submit button to submit your materials.

At any time you may select the Save button to save your progress. When you have submitted your application, ability to change materials submitted will not be available.

UW-Superior: A Special Place:

The University of Wisconsin-Superior is Wisconsin’s public liberal arts college. Established in 1893 with a mission to train teachers, it later became a part of the University of Wisconsin-System, and in 1998 was designated as Wisconsin’s Public Liberal Arts College by the University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents. The University serves 2,500 traditional and non-traditional students and is dedicated to the integration of liberal and professional studies and to serving a diverse student population.

UW-Superior maintains its foundational teacher education college values through its emphasis on excellence in teaching, as well as service to the community and region. Its core mission is student-centered. The institution fosters intellectual growth and career preparation within a liberal arts tradition that emphasizes individual attention, embodies respect for diverse cultures and multiple voices, and engages the community and region. The richness of its programs creates a personalized educational environment that integrates theory and practice, liberal and professional education, teaching, scholarship, and creativity. The University has a significant investment in and commitment to campus-wide Liberal Arts High Impact Practices (HIPs) that includes a First Year Experience, Academic Service Learning, Global Awareness, Writing Across the Curriculum, Undergraduate Research Scholarly and Creative Activity, and a Senior Year Experience.

At UW-Superior, we promote the values of academic excellence, integrity, and community within a collegial environment. At the core of our values is the appreciation for, and examination of, diversity, inclusivity, and equity. UW-Superior offers day, evening, weekend, and distance learning classes at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.

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 University reserves the right to check additional references with notice given to the candidates at the appropriate time in the process.

Employment will require a criminal background check. A pending criminal charge or conviction will not necessarily disqualify an applicant. In compliance with the Wisconsin Fair Employment Act, the University does not discriminate on the basis of arrest or conviction record.

Employment will also require a sexual harassment reference check. The reference check process includes asking the final candidate and most recent supervisor questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment. Final candidates with previous employment within the UW System and State of WI agencies will be subject to additional reference checks.

Employment is subject to federal laws that require verification of identity and legal right to work in the United States as required by the Immigration Reform and Control Act.

For UW-Superior campus safety information and crime statistics/Annual Security Report, see https://www.uwsuper.edu/student-life/safety-and-security or contact the Office of Campus Safety at (715) 394-8114 for a printed copy.

UW-Superior is an AA/EEO/Veterans/Disability employer dedicated to enhancing equity, diversity and inclusivity.

UW-Superior is committed to making excellence inclusive in every aspect of the institution. Diversity, inclusion and equity are prioritized learning resources for all community members. We strive to offer quality programs in an environment of trust and cooperation that centers on the worth of all individuals. The University is seeking candidates who will contribute to the achievement of this goal.