Researcher I, RE040, Academic Staff, Ongoing/Renewable, Full-Time: 100%, Annual (12-month) Appointment, 1 Vacancy

DUTIES:

Researcher I Microbiologist provides technical expertise to fundamental and/or applied scientific research under the direction of senior research personnel. Serves as a microbiologist for the Lake Superior Research Institute’s (LSRI) Great Waters Research Collaborative (GWRC) program and other projects such as beach monitoring.

The person in this position will be part of a team analyzing ballast water from ships throughout the Great Lakes region including Canada, for microbial indicator species. Data from these field events will be used to help regulators and scientists understand the efficacy of ballast treatment systems in protecting the Great Lakes from aquatic nuisance species. This data is critical to informing the United States EPA as it develops ballast water treatment standards for the shipping industry. Because there is a fair amount of uncertainty around ship schedules, the sampling team needs to be adaptable, occasionally departing for a sampling event with minimal notice.

View the complete Job Description.

This position is currently ineligible for H1-B sponsorship. A qualification for this position includes independent eligibility to work within the United States upon hire date.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in biology or a closely related field (e.g. environmental microbiology).
• Experience utilizing aseptic techniques in a microbial lab setting.
• Experience operating, 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).
• Valid driver’s license.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree in microbiology or a closely related field (e.g., environmental microbiology).
• 2 years of post-degree biological research experience.
• Experience working with agencies (e.g., Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection) on certification and compliance for a microbiology laboratory.
• Experience maintaining thorough, well-organized written and electronic records.
• Experience proofing and summarizing data.
• Experience drafting standard operating procedures (SOPs) and test plans.
• Experience as lead author for technical reports.
• Experience training and mentoring staff and student employees.
• Experience using basic statistical analysis to identify patterns and trends.
• Experience trailering and operating a small motorboat for field work.
• Experience working with aquatic invasive species.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIREMENTS:

• Knowledge and ability to collect and prepare water samples in the field for microbial analysis.
• Candidate must be willing and able to travel. Travel throughout the Great Lakes region generally occurs monthly, including occasional international travel to Canada. Trips are typically 2 days to 1 week in duration.
• Skilled in preparing and conducting microbial analysis of water samples (i.e., fecal indicators, heterotrophic bacteria counts, membrane filtration, epifluorescence microscopy
• Ability to problem solve and balance multiple priorities.
• Knowledge and ability to work with a diverse team of colleagues (e.g., co-workers, student employees, researchers, stakeholders, agency staff, etc.).
• Ability to comfortably communicate at a professional level with diverse groups of people (e.g., ship crew, project partners, 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 laboratory management (e.g., ordering chemicals and equipment, management and disposal of hazardous and chemical waste).
• Skilled in data quality management.
• Skilled in use of word processing software and use of spreadsheets to enter, manipulate and report data.
• Ability and willingness to work outdoors year-round 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.
• Ability and willingness to work 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.
• Ability to drive a vehicle for the purpose of conducting university business and meet the criteria for operation of state-owned-vehicles – Policy 615

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: $48,000 – $50,000 annually.  Specific benefit information can be found here. A snap-shot of benefits offered for this position include:

Paid Time Off Per Year:

*Hours are pro-rated based on appointment percentage for less than 100%-time employees.

• 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:

• 6.95% 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 4:30 PM on January 7, 2025. 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. Cover Letter
2. Resume
3. 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 #25-32: Researcher I 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).

Employment will require a criminal background check, and if you have prior work history within the last seven years with Universities of Wisconsin or State of Wisconsin agencies, a personnel file review check for employee misconduct. It will also require your references to answer questions regarding employee misconduct, sexual violence and sexual harassment.

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

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 University Police Department 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. 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.