Job Summary:
The Sauer lab is interested in how intracellular pathogens parasitize host cells and how the host, in turn, recognizes these pathogens and defends against them. We use the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes, a Gram positive foodborne pathogen, as a model organism to address these questions. L. monocytogenes is capable of infecting a wide variety of cell types, including professional phagocytes such as macrophages and dendritic cells. Survival from infection with L. monocytogenes results in the development of robust and long-term protective cell mediated immunity. To understand the complex game of tug and war between the bacteria and the host, we utilize genetics, both in the pathogen and in the host, to determine the factors necessary to promote disease (pathogen) and immunity (host).

The primary responsibilities of the Research Specialist are to oversee the labs mouse colonies, perform lab manager duties with respect to maintaining stocks of supplies, oversee undergraduate student hourlies, and perform independent research.

SMPH is committed to being a diverse, equitable, inclusive and anti-racist workplace and is an Equal Employment Opportunity, Affirmative Action employer.

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.
45% Conducts research experiments according to established research protocols with moderate impact to the project(s). Collects data and monitors test results
20% 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
5% Performs literature reviews and writes reports
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 is strongly preferred

Qualifications:
Minimum of 1 year of research experience outside of coursework is preferred. Experience handling animals, such as rodents, is preferred.