Microbiologist
University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
Overview
Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process.
Job Category: Academic Staff
Employment Type: Terminal (Fixed Term)
Job Profile: Microbiologist I
Job Summary
This Microbiologist position is part of the Molecular Diagnostics and Bacteriology sections of the Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (WVDL). Primary responsibilities include preparing diagnostic specimens for molecular biology assays, isolating nucleic acids, performing real-time and conventional PCR assays, and accurately reporting results. In addition, this position supports the Bacteriology section by preparing microbiological media using aseptic technique, performing media quality control, maintaining specialized laboratory equipment, and assisting with other assigned laboratory duties. This position will work collaboratively with a team of 17 microbiologists in a highly productive laboratory environment. Diagnostic molecular biology and bacteriology are critical to animal health, disease prevention and control, and treatment decisions.
WVDL’s mission is to promote animal and human health and support the state and national agricultural economy through the delivery of high-quality veterinary diagnostics and exemplary customer service. This hands-on position provides an opportunity to directly contribute to that mission. This is a terminal position expected to last up to one year. The position has the possibility to be extended or converted to an ongoing appointment based on need and/or funding.
Key Job Responsibilities
Performs, interprets, and reports microbiological tests or assays for diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of illnesses or determine sources of contamination in the environment – 20%
Communicates with internal and external stakeholders as needed – 5%
Prepares, reviews, verifies, and reports test result data – 5%
Operates and maintains laboratory instrumentation and information management systems – 5%
Conducts biological research experiments employing quality control and quality assurance practices and adhering to regulatory standards and requirements – 5%
Prepares specimens for scientific examination and analysis and/or prepares the laboratory for accreditation audits/inspections – 60%
Department
Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (WVDL) – Molecular Diagnostics/Bacteriology
Compensation
Minimum $49,386.00 ANNUAL (12 months) Depending on Qualifications. 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, health/dental/vision/life insurance, tax-advantaged savings accounts, and participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) pension fund.
For a summary of benefits, please see the Wisconsin benefits document linked in the original posting.
Required Qualifications
Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with a wide range of sample matrices
Experience with isolating nucleic acid
Experience with polymerase chain reactions
Education
Bachelor's Degree Required. Bachelor's in Biology, Microbiology, or other related scientific discipline is strongly preferred.
How to Apply
To begin the application process, click the Apply button. To be considered, please submit a resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications. In your cover letter, provide specific examples demonstrating how your experience meets the required and preferred qualifications. The application reviewers will rely on written materials to determine which qualified applicants advance. The search committee will review all materials after the posted deadline and notify selected applicants to participate further. References will be requested of final candidates. All applicants will be notified after the search is complete and a candidate has been selected.
The application deadline is 11:59 pm CST on April 29, 2026.
Successful applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship, on or before the effective date of appointment. University sponsorship is not available for this position.
Contact Information
WVDL Human Resources
wvdlhr@wvdl.wisc.edu
Diversity and Equal Opportunity
Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinions enrich the university community. The University of Wisconsin–Madison is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. For more information regarding applicant and employee rights and postings, visit the Human Resources Workplace Poster website.
Employment may require a criminal background check. 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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process.
Job Category: Academic Staff
Employment Type: Terminal (Fixed Term)
Job Profile: Microbiologist I
Job Summary
This Microbiologist position is part of the Molecular Diagnostics and Bacteriology sections of the Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (WVDL). Primary responsibilities include preparing diagnostic specimens for molecular biology assays, isolating nucleic acids, performing real-time and conventional PCR assays, and accurately reporting results. In addition, this position supports the Bacteriology section by preparing microbiological media using aseptic technique, performing media quality control, maintaining specialized laboratory equipment, and assisting with other assigned laboratory duties. This position will work collaboratively with a team of 17 microbiologists in a highly productive laboratory environment. Diagnostic molecular biology and bacteriology are critical to animal health, disease prevention and control, and treatment decisions.
WVDL’s mission is to promote animal and human health and support the state and national agricultural economy through the delivery of high-quality veterinary diagnostics and exemplary customer service. This hands-on position provides an opportunity to directly contribute to that mission. This is a terminal position expected to last up to one year. The position has the possibility to be extended or converted to an ongoing appointment based on need and/or funding.
Key Job Responsibilities
Performs, interprets, and reports microbiological tests or assays for diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of illnesses or determine sources of contamination in the environment – 20%
Communicates with internal and external stakeholders as needed – 5%
Prepares, reviews, verifies, and reports test result data – 5%
Operates and maintains laboratory instrumentation and information management systems – 5%
Conducts biological research experiments employing quality control and quality assurance practices and adhering to regulatory standards and requirements – 5%
Prepares specimens for scientific examination and analysis and/or prepares the laboratory for accreditation audits/inspections – 60%
Department
Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (WVDL) – Molecular Diagnostics/Bacteriology
Compensation
Minimum $49,386.00 ANNUAL (12 months) Depending on Qualifications. 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, health/dental/vision/life insurance, tax-advantaged savings accounts, and participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) pension fund.
For a summary of benefits, please see the Wisconsin benefits document linked in the original posting.
Required Qualifications
Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with a wide range of sample matrices
Experience with isolating nucleic acid
Experience with polymerase chain reactions
Education
Bachelor's Degree Required. Bachelor's in Biology, Microbiology, or other related scientific discipline is strongly preferred.
How to Apply
To begin the application process, click the Apply button. To be considered, please submit a resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications. In your cover letter, provide specific examples demonstrating how your experience meets the required and preferred qualifications. The application reviewers will rely on written materials to determine which qualified applicants advance. The search committee will review all materials after the posted deadline and notify selected applicants to participate further. References will be requested of final candidates. All applicants will be notified after the search is complete and a candidate has been selected.
The application deadline is 11:59 pm CST on April 29, 2026.
Successful applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship, on or before the effective date of appointment. University sponsorship is not available for this position.
Contact Information
WVDL Human Resources
wvdlhr@wvdl.wisc.edu
Diversity and Equal Opportunity
Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinions enrich the university community. The University of Wisconsin–Madison is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. For more information regarding applicant and employee rights and postings, visit the Human Resources Workplace Poster website.
Employment may require a criminal background check. 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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr