Research Assistant Jobs in Wisconsin
Research Assistant jobs in Wisconsin are in steady demand, with the strongest concentration in academic research, clinical trials, and biomedical sciences centered at institutions across Madison, Milwaukee, and Green Bay. The University of Wisconsin-Madison, Marshfield Clinic Health System, and Exact Sciences are among the most established Wisconsin employers hiring research assistants at entry through mid-career levels. The most in-demand specialties include clinical research coordination, laboratory science, and public health data work. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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- JR10009620
- Hybrid
- Madison, Wisconsin
- Administration
- Full time
- Closing at: Sep 4 2026 - 11:00pm CDT
Job Category:
University StaffEmployment Type:
RegularJob Profile:
Administrative Assistant IIJob Summary:
This unique position will help advance the research mission of the Department of Surgery by providing administrative and programmatic support to leadership. The incumbent will work directly with research leadership to develop and advance multidisciplinary efforts within the research teams by providing assistance with scheduling and managing resources for key meetings and research education and collaboration events, coordinating research programs and initiatives, and providing support to ensure the completion of research team core functions.
This position may require some work to be performed in-person, onsite, at a designated campus work location. Some work may be performed remotely, at an offsite, non-campus work location.
Work Schedule: Monday through Friday 8:00a.m.- 4:30p.m.
Candidates who demonstrate the following knowledge, skills, and abilities will be given first consideration:
Ability to problem solve
Ability to communicate effectively
Ability to work independently
Strong organizational skills
Key Job Responsibilities:
- Collects, analyzes, and prepares various communication materials from established sources utilizing technology mediums
- Plans, schedules, documents, and supports day-of service for research education and collaboration events using established policies and procedures and ensures event compliance with institutional policy
- Serves as a first point of contact for individuals and groups, provides basic organizational information via phone, in person and through other communication mediums, and routes more complex inquiries to the appropriate entities
- Schedules logistics and secures resources for meetings, conferences, travel, and work unit operations
- Maintains established methods and organizational systems directed at the maintenance of electronic/physical records related to work operations according to established policies and procedures
- Sends, receives, copies, and distributes communications to the appropriate entities according to established policies and procedures under general supervision
Department:
School of Medicine and Public Health, Department of Surgery, Research Administration
The Wisconsin Department of Surgery is one of the leading surgical programs in the nation, excelling in patient care, surgical education, and surgical research. We are composed of more than 130 full-time faculty across 10 divisions and nearly 200 additional staff who support our mission. Our surgeons perform almost 20,000 operations per year for pediatric and adult patients. Training the next generation of surgeons and clinician-scientists is integral in our department, with more than 100 residents and fellows trained each year. The department is consistently among the top surgery programs with extramural research funding, ranking seventh nationally in NIH funding over the last 10 years.
Compensation:
The starting hourly wage for the position is $24 per hour; but is negotiable based on experience and qualifications.
Employees in this position can expect to receive benefits such as generous vacation, holidays, and sick leave; competitive insurances and savings accounts; retirement benefits.
Required Qualifications:
Evidence of strong attention to detail
Experience prioritizing multiple projects
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience scheduling meetings and maintaining multiple calendars
Experience in event coordination or project management
Experience in customer service or communications
Education:
H.S. Diploma preferred
How to Apply:
For the best experience completing your application, we recommend using Chrome or Firefox as your web browser.
To apply for this position, select either “I am a current employee” or “I am not a current employee” under Apply Now. You will then be prompted to upload your application materials.
- Cover letter required
- Resume required
Your cover letter should address how your training and experience aligns with the required and preferred qualifications listed above. Application reviewers will rely on these written materials to determine which applicants move forward in the process. References will be requested from final candidates. All applicants will be notified once the search concludes and a candidate is selected.
University sponsorship is not available for this position, including transfers of sponsorship and TN visas. The selected applicant will be responsible for ensuring their continuous eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of an employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment. This position is an ongoing position that will require continuous work eligibility. If you are selected for this position you must provide proof of work authorization and eligibility to work.
The department will not be able to support a request for a J-1 waiver. If you choose to pursue a waiver and apply for our position, neither the UW nor UWMF will reimburse you for your legal or waiver fees.
Contact Information:
Samantha Connell, slconnell2@wisc.edu, 608-265-5311
Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information.
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.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited 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. We promote excellence by acknowledging skills and expertise from all backgrounds and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.
To request a disability or pregnancy-related accommodation for any step in the hiring process (e.g., application, interview, pre-employment testing, etc.), please contact the Divisional Disability Representative (DDR) in the division you are applying to. Please make your request as soon as possible to help the university respond most effectively to you.
Employment may require a criminal background check. It may also require your references to answer questions regarding misconduct, including sexual violence and sexual harassment.
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 Annual Security and Fire Safety Report contains current campus safety and disciplinary policies, crime statistics for the previous 3 calendar years, and on-campus student housing fire safety policies and fire statistics for the previous 3 calendar years. UW-Madison will provide a paper copy upon request; please contact the University of Wisconsin Police Department.
See All 13 Research Assistant Jobs in Wisconsin
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Find Research Assistant JobsResearch Assistant Jobs by City in Wisconsin
Where Wisconsin roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Research Assistant Job Market in Wisconsin
A snapshot from current Wisconsin openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Science & Research
- Distribution & Wholesale
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
What Wisconsin Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in research assistant jobs across Wisconsin.
- Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, psychology, or a related scientific field
- Experience with data collection, documentation, and research protocol compliance
- Proficiency in research software such as REDCap, SPSS, or similar data management tools
- Strong written communication skills for preparing reports, summaries, and study documentation
- Ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary research teams in a laboratory or clinical setting
- Familiarity with IRB protocols and human subjects research ethics requirements
Research Assistant Jobs in Wisconsin: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a research assistant in Wisconsin?
Most research assistant positions in Wisconsin require at minimum a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as biology, public health, psychology, or a social science. Wisconsin does not issue a state license specifically for research assistants, but roles in clinical settings typically require Good Clinical Practice certification and compliance with IRB standards. Academic and biomedical employers like UW-Madison prefer candidates with hands-on lab or field research experience gained through coursework or undergraduate research programs.
Which companies hire research assistants in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin research assistant roles are posted by Medical College of Wisconsin, Labcorp, and CARDINAL POINT CAPTAINS and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Wisconsin's concentration of research universities, health systems, and biotech firms means openings appear consistently across both academic and private-sector employers throughout the year.
Which Wisconsin cities have the most research assistant jobs?
Milwaukee, Madison, and Arlington have the most research assistant openings in Wisconsin. Madison dominates due to the University of Wisconsin-Madison and its affiliated research institutes, while Milwaukee draws demand from the Medical College of Wisconsin and a growing life sciences sector, and other cities reflect the presence of regional health systems and satellite research facilities tied to larger institutions.
Are there remote research assistant jobs in Wisconsin?
Yes, but they are limited. Research assistant roles that involve laboratory work, specimen handling, or in-person subject interaction are almost always on-site by nature. About 50% of research assistant openings tied to Wisconsin are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, and those tend to be concentrated in data analysis, survey research, literature review, and qualitative coding functions rather than bench or clinical work.
How can I get hired as a research assistant in Wisconsin with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for undergraduate research assistant positions or post-baccalaureate research experience programs at UW-Madison or the Medical College of Wisconsin, both of which run structured programs for candidates without professional experience. Adjacent roles like laboratory technician, clinical research coordinator trainee, or data entry specialist at Wisconsin health systems can also bridge into a research assistant title. Completing a research methods course, earning a Good Clinical Practice certificate, or presenting undergraduate thesis work strengthens applications significantly.
Where can I find and apply to research assistant jobs in Wisconsin?
You can find and apply to research assistant jobs in Wisconsin on Migrate Mate, which lists current Wisconsin openings. Search the available roles, identify the ones that match your background and target institution type, and apply directly to the ones that fit your experience level and preferred location within the state.
See All 13 Research Assistant Jobs in Wisconsin
Find roles in Wisconsin that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Research Assistant Jobs