Research Scientist Jobs in Wisconsin
Research Scientist jobs in Wisconsin are concentrated in biomedical research, agricultural and food science, and pharmaceutical development, with a market that supports roles from entry-level lab associate to principal investigator. The heaviest hiring activity is in Madison, Milwaukee, and the Fox Valley corridor, where institutions and companies such as the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Exact Sciences, and MilliporeSigma maintain sustained research operations. Demand runs especially strong in oncology research, cell and gene therapy, and crop science. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Research Associate/ Research Scientist – RNA Therapeutics & Nanomedicine
Research Associate and Research Scientist positions are available in Dr. Pradeep Chaluvally-Raghavan's Lab, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Medical College of Wisconsin. The laboratory investigates the role of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) in tumor progression and the tumor microenvironment using advanced molecular, cellular, and animal models, with a primary focus on ovarian and breast cancers. Current research also emphasizes the development of RNA interference (RNAi)-based therapeutic strategies, including the design and optimization of siRNA formulations, lipid- or nanoparticle-based delivery systems for targeted gene silencing and proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) linked with RNA (RNA-PROTAC). Please read the related publications from our lab to know more about the background of proposed research (Nature Communications, 2026, PMID: 41932914; Advanced Sciences, 2022, PMID: 35289120; and Cell Reports, 2021, PMID: 34731628).
The successful candidate will design and conduct experiments in both cell culture and animal models, develop and characterize siRNA-loaded nanoliposome formulations, and perform in vivo studies to evaluate biodistribution, target gene knockdown, therapeutic efficacy, and the translational potential of RNAi-based therapeutics for cancer treatment. Familiarity with protein structure and structure-function relationships will be considered an advantage for this position.
We are seeking highly motivated scientists with below expertise to fill this position:
· RNA interference (RNAi) and siRNA technologies
· RNA-binding proteins and RNA-protein interactions
· Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) and nanomedicine
· In vivo cancer models and translational research
· Molecular biology and recombinant protein production
· RNA PROTAC (RNA-Proteolysis Targeting Chimera)
· Protein and RNA structures
The successful candidate will lead independent research projects, collaborate on laboratory operations, mentor trainees, develop innovative RNA delivery strategies, characterize RNA-RBP interactions, develop therapeutics target RBP and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of scientists working at the intersection of molecular biology, nanotechnology, and cancer therapeutics.
Qualifications
Ph.D. in Cancer Biology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
Non-Ph.D. candidates with RNA-RBP research experience and publications will also be considered.
Required Experience: Recent Ph.D. and not more than 2 years of post-doctoral experience with strong track record of publications.
Please submit your CV and research statement to pchaluvally@mcw.edu if you are interested.
Pay: $60,018.50 - $84,323.36 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Research Associate/ Research Scientist – RNA Therapeutics & Nanomedicine
Research Associate and Research Scientist positions are available in Dr. Pradeep Chaluvally-Raghavan's Lab, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Medical College of Wisconsin. The laboratory investigates the role of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) in tumor progression and the tumor microenvironment using advanced molecular, cellular, and animal models, with a primary focus on ovarian and breast cancers. Current research also emphasizes the development of RNA interference (RNAi)-based therapeutic strategies, including the design and optimization of siRNA formulations, lipid- or nanoparticle-based delivery systems for targeted gene silencing and proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) linked with RNA (RNA-PROTAC). Please read the related publications from our lab to know more about the background of proposed research (Nature Communications, 2026, PMID: 41932914; Advanced Sciences, 2022, PMID: 35289120; and Cell Reports, 2021, PMID: 34731628).
The successful candidate will design and conduct experiments in both cell culture and animal models, develop and characterize siRNA-loaded nanoliposome formulations, and perform in vivo studies to evaluate biodistribution, target gene knockdown, therapeutic efficacy, and the translational potential of RNAi-based therapeutics for cancer treatment. Familiarity with protein structure and structure-function relationships will be considered an advantage for this position.
We are seeking highly motivated scientists with below expertise to fill this position:
· RNA interference (RNAi) and siRNA technologies
· RNA-binding proteins and RNA-protein interactions
· Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) and nanomedicine
· In vivo cancer models and translational research
· Molecular biology and recombinant protein production
· RNA PROTAC (RNA-Proteolysis Targeting Chimera)
· Protein and RNA structures
The successful candidate will lead independent research projects, collaborate on laboratory operations, mentor trainees, develop innovative RNA delivery strategies, characterize RNA-RBP interactions, develop therapeutics target RBP and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of scientists working at the intersection of molecular biology, nanotechnology, and cancer therapeutics.
Qualifications
Ph.D. in Cancer Biology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
Non-Ph.D. candidates with RNA-RBP research experience and publications will also be considered.
Required Experience: Recent Ph.D. and not more than 2 years of post-doctoral experience with strong track record of publications.
Please submit your CV and research statement to pchaluvally@mcw.edu if you are interested.
Pay: $60,018.50 - $84,323.36 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
See All 9 Research Scientist Jobs in Wisconsin
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Find Research Scientist JobsResearch Scientist Jobs by City in Wisconsin
Where Wisconsin roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Research Scientist Job Market in Wisconsin
A snapshot from current Wisconsin openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
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What Wisconsin Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in research scientist jobs across Wisconsin.
- Ph.D. or master's degree in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, or a closely related scientific field
- Hands-on experience with laboratory techniques such as PCR, cell culture, or mass spectrometry
- Demonstrated record of designing and executing independent research studies
- Proficiency in statistical analysis software such as R, SAS, or Python for data interpretation
- Experience preparing scientific manuscripts, grant proposals, or regulatory submission documents
- Familiarity with GLP or GMP compliance standards relevant to Wisconsin biotech and pharmaceutical settings
Research Scientist Jobs in Wisconsin: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a research scientist in Wisconsin?
Most research scientist positions in Wisconsin require at minimum a master's degree, and the majority of industry and academic roles expect a Ph.D. in a relevant discipline such as biochemistry, molecular biology, or chemistry. Wisconsin does not issue a state license specific to the research scientist title, so credentials come through academic training and employer-specific qualifications. Candidates targeting university positions in Madison should be prepared for postdoctoral experience as a standard expectation before independent roles open.
Which companies hire research scientists in Wisconsin?
Employers hiring research scientists in Wisconsin right now include BUTTER BUDS, Medical College of Wisconsin, and Akima, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Wisconsin's mix of large research universities, established biotech firms, and agricultural science companies means openings appear across both the public and private sectors.
Which Wisconsin cities have the most research scientist jobs?
Racine, Milwaukee, and Beloit account for the largest share of research scientist openings in Wisconsin. Madison dominates because of the University of Wisconsin system and the biotech corridor that has grown around it, while Milwaukee draws activity from medical device companies, diagnostic firms, and hospital research programs, and smaller metro areas reflect the presence of agricultural science and specialty chemical employers in those regions.
Are there remote research scientist jobs in Wisconsin?
Yes, but they're rare. Most research scientist work requires direct access to laboratory equipment, samples, and on-site teams, which limits remote arrangements substantially. About 0% of research scientist openings tied to Wisconsin are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, and those postings tend to be skewed toward computational, data analysis, or scientific writing functions rather than bench work.
How can I get hired as a research scientist in Wisconsin with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is an undergraduate research assistantship at a University of Wisconsin campus, which gives hands-on lab experience and faculty references that Wisconsin employers recognize. Large employers such as Exact Sciences and Promega hire research associates as a formal entry-level tier, and those roles regularly accept candidates with a bachelor's degree and demonstrated lab coursework. Building proficiency in a specific technique, such as flow cytometry or CRISPR editing, and completing a senior thesis or capstone project strengthens applications considerably for these associate-level openings.
Where can I find and apply to research scientist jobs in Wisconsin?
You can find and apply to research scientist jobs in Wisconsin on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings across the state. Search for roles that match your background, specialization, and preferred location, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 9 Research Scientist Jobs in Wisconsin
Find roles in Wisconsin that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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