Research Specialist Jobs in Wisconsin

Job Category:

Academic Staff

Employment Type:

Regular

Job Profile:

Research Specialist

Job Summary:

The Laryngeal Physiology Laboratory in the Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Wisconsin–Madison is seeking a motivated Research Specialist to join a collaborative team dedicated to advancing research in laryngeal physiology, voice, and swallowing disorders.

The selected candidate will contribute to a diverse portfolio of research projects by participating in study design, data collection, data management, statistical analysis, and dissemination of findings through scientific publications and presentations. In addition to research activities, the Research Specialist will play an important role in laboratory operations, including coordinating daily research activities, assisting with laboratory administration, mentoring undergraduate and graduate student researchers, supporting the Principal Investigator with grant proposal development and progress reporting, and helping to manage research funding and project timelines.

This position offers an outstanding opportunity for individuals interested in pursuing careers in academic medicine, biomedical research, or the healthcare professions. Candidates with plans to attend medical school, graduate school, or other health professional programs are strongly encouraged to apply.

Under moderate supervision, the Research Specialist will develop, design, and conduct one or more research projects while coordinating the daily operations of specialized research activities to ensure project objectives, timelines, and regulatory requirements are met.

• This position requires work to be completed onsite, at a designated campus work location.

• This position has been identified as a position of trust with access to vulnerable populations. The selected candidate will be required to pass an initial caregiver check to be eligible for employment under the Wisconsin Caregiver Law and every four years.

Key Job Responsibilities:

• Operates, cleans, and maintains organization of research equipment and research area. Tracks inventory levels and places replenishment orders

• Reviews, analyzes, and interprets data and/or documents results for presentations and/or reporting to internal and external audiences

• Participates in the development, interpretation, and implementation of research methodology and materials

• Provides operational guidance on day-to-day activities of unit or program staff and/or student workers

• Conducts research experiments according to established research protocols with moderate impact to the project(s). Collects data and monitors test results

• Performs literature reviews and writes reports

Department:

School of Medicine and Public Health, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Jiang Research Lab

In 1930, Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (Oto-HNS) was added as a division within the University of Wisconsin Department of Surgery. In 2025, after decades of growth and achievement, the division became an independent department within the School of Medicine and Public Health. Oto-HNS includes seven divisions: otology and neurotology, laryngology, pediatric otolaryngology, comprehensive otolaryngology, rhinology and skull base surgery, head and neck oncologic surgery, and facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. We provide a full range of state-of-the-art specialized care for adults and children at six clinical practice sites in the Madison area, and six outreach sites across Wisconsin and Illinois. Our team of nationally and internationally renowned faculty and residents prioritizes a collaborative culture, engaging with specialists across our practice sites and throughout campus. The department offers the highest quality of education to a large variety of learners, providing training to well over 100 individuals each year through clinical rotations, extramurally funded traineeships, externships and more.

Compensation:

The starting salary wage for the position is $58,000 annually, 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.

• SMPH Faculty /Academic Staff Benefits Flyer 2026

Required Qualifications:

• Demonstrated lab research experience, including techniques relevant to the research program.

• Supervisory or leadership experience managing staff.

• Experience developing and monitoring program/grant budgets, forecasting resource needs, and managing contracts and relationships.

• Experience with human subject research. In particular, study documentation, recruiting, regulatory and compliance.

• 2-4 years employment experience in a related field is required by the start date of the position.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in MATLAB and LabVIEW, with signal processing and algorithm development.

• Experience working in a biomechanical or speech science research lab.

• Experience leading a research team with scientific publication record in related field.

• Ability to stay organized in a fast-paced environment.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to problem solve independently and in a team setting.

Education:

Bachelor's degree in biology, biochemistry, neuroscience, BME, or related field 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.

Important: The application has only one attachment field. Upload the following documents in that field, either as a single combined file or as multiple files in the same upload area.

• 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:

Caitlin Spaulding, caitlin.staley@wisc.edu, 608-265-1325

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).

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