Research Specialist Jobs in Wisconsin
Research Specialist jobs in Wisconsin are in consistent demand, with strong concentrations in academic research, clinical trials, and policy analysis tied to the state's major university systems and healthcare networks. Madison, Milwaukee, and Green Bay are the primary hiring hubs, home to anchor employers such as the University of Wisconsin System, Marshfield Clinic Health System, and Epic Systems. The most in-demand specialties include clinical research coordination, survey and social science research, and biomedical data analysis. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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- JR10016043
- On Site
- Madison, Wisconsin
- Research
- Full time
- Closing at: Nov 5 2026 - 11:00pm CST
Job Category:
Academic StaffEmployment Type:
RegularJob Profile:
Research SpecialistJob Summary:
The Research Specialist will support the day-to-day implementation of human subjects’ research studies within the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health’s Respiratory Disease Research Team, which includes Dr. Bruce Barrett’s research portfolio. Responsibilities include screening and enrolling study participants, obtaining informed consent, coordinating study visits and participant follow-up, ensuring adherence to study protocols, collecting and maintaining accurate study data and documentation, and processing participant payments. They will develop study documents and materials, create standard operating procedures, and assist with compiling and presenting study data. The Research Specialist will work closely with investigators and research team members to ensure studies are conducted efficiently, safely, and in compliance with IRB, institutional, and sponsor requirements.
- This position requires work to be completed onsite, at a designated campus work location.
- This position has been identified as a position of trust. The selected candidate will be required to pass an initial caregiver check to be eligible for employment under the Wisconsin Caregiver Law and then every two years.
- Must provide a valid driver's license. Employees may use their own transportation or receive approval for University Car Fleet usage. Employment is conditional pending the results of a Pre-hire Driver Authorization Check. See https://businessservices.wisc.edu/managing-risk/driver-authorization-and-insurance/driver-authorization/#become-authorized-driver (
Candidates who demonstrate the following knowledge, skills, and abilities will be given first consideration:
- Ability to work independently and take initiative on tasks and/or projects
- Ability to consistently maintain a high level of attention to detail and demonstrate organizational skills
- Ability to communicate effectively, both verbal and written
- Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects
- Knowledge of research confidentiality and privacy issues
Key Job Responsibilities:
- Performs literature reviews and writes reports
- Provides operational guidance on day-to-day activities of unit or program staff and/or student workers
- Participates in the development, interpretation, and implementation of research methodology and materials
- Reviews, analyzes, and interprets data and/or documents results for presentations and/or reporting to internal and external audiences
- Operates, cleans, and maintains organization of research equipment and research area. Tracks inventory levels and places replenishment orders
- Conducts research experiments according to established research protocols with moderate impact to the project(s). Collects data and monitors test results
Department:
School of Medicine and Public Health, Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Dr. Bruce Barrett Research Program
Compensation:
The starting salary for the position is $50,000 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.
Required Qualifications:
- Experience with REDCap database and/or other research database
- Experience working in a research setting
- Familiarity with community based and/or clinical trial research
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience handling nasal and/or blood specimens
- Experience using HealthLink
Education:
Bachelor’s Degree 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. Failure to submit the required documents will result in no longer being considered for the position.
- 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:
Paige Steinert, paige.steinert@fammed.wisc.edu, 608-890-1740
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 6 Research Specialist Jobs in Wisconsin
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Find Research Specialist JobsResearch Specialist Jobs by City in Wisconsin
Where Wisconsin roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Research Specialist Job Market in Wisconsin
A snapshot from current Wisconsin openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



What Wisconsin Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in research specialist jobs across Wisconsin.
- Bachelor's or master's degree in a relevant scientific, social science, or health-related field
- Experience designing and conducting research studies, surveys, or data collection projects
- Proficiency with statistical analysis software such as SPSS, SAS, R, or Stata
- Familiarity with IRB protocols and human subjects research compliance requirements
- Strong written communication skills for preparing reports, grant applications, and publications
- Ability to manage multiple concurrent research projects and meet institutional deadlines
Research Specialist Jobs in Wisconsin: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a research specialist in Wisconsin?
Most research specialist roles in Wisconsin require at least a bachelor's degree in a field aligned with the position, such as biology, public health, psychology, or social science, and a master's degree is preferred for many clinical or policy roles. Wisconsin does not issue a single statewide license for research specialists, but clinical research coordinators working in regulated trials are expected to hold or pursue credentials such as the Certified Clinical Research Coordinator designation through ACRP or SOCRA. Positions at UW System institutions or state agencies often require demonstrated research methodology training.
Which companies hire research specialists in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin research specialist roles are posted by ThedaCare, UW Health, and Bank First and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Wisconsin's combination of major university medical centers, independent health systems, and technology-driven employers like Epic Systems creates a broad and varied base of research specialist hiring across the state.
Which Wisconsin cities have the most research specialist jobs?
Madison, Beloit, and Appleton lead Wisconsin for research specialist openings. Madison dominates due to the University of Wisconsin-Madison and affiliated research institutes, while Milwaukee's concentration of hospital systems and applied research firms drives demand there, and Green Bay's growing healthcare and clinical trial activity explains its presence on the list.
Are there remote research specialist jobs in Wisconsin?
Yes, and more than many comparable roles. About 0% of research specialist openings tied to Wisconsin are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting how much of the work involves data analysis, literature review, and report writing rather than on-site lab or fieldwork. Positions focused on quantitative analysis, systematic review, or policy research tend to be the most amenable to fully remote arrangements.
How can I get hired as a research specialist in Wisconsin with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a research assistant or research coordinator position at one of Wisconsin's major university systems or health networks. The University of Wisconsin-Madison and UW Health regularly post entry-level research assistant roles that accept candidates with a completed bachelor's degree and no prior professional research experience. Marshfield Clinic Health System and Froedtert Health run clinical research coordinator training tracks for new graduates. Lateral moves from roles such as lab technician, data analyst, or program coordinator are common, and completing a Good Clinical Practice certification before applying gives candidates a clear edge.
Where can I find and apply to research specialist jobs in Wisconsin?
You can find and apply to research specialist jobs in Wisconsin on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers across the state. Find roles that fit your experience and location and apply directly from each listing.
See All 6 Research Specialist Jobs in Wisconsin
Find roles in Wisconsin that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Research Specialist Jobs