Job Summary:

This is a Research Technician position with the Fruit Crop Physiology Research and Extension program in the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Department of Plant and Agroecosystem Sciences under the supervision of Dr. Amaya Atucha. This position will assist with the field and lab work associated with the study of heat stress on cranberry and its effect on fruit rot disease. The research field work will be conducted at the Wisconsin Cranberry Research Station (WCRS) near Black River Falls, while the lab work will be performed in the Fruit Crop Research lab at UW- Madison. Field work is expected to be performed under different environment conditions, especially in hot days, as well as in the presence of bees and bumblebees. A requirement of this position is the ability to be approved for driver authorization through UW Risk Management as there will be driving involved to travel to field research sites.
The College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) is committed to maintaining and growing a culture that embraces diversity, inclusion, and equity, believing that these values are foundational elements of our excellence and fundamental components of a positive and enriching learning and working environment for all students, faculty, and staff. At CALS, we acknowledge that bias, prejudice, racism, and hate have historically occurred in many forms that cause significant and lasting harm to members of our community. We commit to taking actions each day toward a college that is inclusive and welcoming to all. 

Responsibilities:

Conducts research experiments with limited supervision. Provides technical support with some degree of independence for research projects and/or labs under moderate supervision.

• 30% Prepares lab and/or field test materials and samples according to established research requirements and specifications. Performs lab or field tests.
• 15% Inspects and maintains equipment, supplies, inventory, and facility spaces
• 30% Collects data and monitors test results according to established research requirements and specifications
• 5% May assist with literature reviews and/or report writing
• 5% Assists with heat stress tests in two cranberry fields at the Wisconsin Cranberry Research Station (WCRS), including assembling and disassembling experimental Open Top Chambers (OTCs).
• 5% Assists with data loggers, canopy environment and fruit temperature sensor installation and maintenance
• 10% Assists with cranberry plant and fruit sample collections at WCRS and at the Fruit Crop Research Lab, UW-Madison.

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.
For more information on diversity and inclusion on campus, please visit: Diversity and Inclusion

Education:

Preferred
Bachelor's Degree in plant sciences, crop sciences or related disciplines.

Qualifications:

Required:
- Classroom and/or research experience with plants or horticultural crops.
- Detail-oriented.
- Familiarity or experience working outdoors to collect research data.
- Be comfortable working outdoors in the presence of insects such as bees and bumblebees.
- Proficiency in word processing and spreadsheet programs.
- Must be able to obtain driver authorization to be able to drive UW vehicles to research sites.
Preferred:
- Prior experience working in a research laboratory.
- Prior experience working in plant science research and experiment set up
- Experience in data collection and analysis.

Work Schedule:

This position involves both fieldwork and laboratory tasks. Throughout July and August, a minimum commitment of 2 days per week in the field is required. Fieldwork will increase to 4 days per week in September until harvesting time. Field days may exceed 8 hours. Starting from October, laboratory work will be carried out within standard working hours.

Work Type:

It is anticipated this position requires work be performed in-person, onsite, at a designated campus work location.

Appointment Type, Duration:

Terminal appointment.
This position has the possibility to be extended based on need and/or funding.

Salary:

Minimum $17.00 HOURLY
Depending on Qualifications
The starting pay for this position will be based upon relevant experience and qualifications.

Additional Information:

Applicants must become an approved driver through UW-Madison's driver authorization process. This requires meeting established driver authorization criteria listed at https://businessservices.wisc.edu/managing-risk/driver-authorization-and-insurance/driver-authorization/. 

How to Apply:

Click on the "Apply Online" button to start the application process. You will be prompted to upload the following documents/application materials:
- Current resume/CV
- Cover letter briefly describing your interest in the position, relevant experience with plants, and additional qualifications aligning with the requirements for this position.
- Contact information for three professional references, including your current/most recent supervisor. References will not be contacted without prior notice.
It is important that your cover letter and resume reflect your experience for this position related to the Qualifications section. Your application materials will be used during our evaluation to determine your qualifications as they relate to the job. The most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process.

Contact:

Jenny Bolivar-Medina
bolivar@wisc.edu608-890-3998
Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information.

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Official Title:

Research Technician(RE038)

Department(s):

A07-COL OF AG & LIFE SCIENCES/PLANT & AGROECOSYSTEM SCI

Employment Class:

Temporary Employment

Job Number:

295379-CL

 

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, 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 through diversity and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.
If you need to request an accommodation because of a disability, you can find information about how to make a request at the following website: https://employeedisabilities.wisc.edu/disability-accommodation-information-for-applicants/Employment will require a criminal background check. It will also require you and your references to answer questions regarding 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.