This is a new position managing staff for the Wisconsin Wastewater Surveillance Program at the Wisconsin State Lab of Hygiene. The person in this position will join our wastewater surveillance team that tracks pathogens in wastewater. This field of science is quickly evolving and has proven valuable for monitoring populations for infectious diseases and providing timely data for making informed decisions to advance public health. In 2020, our team began tracking the SARS-CoV-2 virus in wastewater throughout the State of Wisconsin. We publish SARS-CoV-2 data on public facing dashboards that indicate trends and track variants. We established one of the largest monitoring programs in the country and have recently been named a National Wastewater Surveillance System Center of Excellence by the CDC. We have expanded the program to monitor additional pathogens including influenza, RSV and norovirus. We continue to advance this program by expanding the pathogens and antibiotic resistant genes that can be monitored in wastewater.

The Wisconsin Wastewater Surveillance Program is led by a team of Scientists and the new Microbiology Supervisor will coordinate and supervise staff conducting routine surveillance and scientific development activities in collaboration with the Science Leads. This includes recruiting staff, training staff or delegate staff training, coordinating with service technicians for equipment repair and maintenance, overseeing quality control processes, and participate in the designing and conducting of new and established methods. The Environmental Biology Lab Director supervises this position.

The employee in this position is expected to use the tools and principles of quality management in performing their daily work including the following: Demonstrate exceptional customer service by establishing and maintaining effective professional relationships with managers, supervisor, coworkers, and all customers. Provide constructive feedback for the purpose of continuous improvement in a manner that is supportive of the State Laboratory of Hygiene and its mission. Use data collection tools as appropriate. Use effective team skills to contribute to the efficient operation of the work unit. Present ideas, carry out assignments, and provide information as required. Participate in continuous learning through professional development activities.

• 10% Develops, performs, and interprets microbiological tests or assays for diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of illnesses or to determine sources of contamination in the environment
• 5% Monitors scientific reporting to ensure compliance with established policies and procedures
• 10% Oversees schedules of operational work plans for a specialized technical laboratory area
• 5% Exercises supervisory authority, including hiring, transferring, suspending, promoting, managing conduct and performance, discharging, assigning, rewarding, disciplining, and/or approving hours worked of at least 2.0 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees
• 10% Schedules logistics and secures resources for microbiology research activities
• 10% Develops operating policies and laboratory procedures to comply with regulations, institutional policies, and unit objectives to ensure quality control
• 5% Inspects, maintains, calibrates, and repairs equipment to ensure optimal and safe operation
• 5% Directs, develops, and evaluates research methodology, study preparation, and results interpretation
• 5% Plans and conducts experiments and documents results according to research protocol
• 5% Recruits employees and conducts employee performance evaluations
• 5% Identifies, develops, and facilitates unit staff training opportunities
• 5% Contributes to the development of microbiology science through professional association conference attendance, presentations, and participation
• 20% Maintains Wastewater Surveillance testing program.

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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:

Required
Bachelor's Degree in Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Environmental Sciences or related field.

Candidates with experience in wastewater surveillance preferred. Experience with molecular testing including PCR and sequencing of environmental samples preferred. Demonstrated ability to effectively mentor and train people in lab work required.

Knowledge and Skills:
1) Individual must have excellent team leadership skills.
2) The individual must be well organized, detail-oriented, self-motivated and have excellent customer service skills.
3) Works well in a respectful, productive team-based environment. Individual must possess excellent written and oral communication skills and be proficient with team-based software applications.
4) Knowledge of overall laboratory operations, standard good laboratory practices, robust QA/QC procedures and laboratory safety.
5) Knowledge of viruses, bacteria, parasites and potential emerging pathogens present in environmental sources.
6) Knowledge and/or understanding of:
a) Pathogen concentration techniques from environmental samples
b) Nucleic acid extraction techniques
c) Design and development of quantitative digital PCR, and/or multiplex assays
d) NGS methodologies in DNA and RNA sequencing
e) Proficiency with PCR data analysis
7) Knowledge and experience using Laboratory Information Management systems (LIMs) preferred.

Full Time: 100%

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

Ongoing/Renewable

Minimum $70,000 ANNUAL (12 months)
Depending on Qualifications
Minimum salary starting at $70,000.00/year. Salary to be determined upon hire.

Employees in this position can expect to receive benefits such as generous vacation, holidays, and paid time off; competitive insurances and saving accounts; retirement benefits.

The Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene (WSLH) is the state's public, environmental and occupational health laboratory. Founded in 1903, WSLH has a rich history in protecting and advancing the public health of Wisconsin's people and environment while also embodying the Wisconsin Idea. WSLH is part of the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. This position resides within the Environmental Health Division of the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene (WSLH) located at 2601 Agriculture Drive, Madison, WI 53718 (off campus). Primary work hours are generally 7:45 A.M. to 4:30 P.M., Monday through Friday but start and end times can be flexible.

WSLH does not sponsor work visas at the time of hire or anytime during employment for this position. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete the required Employment Eligibility Form I-9.

To begin the application process please click on the "Apply Now" button. You will be asked to upload a current resume/CV, a cover letter briefly describing your qualifications relevant to the position, and a document listing contact information for three (3) references, including at least one supervisor. If you have questions, you may email or call Kelsey Bailey, 608-262-5594.

Kelsey Bailey

608-262-5594
Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See for further information.

Microbiologist Supervisor(HS053)

A52-WI STATE LAB OF HYGIENE/WATER MICROBIOLOGY

Academic Staff-Renewable

295708-AS