Research Specialist

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Job Category:

Academic Staff

Employment Type:

Regular

Job Profile:

Research Specialist

Job 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 (click on “Become an authorized driver;” then click on “Required criteria”). 

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. For more information, refer to the campus benefits webpage and SMPH Faculty /Academic Staff Benefits Flyer 2026.

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:

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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, [email protected], 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. For more information regarding applicant and employee rights and to view federal and state required postings, visit the Human Resources Workplace Poster website.

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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