Scientist

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Job Category:

Academic Staff

Employment Type:

Regular

Job Profile:

Scientist I

Job Summary:

The Engin Lab in the Department of Biomolecular Chemistry is looking for a Scientist to contribute to our focus in understanding the mechanism of type 1 diabetes. The Engin Laboratory is focused on understanding how cellular stress response and organelle dysfunction plays a role in beta cell physiology and pathology. Current projects involve studying molecular mechanisms of cellular stress responses in pancreatic beta cells in autoimmune diabetes, ER-mitochondria communication, cellular senescence and the crosstalk between stressed beta cells and immune cells. The work involves working with the beta cell or immune cell-specific mouse models of the stress response genes and mechanistic studies using cell culture (primary mouse and human islets), biochemical and immunological assays (Engin et al., Sci Transl Med 2013, Lee et al, Cell Metab 2020, Chen, et al., Nat Comm 2022). More information about our research and publications can be found at enginlab.org. The Engin Lab offers training on grant writing, supports lab members to attend national meetings and disseminate their science. Candidate will be expected to:

• Design and conduct experimental work using state of the art technologies, both in vitro and in vivo.

• Perform data analysis and interpretation of results as required.

• Participate in multidisciplinary research collaborations.

• Write technical documents for fellowships and grants and craft manuscripts for publication.

• Present data in group meetings, seminars and conferences.

• Assist with training of junior scientists, students and technicians in the lab

• Contribute to shared lab duties

Candidates who demonstrate the following knowledge, skills and abilities will be given first consideration

• Molecular biology, RNA, protein work and cloning

• At least three years of experience with mammalian cell culture. Gene manipulation including adeno or lentiviral transduction, siRNA or CRISPR-mediated knockdown.

• Flow cytometry (complex panel with more than 8 colors)

• Confocal imaging of cells and tissues.

• Prior knowledge of cell stress or senescence

Applicants for this position will be considered for Scientist I and Scientist II titles. The title is determined by the experience and qualifications of the finalist.

Key Job Responsibilities:

• Conducts literature reviews, prepares reports and materials, and disseminates information to appropriate entities

• Writes or assists in developing grant applications and proposals to secure research funding

• Collects and analyzes research data, conducts experiments and interviews, and documents results according to established policies and procedures under general supervision and limited responsibility

• Attends and assists with the facilitation of scholarly events and presentations in support of continued professional development and the dissemination of research information

• Assists with the identification of research problems and the development of research methodologies and procedures

• Serves as a main point of contact and liaison with internal and external stakeholders providing information and representing the interests of a specialized research area

Department:

School of Medicine and Public Health, Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, Engin Laboratory

The mission of the Department of Biomolecular Chemistry (BMC) is to carry out world class research that addresses molecular mechanisms of biological processes, particularly as it relates to human disease, and to disseminate that knowledge through teaching and training of future scientists, physicians, and health science professionals. The advancement and transmission of knowledge is part of the broader mission of the School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH) and the University. Additionally, BMC faculty members provide service and expert advice to the SMPH and other units of the University, and the state, nation, and world. In its research, teaching, service, and outreach efforts alike, BMC is committed to building a community that is open to and accepting of all. For the past century, the Department of Biomolecular Chemistry has excelled in research, teaching and service as a proud member of the School of Medicine and Public Health. Our research is at the forefront of biochemical research, integrating fundamental molecular mechanisms with human disease. Our key strengths in Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Genomics, and Development make us a nexus for collaborative studies between basic scientists and clinicians.

Compensation:

The starting salary for the position is $65,000; 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.

• SMPH Academic Staff Benefits Flyer

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum of 3 years of postdoctoral experience, with no more than 15 years of post-PhD research experience.

• Experience in mammalian cell culture and genetic manipulation techniques, including gene overexpression (adenoviral, lentiviral, or retroviral systems) and gene silencing (siRNA/shRNA and/or CRISPR-based approaches).

• Hands-on experience with cloning and core molecular biology methods, including RNA extraction, quantitative PCR (qPCR), Western blotting.

• Experience with advanced imaging techniques, including confocal microscopy, and high-level image analysis and quantification.

• Track record of scholarly productivity, including at least 2–3 first-author publications in high-profile peer-reviewed journals, demonstrating significant and impactful research contributions.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with mouse models of disease, including drug administration, metabolic phenotyping, and tissue collection.

• Strongly preferred: background in the isolation, culture, and functional studies of human (and/or mouse) islets. 

• Strongly preferred: expertise in immunology—particularly T cell and macrophage biology—with proficiency in multicolor flow cytometry (including complex panel design) and data analysis.

• Strongly preferred: expertise in mitochondrial or lysosome biology. 

• Research focus in areas such as cellular stress responses, senescence, cell biology, and immunology.

• Experience with grant writing.

Education:

Ph.D. is required; focus in molecular biology, cell biology, immunology, biochemistry, or related field.

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: There is 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.

Required documents:
 • Cover letter
 • Resume

Your cover letter should address how your training and experience align 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:

Feyza Engin, [email protected], 608-262-8667

Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information. 

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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.

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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.

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