Research Technician

About this role

Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process.

Job Category: University Staff

Employment Type: Temporary (Fixed Term)

Job Profile: Research Technician

Job Summary: The Corn Breeding and Genetics Program within the Department of Plant and Agroecosystem Sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Madison is seeking two motivated and detail-oriented Field Research Technicians to support critical corn breeding research activities at the West Madison Agricultural Research Station. These temporary positions will play an important role in advancing research efforts through corn hand harvesting, phenotyping, and seed and sample processing activities.

These appointments are expected to begin in mid-to-late September 2026 and continue through approximately December 15, 2026, with flexibility in both start and end dates. While they are temporary positions, there may be an opportunity for extension based on program needs. Please note that appointments are limited to a maximum of 1,040 hours within a 12-month period. Interested candidates will be needed for up to 40 hours per week with the opportunity for somewhat flexible scheduling.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, dependable, and capable of managing multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced research environment. Strong time management, prioritization, and accurate recordkeeping skills are essential. Experience working outdoors, particularly in agricultural, research, or field-based settings, is preferred. Candidates must be able to perform the physical requirements of agricultural fieldwork, including prolonged walking and standing on uneven terrain, and lifting, carrying, and moving materials weighing up to 50 pounds. Successful candidates will demonstrate effective communication and problem-solving abilities, a strong work ethic, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a diverse research team. A willingness to learn and contribute to high-quality research outcomes is highly valued.

Key Job Responsibilities: • May assist with literature reviews and/or report writing

• Performs lab and/or field test materials and samples according to established research requirements and specifications. Performs lab or field tests

• Reviews data to summarize results for presentations or reporting

• Collects data and monitors test results according to established research requirements and specifications

• Inspects and maintains equipment, supplies, inventory, and facility spaces

Department:   College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, Plant and Agroecosystem Sciences, De Leon Gatti Research Program

Compensation:  The rate of pay for this position is $20.00 per hour.

Required Qualifications: • Proven ability to prepare and maintain records with accuracy

• Demonstrated track record of following established procedures or protocols

• Demonstrated ability to work as part of a diverse research team

• Employee must have a valid driver's license and 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/

Preferred Qualifications: • Experience conducting plant-related research

• Experience conducting field work in adverse weather conditions

Education: Bachelor's degree preferred in plant sciences, agronomy, or closely related field

How to Apply: To apply for this position, please click on the "I am a current employee" button or "I am not a current employee" button under "Apply Now". You will be prompted to upload the following documents. • Resume (required) - Detail your educational and professional background

• Cover letter (required) - Address each of the required and preferred qualifications as they relate to your work experience

It’s 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.

IMPORTANT: There is only one attachment field; please upload all application materials here. Please submit only the materials specified; additional materials will not be reviewed.

Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their 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 need of employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of the appointment. University sponsorship is not available for this position.

References: Finalists will be asked to provide contact information (phone and email) for three references, one of which must be a current or former supervisor. References will not be contacted without prior notice.

Contact Information: Madeilene Hoffman | HR Generalist at madeilene.hoffman@wisc.edu 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 Equa

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