Researcher and Lab Manager - Hryckowian Lab

The Hryckowian Lab is seeking a highly organized, detail-oriented Researcher I to serve as the central operational node and technical backbone of the laboratory. This role splits time roughly equally between comprehensive laboratory management (~20 hours/week) and direct bench research assistance (~20 hours/week).

The Hryckowian Lab's research focuses on understanding how resident microbial communities (microbiomes) act as a "microbial shield" to protect against pathogenic bacterial infections, and how to fortify this barrier in defined ways. By integrating microbial pathogenesis, microbiome science, and bacteriophage (phage) biology, our research program mechanistically interrogates microbe-microbe and microbe-host interactions to develop precision, microbiome-informed strategies that combat infection while lessening reliance on traditional antibiotics.

The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced academic research environment, possesses exceptional organizational skills, and can seamlessly manage multiple competing timelines. As the lab's operational lead, this individual will oversee routine purchasing, inventory management, equipment maintenance, and biosafety compliance, while also supporting onboarding and supervising personnel. At the bench, the position contributes directly to active research projects that incorporate various techniques in bacterial pathogenesis, microbiome science, and bacteriophage research.

General duties will include (but not limited to):

1. Laboratory Operations & Management (~50%)

• Inventory & Purchasing: Manage day-to-day ordering, shipping, and receiving of reagents; maintain inventory; reconcile purchasing card charges.

• Facility & Bench Maintenance: Oversee daily, weekly, and monthly maintenance of shared laboratory spaces, including biosafety cabinets, fume hoods, reagent/gel benches, cold rooms, and specialized equipment (e.g., anaerobic/hypoxic chambers)

• Media & Supply Preparation: Manage and execute weekly schedules for media and buffer preparation, dishwashing, autoclaving, and restocking sterile supplies.

• Safety & Compliance: Ensure full compliance with university biosafety, chemical safety, and animal safety.

• Personnel Coordination: Serve as the primary onboarding facilitator for new lab members and oversee undergraduate student employees.

• Central Communication Hub: Maintain regular communication with the Principal Investigator and team members to ensure smooth daily operations and continuous progress.

2. Bench Research & Technical Support (~50%)

• Support experimental workflows involving microbial and eukaryotic model systems.

• Collaboratively analyze experimental data, troubleshoot technical issues, and report findings to the Principal Investigator.

Additional Job Details:

• This position requires work to be completed onsite, at a designated campus work location.

• Terminal, 24 month appointment

• This position has the possibility to be extended or converted to an ongoing appointment based on need and/or funding.

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

• Demonstrated track record of prioritizing tasks and managing competing operational timelines in a lab setting

• Assists in developing grant applications and proposals to secure research funding

• Oversees laboratory facility maintenance, biosafety, and regulatory compliance; schedules and executes routine maintenance for specialized equipment (e.g., anaerobic chambers, freezers, centrifuges) and chemical/biohazard waste disposal.

• Collects and analyzes basic research data, conducts experiments and interviews, and documents results according to established policies and procedures

• Assists with the development of research methodologies and procedures

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

• Identifies concerns and recommends solutions to leadership

• Supervises undergraduate student employees and manages overall laboratory scheduling, media/buffer preparation workflows, and daily operational logistics.

• Trains individuals and groups on equipment operations, research protocols, and techniques within a specialized laboratory or research area

• Serves as the central operational node for laboratory purchasing and inventory management; manages supply ordering, maintains stock levels, and reconciles purchasing card transactions.

School of Medicine and Public Health, Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hryckowian Lab

Fueled by innovation yet grounded in kindness, the Department of Medicineempowers leaders to transform medicine and improve lives everywhere. We are committed to professional fulfillment and health equity.We strive to ensure that everyone in our department understands the importance of social impact and belonging-and is empowered to champion it in all they do.Join us and be a part of supporting our nationally recognized faculty, innovative medical education programs and exceptional clinical care as we work towards our vision of healthy people and healthy communities!

At the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, we help people with gastrointestinal and liver disease live their healthiest lives. We lead comprehensive education, research and clinical programs-in partnership with our world-class university and remarkable health system. We are innovative, collaborative and kind. We strive for excellence and health equity. And we make an impact in Wisconsin and beyond.

The expected salary range for this position is $45,250 up to $65,000 for highly experienced candidates and actual pay within this range will depend 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 the SMPH Faculty /Academic Staff Benefits Flyer 2026

• Minimum 2 years of combined experience in lab management and academic research roles.

• Proficiency with core molecular biology and microbiology techniques

• Experience with supply ordering, shipping and receiving, and regulatory compliance.

• Experience working across multiple distinct academic research labs in a management or lead specialist capacity

• Familiarity with specialized lab maintenance tasks, including anaerobic/hypoxic chambers

• Experience supervising undergraduate student staff and leading onboarding/training for new lab members.

• Direct experience with bacterial genetics, anaerobic bacteriology, molecular biology, biochemistry, and murine models of microbial commensalism and pathogenesis

Master's degree preferred; focus in Bacteriology, Biomedical Sciences, Genetics, Microbiology, or a closely related biological sciences field preferred. Applicants with a combination of Bachelor's degree in one of these fields and relevant bench experience will be considered.

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• 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 currently scheduled to endtwo years from date of hire and will require eligibility to work until that time.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.

Andrew Hryckowian, hryckowian@medicine.wisc.edu

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

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