Undergraduate Research Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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.
Position Title:
Research Associate - Biology
Job Category:
Employees in Training
Employment Type:
Terminal (Fixed Term)
Job Profile:
Research Associate
Job Duties:
Attention:
The Department of Biology in the College of Letters and Sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater seeks a postdoctoral fellow in the area of developmental biology, cell biology, physiology, or molecular genetics beginning August 2026. This is a National Science Foundation funded position with responsibilities for research (75%) and teaching and mentoring undergraduate students (25%). Experience in developmental biology, cell biology, physiology, or molecular genetics is preferred.
Job Details:
This is a National Science Foundation funded postdoctoral position studying circadian gene regulation of metabolism and gene expression during dorsal mesoderm specification in Xenopus laevis (RUI # 2523434). The project extends preliminary findings that circadian genes (bmal1 and rev-erba) impact the metabolic shift that occurs during dorsal mesoderm specification. We use a variety of embryological and molecular genetic approaches. The candidate will be trained in relevant techniques which include genome editing using CRISPR-Cas9, luciferase-based assay systems, RNA-Seq, bioinformatics, microinjection, and microdissection of Xenopus embryos. The candidate will also receive training in pedagogical techniques by participating in workshops and programs at UWW as well as one on one mentoring by the PI. The candidate can also expect the PI to support their career goals in the form of publication of results, sharing of reagents and resources, transgenic lines, support for writing grant proposals and attendance at professional meetings.
Responsibilities:
Teaching responsibilities include introductory biology lecture and lab courses and developmental biology. Research expectations include supporting the PI's grant research, publication of results, mentoring undergraduate research students, and writing grant proposals. All students, faculty, and staff are required to ensure their materials are digitally accessible and utilize standard technology platforms supported by UW-Whitewater. Examples include, but are not limited to, Navigate, Canvas, and Microsoft Office applications - including Outlook, which is essential for university email communications and scheduling.
Department Information:
The Biology department at the University of Wisconsin - Whitewater offers Bachelor's degrees in Biology, with emphases in five areas: Cell/Physiology; Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior; Honors; Marine Biology and Freshwater Ecology; and Pre-Biomedical Professions. The Biology department has more than 300 majors and ~30 minors. We also serve the University by offering several general education courses and supporting the pre-health professions certificates in dental, medical, physician's assistant, optometry, and veterinary medicine. Our department is particularly supportive of undergraduate research with dedicated research labs for each of our faculty members, and many of our students have presented their work at national and regional meetings. More information about the College of Letters and Science (https://www.uww.edu/cls) and the Biology department (https://www.uww.edu/cls/departments/biology) may be found at the included links.
CONDITIONS OF APPOINTMENT:
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater does not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term. If you have questions regarding this, please contact Human Resources. UW-Whitewater is not an e-verify employer, therefore STEM extensions are not options for work authorization.
Key Job Responsibilities:
Department:
Biology
Compensation:
Well-qualified candidates can expect a starting annual salary of $45,000 - $50,000 commensurate with the candidate's education, related experience, and qualifications.
UW System employees receive an excellent benefit package. To learn more about the UW System's comprehensive benefit package, review the UW System Employee Benefits Brochure.
Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Biology is required. ABD candidates may apply but must have their degree completed by the contract start date in August 2026; if not, they will be hired on a one-year contract with the understanding that their degree will be completed before January 2027.
• Demonstrated interest in teaching at the undergraduate level, ability to effectively communicate complex information to diverse audiences, both verbally and in writing, and ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively with a team are required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in RNA-Seq, Crispr-Cas9, and bioinformatics is helpful but not required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to interact respectfully with people with diverse socioeconomic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds
• Willingness and ability to be an active participant in following applicable safety rules and regulations including necessary training and drills.

How to Apply:
Only complete application packages will be considered. This includes online submission of the following documents:

• Cover letter/letter of interest
• Statement of teaching philosophy
• Statement outlining experiences working with undergraduate researchers
• Curriculum Vita
• Names and contact information for three professional references (letters of recommendation may be solicited at a later time)
• Copies of unofficial graduate transcripts (Official transcripts will be required if offered the position)

Contact Information:
If you have questions regarding this recruitment or if you are unable to complete the application online due to a disability or system problem, please contact us at (262) 472-1024 or hr@uww.edu.
For questions regarding this position, please contact:
Search Committee Chair, Amber Kammeraad
kammeraa@uww.edu
262.472.1092
To Ensure Consideration:
Applications received by September 19th, 2026, are ensured full consideration. Applications received after that date may be given consideration at the discretion of the search committee. The most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process.
CAMPUS INFORMATION:
UW-Whitewater is a thriving public university located in southeastern Wisconsin. It leads the way in providing world-class, affordable higher education programs to more students than neighboring regional comprehensives in the University of Wisconsin System. A collaborative team of 1,300 faculty and staff are devoted to the success of the university's 11,500 students at its main and Rock County campuses. The team provides high-impact practices and academic programs - online and in person - from associate to doctoral levels. Recognized nationally for affordability, inclusion, and career development, UWW serves approximately one-third first-generation students and boasts strength in many areas, especially business and education. The campus and community embrace the Warhawk Family spirit, supporting the university's arts and nationally recognized NCAA Division-III level championship athletics. As a proud institution of access, more than 10 percent of undergraduate students use the acclaimed Center for Students with Disabilities - a priority mission since the 1970s.
UW-Whitewater's campuses are located centrally near Milwaukee, Madison, and Chicago, offering easy access to the cultural and commercial opportunities of major metropolitan areas. Near both Lake Geneva and the Wisconsin Dells, the area attracts numerous visitors from across the country. Whitewater is a vibrant college community near the Kettle Moraine State Forest offering area residents seasonal outdoor enjoyment. The nearby Rock County campus is located in Janesville, a town of 60,000 located on the Rock River and known as Wisconsin's Park Place.
ORGANIZATION INFORMATION:
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is part of the 13-campus Universities of Wisconsin (https://www.wisconsin.edu).
Wisconsin Statute 19.36(7)(b) provides that applicants may indicate in writing that their identity should be kept confidential. In response to a public records request, the University will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful final candidate will be released. See Wisconsin Statute 19.36(7)(a).
Per Regent Policy Document 20-19, University of Wisconsin System Criminal Background Check Policy and Universities of Wisconsin Administrative Policy 1275 Recruitment Policies, UW-Whitewater requires criminal background checks as a contingency to employment. A criminal background check will be conducted prior to an offer of employment. All final candidates must be asked, prior to hire, whether they have been found to have engaged in, are currently under investigation for, or left employment during an active investigation in which they were accused of sexual violence or sexual harassment. When obtaining employment reference checks, these same sexual violence or sexual harassment questions must also be asked.
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater requires that all employees be active participants in following applicable safety rules and regulations including necessary training and drills.
For UW-Whitewater Campus safety information and crime statistics/annual Security Report, see Annual Security and Fire Safety Report if you would like a paper copy of the report please contact the UW-Whitewater Police at 262-472-4660.
UW IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.