Microbiologist Supervisor Job Opportunity – at WSLH, Apply Now!
Looking to advance your career in public health microbiology? Apply now for the position of Microbiologist Supervisor with the Wisconsin Wastewater Surveillance Program at the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Join a nationally recognized CDC Center of Excellence and lead efforts in tracking infectious diseases, including SARS-CoV-2, RSV, influenza, and norovirus, through environmental sampling and molecular surveillance.
- Job Posting: Microbiologist Supervisor
- Requisition Number: JR10000404
- Remote Type: On Site
- Location: Madison, Wisconsin
- Category: Health and Wellness Services
About the Institution
The Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene (WSLH) at UW–Madison is a nationally acclaimed center for environmental health, public health diagnostics, and disease surveillance. As one of the largest contributors to the CDC’s National Wastewater Surveillance System, WSLH drives innovation in environmental microbiology while supporting state and federal health initiatives.
About the Role
The Microbiologist Supervisor will manage laboratory staff and operations for the Wastewater Surveillance Program, ensuring effective execution of molecular diagnostics, qPCR assays, and next-generation sequencing (NGS) methods. The role focuses on leadership, laboratory quality assurance, staff training, and public health impact.
Key Responsibilities
- Supervise lab operations, staff schedules, equipment maintenance, and quality control.
- Coordinate with scientists to conduct wastewater surveillance for multiple pathogens.
- Develop and optimize PCR-based, qPCR, and NGS protocols.
- Ensure compliance with laboratory safety and Good Laboratory Practices (GLP).
- Participate in data analysis and contribute to the development of scientific reports and presentations.
- Maintain laboratory documentation and performance evaluations for FTEs.
- Support grant goals, interdepartmental collaboration, and national research.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Environmental Science, or related field.
- Demonstrated ability to train and supervise lab personnel.
- Strong knowledge of pathogen surveillance, nucleic acid extraction, PCR techniques, and microbial data analysis.
- Organizational, leadership, and team-based communication skills.
- Proficiency with software like LIMS and standard lab instrumentation.
Preferred Qualifications
- Hands-on experience with wastewater surveillance or environmental microbiology.
- Proficiency with digital PCR, multiplex assays, and next-generation sequencing.
- Experience working with LIMS platforms and public health datasets.
- Prior involvement in CDC-funded or NIH-funded surveillance projects.
Compensation
- Base salary: $75,000/year (negotiable based on qualifications).
- Complete benefits package as per the University of Wisconsin–Madison HR policies.
How to Apply
Apply before July 29, 2025. You must upload:
- A current resume/CV
- A cover letter detailing relevant experience
- Three references (including at least one supervisor)
- For questions, contact:
- [email protected]
- Dan Makovec: (608) 890-1011
Keywords: Microbiologist Supervisor, Madison, Wisconsin, Job Opportunity, Health and Wellness Services, Wastewater Surveillance, Laboratory, Public Health
