university of wisconsin madison phd application

Admissions Application Checklist

8 steps to a complete admissions application.

Thank you for your interest in applying for graduate school in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Wisconsin – Madison. This page will provide you with details on how to apply and what the admissions committee is looking for in potential applicants.

The online application requires the following documents:

• A Curriculum Vitae
• A Statement of Purpose
• Supplemental Application
• Unofficial transcripts
• Three letters of recommendation
• Official TOEFL or IELTS scores if your native language is not English

Step 1: Complete the Graduate School Application form online.

Note: when applying to the chemistry Ph.D. program, you are applying to the Graduate School at UW-Madison. See the Graduate School’s Admissions FAQ for more information. The specific components of the application are described in detail below.

Step 2: Complete the “Supplemental Application”

This is available with the online Graduate School Application in Step 1. You must select “Save” after you complete this section or it will not be transmitted.

Step 3: Upload unofficial transcripts as PDFs for each institution attended in the Supplemental Application.

Universities attended as part of a study abroad program do not need to be included if the coursework is reflected on your current institution transcripts. Unofficial transcripts, accessible through student accounts via the university website, are acceptable.  If you request an official transcript from the university, please print the transcript and re-create an electronic version before you add it to the supplemental application.  This will remove the formatting that causes the transcript to be encrypted and unable to be viewed by the faculty.

Official transcripts are only required if you are accepted into the chemistry Ph.D. graduate program. The Graduate School will send you information about how to submit an official transcript.

Step 4: Submit official TOEFL test scores if native language is not English.

Every applicant whose native language is not English, or whose undergraduate instruction was not in English, must provide an English proficiency test score. TOEFL scores may be submitted electronically via ETS (institution code: 1846). You may leave the department code blank. IELTS scores may be submitted electronically or by mailing them to the graduate school at the following address: UW-Madison Graduate School, Office of Admissions, 232 Bascom Hall, 500 Lincoln Drive, Madison, WI 53706. Your score will not be accepted if it is more than two years old from the start of your admission term. Further details on the graduate school’s English proficiency requirement, including exemptions, can be found at the following link: https://grad.wisc.edu/apply/requirements/ .

Step 5: Upload a PDF attachment of your “Statement of Purpose” essay.

To help you ensure that your Statement of Purpose addresses all of the dimensions the admissions committee will be evaluating, it may be helpful for you to answer the following questions at some point in your document:

• Describe how you affected the trajectory of any research program (including course-based research) that you were involved in. Emphasize your personal intellectual and creative contributions to any projects you participated in.
• What research programs in chemistry are you interested in pursuing in graduate school? How do the research programs of our faculty align with your interests? Please be specific in your response (e.g., describe how your interests intersect with ongoing research programs of individual faculty).
• Please describe how you contributed to enriching communities to which you belong. Community involvement may involve working toward increasing diversity and inclusion, engagement in outreach, and/or other equity work. Please also share with us any leadership roles or responsibilities you have held outside of chemistry.
• What do you consider to be a strength of your application? What do you consider to be a weakness of your application? How have you built on your strengths and worked to improve areas of weakness? How have you shown persistence and resilience in the face of challenges? Please address any gaps or weaknesses in your transcript or CV and share any circumstances that affected your performance (e.g., illness, death in the family, working to support yourself).
• Please describe your long-term goals and how a Ph.D. in chemistry will help you achieve them.

Note that these should not be addressed via stand-alone paragraphs – your answers should be woven into a coherent 2 page narrative.  We suggest that your statement of purpose not exceed 2 pages in length and that you abide by the following formatting requirements:

• Single spaced
• Font 11pt Arial or 12pt Times New Roman

Step 6: Upload a PDF attachment of your CV.

Your Curriculum Vitae (CV) should help the admissions committee evaluate your academic potential, research potential, and whether you were involved with diversity, equity and/or inclusion initiatives. A CV should provide a summary of your experience and skills.

All CVs submitted as part of an application should contain sections dedicated to:

• This section should include the location and duration of each research experience as well as the name of your faculty mentor
• Research experience can include summer internships, industrial experience, and/or course-based research projects
• This section should list any jobs you have held through your undergraduate years and beyond – include the name of the job, place of employment, and duration of employment
• List the approximate number of hours worked per week in each job
• Please include teaching experiences (e.g., Teaching Assistant positions, tutoring) as a type of work experience
• This list should include the names of initiatives you were involved in that were dedicated to enriching the communities to which you below. The duration of your involvement with these initiatives should be explicitly stated. Initiatives may include volunteer experience, outreach initiatives and/or extracurricular activities
• Publications contributed to should be listed using a citation format commonly used in chemistry (e.g., Am. Chem. Soc. , Cell, Nature )
• A list of presentations should include the presentation title, whether the presentation was a poster or talk, all author(s) who contributed to the work, the year of the presentation, and which conference the presentation occurred at
• Papers under review or in preparation can also be included, though this status should be noted explicitly
• This section should include the date each honor/award was received as well as whether it is a local or national honor/award

We provide two example CVs that meet the requirements specified above. The first sample represents an individual whose alma mater is a fictional primarily undergraduate institution. The second sample represents a fictional student who attended a peer institution of UW – Madison. These examples are meant as generic templates – please feel free to include additional sections in your CV.

Step 7: Submit contact information for three letters of recommendation.

You should select recommenders who can comment in detail on why you are a great candidate for graduate study. Overall the best recommendations letters come from:

• Research supervisors: They can attest to how you have advanced scholarly projects.
• Job-supervisor or Coach: These individuals can attest yo your creativity, work ethic, ambition, etc .
• For students who intend graduate work in a math-intensive chemistry sub-discipline, it may be useful to have a letter writer who can attest to mathematical aptitude.

When considering who to ask to be a recommender, remember that letters of recommendation are meant to support inferences as to your academic potential, research potential, and involvement in your community.

Step 8: Complete payment of the $75 application fee via credit card or fee waiver

Domestic applicants can receive fee waivers from the UW-Madison Graduate School. The UW-Madison Graduate School provides fee grants to applicants who grew up in a low income household or participated in a pipeline program. This information can be found on the Graduate School Website .

International students have an added $6 fee for the additional processing, for a total of $81. Application fee waivers do not cover this $6 processing fee.

Applications for fall 2025 are open from 9/6 – 12/1, 2024. The GRE exams (general and subject) are NOT required for admission to the chemistry graduate program.

Director of Graduate Student Program Office: Francisca Jofre [email protected]

Graduate Program Coordinator: Erin Grunewald [email protected]

• Chemistry Admissions FAQ More
• Graduate School application and fees FAQ More

Prospective PhD Students

Admitting Term :

We only admit students in Fall semesters.

Deadlines :

The deadline to submit your application for Fall admission is December 15th .

The deadline to submit letters of recommendation and test scores for Fall admission is January 1st.

Required Application Materials

To be uploaded as pdfs to the Graduate School application :

• Transcripts from each institution attended. An unofficial transcript is acceptable for the initial review. If you are recommended for admission, the Graduate School will require official transcripts. Additional information about international degrees is on the Graduate School website .
• Coursework (different from transcript). In a list or table format, state all advanced mathematics courses you have completed, are currently enrolled in, or intend to take. For each course give the name of the school where you took it, the course number, the title, description, books used, and the grade you received (for completed courses). If you have more than 20 courses, please include ONLY the most advanced courses. ( sample )
• Statement of reason for graduate study ( samples )
• CV/Resume ( sample )

To be requested through the application:

• Three (3) letters of recommendation that address the question of mathematical promise. These letters should be from mathematics faculty, or other faculty familiar with the demands of graduate work in mathematics.

To be sent by ETS directly to the Graduate School using institution code 1846 (and no department code):

• (if applicable) English proficiency exam scores
• (optional) GRE general scores
• (optional) GRE subject scores

To review the status of your submitted application, sign into MyUW with your netID . Any requests for information or changes in your status will be emailed to you or noted in MyUW.

[email protected]

• Departmental Application Requirements More
• Additional Application Information More
• Graduate School Application Requirements More
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) More
• Admissions & Enrollment Data More
• Doctoral Career Outcomes More

More Information

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Students offered admission to the PhD program are also offered financial support, typically in the form of a teaching assistant position . This support is guaranteed for 5 years, assuming satisfactory progress. It is the department’s policy to try to continue to support those beyond the period of guaranteed support who are making satisfactory progress in their research and whose teaching performance is satisfactory. The department does not require that students teach. In later years, PhD students may serve as research assistants for their thesis advisors.

The department also has access to some outside funds for fellowship support of graduate students. Applicants to the PhD program are automatically considered for all available forms of financial support. Outside fellowships may be for beginning study or for later years.

Graduate assistants, including TAs and RAs, and graduate fellows receive a salary and tuition remission (except segregated fees , International student fee , and a one-time official document fee ) and are eligible for health insurance .

Student Fees

All graduate students are required to pay student fees called Segregated Fees . The cost of segregated fees are listed with  Tuition Rates (select Graduate or most Capstone Certificates program). These fees are paid Fall and Spring semesters and Summer term. The payment schedule is here .

Health Insurance

Graduate assistants, including TAs and RAs, and graduate fellows have the option to receive excellent benefits through the university’s  state group health insurance plan . This is the same health insurance that covers faculty and staff.

Waiver for Prior Math Graduate Courses

A graduate student can receive a waiver from the Department for up to 12 credits toward UW-Madison Ph.D. course requirements for graduate courses taken at other institutions. These courses will not appear on the UW-Madison transcript nor count toward the Graduate School cumulative GPA or credit requirements, but will fulfill the Department’s requirement toward coursework if approved. Coursework earned ten or more years prior to admission to a doctoral degree is not allowed to satisfy requirements.

To confer credits, complete the Transfer Credit Approval Form . Submit this form along with syllabi for each course to the Director of Graduate Studies for approval.

International Students

Incoming Students

Incoming students whose native language is not English are required to take the SPEAK test to demonstrate their ability to speak clearly and listen effectively. Those not enrolling in ITA training (below) should contact the PhD Graduate Coordinator to register.

International students that did not attend a US institution for undergraduate studies are required to attend International Teaching Assistant (ITA) training mid-July to mid-August.

All international students are required to attend International Student Services (ISS) Orientation upon arrival.

International Student Services

UW-Madison has an active  International Student Services  (ISS) organization that offers workshops, events, and information for international students throughout their academic career. They will answer questions about visas, employment, dependents, and other issues.

Improving English Skills

There are various organizations at UW-Madison and the community for international students to improve their English,  PEACE ,  Conversational English ,  Madison Friends of International Students  (MFIS), in additional to the  English as a Second Language  (ESL) courses. There are also student-run organizations at the  Wisconsin Involvement Network  (WIN).

Graduate Student Life

Graduate Student Life is a  microsite  for new and incoming graduate students. It includes information on housing, transportation, living in Madison, being a student at UW–Madison, thriving in graduate school, and a section for international students.

Grad student Leslie Taylor snaps quite the mirror selfie in the mirrors of a telescope she helped build in Arizona

Students from the entering class of 2019 went apple picking together their first fall in Madison

PhD — Prospective Students

Useful links.

• Apply for Admissions More
• Research More
• GUIDE — Physics PhD More
• Current PhD Students More
• Graduate Student Life @ UW–Madison More
• PhD program contacts More
• Student resources More

Welcome to the PhD in Physics program at UW–Madison!

The first PhD in physics at UW–Madison was awarded in 1899, for research on “An Interferometer Study of Radiation in a Magnetic Field.” Over 1,500 individual PhD research projects have been completed since.

Our department has a strong tradition of graduate study and the research that is essential to the PhD Degree. There are many facilities for doing world-class research, and the PhD research program involves leading-edge activities in Madison and at research facilities around the world. Over 175 current graduate students conduct research in one of the Department of Physics faculty groups or with an affiliated faculty group  in departments such as Electrical and Computer Engineering or Astronomy.

If you have any questions about the program, please direct them to physgrad@physics.wisc.edu.

How to Apply

Fall 2025 Physics PhD Application Deadline: December 15, 2024

Fall 2025 prospective students should apply for admissions through the Graduate School. Applicants must s atisfy the Graduate School requirements for undergraduate grade-point average, bachelor’s degree, and English proficiency and submit:

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3 Letters of Recommendation

A complete application requires 3 (no more than 4) letters of recommendation. The most impactful letters come from current or past research advisors, or other individuals who know you well and can speak to your strengths, prior experiences, and accomplishments and how they have prepared you to pursue a PhD in Physics.

Official Transcripts

No official transcripts are required as part of the application. The Graduate School will send an instructional email request after the program has recommended admission.  Please submit transcripts for all post-secondary coursework.

It’s helpful to submit a resume/CV that details your experiences that are relevant to your interests in Physics.

Statement of Purpose

Please describe your relevant experiences and future research interests and goals. Strong applicants will clearly communicate their motivations for pursuing a PhD in Physics, and how their research interests and experiences align with the strengths of the UW-Madison Physics PhD program.

This statement is also an opportunity to provide any other personal information you would like the admissions committee to know that is not clear from the other submitted materials.

The Department of Physics does not require the subject GRE for admission.  However, if students submit the score, the admissions committee will review it as part of the application.

The general GRE will not be considered even if submitted. The subject GRE is recommended in these circumstances:

• Your transcript does not accurately reflect your academic strengths
• If including the score would significantly strengthen your application
• You are particularly interested in pursuing Physics Theory as a research focus

Application Fee Waivers

The UW-Madison Physics Ph.D. program has now distributed the limited number of application fee waivers available for the Fall 2024 application season.   The Department has no additional waivers to provide, but we encourage you to apply for a fee grant from the Graduate School if you qualify.

Admission is competitive. All eligible applicants with complete files are considered for teaching or research assistantships and fellowships. To be considered for admission, students must submit all application materials via the Graduate School  electronic application site  by December 15.

Contact us with questions!

All admitted PhD students are provided with a guarantee of five years of financial support. Typically, a graduate student is first appointed as a teaching assistant. Teaching assistants assist faculty members in the introductory physics courses, generally by teaching discussion and laboratory sections. Later, as a research assistant, the student works with a major professor on a mutually agreed research project.

Tuition is remitted for teaching assistant and research assistant appointments one-third time or greater.  Most graduate assistant appointments are also eligible for a comprehensive health insurance package.  All students are responsible for their own segregated fees, which are about $600 per semester for full-time students, and any additional university fees.  Further information about the various types of assistantships at UW-Madison can be found on the Graduate School website .

Can I apply to more than one graduate program at UW-Madison?

Yes!  With one application to UW-Madison, you can apply to 3 different graduate programs.  Please keep in mind that you can only submit your application once and will need to submit by the earliest deadline for the 3 programs that you choose.  For example, the Physics Ph.D. program application deadline is December 15th.  If another program that you apply to has a January 1st deadline, you must submit your application by December 15th to ensure it is received by the earlier deadline.

What is the application deadline?

The Physics Ph.D. application deadline is December 15th.  All application materials must be received by this time to ensure consideration.  Test scores and letters of recommendation should be submitted by the deadline.

Where should I send my GRE & TOEFL scores?

The Physics Ph.D. program requires the official test scores (GRE and TOEFL) to be sent directly from ETS to UW-Madison.  The UW-Madison institution code is 1846.  Please be sure your test score report shows that your scores were sent directly to UW-Madison.  Test scores are loaded every few days during the peak admissions season by the UW-Madison Graduate School.  You can check your Graduate School application status to see if your test scores have been received.

When will admissions committee decisions be made?

All completed applications are made available to the Physics Ph.D. Admissions Committee after the December 15th deadline.  The program receives over 550 applications each year and all completed applications are fully reviewed by the Admissions Committee.   All applicants will be informed of the admissions decision by the end of January.  All applicants who are accepted will be invited to prospective student visit weekend to be held in February/March each year.

FAQs from Virtual Sessions (Dec 5-6, 2023)

You can find questions and answers that were discussed in virtual sessions on 5-6 December 2023 on this page .  Feel free to add questions through the admissions deadline on 15 December, but if you need immediate answers, please reach out to Physics Graduate Coordinator. .

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PhD Program

Excel as a researcher with a wisconsin phd in business, join our collaborative and inspiring academic community.

The Wisconsin School of Business PhD program provides full-time training in research and teaching in ten areas of study. You will work side by side with globally recognized faculty on research that is changing the face of business in the area of your choice. You will join a collegial community of scholars who support each other’s work and share a passion for inquiry. As a result of this rigorous training, our graduates are successfully placed in tenure-track positions at top universities.

Is a Business PhD Right for Me?

Learn about our programs by meeting with a representative at UW–Madison or at one of the many events on the road each year.

Attend a DocNet Forum or the PhD Project Annual Conference to meet representatives from PhD programs across the country. You will learn about doctoral admission criteria, financial aid, and careers in business academia.

Earn Your PhD in One of Ten Areas of Study

Ten areas of study, or specializations, are offered in the Wisconsin PhD Program in business. Students pursuing a joint degree in finance and economics, insurance and economics, or real estate and economics are admitted to both the Wisconsin School of Business and the economics department at UW–Madison.

Finance (Business) and Economics—Joint Degree

Insurance economics and actuarial analytics, insurance (business) and economics—joint degree, real estate (business) and economics—joint degree.

All doctoral students in the Wisconsin School of Business meet the same  general PhD requirements .

Focused Research Excellence

The University of Wisconsin–Madison is one of the most prolific research universities in the world, ranking among the top six American public universities for research expenditures every year since 1972. Doctoral students at the Wisconsin School of Business work side by side with highly regarded faculty who are at the forefront of thought leadership. Our close-knit academic community fosters inspiration and forward-thinking ideas.

Fostering Diversity

The Wisconsin School of Business encourages the participation of students of diverse backgrounds in our doctoral program. We are committed to ensuring equity and inclusion in all systems and processes, including student and faculty recruitment, admissions, promotions, resource allocation, and decision-making for all stakeholders.

Our PhD Students

The Wisconsin PhD Program attracts students from diverse backgrounds who share a commitment to scholarship.

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Our graduates go on to tenure-track positions at top research universities in the nation and the world.

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Prepare to Apply

Learn about the admissions requirements, application process, and financing considerations for the Wisconsin PhD Program. Be prepared so you can submit your application on or before the yearly December 15 deadline.

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How to Apply

We will be accepting applications to all graduate programs for Fall 2024 beginning September 8, 2023. The deadline for receipt of applications is December 8 (December 15 for Creative Writing). Applications are considered only once each year for fall entry. Though application materials may differ slightly depending on the field to which you are applying (please consult the individual area page on the right for specifics), you will need to follow these steps in order to submit your application for review:

• Read through application information on the University of Wisconsin-Madison Graduate School and open an application.
• Prepare and submit required materials online via the Graduate School application form, including transcripts, recommendations, test scores, and a “Reasons for Graduate Study” statement .
• For international students, please consult our “International Students” page for further information.

Application materials will be reviewed by English Department and Graduate School faculty and staff upon receipt. You can read about our evaluation criteria and process here .

If you have questions, please first consult our “Frequently Asked Questions” page . Should those answers be insufficient, please consult our list of Graduate studies contacts .

The deadline for applications to all M.A. and Ph.D. programs is December 8. The deadline for applications to the M.F.A. in Creative Writing is December 15.

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The power of political theory: UW – Madison PhD student Hyemin Park

Hailing from South Korea, Hyemin “Hamni” Park brings a unique perspective to the UW–Madison political science PhD program. She sat down with the International Division to discuss her research on how East Asian thinkers grappled with Western political concepts, her decision to pursue graduate studies at UW–Madison, and the supportive environment she’s found within the program.  

Finding the perfect fit  

Even before arriving at UW–Madison in 2020, Hamni’s collegiate journey had already begun. With a background in political science from Sungkyunkwan University, she was drawn to the field of political theory.   

“It made me understand people and society,” Park said. “It also helped me to better understand the everyday interactions I have with people. In terms of power and authority, but also in terms of equality and respect.”  

Choosing UW–Madison for graduate studies was an easy decision for Park. During her master’s studies in South Korea, she received strong encouragement to pursue her PhD at UW–Madison. This guidance, coupled with the program’s reputation and the presence of numerous UW alumni in South Korea, ultimately led her to choose UW–Madison. The opportunity to work with a faculty member whose expertise aligned with her research interests further solidified her decision.  

Hamni’s current research focuses on how 19th and 20th century East Asian thinkers from Japan, China, and Korea interpreted Western concepts like liberty and individual rights.  “Those concepts did not exist before the 19th century in East Asia,” she said.  

By examining the work of key thinkers like Fukuzawa Yukichi (Japan), Sun Yat-sen (China), and Kim Gu (Korea), Park aims to bridge the gap between Western and East Asian traditions.   “By doing so, I hope to put the Western intellectual tradition and the East Asian intellectual tradition into a conversation,” said Park.  

A supportive community  

What Park finds most unique about the program at UW–Madison is its supportive community.   “The general atmo sphere of my program is great. Everyone in the faculty is eager to help and really invested in helping their students succeed. The faculty are always open to students’ requests for a meeting or advice, and they treat students with genuine respect and sincerity.”  

As an international student, Park also finds the safe and friendly environment of Madison particularly welcoming.  “Madison is a very safe city. I’m new to the U.S., so I don’t exactly know all the information to survive in a big city,” said Park. “But I don’t have to worry about that at UW–Madison, and I feel lik e this is something that is great for international students.”  

When asked to summarize her overall experience at UW–Madison, she didn’t hesitate.   “I like the friendly atmosphere and the environment here. I love the Wisconsin summer,” she replied. “There is also an inclusive and encouraging community.”  

Story by: Kayla Daum

Lab Manager - Asthma Pulmonary Research

• Madison, Wisconsin
• SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AND PUBLIC HEALTH/DEPARTMENT OF MEDICINE
• Staff-Full Time
• Staff-Part Time
• Opening at: Jun 21 2024 at 14:40 CDT
• Closing at: Jul 5 2024 at 23:55 CDT

Job Summary:

The Department of Medicine (DOM) within the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health is seeking a talented and experienced laboratory manager to join the Division of Allergy, Pulmonary, and Critical Care Medicine. The program conducts multiple NIH-funded projects in addition to clinical trials. Additional information about our research group's work can be found on our research division's website here: https://www.medicine.wisc.edu/apcc/asthma-and-allergy-clinical-research . The candidate's duties would primarily focus on the Denlinger, Townsend, Sandbo, and Mathur laboratories. The candidate will be a member of a collaborative, congenial team including undergraduate students, graduate students, post-doctoral researchers, scientists, clinical research coordinators and faculty. The candidate will have the opportunity to be involved in research projects in the lab, facilitating the success of students, interns, and other lab staff, and will accelerate the productivity of the group as a whole by effective and efficient laboratory management.

Responsibilities:

• 5% Identifies, proposes, and implements new or revised unit operational policies and procedures in alignment with strategic initiatives and objectives
• 20% Serves as the unit liaison to internal and external stakeholder groups providing information, making recommendations to leadership, and representing the interests of the unit
• 25% Directs and supervises the day-to-day laboratory operations, quality control programs, and/or staff of a work unit to ensure compliance with organization and regulatory agency standards
• 10% Monitors program budgets and expenditures
• 5% May exercise supervisory authority, including hiring, transferring, suspending, promoting, managing conduct and performance, discharging, assigning, rewarding, disciplining, and/or approving hours worked of at least 2.0 FTE or equivalent employees
• 15% Develops and facilitates trainings regarding scientific experimentation, technical procedures, and equipment operations to various audiences
• 20% Conduct and provide backup coverage for clinical sample processing and other duties as assigned

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. For more information on diversity and inclusion on campus, please visit: Diversity and Inclusion

Preferred Bachelor's Degree Preferred degree in biological, biochemistry or biomedical sciences

Qualifications:

Required: - Minimum one year of demonstrated laboratory research technician experience in molecular biology, biomedical, or related field, required. Significant undergraduate or research intern research experience is also acceptable. - Work experience that demonstrates dependability, flexibility, maturity, and the ability to work successfully in large team. - Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to facilitate and navigate complex discussions and opinions. Preferred: - Previous laboratory experience in an academic setting. - Experience conducting NIH funded, community-based human subjects research. - Familiarity or experience with biomedical research methods especially with primary cell culture. - Experience creating and organizing processes and plans. - For some projects, a chemistry background would also be useful

Full or Part Time: 90% - 100% It is anticipated this position requires work be performed in-person, onsite, at a designated campus work location.

Appointment Type, Duration:

Ongoing/Renewable

Minimum $70,000 ANNUAL (12 months) Depending on Qualifications

Additional Information:

This position requires strong organizational skills and the ability to work both collaboratively and independently. It also requires excellent attention to detail including the ability to follow protocols carefully and consistently. The ideal candidate should have experience managing multiple priorities, projects and/or research activities at once. University sponsorship is not available for this position, including transfers of sponsorship. 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. UW-Madison is not an E-Verify employer, and therefore, is not eligible to employ F1 STEM OPT Extension participants. If you are selected for this position you must provide proof of work authorization and eligibility to work.

How to Apply:

To apply for this position, please click on the "Apply Now" button. You will be asked to upload a current resume/CV and a cover letter briefly describing your qualifications and experience. You will also be asked to provide contact information for three (3) references, including your current/most recent supervisor during the application process. References will not be contacted without prior notice.

Kassie Hefty [email protected] 608-262-2710 Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information.

Official Title:

Laboratory Manager(RE032)

Department(s):

A53-MEDICAL SCHOOL/MEDICINE/PULMON MED

Employment Class:

Academic Staff-Renewable

Job Number:

The university of wisconsin-madison is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer..

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From EAP to the PSC

EAP Alum Mikhaila Calice Recruited to Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) by Fellow EAP Alum Marcus Hawkins

Energy Analysis and Policy (EAP) alumna Mikhaila Calice describes herself as an energy nerd. Calice weaved energy throughout her studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison – first during a Master of Public Affairs at the La Follette School (’19) with the EAP certificate and then throughout her PhD studies in the Department of Life Sciences Communication (’23).   

In April, she was appointed by Marcus Hawkins, the newest member of the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC), to serve as his Executive Assistant, advising him on all matters. Commissioner Marcus Hawkins is also an EAP alum (’12). Calice gives the EAP program a lot of credit for its role in her career path, given that she and Commissioner Hawkins first met through EAP.

Before starting graduate school and enrolling in the EAP program , Calice worked for a local Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) company in Richmond, Virginia called James River Air Conditioning. It was this first professional position that sparked her interest in energy. Through the exposure from the LEED Green Associate accreditation and learning about building design and construction and energy efficiency on the job, Calice was impressed by the role the built environment plays in energy use.   

Inspired by this work, Calice looked for graduate programs that focused on energy. “I applied originally to the La Follette School of Public Affairs because of the EAP Program, so I was looking for programs that had energy policy as a focus,” Calice said. After visiting UW-Madison and attending one of renowned policy expert Greg Nemet’s classes, Calice was hooked.   

During the EAP program, Calice learned the ins and outs of energy policy and analysis through rigorous coursework. While Calice acknowledges the importance of the essential material she learned from experienced professors, she expressed how “the most valuable thing that the EAP has provided me at this point in my career has been the invaluable network of alumni and other supporters of the EAP program.”    

Calice met fellow energy nerds at events like the EAP Chicago trip, through the EAP capstone projects, and at energy happy hours around Madison. One of the EAP alumni Calice met was Commissioner Marcus Hawkins. In fact, they met several times as Commissioner Hawkins was, and continues to be, an active member of the EAP alumni community. As she noted, “I can’t pinpoint the exact moment or event where we met each other, but we just kept meeting each other at these events.”    

On March 14, 2024, Marcus Hawkins was appointed as the newest PSC commissioner by Governor Tony Evers. Commissioner Hawkins recruited Calice to come work for him as his Executive Assistant, where she serves as his advisor on all matters.   

The PSC is the state agency responsible for regulating more than 1,100 public utilities in the state of Wisconsin, including electric, natural gas, and water utilities. The PSC also houses the Office of Energy Innovation and the Wisconsin Broadband Office. The PSC is composed of three commissioners who are first appointed by the governor and then must be confirmed by the state senate. The commissioners serve as the lead decision-makers on a wide range of utility cases, such as customer rates and utility construction projects.   

In this new role, Calice supports Commissioner Hawkins with various tasks depending on what is needed. A large part of Calice’s responsibilities involves prepping for weekly open meetings. As Calice described, “every Thursday there’s an open meeting where the commissioners make decisions on a set number of cases. Basically, you get a stack of cases to review and analyze ahead of the open meeting.”  

To prepare for the decisions, Calice studies legal documents and is briefed by expert PSC staff. Additionally, due to what are known as ‘ex parte’ rules which prohibit commissioners from communicating about open cases with involved stakeholders, Calice is responsible for meeting with these stakeholders. Calice explained, “the Executive Assistants often also meet with various stakeholders that are involved in these cases and that have a position that they want to advocate for or provide more context about.”   

In her former role as a social scientist conducting research as a member of the Science Communication Incubator Lab at the Morgridge Institute for Research, Calice gained extensive experience exploring how people perceive science and technology issues, specifically related to the energy transition. With this background, it is no surprise that she is “interested in understanding the different visions that these stakeholders have for the energy transition and local energy futures in Wisconsin because, as we know, there are many different perspectives across this space.”   

Despite learning mountains of new information each week, Calice felt prepared for her role thanks to the EAP Program. “The EAP program really provided me with a solid foundation of the ways in which all of these different issues connect together and how the policy making process works,” Calice said. With the knowledge she gained through coursework and a strong EAP network, Calice has started to unravel the complex web of the energy transition in Wisconsin.  

For an energy nerd like Calice, she is happy she found her way to the PSC. “This job is like a dream come true, but a dream I didn’t know I had,” Calice said. We are excited to see what Calice and Commissioner Hawkins do next as they work forward through energy issues in Wisconsin.  

Graduate School Program Opens New Opportunities for International Students

Nithesh Chandrasekharan is an international student from Sri Lanka and India with a passion for novel experiences. A first-generation college student who thrives in collaborative work environments, Chandrasekharan came to the University of Wisconsin–Madison to learn, build skills, and identify future career paths while pursuing a Ph.D. through the Integrated Program in Biochemistry (IPiB).

Working in research labs as an undergraduate at James Madison University and now as a graduate student in Scott Coyle ’s lab gave Chandrasekharan a taste of what a career in academia would entail. He wished to seek opportunities in industry, too, so that he could clarify his career goals and use his time in graduate school to gain experiences that would ready him for life after graduation.

As an international student, Chandrasekharan’s options for industry-based experiences were limited. International students’ visas often prohibit off-campus paid work — including paid internships. This meant that opportunities such as the Biotechnology Training Program (BTP), which requires that trainees complete a paid internship, were unavailable to him.

Fortunately for Chandrasekharan, an internship pilot program at UW–Madison has opened the door for international students to get a feel for life in the biotech industry. UW’s Graduate School Industry Internship Program , which grew from the opportunities available through BTP, will soon enter its third year. Participation is available to students with dissertator status and aims to enhance doctoral students’ competitiveness for a variety of careers beyond academia.

“The internship program provides a valuable experiential learning opportunity for our graduate students that will both enhance their research skillset as well as prepare them for success in their future scientific careers,” explains William Karpus, dean of the Graduate School.

The program’s internship requirements are flexible and can meet the parameters of international students’ visas. With a wide range of internship options, students like Chandrasekharan can build skills and relationships in any life science field.

“The opportunities are rather limited for international students,” says Chandrasekharan. “I’m so thankful to [BTP director] Brian Fox for setting a precedent with BTP and to the Graduate School for starting this pilot program. It’s allowed me to see how my scientific knowledge can be applied and expanded in a different context.”

Chandrasekharan applied and was accepted as a graduate school intern at Aldevron , a biotechnology company in Madison, WI. The internship’s emphasis on protein purification fit well with his skills and interests. “In the Coyle Lab, we can bioengineer proteins and grow them in different types of cells. We break the cells apart and purify what’s left until we isolate the protein we want to study. We can then use that protein in different experiments to gain better understanding about the biological processes that protein is involved in,” explains Chandrasekharan. “Companies like Aldevron can use these same techniques to produce engineered proteins for clients in biomedical research and other fields.”

Aldevron’s internship program has strong support from Tom Foti, the vice president and general manager of the company’s Protein Business Unit. Foti, who had his own transformative internship during his undergraduate years at North Dakota State University, sees value in biotech internships beyond building research skills. “I always dreamed that when Aldevron expanded we’d be able to have interns here,” says Foti. “Our interns don’t just participate in the science, they learn how a high performing workplace culture operates from the inside and how to be part of a team. I think that’s very important for young scientists trying to decide if industry is for them.”

Aldevron’s internship is rigorous and competitive. Their selection process mirrors that used to select their employees: scientific acumen is just as important as curiosity and critical thinking skills. For the interns who are selected, Foti and his team are committed to training the next generation of industry scientists. Chandrasekharan and the three other interns in his cohort participated in the training, problem solving, and decision making that comes with industry-based applied science.

This approach was just what Chandrasekharan was looking for. “One of the biggest reasons I wanted to do an industry internship was that I wanted to see how bench science connects to the business and managerial side of biotech,” recalls Chandrasekharan. “I wanted to see if I’m a good fit for that part of the work. They showed me how I can translate my Ph.D. skills into managing projects, working as a team to solve problems, and communicating with stakeholders about the science. I learned how to think about optimizing technical workflows while working toward clients’ goals. These are all things that build off my Ph.D. work but required me to recontextualize my skills and knowledge.”

Chandrasekharan left his internship ready to complete his doctoral research and pursue a career in the biotech industry. He hopes to be just one of many international students able to gain clarity through the Graduate School Industry Internship Program. “There’s nothing like firsthand experience,” says Chandrasekharan. “My hope is that this program is successful and becomes a long-term option for international students who want to apply academic training in a novel setting.”

Written by Renata Solan.

• University of Wisconsin-Madison

UW-Madison ranks 13th among publics in U.S. News Best Engineering Schools graduate program rankings

Departments:, categories:.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison College of Engineering moved up in the 2024 edition of the U.S. News & World Report Best Engineering Schools graduate rankings.

Overall, the college tied for 13th among U.S. public universities, up one spot from the previous year. Four individual engineering disciplines moved up. UW-Madison ranks among the top 10 in public universities in all but one discipline. Individual program rankings among public universities include:

• Biomedical: 9th
• Chemical: 7th
• Computer: 9th
• Electrical/electronic/communications: 9th
• Environmental: 11th
• Industrial: 5th
• Materials: 9th
• Mechanical: 9th
• Nuclear: 4th

Research Mentor Training at the University of Wisconsin-Madison: Background and Latest Developments for Online Seminars

• Hooper, Eric
• Schoenlein, Melissa
• Whitaker, Jules

A research mentor training (RMT) curriculum at the University of Wisconsin-Madison that began with a program for graduate students and postdocs in biology branched into other STEM disciplines, including astronomy (Hooper, E., et al. 2010, BAAS, 42, 544; Hooper, E. et al. 2010, ASPC, 431, 247). This continued to broaden, leading to a Center for the Improvement of Mentored Experiences in Research (CIMER; https://cimerproject.org ). The RMT seminar is a facilitated, discussion-based interactive enterprise using case studies and personal experiences with mentoring to explore a series of core topics culminating in each participant producing a capstone mentoring philosophy document. The current version is a 10-hour series (spread across either 5 or 10 weeks) covering expectations; effective communication; mentee self-efficacy; fostering equity, belonging, and inclusion; cultivating ethical behavior; assessing understanding; fostering independence; encouraging wellbeing; and promoting professional development. While many of the seminar sections have returned to an in-person modality after the pandemic, a few remain online. Beyond the convenience, the remote option offers advantages such as rapid inception and conclusion of breakout sessions that are truly isolated without noise cross-contamination. We have adopted some of the online approaches honed by another campus unit, the UW-Madison Physics Learning Center (Nossal, S. et al. 2020, AGU Fall Meeting, ED016-07). E.g., participants in each breakout quickly self-select facilitator and reporter roles based on a fun prompt that also serves as a brief community building; each activity has a corresponding tab in an online sheet to allow rapid individual writing in response to prompts as well as summary notes for the reporter. These sheets serve as a record throughout the seminar that informs the ongoing development of the mentoring philosophies. Finally, we are experimenting with the addition of two additional capstone written products that draw upon the philosophy: mentoring approaches in funding proposals (e.g., postdoc mentoring plans in NSF proposals); and job application materials, whether as part of written submissions or notes to prepare for an interview.

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• Political Science, PhD

The Department of Political Science offers graduate study leading to the doctor of philosophy in political science. The department admits students only for the PhD program, but a master's degree may be obtained en route to the PhD.

The PhD is earned through a combination of coursework and dissertation. The program is designed to provide students with both general training in political science and the opportunity to specialize in their areas of interest.

The subfields of political science found in our department are  American politics ,  comparative politics ,  political theory ,  international relations , and  political methodology . The department has a national and international reputation for the high quality of its faculty and the diversity of their approaches and interests. It has long been recognized for an acceptance of varied approaches to the study of politics and for its collegiality. The Political Science Department shares faculty with the  Robert M. La Follette School of Public Affairs , the  Law School , and the Department of  Gender and Women’s Studies . The presence of programs and centers such as the  African Studies Program , the  Center for European Studies , the  Center for Jewish Studies , the  Center for Russia, East Europe, and Central Asia (CREECA) ,  Integrated Liberal Studies , the International Studies major ( BA  and  BS ),  Latin American, Caribbean and Iberian Studies , and others is also beneficial to our graduate students, providing opportunities for the advancement of interdisciplinary approaches in student research.

Please consult the table below for key information about this degree program’s admissions requirements. The program may have more detailed admissions requirements, which can be found below the table or on the program’s website.

Graduate admissions is a two-step process between academic programs and the Graduate School. Applicants must meet the minimum requirements of the Graduate School as well as the program(s). Once you have researched the graduate program(s) you are interested in, apply online .

Applicants to the Political Science PhD program must apply online by the deadline for admission the following fall. The online application requires you to complete the Graduate School application, Political Science supplemental application, and provide the names and email addresses of three references who can attest to your success as a graduate student.  In addition, you must also upload a statement of reasons for graduate study that is two pages in length, a resume or CV, scanned unofficial transcripts, and one research paper with an abstract.

It is the candidate's responsibility to ensure that all materials are delivered on time.

Graduate School Resources

Resources to help you afford graduate study might include assistantships, fellowships, traineeships, and financial aid.  Further funding information is available from the Graduate School. Be sure to check with your program for individual policies and restrictions related to funding.

Program Resources

The department currently guarantees at least five years of financial support to all students admitted to the doctoral program, assuming they are making satisfactory progress toward their degrees. This funding may be in the form of fellowships, teaching assistantships, or project assistantships. All appointments receive valuable benefits such as tuition remission and eligibility for excellent health insurance.

Minimum Graduate School Requirements

Major requirements.

Review the Graduate School minimum academic progress and degree requirements , in addition to the program requirements listed below.

Mode of Instruction

Mode of Instruction Definitions

Accelerated: Accelerated programs are offered at a fast pace that condenses the time to completion. Students typically take enough credits aimed at completing the program in a year or two.

Evening/Weekend: ​Courses meet on the UW–Madison campus only in evenings and/or on weekends to accommodate typical business schedules.  Students have the advantages of face-to-face courses with the flexibility to keep work and other life commitments.

Face-to-Face: Courses typically meet during weekdays on the UW-Madison Campus.

Hybrid: These programs combine face-to-face and online learning formats.  Contact the program for more specific information.

Online: These programs are offered 100% online.  Some programs may require an on-campus orientation or residency experience, but the courses will be facilitated in an online format.

Curricular Requirements

Required Courses

The PhD is earned through a combination of coursework and dissertation. The program is designed to provide students with both a general training in political science and the opportunity to specialize in their areas of interest. The subfields of political science found in our department are  American politics ,  comparative politics ,  political theory and philosophy ,  international relations , and  political methodology . Each student will select a first field and a second field. The first field is the field within which the student expects to write a doctoral dissertation. The second field complements and supports the first field and the student’s intellectual and research interests.

First Year Assessment

Students must meet with advisor to discuss the faculty's First Year Assessment of your progress in the program by the start of the third semester.

Dissertation Idea Presentations

Students must present one or more possible dissertation ideas to a committee with a minimum of two faculty members no later than September 15th of the fifth semester.

Conference Level Research Paper

Students must submit a conference level research paper for review by January 15 before start of sixth semester.

Graduate School Policies

The  Graduate School’s Academic Policies and Procedures  provide essential information regarding general university policies. Program authority to set degree policies beyond the minimum required by the Graduate School lies with the degree program faculty. Policies set by the academic degree program can be found below.

Major-Specific Policies

Prior coursework, graduate credits earned at other institutions.

With program approval, students may be allowed to count prior coursework from other institutions toward fulfillment of courses used to meet the breadth requirement. While satisfying the breadth requirement, these courses will not count toward meeting the minimum credit requirement. Coursework earned ten years or more prior to admission to a doctoral degree is not allowed to satisfy requirements.

Undergraduate Credits Earned at Other Institutions or UW-Madison

No credits from an undergraduate degree are allowed to transfer.

Credits Earned as a Professional Student at UW-Madison (Law, Medicine, Pharmacy, and Veterinary careers)

No credits from a UW–Madison Professional Special student career are allowed to transfer.

Credits Earned as a University Special Student at UW–Madison

No credits from a UW–Madison University Special student career are allowed to transfer.

Refer to the Graduate School: Probation policy.

Advisor / Committee

All students are required to meet with their advisor to discuss the first-year review and must meet with their advisor at the start of each semester.

Credits Per Term Allowed

Time limits.

Refer to the Graduate School: Time Limits policy. There are also time limits related to preliminary examinations and other program requirements that are documented in the Graduate Program Handbook (see Contact Information box).

Grievances and Appeals

These resources may be helpful in addressing your concerns:

• Bias or Hate Reporting  
• Graduate Assistantship Policies and Procedures
• Office of the Provost for Faculty and Staff Affairs
• Employee Assistance (for personal counseling and workplace consultation around communication and conflict involving graduate assistants and other employees, post-doctoral students, faculty and staff)
• Employee Disability Resource Office (for qualified employees or applicants with disabilities to have equal employment opportunities)
• Graduate School (for informal advice at any level of review and for official appeals of program/departmental or school/college grievance decisions)
• Office of Compliance (for class harassment and discrimination, including sexual harassment and sexual violence)
• Office Student Assistance and Support (OSAS)  (for all students to seek grievance assistance and support)
• Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards (for conflicts involving students)
• Ombuds Office for Faculty and Staff (for employed graduate students and post-docs, as well as faculty and staff)
• Title IX (for concerns about discrimination)

Students should contact the department chair or program director with questions about grievances. They may also contact the L&S Academic Divisional Associate Deans, the L&S Associate Dean for Teaching and Learning Administration, or the L&S Director of Human Resources.

The department currently guarantees at least five years of financial support to all students admitted to the doctoral program, assuming they are making satisfactory progress toward their degrees. This funding may be in the form of fellowships, teaching assistantships, or project assistantships. All appointments receive valuable fringe benefits such as excellent health insurance and tuition remission.

• Professional Development

Take advantage of the Graduate School's  professional development resources to build skills, thrive academically, and launch your career. 

Program Information

Department of Political Science PhD students are encouraged to participate in our weekly workshops and colloquia. The workshops and colloquia offered in the department are the  American Politics Workshop ,  Comparative Politics Colloquium ,  International Relations Colloquium ,  Political Economy Colloquium ,  MEAD – Models and Data Workshop , and the  Political Theory Workshop .

Workshops are one of the most important intellectual spaces in the department, providing an opportunity to become exposed to cutting-edge research and a chance to meet with scholars from other universities. In addition to featuring faculty papers and outside speakers, the workshops are an integral part of graduate training, serving as a place for students to present papers, as well as dissertation prospectuses, grant proposals, dissertation chapters, and practice job talks.

The department also hosts the Political Science Graduate Workshop (PSGW), which focuses on personal and professional development for graduate students in the department. The PSGW’s mission is to “foster communication and information-sharing among the grad students and faculty members of the political science department and to promote professional development opportunities for the grad students.” The topics covered in PSGW range from topics in graduate life (health and balance, financial life) to discipline professional development (publishing, communications). This workshop convenes several times per semester each academic year.

The department also actively supports our students throughout their job search. The Director of Graduate Studies and the major advisors review all job market materials such as CVs, writing samples, and diversity and teaching statements.  In addition, the department arranges special informational sessions, mock interviews, and practice job talks to prepare students for the kinds of questions they will face from potential employers. This support complements other departmental activities designed to professionalize graduate students, including brown bag discussions about attending professional conferences, publishing opportunities, and seeking grant funding.

• Learning Outcomes
• Master the state of existing research in two or more subfields of political science.
• Acquire expert knowledge of methods of political inquiry.
• Design, conduct, and complete original research of substantive value to the field of political science that makes and original contribution to knowledge.
• Master the communication of complex concepts to a range of audiences.
• Demonstrate and foster ethical and professional conduct in research, teaching, and service.

For a complete faculty directory,  visit our website .

• Requirements

Contact Information

Political Science College of Letters & Science https://polisci.wisc.edu/

Erin Moskowitz, Graduate Program Coordinator [email protected] North Hall 1050 Bascom Mall, Madison, WI 53706

Rikhil Bhavnani, Director of Graduate Studies [email protected] North Hall 1050 Bascom Mall, Madison, WI 53706

Graduate Program Handbook View Here

Graduate School grad.wisc.edu

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