Seeking post-master’s and postdoctoral applicants
Application Deadline: September 13, 2026
The University of Wisconsin-Madison Aquatic Sciences Center, home to the University of Wisconsin Water Resources Institute and Wisconsin Sea Grant, in partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, seeks applicants for a fellowship focused on water-related environmental hazards and public health in Wisconsin.
This two-year fellowship provides an opportunity for a recent Master of Public Health graduate or doctoral graduate to apply their technical expertise to real-world public health challenges while gaining valuable experience working alongside professionals in state government. The fellow will be employed by UW-Madison and stationed full-time with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.
The fellowship is designed to support both professional development and community impact. Community-engaged science and public health rely on building relationships, fostering trust, and working collaboratively to support informed decision-making. Through this role, the Fellow will gain experience working at this interface, developing and implementing approaches that support communities while learning how to translate scientific knowledge into meaningful public health action.
Fellowship Responsibilities and Opportunities
The Fellow will be based within the Site Evaluation Program, part of the Hazard Assessment Section in the Bureau of Environmental and Occupational Health at the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. The Site Evaluation Program works to protect Wisconsin residents from environmental hazards and toxic exposures by assessing potential human health risks at contaminated sites throughout the state.
Working closely with Site Evaluation Program staff, the Fellow will support outreach, education, training, and environmental health assessment activities focused on water-related and other environmental hazards. Responsibilities include:
- Assisting with the development, implementation, management, and evaluation of mini-grant programs for local health departments, community organizations, and Tribal organizations that address drinking water and healthy housing hazards.
- Assisting with the development, implementation, and evaluation of training programs and educational resources that help local health departments address drinking water and housing-related hazards.
- Supporting human health assessment activities, including hazard evaluations, exposure assessments, and risk assessments at sites with groundwater or surface water contamination.
The Fellow will work closely with Wisconsin Department of Health Services staff and will collaborate with a wide range of partners, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, state agencies, local health departments, community-based organizations, Tribal organizations, and members of the public. Through these experiences, the Fellow will develop a deeper understanding of applied public health practice and the role of science in decision-making and will have opportunities to strengthen science communication and risk communication skills through engagement with diverse audiences. In addition to the core responsibilities outlined above, the position provides some flexibility for the Fellow to pursue complementary projects related to environmental health hazards, research, outreach, or policy, based on their interests and expertise.
The Fellow’s mentorship team will include Nathan Kloczko and Dr. Sarah Yang (Wisconsin Department of Health Services) and Dr. Jennifer Hauxwell (University of Wisconsin-Madison).
Work Location
The Fellow may work primarily remotely or be based in the Wisconsin Department of Health Services offices at 201 East Washington Avenue in downtown Madison. Most Site Evaluation Program staff work remotely for much of the week, and a similar arrangement may be available for the Fellow pending university approval. Applicants must be available for occasional travel to meetings, trainings, conferences, and field activities as needed. Some travel may require overnight stays.
Eligibility
Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States on or before the appointment date. University sponsorship is not available for this position.
Applicants must have earned a master’s or doctoral degree in a relevant field within the past five years and must complete all degree requirements before the fellowship start date. Recent graduates from disciplines related to public health, environmental health, environmental science, water resources, or closely related fields are encouraged to apply.
Stipend and Benefits
Annual stipends are based on the Fellow’s academic background:
- Post-master’s Fellow: $45,000 per year
- Postdoctoral Fellow: $59,000 per year
The position includes University of Wisconsin employee benefits (see: http://www.ohr.wisc.edu/benefits/new-emp/grad.aspx).
Fellows will receive up to $2,000 annually to support professional travel and development activities, including conference attendance. Additional travel required for fellowship activities may be supported by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, subject to agency approval and available funding.
Application Requirements
Applicants should submit the following materials as a single email to jennifer.hauxwell@aqua.wisc.edu:
- Personal Statement (maximum 2 pages) describing your background, qualifications, career goals, and interest in the fellowship.
- Curriculum Vitae (no length limit) detailing relevant education, professional experience, and volunteer activities.
- Undergraduate and graduate transcripts (unofficial copies accepted).
- Up to four writing samples that demonstrate your communication skills. Samples may include journal articles, technical reports, policy briefs, outreach materials, web content, or other relevant work.
- Contact information for two professional references, including at least one faculty member familiar with your academic work.
Please name all application files using the format: Last Name – Document Description (e.g., Doe – CV, Doe – Personal Statement).
Selection Process
Applications will be reviewed jointly by staff from the University of Wisconsin-Madison Aquatic Sciences Center and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. A subset of applicants will be invited to interview with a panel representing both organizations.
Competitive candidates will demonstrate strong analytical and communication skills, the ability to work both independently and collaboratively, and an interest in applying science to public health practice. Preference may be given to applicants interested in completing the full two-year fellowship term.
