​Associate Research Scientist, IIHR

About the role

The Associate Research Scientist, IIHR will contribute to the research mission of IIHR—Hydroscience and Engineering and the Center for Health Effects of Environmental Contamination (CHEEC) by supporting the newly launched Iowa Integrated Network for Science, Information, and Geospatial Health Tracking (Iowa INSIGHT), a first-of-its-kind initiative dedicated to understanding how Iowa’s environment is impacting the health of its people made possible through the generous support of the Kyle J. and Sharon Krause Family Foundation.

Responsibilities

• Initiate research design and methodology. Originate design, research conduct, and coordination. Maintain laboratory equipment as needed. Develop hypotheses to be tested and select methodology. Work independently on complex research tasks with oversight by Faculty or Principal Investigator.
• Provide routine operation and maintenance of instrumentation involved in the analysis of environmental and biological samples.
• Perform advanced data analysis techniques. Develop new applications of existing data analysis techniques.
• Develop methods for analysis of complex environmental samples, including water, air and heterogeneous media, and/or biospecimen samples (e.g., whole blood, serum, urine, breast milk).
• Prepare and submit first author manuscripts for publication. Demonstrate strong publication record. May contribute to public data archives or other resources; e.g., software, models, or on-line tools to support scientific research.
• Prepare and submit publications (e.g., lead and/or corresponding author) in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
• Serve as PI or co-PI, contribute to research proposals and funding agency reports. May write research proposal to obtain independent funding as PI. Select and purchase equipment as needed.
• Draft and/or contribute to original grant proposals in environmental health.
• Serve as a session chair or organize sessions at professional meetings.
• Mentor graduate students. May provide functional and/or administrative supervision for staff. Provide direction, assignments, feedback, coaching and counseling to assure outcomes are achieved.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Environmental Health, or related fields.
• At least three years of experience at a Postdoctoral Scholar level or above.
• Prior experience and significant expertise in method development for analysis of complex environmental samples, including water, air and heterogeneous media, and/or biospecimen samples (e.g., whole blood, serum, urine, breast milk).
• Prior experience and significant expertise with analysis of environmental and/or biospecimen samples via liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).
• Demonstrated expertise in the routine operation and maintenance of instrumentation involved in the analysis of environmental and biological samples.
• Prior experience in developing and maintaining appropriate QA/QC standards and protocols associated with laboratory analysis of environmental and biological standards.
• Prior experience managing complex data flows, including translating data into reports that can be shared with diverse stakeholder groups.
• Demonstrated effective oral and written communication skills, including a strong record of publication (e.g., lead and/or corresponding author) in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
• A valid driver’s license and continued compliance with the standards of the University Driving Policy (University of Iowa Operations Manual Part V, Chapter 19).
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering a welcoming and respectful workplace environment.

Benefits

• Regular salaried position. Pay level 6A. Located in Iowa City, Iowa.
• Fringe benefit package including paid vacation; sick leave; health, dental, life and disability insurance options; and generous employer contributions into retirement plans.