Assistant Director

University of Iowa•Iowa City, IA

2h•Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant Director provides senior operational leadership for the State Hygienic Laboratory (SHL) at the University of Iowa, working in close partnership with the Director, Associate Director, and senior leadership. This role will lead the nonscientific operations that enable SHL’s public health, research, and service missions. The Assistant Director will oversee the core operational functions including finance and accounting, client and patient billing, grants and contracts management, information technology, safety, training, facilities, and laboratory support services such as accessioning, client services, and central services. The position is responsible for operational planning, resource management, compliance, and continuous improvement to ensure efficient, reliable, and compliant laboratory operations. This role will lead SHL’s strategic and operational planning efforts, with responsibility for implementation, performance monitoring, accountability, and reporting, and serves as a key advisor to the Director on operational risk, infrastructure needs, and organizational performance.

Requirements

Master’s degree in laboratory science, public health, biology, chemistry, operations management, engineering, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and progressively responsible experience.
Five (5) or more years of progressively responsible experience providing operational leadership in a laboratory, public health laboratory, academic research environment, core facility, or similarly regulated technical environment.
Experience managing complex operational functions, such as facilities, equipment, safety compliance, budgeting, or staffing.
Working knowledge of laboratory operations safety, including equipment installation, validation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
Experience supporting or overseeing public health, research, or clinical testing operations.
Supervisory or lead experience, including responsibility for staff oversight, work direction, or performance management.
Experience with budgeting or fiscal oversight, including cost analysis, expenditure monitoring, or fee‑for‑service operations.
Demonstrate job-related experience with fostering a welcoming and respectful work environment.
Possession of a valid state or commercial driver's license, and the ability to meet University Fleet Safety Standards.

Nice To Haves

PhD in a scientific, public health, or operation-related field.
Experience contributing to strategic planning, operational improvement, or service expansion initiatives.
Experience supporting laboratory facility upgrades, equipment acquisitions, or new service implementation.
Familiarity with laboratory regulatory, accreditation, and environmental health and safety requirements.
Experience contributing to grant proposals, funding requests, or external reporting.
Experience overseeing or supporting laboratory information systems, including billing, reservation, or data management platforms.
Experience participating in vendor relations or external partnerships.

Responsibilities

Provides senior operational leadership for the State Hygienic Laboratory (SHL) at the University of Iowa.
Works in close partnership with the Director, Associate Director, and senior leadership.
Leads the nonscientific operations that enable SHL’s public health, research, and service missions.
Oversees the core operational functions including finance and accounting, client and patient billing, grants and contracts management, information technology, safety, training, facilities, and laboratory support services such as accessioning, client services, and central services.
Responsible for operational planning, resource management, compliance, and continuous improvement to ensure efficient, reliable, and compliant laboratory operations.
Leads SHL’s strategic and operational planning efforts, with responsibility for implementation, performance monitoring, accountability, and reporting.
Serves as a key advisor to the Director on operational risk, infrastructure needs, and organizational performance.