Assistant Research Scientist, ITI

University of Iowa•Iowa City, IA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant Research Scientist, ITI, will contribute to the University of Iowa College of Engineering’s research mission by supporting an industry- and NIH-funded project to develop an electrochemical oxygen concentrator with a medical technology startup pursuing commercialization. The position contributes to the design, fabrication, testing, and integration of electrochemical devices and helps translate laboratory-scale technology into a reliable, practical system. A strong foundation in electrochemical engineering and hands-on experience developing working systems for chemical or gas production or separation are required. Experience in electrochemical scale-up, balance-of-system integration, and fluid dynamics is particularly valuable. This is an on-site position in Iowa City, Iowa, at 50% to 100% time. The position is described as regular and salaried. The successful candidate will support safe, organized laboratory operations and collaborate with University and industry partners. The role may include providing technical guidance and day-to-day direction to student researchers, and training project personnel in experimental procedures, equipment operation, data collection, and documentation. Applicants must upload a resume and cover letter to be considered for an interview. Successful candidates must self-disclose conviction history and undergo a criminal background check and credential/education verification. Five professional references will be requested later in the recruitment process. The department will not cover the stated $100,000 payment associated with certain H-1B petitions subject to the September 19, 2025 Presidential Proclamation.

Requirements

Ph.D. in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, biomedical engineering, materials science and engineering, or a closely related engineering field.
At least 1 year of hands-on experience developing, assembling, testing, and troubleshooting electrochemical systems for chemical or gas production, separation, or closely related applications.
Ability to work in person in Iowa City, Iowa.
Strong experimental design, quantitative data analysis, and technical problem-solving skills.
Effective oral and written communication skills, including documenting experimental results and communicating findings and recommendations.
Ability to work independently on complex technical tasks and collaborate effectively with a multidisciplinary project team.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated commitment to fostering a welcoming and respectful workplace environment.
Experience advancing electrochemical devices from laboratory-scale cells to larger prototypes, stacks, or integrated systems.
Experience selecting, sizing, or integrating balance-of-system components such as pumps, valves, flow controllers, gas-handling equipment, sensors, instrumentation, controls, and power supplies.
Understanding of fluid dynamics, hydrodynamics, and mass transport relevant to feed delivery, flow distribution, pressure drop, and product collection or recovery.
Experience evaluating gas-production or gas-separation systems using measures such as product output, purity, energy consumption, and operating stability.
Experience working with industry collaborators or contributing to the translation of laboratory technology toward commercialization.
Experience providing technical guidance or training to student researchers or other laboratory personnel.

Responsibilities

Design, assemble, operate, and refine electrochemical cells and system-level prototypes for oxygen concentration.
Develop experimental protocols and conduct hands-on testing of electrochemical devices and supporting components.
Document experimental methods, results, design changes, and technical recommendations.
Prepare technical reports, presentations, and other project documentation for academic and industry collaborators.
Contribute technical content, preliminary data, and project updates to research proposals and funding-agency reports.
Help identify equipment, supplies, and development needs required to advance the project.
Participate in project meetings and collaborative problem-solving with University and industry partners.
Support safe, organized, and effective laboratory operations consistent with University policies and research practices.
May provide technical guidance and day-to-day direction to graduate and undergraduate student researchers.
May assist in training project personnel in experimental procedures, equipment operation, data collection, and documentation.