Assistant Research Scientist, IIHR

UIOWA•Iowa City, IA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant Research Scientist will support the research mission of IIHR—Hydroscience and Engineering and the Center for Health Effects of Environmental Contamination (CHEEC) through Iowa INSIGHT, a statewide initiative investigating how environmental exposures affect human health. The program aims to identify environmental factors that contribute to Iowa’s high cancer rates and other adverse health problems, including maternal and newborn health, reproductive health, and neurodevelopmental disorders. The role leads research initiatives centered on environmental monitoring and biomonitoring and contributes to a team of research staff and graduate and undergraduate student researchers. This is a specified-term position and is not eligible for University sponsorship for employment authorization. The role involves designing and coordinating research; developing methods for analyzing complex environmental and biological samples; operating and maintaining laboratory instrumentation; analyzing and interpreting data; preparing publications and presentations; and contributing to grant proposals and funding reports. The Assistant Research Scientist may also contribute to public data resources, serve on committees, collaborate with the research community, organize outreach or professional meeting sessions, mentor graduate students, and provide functional or administrative supervision to staff. The position is based in Iowa City, Iowa, and is a regular salaried position. Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in Chemistry, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Environmental Health, or a related field, and have at least one year of experience at the Postdoctoral Scholar level or above. The role also requires expertise in complex sample method development, LC-MS/MS analysis, laboratory instrumentation, quality assurance and quality control, data management, and scientific communication and publication.

Requirements

Ph.D. in Chemistry, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Environmental Health, or a related field.
At least one year of experience at a Postdoctoral Scholar level or above.
Prior experience and significant expertise developing methods to analyze complex environmental samples, including water, air, and heterogeneous media, and/or biospecimens such as whole blood, serum, urine, or breast milk.
Prior experience and significant expertise analyzing environmental and/or biospecimen samples using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).
Demonstrated expertise in routine operation and maintenance of instrumentation used to analyze environmental and biological samples.
Prior experience developing and maintaining appropriate QA/QC standards and protocols for laboratory analysis of environmental and biological standards.
Prior experience managing complex data flows, including translating data into reports for stakeholder groups.
Demonstrated effective oral and written communication skills, including a strong publication record in peer-reviewed scientific journals, such as lead and/or corresponding author publications.
Valid driver’s license and continued compliance with the University of Iowa Driving Policy.
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.

Nice To Haves

Experience designing and implementing field sampling campaigns to collect complex environmental samples across multiple matrices, such as soil, water, and sediment.
Experience drafting and/or contributing to original environmental health grant proposals.

Responsibilities

Initiate research design and methodology, and originate the design, conduct, and coordination of research.
Develop hypotheses and select appropriate methodologies.
Work independently on moderately complex research tasks with oversight from faculty or a Principal Investigator.
Operate and maintain instrumentation used to analyze environmental and biological samples; maintain laboratory equipment as needed.
Document equipment and procedures.
Perform advanced data analysis, assess data relevance and integrity, develop new applications of existing analysis techniques, and compare findings with previously published work.
Develop methods for analyzing complex environmental samples and/or biospecimen samples.
Prepare and submit manuscripts and peer-reviewed scientific publications, including as lead and/or corresponding author.
Present research results in departmental seminars and professional meetings.
Contribute to research grant proposals, funding agency reports, and efforts to obtain funding; may serve as co-PI or write proposals as PI.
Select and purchase equipment as needed.
Supervise adherence to safety and compliance guidelines when necessary.
Provide service to the scientific community, University, and general public; may serve on committees, organize outreach, or chair and organize sessions at professional meetings.
Consult and collaborate with the research community.
Mentor graduate students.
May provide functional and/or administrative supervision for staff, including assigning work and providing feedback, coaching, and counseling.