Associate Research Scientist, IIHR

University of Iowa•Iowa City, IA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

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). This initiative is dedicated to understanding how Iowa’s environment is impacting the health of its people. The program will work to identify environmental factors contributing to Iowa’s high cancer rates and other adverse health problems, including maternal and newborn health, reproductive health, and neurodevelopmental disorders. The Associate Research Scientists will lead research initiatives centered on environmental monitoring and biomonitoring, while contributing to a vibrant team of researchers at CHEEC that includes research staff, as well as graduate and undergraduate student researchers. This is a specified term position and is not eligible for University sponsorship for employment authorization.

Requirements

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.

Nice To Haves

Experience with the design and implementation of field sampling campaigns for collection of complex environmental samples across a range of matrices (e.g., soil, water, sediment).
Experience drafting and/or contributing to original grant proposals in environmental health.

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.
Seek leadership opportunities appropriate to the scientific discipline, which may include serving on proposal review panels.
May serve on departmental or University committees.
May organize outreach efforts in alliance with funding sources.
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.