Biological Threat Coordinator

UIOWA•Iowa City, IA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Biological Threat Coordinator leads the State Hygienic Laboratory at the University of Iowa in developing, evaluating, and documenting an emergency preparedness program for biological threats. The role provides expert scientific and technical advice to support accurate and timely laboratory analyses and leads efforts to prepare for and respond to natural or human-caused emergencies, disasters, and terrorist acts so laboratory staff can successfully perform analytical testing. The coordinator validates, improves, and maintains all-hazard procedures for handling human clinical specimens, unknown environmental samples, and other potentially hazardous materials. The position serves as SHL’s Biological Threat Coordinator in close collaboration with the University of Iowa Environmental Health and Safety Responsible Official. It also provides technical information and supports relationships with clinical laboratories and critical response partners through a structured outreach program. The position coordinates preparedness across sections of the Diagnostic and Clinical Division and works with the Chemical Threat Coordinator and others in the Environmental Health Division. The role is regular, full-time, and on-site in Coralville, Iowa, with a Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. schedule and weekends as needed. An official transcript or copy of an official transcript is required before an offer of employment to meet CLIA regulations. Applicants with foreign degrees must have transcripts evaluated by a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services, at the applicant’s expense.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a scientific field such as biology, environmental science, or public health, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Typically five years of extensive experience directly related to clinical microbiology or public health laboratory work.
Awareness of clinical and environmental chemistry practices.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to work and collaborate in a team environment both within and outside the laboratory.
Project management experience, including experience leading teams.
Some training or teaching experience.
Valid state or commercial driver’s license and ability to meet University Fleet Safety Standards, or ability to obtain a valid state license within 30–60 days of employment.
Official transcript or copy of an official transcript required before an offer of employment; foreign transcripts must be evaluated by a NACES member at the applicant’s expense.
Applicants must submit a cover letter and resume and include driver’s license information under the license and certifications section.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in a scientific field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Knowledge of or experience with incident command and national incident management systems.
Experience with drills and exercises, grant preparation and monitoring, laboratory biosecurity, and creating and implementing new initiatives.
Familiarity with Microsoft Office, LIS, and preparation of fiscal and operational reports.

Responsibilities

Lead development, evaluation, and documentation of an emergency preparedness program for biological threats at the State Hygienic Laboratory.
Provide expert scientific and technical advice and expertise to support accurate and timely laboratory analyses.
Lead efforts to prepare for and respond to natural or human-caused emergencies, disasters, and terrorist acts so laboratory staff can perform analytical tests.
Validate, improve, and maintain all-hazard procedures for handling human clinical specimens, unknown environmental samples, and other potentially hazardous materials.
Serve as the Biological Threat Coordinator for SHL in close collaboration with the University of Iowa Environmental Health and Safety Responsible Official.
Provide technical information and promote, maintain, and enhance relationships with clinical laboratories and critical response partners through a structured outreach program.
Coordinate preparedness across sections of the Diagnostic and Clinical Division.
Work with the Chemical Threat Coordinator and others in the Environmental Health Division.