Biological Threat Coordinator

University of Iowa•Iowa City, IA

6d•$70,000 - $73,000•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 tests. 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 strengthens relationships with clinical laboratories and critical response partners through a structured outreach program. The role coordinates preparedness across sections of the laboratory’s Diagnostic and Clinical Division and works with the Chemical Threat Coordinator and others in the Environmental Health Division. The position is regular, full-time, on-site in Coralville, Iowa, with a Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. schedule and weekends as needed. The anticipated hiring range is $70,000–$73,000. An official transcript or copy is required before an employment offer to meet CLIA regulations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a scientific field such as biology, environmental science, or public health, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Extensive experience, typically 5 years, 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 demonstrated 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.
Applicants must provide driver’s license information in the license and certifications section.
Applicants must upload a cover letter and resume and mark them as a “Relevant File” to be considered for an interview.
An official transcript or copy of an official transcript is required prior to an offer of employment. Applicants with foreign degrees must have transcripts evaluated by a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services, at the applicant’s expense.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Lead development, evaluation, and documentation of SHL’s emergency preparedness program for biological threats.
Provide expert scientific and technical advice 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 SHL 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.