Minerals & Metals Supervisor

The State Hygienic Laboratory is seeking an experienced chemist for the Minerals & Metals section. This position will perform and supervise analysis of samples for metals and other elements across a wide variety of matrices, including food products, cannabis, water, clinical specimens, and environmental samples to support SDWA compliance as well federal and state grants and contracts. This position will be responsible performing and supervising method validation and verification, sample preparation, sample analysis, and data processing and reporting of results for a variety of analyses.

This position will be responsible for operating and maintaining instruments, ICP-OES, ICP-MS, ICP-MS, IC-ICP-MS, and associated equipment to ensure prompt analytical response and minimal turnaround times back to external partners and customers.

To meet CLIA regulations, an official transcript or a copy of an official transcript will be required prior to an offer of employment. (Applicants with degrees from foreign institutions must have the transcripts evaluated by a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services http://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). and the applicant is responsible for all costs associated with that evaluation).

Work Schedule:

M-F 8am-5pm

Work Location:

Ankeny, IA

Work Modality:
In-Person, on-site

To learn more about the department visit /

For a full job description, please send an e-mail to the contact listed below.

About Pay and Compensation:

Pay Grade: 6A

A Master’s degree in chemistry, or closely related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required.

Extensive direct experience (typically 5 years) in appropriate laboratory techniques is required, including extensive knowledge of analytical instrumentation, sample preparation and method development/validation.

Considerable experience with specific instrumentation including ICP-MS and ICP-OES.

Demonstrates effective communication, using varied tools and techniques to transmit, receive, and interpret information, both written and verbally.

Extensive proficiency with Windows based systems, computer and digital operations.

Extensive critical thinking skills.

Demonstrate the ability to work with a variety of individuals and groups in a constructive and civil manner and utilize existing resources and learning to achieve or exceed desired outcomes of current and future organizational goals and needs.

PhD in chemistry with extensive knowledge of analytical instrumentation and method development/validation.

Previous work in or understanding of ISO and TNI accredited labs and regulations.

Previous experience with clinical sample analysis and work under CLIA.

Identification of unknown chemical samples.

Method validation and/or method verification.

Previous experience supervising laboratory analysis and personnel.

Knowledge of- and work with controlled substance sample handling procedures.

Demonstrates working knowledge and experience with Laboratory Information Systems (LIMS).

In order to be considered for an interview, applicants must upload the following required documents and mark them as a “Relevant File” to the submission:

• Cover Letter
• Resume

Job openings are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days and may be removed from posting and filled any time after the original posting period has ended.

Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification. Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process.

For additional questions, please contact: VPR Talent (vpr-talent)

This position is eligible for University sponsorship for employment authorization. If your H-1B petition is subject to the September 19, 2025, Presidential Proclamation, please note that the department will not cover the $100,000 payment associated with H-1B sponsorship, either at the time of hire or for international travel purposes. We encourage you to…