Assistant Research Scientist, ITI

The Assistant Research Scientist, ITI, will contribute to the research mission of the University of Iowa College of Engineering by supporting an industry- and NIH-funded project focused on development of an electrochemical oxygen concentrator in collaboration with a medical technology startup pursuing commercialization. The Assistant Research Scientist will contribute to the design, fabrication, testing, and integration of electrochemical devices and will help translate laboratory-scale technology into a reliable, practical system.

The position requires a strong foundation in electrochemical engineering and hands-on experience developing working systems for chemical or gas production or separation. Experience in electrochemical scale-up, balance-of-system integration, and fluid dynamics is particularly valuable.

This will be an on-site position at 50% to 100% time.

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 explore alternative pathways for work authorization. Our team is available to help identify options that may be suitable for your situation.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, assemble, operate, and refine electrochemical cells and system-level prototypes for oxygen concentration.
• Develop experimental protocols and conduct hands-on testing of electrochemical devices and supporting components.
• Design, assemble, operate, and refine electrochemical cells and system-level prototypes for oxygen concentration.
• Develop experimental protocols and conduct hands-on testing of electrochemical devices and supporting components.
• Document experimental methods, results, design changes, and technical recommendations.
• Prepare clear technical reports, presentations, and other project documentation for academic and industry collaborators.
• Contribute technical content, preliminary data, and project updates to research proposals and funding-agency reports.
• Assist with identifying equipment, supplies, and development needs required to advance the project.
• Participate actively in project meetings and collaborative problem-solving with University and industry partners.
• Support safe, organized, and effective laboratory operations consistent with University policies and research practices.
• May provide technical guidance and day-to-day direction to graduate and undergraduate student researchers.
• May assist in training other project personnel in experimental procedures, equipment operation, data collection, and documentation.

About the College of Engineering

The College of Engineering at the University of Iowa is driven by talented faculty, staff, and students who are dedicated to producing knowledge that addresses grand challenges in advanced technologies, health sciences, sustainability, energy, and the environment. We pride ourselves on producing ethical, globally aware engineers whose work makes the world safer and more efficient. As a center of innovation and discovery, the College of Engineering is committed to improving the quality of life for our Iowa community, as well as for people across the United States and around the world.

Education

Requirement

• A Ph.D. in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, biomedical engineering, materials science and engineering, or a closely related engineering field.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 1 year of hands-on experience developing, assembling, testing, and troubleshooting electrochemical systems for chemical or gas production, separation, or closely related applications.
• Ability to work in-person in Iowa City, IA.
• Strong experimental design, quantitative data analysis, and technical problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated effective oral and written communication skills, including the ability to document experimental results and communicate findings and recommendations.

Demonstrated ability to work independently on complex technical tasks and collaborate effectively with a multidisciplinary project team.

Desired Qualifications

• Demonstrated commitment to fostering a welcoming and respectful workplace environment.
• Experience advancing electrochemical devices from laboratory-scale cells to larger prototypes, stacks, or integrated systems.
• Experience selecting, sizing, or integrating balance-of-system components such as pumps, valves, flow controllers, gas-handling equipment, sensors,…