Associate Research Scientist, IIHR

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), a first-of-its-kind initiative dedicated to understanding how Iowa’s environment is impacting the health of its people made possible through the generous support of the Kyle J.

and Sharon Krause Family Foundation. Iowa INSIGHT is a statewide initiative that will produce scientific evidence needed to understand how environmental exposures affect human health — from the air Iowans breathe to the water they drink. 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.

This position is not eligible for University sponsorship for employment authorization.

• 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.

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…