Minerals & Metals Supervisor, Ankeny, IA

Overview

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 as federal and state grants and contracts. This role will be responsible for performing and supervising method validation and verification, sample preparation, sample analysis, and data processing and reporting of results for a variety of analyses.

The position will operate and maintain instruments (ICP-OES, ICP-MS, IC-ICP-MS) and associated equipment to ensure prompt analytical response and minimal turnaround times back to external partners and customers.

Work Schedule: M-F 8am-5pm

Work Location: Ankeny, IA

Work Modality: In-Person, on-site

About Pay And Compensation

Pay Grade: 6A

Education or Equivalency

Required:


A Master’s degree in chemistry, or closely related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required. To comply with CLIA requirements for this position, a minimum of a bachelor's degree is required.

Required Qualifications

• Extensive direct experience (typically 5 years) in laboratory techniques, including 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 verbal.
• Extensive proficiency with Windows-based systems, computer and digital operations.
• Extensive critical thinking skills.
• Ability to work with a variety of individuals and groups in a constructive and civil manner and to use resources and learning to achieve current and future organizational goals.

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

Joining the University of Iowa means becoming a vital part of the Hawkeye community, where your work directly impacts education, research, and student success. Enjoy exceptional health coverage, university-paid life insurance, robust retirement plans, and generous leave policies. Benefit from 24/7 support services, well-being resources, and access to UI Health Care specialists. Grow professionally with advanced training, leadership development, and tuition assistance.

Iowa City offers a great quality of life with world-class performances at Hancher Auditorium, Big Ten athletics, top-ranked public schools, and outdoor recreation. Join us in making a difference at a leading Big Ten university and premier public research institution.

• Classification
  
  Title:
  
  Environmental Lab Scientist
• Appointment Type:
  Professional and Scientific
• Schedule:
  
  Full-time
• Work Modality Options:
  On Campus

• Pay Level: 6A

• Organization:
  Research/Hygienics Lab
• Contact Name: VPR Talent
• Contact Email: vpr-talent