Assistant Research Scientist, ITI

The-University-of-Iow; Iowa City (IA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation

Insurance options (health, dental, etc

Retirement plans

Job summary

The University of Iowa in Iowa City, IA seeks an Assistant Research Scientist to contribute to an electrochemical oxygen concentrator project. The role involves design, fabrication, testing, and integration of electrochemical devices for lab-to-system translation, in collaboration with a medical technology startup.

The position emphasizes hands-on experimentation, scale-up, and cross-disciplinary collaboration with industry partners.

Qualifications

• PhD in chemical/ mechanical/ biomedical engineering or closely related field.
• At least 1 year of hands-on electrochemical systems experience.
• Ability to work in-person in Iowa City, IA.
• Strong experimental design and data analysis skills.
• Effective oral and written communication.

Responsibilities

• Design, assemble, test, 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 methods, results, design changes, and technical recommendations.
• Prepare clear technical reports, presentations, and other project documentation for collaborators.
• Assist with identifying equipment, supplies, and development needs for the project.
• May provide guidance and training to graduate/undergraduate researchers.

Skills

Electrochemical engineering

Experimental design

Data analysis

Technical communication

In-person Iowa City work

Education

Ph.D. in chemical/ mechanical/ biomedical engineering or related field

Tools

Electrochemical cells

Prototyping equipment

Job description

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, instrumentation, controls, and power supplies.
• Understanding of fluid dynamics, hydrodynamics, and mass transport relevant to feed delivery, flow distribution, pressure drop, and product collection or recovery.
• Experience evaluating gas-production or gas-separation systems using measures such as product output, purity, energy consumption, and operating stability.
• Experience working with industry collaborators or contributing to the translation of laboratory technology toward commercialization.
• Experience providing technical guidance or training to student researchers or other laboratory personnel.

Job openings are posted for a minimum of 7 calendar days. This job may be removed from posting and filled any time after the minimum 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.5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process.

Benefits Highlights

• Regular salaried position. Pay level 5A. Located in Iowa City, Iowa.
• Fringe benefit package including paid vacation; sick leave; health, dental, life and disability insurance options; and generous employer contributions into retirement plans.

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.

Additional Information

• Classification Title: Asst Research Scientist/Engin
• Appointment Type: Professional and Scientific
• Schedule: Full-time
• Work Modality Options: On Campus

Compensation

Contact Information

• Organization: College of Engineering
• Contact Name: Alex Schutman

Equal opportunity employer

The University of Iowa is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment free from discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth and related conditions), disability, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, service in the U.S. military, sexual orientation, or associational preferences.

Persons with disabilities who need assistance or accommodations with the application or interview process may contact University Human Resources/Faculty and Staff Disability Services, [phone] or [e-mail] . For jobs in UI Health care, please contact UI Health care Leave & Disability Administration at 319-356-7543 .