Chemical Threat Coordinator

Actox; Iowa City (IA); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

The State Hygienic Laboratory at the University of Iowa is seeking an experienced scientist to serve as Chemical Threat Coordinator. This role leads the emergency preparedness program for chemical threats and environmental hazards, advising partners and coordinating laboratory analyses.

On-site, M-F 8 a.m.–5 p.m with travel; a Master’s degree is required along with relevant licensure. Salary range is $70,000–$73,000, with potential for additional qualifications and sponsorship.

Qualifications

• Experience in an environmental and clinical public health lab setting.
• Excellent communication and relationship management skills.
• Professional project management experience.
• Experience leading teams.
• Experience designing and delivering training or outreach programs.
• Experience performing analytical chemistry testing with LC-MS/MS and GC-MS.
• Knowledge of Environmental Health and Safety and Chemical Hygiene protocols.
• Valid state or commercial driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Lead the emergency preparedness program for chemical threats and environmental hazards.
• Develop, validate, and maintain all‑hazard procedures for handling hazardous materials.
• Provide expert scientific and technical advice to partners and stakeholders.
• Design and implement outreach programs to enhance collaboration with response partners.

Skills

Environmental health lab experience

Communication skills

Project management

Team leadership

Training/outreach

Education

Master’s degree in chemistry, biology, forensic science, toxicology, or equivalent

Tools

LC-MS/MS

GC-MS

Job description

Role Overview

The State Hygienic Laboratory at the University of Iowa is seeking an experienced scientist to fill the Chemical Threat Coordinator role. This position leads the emergency preparedness program for chemical threats and environmental hazards in response to natural or human‑caused emergencies, disasters, and terrorist actions in close partnership with state, local, and federal partners by providing expert scientific and technical advice and managing accurate and timely laboratory analyses. The Chemical Threat Coordinator acts as the Laboratory Chemical Safety Officer and will develop, validate, improve, and maintain all‑hazard procedures for handling human clinical specimens, unknown environmental samples, toxicological samples, and other potentially hazardous materials. This position will also serve as a source of technical information in order to promote, maintain, and improve relationships with critical response partners through the design and implementation of a structured outreach program.

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://www.naces.org/ and the applicant is responsible for all costs associated with that evaluation).

Work Schedule: M-F, 8 a.m.-5 p.m, with possible nights, weekends and holidays to process samples. Additionally, frequent required travel.

Position Status: Regular

Work Modality: On‑Site, In‑Person

To learn more about the department visit https://shl.uiowa.edu/

Pay and Compensation

Pay Grade: 5A

The hiring range for this position is anticipated to be $70,000-$73,000. Salary offers are based on a variety of factors, including education, experience, skills, and budget considerations. In limited circumstances, compensation outside of the anticipated range may be considered for candidates with exceptional qualifications.

Education or Equivalency Required

A Master’s degree in chemistry, biololgy, forensic science, toxicology, or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required.

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrate proficient experience within an environmental and clinical public health lab setting.
• Demonstrate excellent communication, interpersonal, and relationship management skills.
• Demonstrate professional project management experience.
• Demonstration of experience in leading teams.
• Experience with planning, designing, and/or delivering training or educational programming, to support community education and outreach.
• Experience performing analytical chemistry testing, preferably with LC-MS/MS and GC-MS instrumentation.
• Experience with laboratory protocols for Environmental Health and Safety and Chemical Hygiene.
• Possession of a valid state or commercial driver's license, and the ability to meet University Fleet Safety Standards.

Highly Desirable Qualifications

• Knowledge or experience with incident command and national incident management systems is highly desirable.
• Experience with High Resolution Mass Spectrometry and the identification of unknowns.
• Experience with clinical, environmental, and/or toxicological chemistry practices.

Desirable Qualifications

• Experience in drills and exercises, preparation and monitoring of grants, laboratory biosafety and biosecurity and creation and implementation of new initiatives.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office, LIS, and preparation of fiscal and operational reports is desirable.

Successful candidates will be required to self‑disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check, credential/education verification, verification of a valid state or commercial driver’s license, and ability to meet University Fleet Safety Standards. Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process.

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.

About the University of Iowa

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.

For additional questions, please contact: VPR Talent (vpr‑[e-mail])