Environmental Lab Analyst

The University of Iowa; Iowa City (IA); On-site; USD 47,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

The State Hygienic Laboratory at the University of Iowa is seeking an Environmental Laboratory Analyst (PHB1) to perform routine and non-routine microbiology testing on water, sludge, food, and surface samples in Coralville, IA. On-site, full-time, 1-year specified term with rotating hours.

Qualifications include a bachelor’s degree in microbiology or related field and typically 6 months of bacteriology testing experience, plus strong data documentation and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Medical Technology or related biological science field or equivalent.
• Typically 6 months of experience preparing and analyzing routine bacteriology testing on water or food samples.
• Documenting, reviewing and releasing routine data and reports after QC review.
• Good teamwork and interpersonal skills and ability to work in a high-volume environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and basic math, computer, and Excel skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine and non-routine environmental microbiology testing on water, sludge, food, and environmental surface samples using approved methods and QC measures.
• Answer inquiries from county health department personnel regarding water test results and sampling procedures.
• Document and report results with quality control and ensure proper data release.

Skills

Bacteriology testing

Documentation

Teamwork

Verbal and written communication

Excel skills

Pipetting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Microbiology or related field

Job description

The State Hygienic Laboratory (Iowa’s Environmental and Public Health Laboratory), at the University of Iowa, in Coralville under contract with the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, is looking for an Environmental Laboratory Analyst (PHB1).

The primary responsibility of the position is to perform routine and non-routine environmental microbiology testing on water, sludge, food, and environmental surface samples using approved methods, including appropriate quality control measures and documentation. Answer general inquiries from various individuals and county health department personnel regarding water test results, sample collection procedures, etc.

Work Schedule

Monday – Friday, 8: 30a.m – 5:30 p.m. with rotating holiday and weekend hours.

Work Location

Coralville, IA

Work Modality

On-site

Position Status

1-Year Specified Term

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

About Pay and Compensation

Pay Grade: 3A

The hiring range for this position is anticipated to be $47,000-$49,000. 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.

Qualifications

Education or Equivalency Required

A bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Medical Technology or related biological science field or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required.

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrate (typically 6 months) of experience preparing and analyzing routine bacteriology testing on water or food samples using various standardized procedures, principles, concepts, and theories including quality control; or applicable laboratory experience.
• Demonstrate (typically 6 months), of documenting, review and release of routine data and reports, after a review of results and of quality control.
• Demonstrate good teamwork and interpersonal skills, including relationship management within the unit and outside the immediate work unit.
• Ability to work in a high-volume, fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrate basic math, computer, and Microsoft Excel skills.
• Experience pipetting in a laboratory setting.

Highly Desirable Qualifications

• Demonstrate an understanding of Environmental Microbiology sample testing (coliform bacteria in water; food pathogen analysis) and interpretations which include acceptance and holding times, dilution schemes, test performance characteristics, appropriate quality control, completion, and release of results.

Desirable Qualifications

• Experience in bacterial culture and isolation techniques.
• Experience using molecular techniques such as RT-PCR and/or DNA sequencing.
• Experience in microscopy.

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 ( [e-mail] )

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

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.

Additional Information

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

Contact Information

• Contact Name: VPR Talent

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 .