Minerals & Metals Supervisor, Ankeny, IA

The University of Iowa; Iowa City (IA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

Life insurance

Retirement plans

Leave policies

Tuition assistance

Job summary

The University of Iowa is seeking an experienced chemist for the Minerals & Metal section to perform and supervise analysis of samples across matrices including foods, water, cannabis, and clinical specimens. This role involves method validation, sample prep, data processing, and reporting results using ICP-OES, ICP-MS, IC-ICP-MS, and related equipment.

Applicants must meet CLIA requirements; transcripts will be required. Schedule is M-F 8am-5pm, on-site in Ankeny, IA.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in chemistry or closely related field is required; bachelor’s degree suffices per CLIA.
• Extensive experience (typically 5 years) with analytical instrumentation and method development/validation.
• Experience with ICP-MS and ICP-OES instrumentation.

Responsibilities

• Perform and supervise analysis of metals across diverse matrices.
• Validate and verify methods; prepare samples and report results.
• Operate and maintain ICP-OES/ICP-MS and related equipment.
• Ensure prompt turnaround and CLIA compliance.

Skills

ICP-MS

ICP-OES

Method validation

Data reporting

Communication skills

Windows proficiency

Education

Master's degree in Chemistry

Bachelor's degree

PhD in Chemistry

Tools

IC-ICP-MS

LIMS

ICP-MS instrument software

Job description

The State Hygienic Laboratory is seeking an experienced chemist for the Minerals & Metal 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 federal and state grants and contracts. This position will be responsible performing and supervising method validation and verification, sample preparation, sample analysis, and data processing and reporting of results for a variety of analyses. This position will be responsible for operating and maintaining instruments, ICP-OES, ICP-MS, ICP-MS, IC-ICP-MS, and associated equipment to ensure prompt analytical response and minimal turnaround times back to external partners and customers.

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 8am-5pm
Work Location: Ankeny, IA
Work Modality: In-Person, on-site
About Pay and Compensation: Pay Grade: 6A
To learn more about the department visit https://shl.uiowa.edu/

Qualifications

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 appropriate laboratory techniques is required, including extensive knowledge of 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 verbally.
• Extensive proficiency with Windows based systems, computer and digital operations.
• Extensive critical thinking skills.
• Demonstrate the ability to work with a variety of individuals and groups in a constructive and civil manner and utilize existing resources and learning to achieve or exceed desired outcomes of current and future organizational goals and needs.

Highly Desirable Qualifications

• 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.
• Previous 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).

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 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.

Additional Information

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

Compensation

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 .