Reference Microbiology Supervisor

Role overview

The State Hygienic Laboratory at the University of Iowa is hiring a full-time Microbiology Supervisor for its Coralville, Iowa facility. In this role, you will oversee laboratory testing of clinical specimens and isolates used for disease diagnosis, treatment, and surveillance. You will also make sure the assigned laboratory areas operate according to best laboratory practices, meet CLIA and other applicable regulatory standards, and follow all safety and security rules.

Schedule and work location

This is an on-site, in-person position based in Coralville, Iowa. The standard schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. However, holiday, weekend, and on-call coverage will also be required.

Pay and position details

This is a regular, full-time professional and scientific appointment classified at Pay Grade 5A. The role is not eligible for University sponsorship for employment authorization.

Education and transcript requirements

A master’s degree in molecular biology, biology, chemistry, biochemistry, or a related discipline is required, or you must have an equivalent combination of education and experience. To satisfy CLIA requirements, selected applicants must provide an official transcript or a copy of an official transcript before an offer can be made. If your degree was earned outside the United States, your transcript must be evaluated by a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) member, and you will be responsible for the evaluation cost.

Required experience and qualifications

• Usually three to five years of experience working in a clinical or public health laboratory.
• Hands-on background in validating and/or developing molecular biology methods, including real-time PCR, genotyping, and DNA variant identification.
• At least one year of experience overseeing projects and preparing successful grants and manuscripts in a professional environment.
• At least one year of experience conducting laboratory research and analyzing data in a professional setting.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Preferred qualifications

• PhD in molecular biology, biology, chemistry, biochemistry, or a closely related area.
• At least one year of experience in molecular test validation and quality control.
• Experience presenting data at national meetings, especially meetings connected to newborn screening.
• Background in training or teaching.
• Experience leading teams.
• Comfort with Microsoft Office, laboratory information systems, and fiscal or operational report preparation.

Application requirements

To be considered for an interview, applicants must upload a cover letter and resume and mark each as a relevant file during submission.

Hiring and compliance notes

Job openings remain posted for at least 14 calendar days and may be removed and filled at any time after that initial posting window closes. Final candidates will need to disclose any conviction history and will undergo a criminal background check as well as education and credential verification. Up to five professional references will be requested later in the hiring process.

About the University of Iowa

Joining the University of Iowa means becoming part of a community that supports education, research, and student success. Employees may have access to comprehensive health coverage, university-paid life insurance, strong retirement plans, generous leave, 24/7 support services, well-being resources, UI Health Care specialists, advanced training, leadership development, and tuition assistance. Iowa City also offers a high quality of life with performing arts, Big Ten athletics, strong public schools, and outdoor recreation.

Additional information

• Classification title: Clinical Lab Supervisor
• Appointment type: Professional and Scientific
• Work modality options: On Campus
• Department contact: VPR Talent
• Contact email: vpr-talent@uiowa.edu
• Organization: Research/Hygienics Lab
• Department website: shl.uiowa.edu