Chemical Threat Emergency Preparedness Coordinator

Role Overview

This position oversees the State Hygienic Laboratory's (SHL) program focused on chemical threat and environmental hazard emergency readiness at the University of Iowa. It involves providing expert scientific and technical guidance to ensure accurate and prompt laboratory analyses and serves as the Laboratory Chemical Safety Officer. The coordinator leads responses to natural disasters, terrorist incidents, and other emergencies, enabling SHL personnel to effectively conduct analytical testing.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop, validate, and maintain comprehensive procedures for handling potentially hazardous materials including clinical specimens and environmental samples.
• Serve as a technical resource to enhance collaboration and communication with key emergency response partners through structured outreach initiatives.
• Coordinate preparedness efforts across the Environmental Health Division, working closely with the Biological Threat Coordinator and Diagnostic and Clinical Division colleagues.
• Manage project planning, team leadership, and delivery of training to support community education and outreach.
• Participate in required travel and occasionally work outside standard business hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays to process samples.

Qualifications and Experience

• Master’s degree in a scientific discipline, emergency management, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Proven experience in environmental and clinical public health laboratory settings.
• Knowledge of clinical and environmental chemistry techniques.
• Competence in professional project management and team leadership.
• Proficiency in analytical chemistry methods, preferably LC-MS/MS and GC-MS instrumentation.
• Familiarity with laboratory safety protocols, including Environmental Health and Safety and Chemical Hygiene standards.
• Valid state or commercial driver’s license meeting university fleet safety requirements.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and relationship management skills.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with incident command systems and national incident management protocols.
• Expertise in High Resolution Mass Spectrometry and identification of unknown compounds.
• Exposure to drills, exercises, grant monitoring, biosafety and biosecurity, as well as initiating new laboratory programs.
• Competency with Microsoft Office, Laboratory Information Systems (LIS), and fiscal and operational report preparation.

Additional Information

• Work schedule is Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with required availability for nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Frequent travel required for role duties.
• This is a regular full-time and onsite position at the University of Iowa.
• Successful candidates must pass background checks, credential verification, and comply with driver safety standards.
• The position offers university sponsorship for work authorization but excludes coverage for certain H-1B petition fees under specific presidential proclamations.
• Applicants must submit a cover letter and resume to be considered for interviews.

About the Employer and Location

The University of Iowa is a leading Big Ten university and public research institution committed to impactful education, research, and student success. Benefits include comprehensive health insurance, life insurance, retirement plans, paid leave, professional development opportunities, and access to specialist healthcare. Iowa City offers excellent living standards with cultural events, top athletic programs, quality public schools, and abundant outdoor activities.