Assistant Director
The Assistant Director provides senior operational leadership for the State Hygienic Laboratory (SHL) at the University of Iowa, working in close partnership with the Director, Associate Director, and senior leadership. This role will lead the nonscientific operations that enable SHL’s public health, research, and service missions.
The Assistant Director will oversee the core operational functions including finance and accounting, client and patient billing, grants and contracts management, information technology, safety, training, facilities, and laboratory support services such as accessioning, client services, and central services. The position is responsible for operational planning, resource management, compliance, and continuous improvement to ensure efficient, reliable, and compliant laboratory operations.
This role will lead SHL’s strategic and operational planning efforts, with responsibility for implementation, performance monitoring, accountability, and reporting, and serves as a key advisor to the Director on operational risk, infrastructure needs, and organizational performance.
Position Status: 1-Year Specified Term.
Work Location: Coralville, IA
Work Modality: On-site
To learn more about the department visit https://shl.uiowa.edu/
For a full job description, please send an e-mail to the contact listed below.
About Pay and Compensation:
Pay Grade: 6A
Qualifications:
Education or Equivalency Required:
Master’s degree in laboratory science, public health, biology, chemistry, operations management, engineering, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and progressively responsible experience.
Required Qualifications:
· Five (5) or more years of progressively responsible experience providing operational leadership in a laboratory, public health laboratory, academic research environment, core facility, or similarly regulated technical environment.
· Experience managing complex operational functions, such as facilities, equipment, safety compliance, budgeting, or staffing.
· Working knowledge of laboratory operations safety, including equipment installation, validation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
· Experience supporting or overseeing public health, research, or clinical testing operations.
· Supervisory or lead experience, including responsibility for staff oversight, work direction, or performance management.
· Experience with budgeting or fiscal oversight, including cost analysis, expenditure monitoring, or fee‑for‑service operations.
· Demonstrate job-related experience with fostering a welcoming and respectful work environment.
· Possession of a valid state or commercial driver's license, and the ability to meet University Fleet Safety Standards.
Highly Desirable Qualifications:
· PhD in a scientific, public health, or operation-related field.
· Experience contributing to strategic planning, operational improvement, or service expansion initiatives.
· Experience supporting laboratory facility upgrades, equipment acquisitions, or new service implementation.
· Familiarity with laboratory regulatory, accreditation, and environmental health and safety requirements.
Desirable Qualifications:
· Experience contributing to grant proposals, funding requests, or external reporting.
· Experience overseeing or supporting laboratory information systems, including billing, reservation, or data management platforms.
· Experience participating in vendor relations or external partnerships.
Position and Application Details and Instructions:
Include your driver’s license information as a certification under the license and certifications section.
In order to be considered for an interview, applicants must upload the following required documents and mark them as a “Relevant File” to the submission:
· Cover Letter
· Resume
Job openings are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days and may be removed from posting and filled any time after the original posting period has ended.
Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check, credential/education verification and 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.
For additional questions, please contact: VPR Talent (vpr-talent@uiowa.edu)
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.
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, (319) 335-2660 or fsds@uiowa.edu. For jobs in UI Health care, please contact UI Health care Leave & Disability Administration at 319-356-7543.
