Types of employment
The Department of Biology and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences are strongly committed to gender and ethnic diversity; the strategic plans of the University and College reflect this commitment. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. The University of Iowa is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.
Job openings
Faculty/Instructional positions
Tenure-Track Assistant Professor in Genetics
The Department of Biology has cancelled the prior Assistant Professor of Genetics at the University of Iowa search and posted a new, revised search (#75790). The revised advertisement clarifies the type of applicant we are seeking and specifies what application materials should be included.
For details and to apply, visit
https://jobs.uiowa.edu/faculty/view/75790
The Department of Biology at the University of Iowa invites applications for a tenure-track assistant professor position in genetics, beginning in the academic year 2026. We invite applications from candidates addressing fundamental and open questions in genetics, including (but not limited to) DNA damage, genome stability, DNA replication, genome organization, and transcriptional regulation, that can be related to cancer biology. We seek applications from candidates who use an organismal model system(s) and deploy a variety of approaches and techniques. Candidates whose research solely uses in vitro systems or pre-clinical models of cancer will not be considered. Candidates must hold a PhD and have postdoctoral training. Successful candidates will have an established record of high-quality research and show strong promise of an externally funded program of research. The faculty member holding this position will be expected to contribute to the instructional mission of the Department of Biology by teaching courses in areas connected to genetics, mentoring students, as well as by fostering a welcoming and respectful academic and work environment.
The Department of Biology is housed in two connected buildings, located in the heart of Iowa City. The department is home to the Carver Center for Genomics, offering in-house DNA sequencing, genomics, transcriptomics, and other services, the Carver Center for Imaging, which houses spinning disc, scanning and multiphoton confocal microscopes, and the Developmental Studies Hybridoma Bank (DSHB), an internationally renowned repository for monoclonal antibodies. Faculty in the Department of Biology work on a wide range of cell systems and model organisms, including C. elegans, Drosophila, Tribolium, Xenopus, zebrafish, mice, yeast, maize, Ceratopteris, and others. The Department of Biology has both PhD and MS programs, and also recruits PhD students from the NIH T32 Interdisciplinary Program in Genetics as well as other interdisciplinary graduate programs. There are extensive opportunities for collaboration with researchers across many other departments on campus, including in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (e.g., Psychological and Brain Sciences, Mathematics, Health and Human Physiology), in the Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, and in the Carver College of Medicine (e.g., Anatomy and Cell Biology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Microbiology and Immunology, Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Neuroscience and Pharmacology).
How to Apply:
To apply, please visit the submission website at https://jobs.uiowa.edu/content/faculty/ and refer to requisition #75790. Materials should be submitted electronically, including a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, research statement, copies of selected scholarly papers, and a teaching statement that addresses the applicant’s interests, experiences, and aspirations in science education, curriculum development, and mentorship, as well as email contact information for three letters of recommendation. Informal inquiries about the position can be directed to tina-tootle@uiowa.edu (Chair of Biology). The review of applicants will begin on January 5, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled.
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.
Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any misconduct history or pending research misconduct investigation including but not limited to sexual misconduct in prior employment and provide a related release and will be subject to a criminal background and credential check.
Education Requirement:
- Candidates must hold a PhD in Biology or closely related field at the time of appointment.
Required Qualifications:
- Postdoctoral training or equivalent training.
- Research specialization in genetics using established and/or emergent comparative model organisms.
- High-quality publications in genetics from postdoctoral training or equivalent training.
- Research specialization in fundamental genetic mechanisms that can be related to cancer biology.
Desirable Qualifications:
- Promise of an independent, externally-funded, and cutting-edge research program.
- Proposed research program synergizes or complements departmental research strengths.
- Independent teaching and mentoring experience in biology.
- Demonstrated experience working effectively in a welcoming and respectful workplace environment.
Research positions
Service Core Center Manager
The Department of Biology is seeking a Service Core Center Manager.
This position will play a pivotal role in supporting cutting-edge scientific research by managing multiple core research facilities within the Department of Biology, including the Carver Center for Genomics, Carver Center for Imaging, Engineering Shop, and Drosophila Facility. This position provides specialized services and expert consultation to researchers and investigators, ensuring the effective use of highly technical and specialized equipment and methodologies. A significant component of the position will be to assist with training users on the different confocal microscope systems available within the Carver Center for Imaging. In collaboration with the department chair and administrator, the role oversees the operational, fiscal, and human resource functions of the core facilities, ensuring they remain cost-effective, well-maintained, and aligned with the evolving needs of the research community.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide scientific, technical and administrative leadership and expertise in the operations of core facility research.
- Provide technical support for researchers in a specialized area of research.
- Oversee protocols for preparing media for teaching and research labs.
- Oversee and/or participate in the investigation and critical analysis of literature.
- Oversee the education, training and consultation to core facility users on highly specialized equipment, scientific research or technology.
- Troubleshoot core equipment failures, procure repair parts, implement repairs, supervise field service engineers and facility staff, and test equipment for proper function after repairs.
For a full job description or questions about this position, please send an email to vance-morris@uiowa.edu.
Education Required
- Bachelor's degree in biology or related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Required Qualifications
- One year of relevant experience.
- Demonstrated expertise in confocal microscopy.
- Demonstrated experience in using standard equipment for RNA, DNA, and protein analyses.
- Demonstrated experience in organizational management.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing with a variety of people on a consistent basis including faculty, staff, and graduate and undergraduate students.
- Valid driver’s license and the ability to meet and maintain University Driving Policy standards.
Desired Qualifications
- MS or PhD in biology or related field.
- Experience managing equipment maintenance.
- Experience with billing and financial management.
- Demonstrated expertise in multiple confocal imaging modalities (i.e. scanning, spinning, multiphoton, super resolution).
- Demonstrated expertise in 3 and 4D image analyses.
- Experience in training others to use biological research equipment.
Position and Application Details
For additional job details and to apply please visit https://jobs.uiowa.edu/ and access requisition #25005009.
In order to be considered for an interview, applicants must upload the following documents and mark them as a "Relevant File" to the submission.
- Resume
- Cover Letter
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 and credential/education verification. Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process. Please note that this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship in the United States.
For additional questions, please contact: vance-morris@uiowa.edu
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- Classification Title: Core Facility Research Prof
- Appointment Type: Professional and Scientific
- Schedule: Full-time
- Work Modality Options: On Campus
- Pay Level: 4A
- Organization: College of Liberal Arts
- Contact Name: Vance Morris
- Contact Email: vance-morris@uiowa.edu
Departmental administrative positions
No open positions at this time.
Undergraduate opportunities
Research for academic credit
Biology Honors Program
Perform an independent research project with one of our biology department faculty for academic credit. Write a research proposal and honors thesis and present your research.
Learn more about Honors in Biology
BIOL:3994–Introduction to Research
Register for academic credit to perform independent research with one of our Department of Biology faculty. Credit may also be given for independent work in another University of Iowa department, however a Department of Biology faculty will need to sponsor your enrollment in BIOL:3994.
Research opportunities
The best way to get started in research is to view the research areas of the faculty and then contact them via email to discuss the possibility of conducting research with them. Some undergraduate research jobs may also be posted on Hireahawk.
If you have questions about undergraduate research, contact Dr. Lori Adams at lori-adams@uiowa.edu for more information.
Hireahawk
Look for opportunities to work in a laboratory on campus for pay. Job duties typically involve making solutions, stocking laboratory equipment, washing laboratory glassware, etc. Often these opportunities can lead to undergraduate research experiences.