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Associate In Science Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Overview Kemin Industries Food Technologies business unit is seeking an Associate Scientist in Food Science to join our team of experienced researchers and help strengthen our ingredient-innovation ...

Associate Scientist On-site | Full-Time | U.S. Work Authorization Required Position Summary The ... Bachelor's or Master's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a ...

The Director of Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy Sciences (BSPS) Program serves as the inaugural ... The position reports to the Associate Dean of Student Services, with collaborative relationships ...

The Director of Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy Sciences (BSPS) Program serves as the inaugural ... The position reports to the Associate Dean of Student Services, with collaborative relationships ...

Data Science Associate

Des Moines, IA

$57K - $58K/yr

Bachelor's degree in quantitative discipline such as statistics, mathematics, finance, accounting, computer science, engineering, or economics. * Less than 1-year hands-on experience with specific ...

Bachelor's degree in quantitative discipline such as statistics, mathematics, finance, accounting, computer science, engineering, or economics. * Less than 1-year hands-on experience with specific ...

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Associate In Science information

See Iowa salary details

$10

$18

$31

How much do associate in science jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate in science in Iowa is $18.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.99 and $19.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an Associate in Science degree?

An Associate in Science (AS) is a two-year undergraduate degree typically offered by community colleges and some universities. This degree focuses on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields and provides foundational knowledge for students who wish to enter the workforce or transfer to a four-year institution to pursue a bachelor's degree. The curriculum usually includes general education courses as well as courses specific to the student's area of interest, such as biology, chemistry, or computer science.

What types of roles and projects can an associate in science expect to work on within a research or laboratory setting?

As an Associate in Science working in a research or laboratory environment, you can expect to be involved in a variety of tasks, such as assisting with experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and maintaining lab equipment. You'll often collaborate closely with senior scientists and lab technicians, contributing to ongoing research projects or product development initiatives. This position offers hands-on experience with scientific methods and technology, and it can serve as a stepping stone to more specialized roles or advanced studies. The work environment is typically team-oriented and fast-paced, providing opportunities to learn new techniques and build a strong professional network.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate in science, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate in Science, you need a strong grasp of foundational scientific concepts, analytical skills, and typically an Associate of Science degree from an accredited institution. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, scientific software (such as Excel or SPSS), and data analysis tools is often required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are valuable soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure accurate scientific work, efficient collaboration, and readiness for further study or advancement in technical careers.

What is the difference between Associate In Science vs Medical Laboratory Technician?

AspectAssociate In ScienceMedical Laboratory Technician
CredentialsTypically an associate degree in science or related fieldAssociate degree in medical laboratory technology or similar
Work EnvironmentClassroom, laboratory, research settingsHospitals, clinics, diagnostic labs
Industry UsageBroadly used across science and healthcare fieldsSpecific to medical laboratory work
Search/Comparison IntentUnderstanding educational pathways and career optionsJob roles, certifications, and responsibilities in labs

Both degrees involve science education, but an Associate In Science provides a broader academic foundation, while a Medical Laboratory Technician focuses specifically on laboratory skills for healthcare settings.

Infographic showing various Associate In Science job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,817 per year, or $18.7 per hour.

Postdoctoral Research Associate in Metabolomics

Iowa State University

Ames, IA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

New


Iowa State University rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 86 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

386th of 627 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Position Title:Postdoctoral Research Associate in MetabolomicsAppointment Type:Post Doc/TraineeJob Description:

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:

The Metabolomics Research Facility is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to support collaborative and independent research focused on metabolomics and small molecule analysis using advanced mass spectrometry technologies. This position will play a key role in developing and executing metabolomics workflows for a diverse portfolio of research projects involving biological, environmental, agricultural, pharmaceutical, and biomanufacturing applications.

The successful candidate will operate, maintain, and provide training on a variety of analytical instrumentation, including a Thermo Scientific Orbitrap Astral Mass Spectrometer, LC-MS, and GC-MS platforms. The individual will collaborate with faculty, staff, students, and external researchers to design experiments, prepare samples, acquire and analyze data, and interpret complex metabolomics datasets.

Research activities will include both targeted and non-targeted metabolite profiling of a wide range of sample types, including animal models, human cell lines and cohorts, plants, microbial systems, environmental samples, and other novel biological materials. The postdoctoral researcher will assist in the development and implementation of new analytical methods and provide scientific consultation to researchers utilizing facility resources.

Additional responsibilities include coordinating metabolomics research projects, supporting the training of laboratory users, contributing to the preparation of scientific reports and publications, presenting research findings at professional conferences, and participating in ongoing professional development opportunities. The position offers an opportunity to work in a highly collaborative research environment while advancing expertise in mass spectrometry, metabolomics, and interdisciplinary scientific research.

Required Minimum Qualifications:

  • Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Analytical Chemistry, Bioinformatics, or a related field.
  • Experience working with mass spectrometry instrumentation, associated software platforms, and data analysis workflows.
  • Research experience in non-targeted metabolomics, global metabolomics, lipidomics, or closely related fields, including experimental design, sample preparation, data acquisition, data analysis, and post-acquisition bioinformatic and/or statistical analysis.
  • Experience analyzing high-resolution LC-MS/MS data generated using Thermo Scientific Orbitrap instrumentation or similar high-resolution mass spectrometry platforms.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience using Thermo Scientific software applications, including Xcalibur, Compound Discoverer, TraceFinder, and LipidSearch.
  • Experience operating, maintaining, troubleshooting, and optimizing complex analytical instrumentation in a research laboratory.
  • Experience processing, analyzing, and interpreting raw mass spectrometry data.
  • Experience with multi-omics data integration, statistical analysis, and biological interpretation of complex datasets.
  • Demonstrated ability to support collaborative research projects and communicate technical findings to diverse scientific audiences.

Department/Program & College Description:

The W.M. Keck Metabolomics Research Laboratory in Iowa State University's Office of Biotechnology provides state-of-the-art mass spectrometry-based metabolomics services and expertise to researchers at Iowa State University and collaborators worldwide.

Department Unit/Website:
W.M. Keck Metabolomics Research Lab | Iowa State University

Application Instructions:
To apply for this position, please click on "Apply" and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:

Resume/Curriculum Vitae

Letter of Application/Cover Letter

Why Choose Iowa State University?
Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental, as well as:

  • Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
  • Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans
  • Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
  • Life insurance and long-term disability
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Various voluntary benefits and discounts
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Wellbeing program
  • Iowa State offers WorkFlex options for some positions. WorkFlex offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work. For more information, please speak with the Hiring Manager.

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu, or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.

Proposed Start Date:September 1, 2026Number of Months Employed Per Year:12 Month Work PeriodTime Type:Full timePay Grade:Post DocsOriginal Posting Date:August 28, 2026Posting Close Date:September 28, 2026Job Requisition Number:R19759

Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu.

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.


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