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Biologist Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

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Biology Lab Technician

Johnston, IA · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

Maintain detailed biological sample inventory in the lab. * Migrate inventory records into databases. * In addition to the above job responsibilities, other duties may be assigned. Requirements:

Showing results 21-40

Biologist information

See Iowa salary details

$34.8K

$84K

$129.6K

How much do biologist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for biologist in Iowa is $83,974.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,900.00 and $113,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a biologist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Biologist, you need a strong background in biological sciences, analytical skills, and typically at least a bachelor's degree in biology or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory techniques, data analysis software (such as R or Python), and sometimes specialized certifications (like biosafety or animal handling) is often required. Attention to detail, critical thinking, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating with research teams and presenting findings. These skills and qualities are essential for conducting accurate research, ensuring safety, and advancing scientific understanding.

What are some typical challenges biologists face when conducting field research?

Biologists conducting field research often encounter unpredictable weather conditions, remote or difficult-to-access locations, and the need to adapt quickly to unexpected changes in their environment or research subjects. They must also ensure proper documentation and sample preservation, sometimes with limited resources or technology in the field. Collaborating with local teams and adhering to ethical guidelines for wildlife and environmental protection are crucial parts of the process.

What is the difference between Biologist vs Environmental Scientist?

AspectBiologistEnvironmental Scientist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Biology or related field; often requires research experienceBachelor's or Master's in Environmental Science, Ecology, or related field; may include certifications in environmental management
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research facilities, outdoor habitatsFieldwork, laboratories, government agencies, consulting firms
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutions, biotech companiesGovernment agencies, environmental consulting firms, NGOs

While both Biologists and Environmental Scientists study living organisms, Biologists focus more on understanding biological processes and conducting research in labs or natural habitats. Environmental Scientists apply biological principles to address environmental issues, often working in field settings and policy-related roles. The roles overlap in education and some work environments, but their primary focus and applications differ.

What are the most commonly searched types of Biologist jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Biologist jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Biologist jobs in Iowa? For Biologist jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Biologist jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Biologist job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Biologist jobs in IA? For Biologist jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Biologist job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 61% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 37% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,974 per year, or $40.4 per hour.

Senior Quality Advisor - Biologics Regulatory Compliance

Elanco

Fort Dodge, IA • On-site

$79K - $109K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 16 days ago


Elanco rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

51st of 86 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

At Elanco (NYSE: ELAN) - it all starts with animals!

As a global leader in animal health, we are dedicated to innovation and delivering products and services to prevent and treat disease in farm animals and pets. At Elanco, we are driven by our vision of Food and Companionship Enriching Life and our purpose - all to Go Beyond for Animals, Customers, Society and Our People.

At Elanco, we pride ourselves on fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. We believe that diversity is the driving force behind innovation, creativity, and overall business success. Here, you'll be part of a company that values and champions new ways of thinking, work with dynamic individuals, and acquire new skills and experiences that will propel your career to new heights.

Making animals' lives better makes life better - join our team today!

Your Role: Senior Quality Advisor - Biologics Regulatory Compliance

The Senior Quality Advisor - Biologics Regulatory Compliance plays a critical role in advancing quality, regulatory compliance, and commercialization efforts across Elanco's multi-site USDA Center for Veterinary Biologics (CVB) network. This strategic position partners with manufacturing sites and global quality organizations to strengthen compliance, support innovation, and drive continuous improvement while serving as a key regulatory liaison for USDA-CVB interactions.

Your Responsibilities:
  • Develop and execute strategic quality initiatives that strengthen regulatory compliance, improve quality performance, and support the long-term Biologics Network Quality strategy.

  • Serve as an Alternate Liaison for Elanco's USDA Establishment, representing the organization in interactions with USDA-CVB, managing regulatory submissions, and supporting technical compliance discussions.

  • Partner with Manufacturing, Sterility Assurance, Global Technical Services, Central Quality, and other cross-functional teams to resolve quality and compliance challenges across the biologics network.

  • Support the commercialization of new biologic products by participating on cross-functional project teams and providing quality oversight throughout the manufacturability review and technology transfer process.

  • Identify opportunities to improve compliance and operational performance through benchmarking, data analysis, and continuous improvement initiatives while building business cases to influence senior leadership decisions.

  • Coach and mentor colleagues on Root Cause Problem Solving methodologies, regulatory expectations, and technical writing to strengthen organizational capability.

  • Prepare executive dashboards, reports, governance materials, and technical documentation to support effective decision-making and regulatory compliance.

What You Need to Succeed (minimum qualifications):
  • Education: Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Biology, Virology, or another science-related discipline required. Master's or PhD preferred.

  • Experience: Minimum of 10 years of experience in the vaccine, biologics, or biotechnology industry with increasing responsibility in Quality, Manufacturing, or Regulatory Compliance.

  • Top 2 Skills: Deep knowledge of biologics manufacturing and regulatory requirements (USDA 9 CFR, FDA, and/or EU GMP); and demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional quality and compliance initiatives while influencing stakeholders across the organization.

What Will Give You a Competitive Edge (preferred qualifications):
  • Direct experience supporting USDA Center for Veterinary Biologics (CVB) licensure, regulatory submissions, and agency interactions.

  • Experience leading commercialization and technology transfer activities for biologics or vaccine products in a regulated manufacturing environment.

  • Expertise in sterility assurance, root cause problem solving, and continuous improvement methodologies, with demonstrated success coaching technical teams and driving sustainable quality improvements.

Additional Information:
  • Location: Elwood, KS or Indianapolis, IN or Fort Dodge, IA

  • Travel: Approximately 15-25% travel to biologics manufacturing sites.

  • This role partners closely with manufacturing, quality, regulatory, and technical organizations across multiple sites to support strategic initiatives, regulatory compliance, and commercialization activities.

Don't meet every single requirement? Studies have shown underrecognized groups are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every qualification. At Elanco, we are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. If you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification, we encourage you to apply. You may be the right candidate for this role-or another opportunity at Elanco.

Elanco Benefits and Perks:

We offer a comprehensive benefits package focused on supporting your financial, physical, and mental well-being while empowering you to pursue our purpose. Highlights include:

  • Multiple relocation packages

  • 8-week parental leave

  • 9 Employee Resource Groups

  • Annual bonus opportunity

  • Up to 6% 401(k) matching

#LI-HL

Elanco is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status

Elanco may use automated tools, including AI, to support parts of our recruitment process, such as reviewing applications against jobrelated criteria and/or transferrable skills. These tools help ensure a consistent, structured evaluation, but they do not make hiring decisions. All decisions involve a human reviewer. For more information on how we handle personal data, please see our Elanco Workforce Privacy Notice.


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