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Biology Lab Assistant Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Actalent

Lab Technician

Cedar Rapids, IA

$18.75 - $24.75/hr

... * Assist with training laboratory and production personnel on laboratory procedures, test methods ... Four-year science degree in Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology, or a related field, with a preference ...

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All JobsBiology Lab JobsBiology Lab Assistant JobsBiology Lab Assistant Jobs in Iowa

Biology Lab Assistant information

See Iowa salary details

$9

$19

$27

How much do biology lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for biology lab assistant in Iowa is $19.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.58 and $21.68 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges biology lab assistants face when supporting multiple research projects simultaneously?

Biology Lab Assistants often juggle tasks for several ongoing experiments, which can make time management and organization challenging. Prioritizing tasks, maintaining accurate records, and coordinating with different researchers are essential to ensure all projects progress smoothly. Adapting quickly to shifting priorities and effectively communicating with team members helps prevent errors and keeps the lab running efficiently. Building strong organizational habits and seeking clarification when needed are key strategies for success in this role.

What is the difference between Biology Lab Assistant vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectBiology Lab AssistantLaboratory Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or associate degree; some roles may require certificationAssociate degree or bachelor's in biology, chemistry, or related field; certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentEducational institutions, research labs, hospitalsResearch labs, healthcare facilities, industrial labs
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, colleges, research institutionsBiotech companies, pharmaceutical firms, hospitals
Common Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

While both roles support laboratory work in biological settings, Biology Lab Assistants typically work in educational or research environments with less emphasis on technical procedures. Laboratory Technicians often have more advanced training and perform more complex testing and analysis, making them suitable for industrial or clinical settings.

What does a biology lab assistant do?

A biology lab assistant supports laboratory activities by preparing specimens, maintaining lab equipment, and assisting with experiments and data collection. They often follow safety protocols, work under supervision, and may need knowledge of laboratory techniques and tools such as microscopes and pipettes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a biology lab assistant?

To thrive as a Biology Lab Assistant, you need a solid understanding of biological concepts, laboratory safety procedures, and basic lab techniques, often gained through relevant coursework or a degree in biology or a related field. Familiarity with lab equipment, data collection tools, and software like Microsoft Excel or laboratory information management systems (LIMS) is typically required. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are valuable soft skills in this role. These competencies are crucial to ensure accurate experimental results, maintain a safe lab environment, and support smooth research operations.

How much does a biology lab assistant get paid?

The average salary for a biology lab assistant typically ranges from $25,000 to $40,000 per year, depending on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while those with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher wages. Part-time roles often pay hourly, around $12 to $20 per hour.
What are the most commonly searched types of Biology Lab jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Biology Lab jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Biology Lab Assistant jobs in Iowa? For Biology Lab Assistant jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Biology Lab Assistant jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Biology Lab Assistant jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Biology Lab Assistant jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Biology Lab Assistant job openings:
Biology Lab Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Biology Lab Assistant job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 10% Temporary, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $39,555 per year, or $19 per hour.

Medical Lab Technician 3rd Shift - North Liberty Campus

University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics

Iowa City, IA • On-site

Other

Re-posted 25 days ago

University Of Iowa Health Care rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 62 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

268th of 887 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Description
The Department of Pathology-Medical Center North Liberty is seeking a Medical Lab Technician to provide moderately and highly complex clinical lab testing and analysis on biological specimens to provide information used in the diagnosis, prevention or treatment of disease. Will use a variety of procedures that may involve numerous detailed tests and techniques that require the use of professional judgment. This position is 100% time. Working hours will be Monday-Friday, 3rd shift (2230-0700 with rotating holidays and weekends as needed).
Qualified candidates may be eligible for a sign-on incentive of $5,000 based on years of experience! (Current UI employees are not eligible for incentive)
  • Perform quantitative and qualitative analysis for all levels of testing complexity on laboratory clinical and research biological specimens such as blood, tissue and body fluids.
  • Provide information to health care provider regarding test methodology and interpretation. Evaluate test results and provide support to Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS).
  • Investigate quality assurance issues involving patient samples.
  • Recommend corrective action for quality assurance.
  • Calibrate, conduct routine maintenance and troubleshoot laboratory instrumentation.
  • Seek technical direction from the MLS with specific instrumentation problems.
  • Assist in reagent comparisons, evaluate results and recommend changes to reduce costs and improve efficiency.
  • Participate in evaluation of equipment and recommend products for acquisition.
  • Maintain inventory and orders supplies as needed.
  • Comply with applicable regulatory and accreditation requirements of the laboratory section.
  • Perform, record and review daily quality control associated with assigned testing.
  • Document and report variances.
  • Participate in the Quality Assurance program within the section. Identify opportunities for improvement for improvement and make recommendations for resolution of identified problems/errors.
  • May assist with writing and revising laboratory procedures according to NCCLS guidelines.
  • Assist in a positive and professional manner with bench training for the Clinical Lab Sciences Training Program within the section.
  • Maintain effective working relationships with faculty, staff, students and the public.
Pay grade: 4
SEIU Pay Plan | University Human Resources - The University of Iowa
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in a chemical, biological, clinical laboratory science, or medical technology program from an accredited institution, or
  • Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) or eligible from American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) or National Credentialing Agency (NCA), or
  • Successfully completed an official US military medical laboratory procedures training course of at least 50 weeks duration and have held the military enlisted occupational specialty of Medical Laboratory Specialist (Laboratory Technician) is required.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required.
Desirable Qualifications:
  • Certification from American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) or National Credentialing Agency (NCA) as a Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) is highly desirable.
  • Previous experience in a laboratory performing moderate and/or high complexity testing in blood baking, chemistry, hematology, and/or microbiology, which may include program training experience, is highly desired.
Position and Application details:
In order to be considered for an interview, applicants must upload the following documents and mark them as required to the submission:
  • Resume
  • Cover Letter

Job openings are posted for a minimum of 7 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. For additional questions, please contact michael-lynch-2@uiowa.edu.

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