1

Clinical Lab Assistant Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Showing results 41-60

Clinical Lab Assistant information

See Iowa salary details

$13

$24

$66

How much do clinical lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for clinical lab assistant in Iowa is $24.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.08 and $25.29 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a clinical lab assistant?

A clinical lab assistant works in a medical lab, helping senior researchers to assess, analyze, and discover diseases and other medical issues. The duties of these technicians include inspecting specimens and running routine and specialized tests. They also maintain records, which are used to make reports to doctors or patients. Qualifications for this career include a bachelor’s degree in biology, medical sciences, or a related field, as well as experience or training in a lab setting. Depending on state laws, clinical lab assistants may need certification. Other skills include attention to detail and strong written and verbal communication.

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

To thrive as a Clinical Lab Assistant, you need a strong background in biology or medical laboratory technology, attention to detail, and typically a certificate or associate degree in a related field. Familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS), specimen processing equipment, and adherence to safety protocols is essential. Strong organizational skills, teamwork, and effective communication help you excel in a fast-paced, accuracy-driven environment. These skills ensure precise sample handling, reliable test results, and smooth laboratory operations, which are critical for patient diagnosis and care.

What are some common challenges faced by clinical lab assistants, and how can they be managed?

Clinical Lab Assistants often work in fast-paced environments where attention to detail is critical, especially when handling multiple samples and processing tests under time constraints. Managing workload efficiently and maintaining accurate records are essential to avoid errors. Communication with laboratory technologists and other healthcare professionals is also key, as it ensures smooth workflow and timely delivery of results. Staying organized, following strict protocols, and proactively seeking clarification when uncertain can help manage these challenges effectively.

What is the difference between Clinical Lab Assistant vs Medical Laboratory Technician?

AspectClinical Lab AssistantMedical Laboratory Technician
CertificationsNone required, but certification can enhance prospectsCertification often preferred or required (e.g., ASCP)
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, diagnostic labsHospitals, diagnostic labs, research facilities
Job ResponsibilitiesAssist with specimen collection, prepare samples, maintain lab equipmentPerform tests, analyze samples, record results
EducationHigh school diploma or equivalentPost-secondary education (associate degree)

While both roles support laboratory operations, Clinical Lab Assistants mainly assist with specimen handling and preparation, whereas Medical Laboratory Technicians perform detailed testing and analysis. The roles often overlap in work environment and required credentials, but Medical Laboratory Technicians typically have more advanced training and responsibilities.

What do clinical lab assistants do?

Clinical lab assistants support laboratory operations by preparing specimens, maintaining lab equipment, and recording test results. They often work under the supervision of medical technologists or laboratory managers and need attention to detail and basic knowledge of laboratory procedures.
More about Clinical Lab Assistant jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Clinical Lab jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Clinical Lab jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Clinical Lab Assistant jobs in Iowa?

For Clinical Lab Assistant jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Clinical Lab Assistant jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Clinical Lab Assistant jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Clinical Lab Assistant jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Clinical Lab Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Clinical Lab Assistant job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,191 per year, or $24.6 per hour.

Assistant Lab Manager - North Liberty Pathology

University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics

Iowa City, IA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago


University Of Iowa Health Care rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 63 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

380th of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Description
The Assistant Lab Manager ensures the smooth, efficient operation of the MCNL laboratory by supervising assigned personnel, performing assigned administrative functions, overseeing and managing technical and operational functions of the laboratory and performing other tasks and duties as assigned.
The new University of Iowa Health Care - North Liberty Campus is a 469,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility serving as the home of UI Health Care's nationally recognized Orthopedics service line. It offers coordinated, comprehensive, and accessible care across outpatient, inpatient, and surgical settings.
In addition to world-class orthopedic care, the campus features a full-service community imaging center, laboratory services, physical therapy, a retail pharmacy, an emergency department, and a wide range of support services. Every element of the facility is thoughtfully designed to deliver an exceptional experience for patients and staff, support excellence in clinical care, education, and research, and foster meaningful community partnerships.
UI Health Care is building a welcoming, skilled, and collaborative team to help launch this innovative campus and advance our mission: Changing Medicine. Changing Lives.
JOB RELATIONSHIPS :
Administrative supervision is received from the Laboratory Manager of the Medical Center North Liberty Hospital. Collaborates effectively with the Medical Directors, Laboratory Supervisors, Laboratory Technologists and other MCNL personnel to ensure timely service delivery, operational efficiency and regulatory compliance throughout the MCNL Laboratory. Provides functional and administrative supervision of other leadership, technical and support staff of the MCNL Laboratory.
POSITION SPECIFIC TASK STATEMENTS :
• Provides clinical, technical, managerial and developmental leadership to staff.
o Mentors and coaches staff, as appropriate.
o Disseminates general information and pertinent policy or procedure changes.
o Ensure staff are compliant with policies, procedures and regulations.
o Support laboratory initiatives in a positive manner.
• Assists in maintaining productivity and quality of the laboratory operations.
o Recommends corrective action in response to errors, near misses, regulatory changes or internal/external audits.
o Writes and evaluates Variances.
o Enters Riskonnect events as needed.
o May occasionally provide assistance with bench level or supporting tasks as appropriate based on urgent needs.
• Demonstrates leadership by aligning, influencing, and inspiring the laboratory team to produce changes needed to cope with the hospital's changing environment.
o Effectively collaborates with colleagues throughout University of Iowa Health Care.
• Oversees laboratory automation and instrumentation.
o Evaluates and recommends new instrumentation
o Assists in troubleshooting instrumentation problems
o Writes and oversees instrument validation protocols.
• Provides financial background, rationale and other lab specific analytic details to support and provide justification for capital planning requests.
• Oversees and maintains testing capabilities to insure that testing is performed in a timely, accurate and effective manner.
o Works with Emery Warner Clinical Laboratories to ensure samples are sent/transferred appropriately, including evaluation of courier routes and times.
o Ensures that billing for testing, services along with blood and tissue products is accurate and complete.
• Establishes, evaluates, and maintains effective staffing and scheduling systems.
o Develops schedules for laboratory staff and enters the schedule in ELMS.
o Approves requests for time off while maintaining adequate laboratory staffing.
o Performs activities in UI Health Care timekeeping/scheduling system.
• Assists in developing short and long term strategic plans for the laboratory in consultation with medical and departmental leadership.
• Assesses, develops and maintains regulatory compliance in collaboration with designated staff from the Pathology Quality Management Team.
o Maintains knowledge of and ensures compliance with regulatory and accreditation requirements.
o Assists with writing, executing and reviewing validation protocols.
o Assists in ensuring that proficiency testing is completed.
o Ensures all safety requirements are met and followed by laboratory staff.
• Assists in the recruitment, orientation, training, and supervision of technical and support staff.
o Participates in interviews and recommends laboratory staff for employment.
o Evaluates staff performance; in consultation with Lab Manager and Human Resources, takes appropriate action to address performance gaps/deficiencies.
o Oversees the competency program for laboratory staff.
o Completes annual performance appraisals for laboratory staff with assistance from lead technologists.
• In conjunction with lab Manager and Director, evaluates renovation and design activities for the laboratory.
• Participates in inventory and supply management with the laboratory Clerk.
o Ensures that a system is in place for maintaining and accounting for appropriate laboratory supply and reagent inventory.
o Ensures that appropriate levels of blood components are established and maintained.
o In conjunction with the main hospital Tissue Bank, ensures that appropriate tissue inventory is established & maintained and special-order tissues are obtained.
• Works with the laboratory Clerk to ensure that annual maintenance and service contracts are renewed in a timely manner.
• Participates in the review, update, and development of written procedures.
• Provide evaluative feedback to students. Work with clinical instructors/educators to facilitate clinical education.
• Performs other projects and tasks as assigned.
• Demonstrates appropriate and effective written, electronic and verbal communication.
Hours: 10:30 AM to 7:00 PM
Location: North Liberty Hospital
Qualifications
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in clinical laboratory sciences from an accredited college or university or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
  • 3-5 years experience in laboratory or health care supervision is required.
  • 3-5 years experience working directly in laboratory or health care operations is required.
  • Certification (eligible) as a Medical Laboratory Scientist or specialist certification by the American Society of Clinical Pathology is required.
  • Reasonable knowledge of quality assurance and human resources activities is required.
  • Must be proficient in computer software applications.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills are required

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • A Master's degree in Business Administration or Hospital and Health Administration or an equivalent combination of education or experience
  • Experience working in an academic health center is desired.
  • Knowledge of laboratory information systems (LIS) is highly desired.
  • Experience with automated laboratory instrumentation is highly desired.
  • Experience in a laboratory overseeing or performing moderate and/or high complexity testing in blood banking, chemistry, hematology, microbiology and/or tissue bank is highly desired.

Application Process: In order to be considered, applicants must upload a resume (under submission relevant materials) that clearly address how they meet the listed required and desired qualifications of this position.
Job openings are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days. This job may be removed from posting and filled any time after the minimum 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 questions, contact polly-terukina@uiowa.edu
This position is not eligible for University sponsorship for employment authorization.

What University Of Iowa Health Care employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom