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Crime Lab Assistant Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Chemistry Lab Assistant

Coralville, IA

$19.50 - $21/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

CHEMISTRY LAB ASSISTANT Description * Routinely produce high quality, small scale chemical products ... An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Use ...

Chemistry Lab Assistant

Coralville, IA

$19.50 - $21/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... lab Skills Chemical, Chemistry, Laboratory, Chemical handling, Manufacturing process, Quality ... An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Use ...

$38.91 - $43.82/hr

Provides training and orientation to new Lab Assistants. Orients new employees to general ... Qualified applicants with criminal convictions will be considered after an individualized ...

$38.91 - $43.82/hr

Provides training and orientation to new Lab Assistants. Orients new employees to general ... Qualified applicants with criminal convictions will be considered after an individualized ...

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Showing results 1-20

Crime Lab Assistant information

See Iowa salary details

$9

$19

$27

How much do crime lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for crime 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 is a crime lab assistant?

Crime Lab Assistants are support professionals who work in forensic laboratories, helping scientists and analysts process evidence related to criminal investigations. Their duties often include preparing and maintaining lab equipment, organizing and cataloging evidence, and assisting with basic laboratory tests under supervision. They ensure that the lab operates smoothly and that evidence is handled with care to maintain its integrity for legal proceedings. Crime Lab Assistants play a crucial role in supporting the work of forensic scientists and law enforcement.

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

To excel as a Crime Lab Assistant, you typically need a background in forensic science, biology, or chemistry, along with strong analytical skills and attention to detail. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, evidence management systems, and safety protocols—sometimes supported by certifications like crime scene technician training—is essential. Excellent organizational skills, the ability to follow strict procedures, and clear written communication help you stand out in this role. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure accurate evidence handling, maintain chain of custody, and support the integrity of criminal investigations.

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

Crime Lab Assistants often encounter challenges such as managing a high volume of evidence, maintaining strict chain-of-custody protocols, and working under tight deadlines. Attention to detail and organizational skills are crucial to prevent errors that could compromise cases. To address these challenges, assistants typically follow standardized procedures, utilize evidence management software, and participate in ongoing training to stay updated on best practices. Collaboration with forensic scientists and law enforcement officers also helps ensure accuracy and efficiency in laboratory operations.

What is the difference between Crime Lab Assistant vs Forensic Technician?

AspectCrime Lab AssistantForensic Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require associate's degreeAssociate's or bachelor's degree in forensic science, biology, or chemistry
Work EnvironmentLaboratory settings, crime scenes, law enforcement agenciesLaboratories, crime scenes, fieldwork, law enforcement agencies
Employer & IndustryLaw enforcement agencies, crime labsCrime labs, forensic laboratories, law enforcement agencies
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for entry-level roles in crime labsMore specialized, requiring higher education

Crime Lab Assistants typically support forensic work with basic lab tasks and may have less formal education, while Forensic Technicians usually hold higher degrees and perform more complex analyses. Both roles work closely within crime labs and law enforcement, but Forensic Technicians often have more advanced responsibilities.

Infographic showing various Crime Lab Assistant job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $39,555 per year, or $19 per hour.

Chemistry Lab Assistant

Actalent

Coralville, IA

$19.50 - $21/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

CHEMISTRY LAB ASSISTANT

Description

  • Routinely produce high quality, small scale chemical products that are used in DNA/RNA synthesis, including handling of regulated waste and actively participating in the Hazardous Spill Response Team
  • Utilize ERP system to create work orders, transfer material, and decrement material from inventory
  • Troubleshoot process issues with quality, delivery, or other identified KPIs
  • Day to day would include working with a team to produce reagent chemicals, media, and other supplies utilized by the lab

Additional Skills & Qualifications

Associates degree preferred

High School Diploma and 1-2 years lab experience required

Will need to be able to repeatedly life 50lbs and exert 100lbs of force

Will need good technical skills and ability to use excel, SAP, and other computer based programs

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Coralville, IA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $19.50 - $21.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Coralville,IA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 26, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.


Actalent logo

About Actalent

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Actalent connects passion with purpose. Our scalable talent solutions and services capabilities drive value and results and provide the expertise to help our customers achieve more. Every day, our experts around the globe are making an impact. We're supporting critical initiatives in engineering and sciences that advance how companies serve the world. Actalent promotes consultant care and engagement through experiences that enable continuous development. Our people are the difference. Actalent is an operating company of Allegis Group, the global leader in talent solutions.

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hanover, MD, US

Year founded

1983

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