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Crime Lab Assistant Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

The University Of Iowa

Research Assistant

Iowa City, IA · On-site

$18.75 - $26/hr

Position Summary The Research Assistant (RA) assists the Aldridge Lab with research projects meant ... to a criminal background check and credential/education verification. Up to 5 professional ...

University of Iowa

Research Assistant

Iowa City, IA · On-site

$18.75 - $26/hr

Position Summary The Research Assistant (RA) assists the Aldridge Lab with research projects meant ... to a criminal background check and credential/education verification. Up to 5 professional ...

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All JobsCrime Lab JobsCrime Lab Assistant JobsCrime Lab Assistant Jobs in Iowa

Crime Lab Assistant information

See Iowa salary details

$9

$19

$27

How much do crime lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 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.

Crime Lab Assistant jobs near you
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.

Pathologist's Assistant - MCU, MCNL, and MCD

The University Of Iowa

Iowa City, IA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Perform gross examination, dissection, and dictation of surgical specimens.

  • Conduct intraoperative consultations including frozen section microtomy, staining, and touch preparations.

  • Assist in organizing and coordinating surgical pathology operations and maintain specimen identification integrity.

University Of Iowa rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 85 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

464th of 630 rated colleges and universities

Job description

The Department of Pathology is seeking a Specialized Care Coordinator (working title: Pathologists' Assistant) to act as a primary provider of laboratory services in the designated service areas requiring specialized knowledge, practice, expertise and high visibility and interaction.  To serve as a practitioner, educator/role model for fellows, residents, externs, and staff members.  It is the role of the Pathologists' Assistant to continuously interact and consult with the Laboratory Medical Director, Surgical Pathology Lab Supervisor, Assistant Lab Manager and designee.  The area of specialized knowledge includes describing, dissecting, and submitting samples of human surgical specimens and, as directed, to assume other responsibilities including administrating, supervising and teaching. Tasks are performed at multiple UI Health Care Surgical Pathology locations (MCU, MCNL, and MCD). This position is 100% time, Monday - Friday, first shift.

Duties to include:

         Maintains specimen identification integrity.

         Performs gross examination and dictation of surgical specimens.

         Performs intraoperative consultations including frozen section microtomy and staining, touch preparation, and open and return consultation.

         Assists in the organization and coordination of the operations in Surgical Pathology at the direction of the pathologist(s), Surgical Pathology Lab Supervisor,     Assistant Lab Manager or designee.

         Collects tissue for tumor bank or research labs.

For a full job description, please send an e-mail to the contact listed below.

The Department of Pathology is part of UI Health Care, a comprehensive health sciences center that serves Iowa and the region, as well as patients referred from the United States and overseas. The Clinical Laboratories are well recognized for providing outstanding and comprehensive care to the patients we serve. The breadth and depth of services provided are amongst the best in the country. The educational programs that the department participates in includes medical students, clinical laboratory scientists as well as biomedical scientists. To learn more: https://medicine.uiowa.edu/pathology/about-us

 Required Qualifications:

  • Requires a Master's degree from a NAACLS accredited Pathologists' Assistant program, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Must be ASCP certified or eligible for certification within one year of employment.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of effective strategies for working with faculty, staff, and students from a variety of backgrounds and perspectives.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required.  

Desirable Qualifications:

  • Desire demonstrated proficiency in teaching, communication and working well with others.
  • Desire experience working in an academic health center.

Position and Application details:

In order to be considered for an interview, applicants must upload the following documents and mark them as a "Relevant File" to the submission:

  • Resume
  • Cover Letter

Job openings are posted for a minimum of 14 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.  Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process.

For additional questions, please contact Brenda Carey at brenda-carey@uiowa.edu.

Applicant Resource Center -

Need help submitting an application or accepting an offer? Support is available! Our Applicant Resource Center is now open in the Fountain Lobby at the Main Hospital.

Hours:

Monday 8:00am - 10:00am

Tuesday 8:00am - 10:00am

Wednesday 8:00am - 1:00pm

Thursday 8:00am - 10:00am

Friday 12:30pm - 5:00pm

And by Appointment:

Contact TAHealthCareSupport@healthcare.uiowa.edu  to schedule a time to visit.

Additional Information
  • Classification Title: Specialized Care Coordinator
  • Appointment Type: Professional and Scientific
  • Schedule: Full-time
  • Work Modality Options: On Campus
Compensation
  • Pay Level: 5A
  • Starting Salary Minimum: 87000
  • Starting Salary Maximum: to Commensurate
Contact Information
  • Organization: Healthcare
  • Contact Name: Brenda Carey
  • Contact Email: brenda-carey@uiowa.edu

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