ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Dry Lab Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

All JobsDry Lab JobsDry Lab Jobs in Iowa

Dry Lab information

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

To thrive as a Dry Lab Technician, you need a solid background in data analysis, computational modeling, and a relevant degree in fields such as bioinformatics, computer science, or engineering. Expertise in statistical software, programming languages (like Python or R), and familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help you interpret complex data and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. These skills are crucial for ensuring accurate data management, insightful analysis, and successful research outcomes in a laboratory setting.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in a dry lab environment, and how can they be addressed?

In a dry lab setting, professionals often work with computational models, simulations, and data analysis rather than wet lab experiments. A common challenge is ensuring the accuracy and reliability of simulation results, which requires strong attention to detail and robust validation against experimental or reference data. Additionally, effective collaboration with wet lab teams is essential to interpret findings and guide future research. Staying updated with the latest computational tools and best practices can help address these challenges and support successful project outcomes.

What are dry lab jobs?

Dry lab jobs involve computational and theoretical research, rather than traditional wet lab work with chemicals or biological samples. Professionals in dry labs use computer simulations, data analysis, and mathematical modeling to solve scientific problems in fields like physics, chemistry, or biology. These roles are essential for managing large datasets, predicting outcomes, and developing new hypotheses that can later be tested in wet labs. Common positions in a dry lab include bioinformaticians, computational chemists, and data scientists.

What is the highest-paying lab job?

In laboratory settings, senior roles such as Laboratory Director or Principal Scientist typically have the highest salaries, often exceeding six figures annually. These positions require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and leadership responsibilities, and may involve specialized skills or certifications in fields like biotechnology or pharmaceuticals.

What biology jobs pay over $100k?

In biology-related fields, roles such as biomedical directors, pharmacologists, and biotech research managers often have salaries exceeding $100,000 annually. These positions typically require advanced degrees, specialized skills, and experience in research, management, or regulatory compliance.

What is the difference between Dry Lab vs Wet Lab?

AspectDry LabWet Lab
Work EnvironmentComputer-based, simulation, data analysisPhysical experiments, chemical or biological testing
Required SkillsProgramming, data modeling, computational skillsLaboratory techniques, chemical/biological handling
Common CertificationsNone specific, often advanced degrees in science or engineeringLab safety, technical certifications
Industry UsageResearch, data analysis, computational modelingExperimental research, product development

Dry Lab roles focus on computational work, data analysis, and simulations, often requiring programming skills and advanced degrees. Wet Lab roles involve hands-on experiments and physical testing in laboratory settings. Both are essential in scientific research but differ significantly in environment and skill set.

What is the highest-paying career in a laboratory?

In laboratory settings, senior roles such as Laboratory Directors or Principal Investigators typically have the highest salaries, often exceeding six figures. These positions require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and strong management skills, and they oversee research projects, staff, and budgets.

What do you do in a dry lab?

A dry lab is a research environment where experiments do not involve live organisms or wet chemicals. In a dry lab, tasks often include data analysis, computer modeling, simulations, and software development, requiring skills in programming and familiarity with specialized tools. The role typically involves working with digital data and computational methods rather than physical samples.
What are popular job titles related to Dry Lab jobs in Iowa? For Dry Lab jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Dry Lab jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Dry Lab jobs in Iowa are:
Dry Lab jobs near you
Infographic showing various Dry Lab job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Application Technology Lead

Iowa State University

Ames, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago

Iowa State University rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 86 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

383rd of 614 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Position Title:
Application Technology Lead
Job Group:
Professional & Scientific
Required Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree and 8 years related experience
Job Description:
If you want your work to matter beyond the lab - on real equipment, in real farm fields, with measurable impact - this is the role for you.
Who We Are
The Digital Ag Innovation Lab at Iowa State University partners with leading agricultural companies to design, build, and deploy next-generation technologies for agriculture. Our team works at the intersection of applied engineering, industry collaboration, and the land-grant mission, moving ideas from concept to prototype to field deployment.
Our vision is bold: to be the premiere thought leader and partner in ag innovation.
Our mission guides everything we do: Innovate. Educate. Outreach.
  • We innovate with partners to create technology solutions that drive value into agriculture and our communities.
  • We educate to inspire and develop students and professionals to ensure a thriving workforce that drives success within our industry.
  • We outreach to share knowledge with farmers and ag businesses and promote practices that enhance their success.

We operate with four core values: Passion. Innovation. Collaboration. Excellence.
This is a place for builders, problem-solvers, and systems thinkers who want their work to move from idea → prototype → field → industry adoption.
The Opportunity
We are seeking an Application Technology Lead to drive the development, testing, and validation of advanced agricultural application systems across ground and aerial platforms. This role focuses on liquid and dry product delivery technologies, including spraying, fertilization, and targeted application technologies.
You will lead hands-on efforts to evaluate system performance, integrate emerging technologies, and deliver solutions that improve application accuracy and agronomic outcomes. This role works across engineering and agronomy to bring practical, field-ready systems to industry partners.
What You'll Do
  • Lead development, testing, and validation of application systems, including spray, fertilizer, and targeted delivery technologies
  • Define performance requirements and execute lab and field-testing programs
  • Evaluate components and system performance (e.g., nozzles, pumps, flow control, PWM)
  • Analyze data to link system performance with agronomic outcomes
  • Advance targeted, variable-rate, and drone-based application technologies
  • Collaborate with industry partners to define scope and deliver results
  • Lead and mentor technical teams supporting lab and field work
  • Manage program timelines, budgets, and sponsor deliverables

What You Bring
  • Experience with agricultural application systems (liquid and/or dry)
  • Strong understanding of spray systems and performance drivers such as droplet size, pressure, flow, and speed
  • Experience with field trials, lab testing, or system benchmarking
  • Ability to connect engineering performance to agronomic outcomes
  • Experience leading teams and working with industry partners
  • Experience managing technical projects, programs, budgets, and sponsor relationships

Technology & Systems You May Work With
  • Spray systems, nozzles, pumps, and flow control (including PWM)
  • Targeted and variable-rate application technologies
  • Drone and aerial application systems
  • Lab and field-testing platforms
  • Agricultural equipment and precision application systems

Preferred Qualifications
  • Advanced degree in agricultural engineering, agronomy, or related field, or equivalent industry experience
  • Background in application technology, product support, field engineering, or technical service within agriculture, OEMs, or ag input companies
  • Experience conducting field trials, in-field testing, or performance benchmarking of application systems
  • Experience defining technical requirements, planning test programs, and managing work across cross-functional projects and teams
  • Experience connecting engineering parameters (e.g., pressure, droplet size, duty cycle, travel speed) to biological efficacy and input-use efficiency
  • Experience leading or mentoring cross-functional teams in lab and field environments

Follow us here: www.isudigitalag.org.
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.
The candidate will be hired as an R&D Engineer IV.
This position will be open until filled.
Application Instructions:
To apply for this position, please click on "Apply" and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:
Resume/Curriculum Vitae
Letter of Application/Cover Letter
Why Choose Iowa State University?
Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental, as well as:
  • Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
  • Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans
  • Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
  • Life insurance and long-term disability
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Various voluntary benefits and discounts
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Wellbeing program

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu, or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.
Appointment Type:
Regular with Term Appointment (Fixed Term)
Proposed End Date or Length of Term:
August 2, 2029
Number of Months Employed Per Year:
12 Month Work Period
Time Type:
Full time
Pay Grade:
PS813
Original Posting Date:
June 3, 2026
Posting Close Date:
Job Requisition Number:
R19344
Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu.
General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.

What Iowa State University employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply