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Entry Level Biochemistry Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Entry Level Biochemistry information

See Iowa salary details

$12

$15

$20

How much do entry level biochemistry jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level biochemistry in Iowa is $15.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.66 and $16.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level biochemistry job?

An Entry Level Biochemistry job typically involves assisting in laboratory research, conducting experiments, analyzing biological samples, and documenting findings. These positions are common in industries like pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, healthcare, and environmental science. Responsibilities may include preparing lab materials, following protocols, and supporting senior scientists in their research. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a foundation in chemistry and biology are essential. Many entry-level roles require a bachelor's degree in biochemistry or a related field.

What types of projects or tasks can I expect to work on as an entry level biochemist?

As an entry level biochemist, you can expect to be involved in tasks such as preparing chemical solutions, conducting experiments, analyzing data, and maintaining laboratory equipment. You may assist senior scientists with ongoing research projects, perform standard assays, and document experimental results for review. Entry level roles often involve both routine laboratory work and learning new protocols, providing valuable hands-on experience. You'll typically work within a collaborative team environment, giving you the opportunity to learn from experienced colleagues and contribute to larger research objectives.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the entry level biochemistry position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Biochemistry professional, a solid foundation in biochemistry, molecular biology, and laboratory techniques—supported by at least a bachelor's degree in a related field—is essential. Familiarity with tools such as PCR machines, spectrophotometers, chromatography systems, and analytical software is commonly expected. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team help candidates stand out. These skills ensure accuracy in experimental work, efficient lab operations, and effective collaboration within scientific teams.

Is entry level biochemistry in high demand?

Entry level biochemistry positions are in moderate demand, especially in research laboratories, healthcare, and pharmaceutical industries. Job growth is driven by advancements in medical research, biotechnology, and increased funding for scientific projects, requiring skills in laboratory techniques and data analysis.

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

The most popular types of Biochemistry jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Biochemistry jobs in Iowa?

For Entry Level Biochemistry jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Biochemistry jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Biochemistry jobs in Iowa are:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Biochemistry job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, and 15% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,088 per year, or $15.9 per hour.

Biomedical Engineer

Iowa City, IA

SD Department of Veterans Affairs
Public Administration • 201 - 500 employees

$64K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

The incumbent will provide professional engineering support to a complex, highly technical, and service oriented Biomedical Engineering Program. The Biomedical Program includes medical technology assessment, strategic planning, acquisition support, implementation, coordination, equipment management, and ongoing maintenance support.Qualifications:Basic Requirements:
  • United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
  • Education and/or Experience. [The individual must meet either item (1) or (2) below to meet this requirement:
    1. Bachelor's Degree or Higher in Engineering. To be creditable, the curriculum must be from a school of engineering with at least one curriculum accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), as a professional engineering curriculum. Examples of acceptable engineering degrees include: Biomedical Engineering, Clinical Engineering, Bioengineering, Biomechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Biochemical Engineering. Titles may vary from educational institutions and change over time. OR,
    2. Certification as a Certified Clinical Engineer (CCE) and a bachelor's degree not listed in item 3.b.(1) above.]
  • English Language Proficiency. Biomedical Engineers must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a, this part.
May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).
Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment [listed in paragraph 3 above], the following education and experience criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates:
Biomedical Engineer,] GS-7 [(Entry Level)
  • Experience. [None beyond the basic requirements.
  • Education. Bachelor's degree as outlined in paragraph 3.b.(1), above, or CCE certification with at least a bachelor's degree not listed in paragraph 3.b.(1).]
  • Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities [. None beyond the basic requirements.
Biomedical Engineer, GS-9 [(Developmental Level 1)]
  • Experience. At least [one] year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower level. OR
  • Education
    • Master's degree in Biomedical Engineering, or a related field of study, as outlined in paragraph 3.b.(1). OR
    • Bachelor's degree, as outlined in paragraph 3.b.(1), plus two full years of progressively higher level graduate education in a related field of study, that demonstrates the KSAs for the GS-9 level assignment.]
  • Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities[. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:]
    • Knowledge of the principles, theories, concepts, and practices of the Biomedical Engineering profession.
    • Ability to interpret relevant codes, regulations, guidelines, and standards, and make recommendations to ensure compliance with medical center programs.
    • Ability to understand the operational needs of clinical services in the health care system.
    • Ability to prepare material on current technical topics and trends, for presentation to other technical staff and mid-level hospital management, and the ability to keep abreast of changes in technology.
Biomedical Engineer,] GS-11 [(Developmental Level 2)]
  • Experience. At least [one] year of experience equivalent to the next lower level, [and must fully meet the KSAs at that level.] OR
  • Education
    • [Ph.D., or equivalent doctoral degree in Biomedical Engineering, or a related field of engineering, as outlined in paragraph 3.b.(1). OR
    • Bachelor's degree, plus three full years of progressively higher level graduate education in a related field of study, as outlined in paragraph 3.b.(1).}
  • Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. [In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
    • Ability to implement and/or sustain an equipment management or biomedical research program that meets The Joint Commission (TJC), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), or other applicable regulatory requirements.]
    • Ability to develop material for a continuing education program for clinical or research staff, that address the principles and application of medical technology, and/or biomedical theory used in healthcare.
    • Ability to advise [ ] staff on emerging medical [ ] technology[, or research procedures], while keeping abreast of changes in such technology, and utilizing the information to solve biomedical engineering problems.
    • [Knowledge of basic project management principles, as applied to the healthcare setting and medical equipment, and information system implementation.]
Biomedical Engineer, GS-12 [(Full Performance Level)]
  • Experience. Completion of at least [one] year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower level; or completion of a post-doctoral research fellowship in the field of biomedical engineering, and must fully meet the KSAs at that level.
  • Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. [In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:]
    • Ability to conduct a medical equipment management [or biomedical research program that is compliant with applicable healthcare standards and regulatory agencies.]
    • Ability to develop a curriculum for a continuing education program, that address the safe and effective use of medical technology, and/or research devices.
    • Ability to manage a recall and safety alert program for medical devices, including medical device hazard investigations, to assure compliance with patient safety goals, SMDA, and [TJC] requirements.
    • Ability to conduct capital asset and infrastructure planning for medical equipment spanning initial concept, installation, and effective implementation of complex medical equipment.
    • Ability to function as the subject matter expert in the field of biomedical engineering, directly supporting specialized clinical technology, including service, system administration, training, quality assurance, and life-cycle management.
    • Ability to effectively advise clinical and administrative staff on medical technology, including existing and emerging technology, which addresses viability, long-term suitability, compatibility, and/or safety.
    • Knowledge of concepts related to computer based medical systems, networking protocols, and information security as it applies to medical technology within VHA.
    • Skill in communicating and working collaboratively with key stakeholders, including technical and professional staff at various levels of the organization.
    • Ability to apply project management principles to deployment of medical equipment and health information technologies
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-7 to GS-12.
Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination.Education:Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.Employment Type: OTHER