2

Entry Level Lab Assistant Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

To assist the Quality Assurance Manager in all Quality Assurance activities in Production and in ... Experience with physical lab testing equipment, calipers, scales, digital height gauge and ...

Entry Level Lab Assistant information

See Iowa salary details

$9

$19

$27

How much do entry level lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level 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 an Entry Level Lab Assistant job?

An Entry Level Lab Assistant supports scientists and researchers by performing basic laboratory tasks, such as preparing samples, organizing lab equipment, and recording data. They follow strict safety protocols and ensure the lab stays clean and organized. This role is ideal for individuals with a background in science who want hands-on experience in a laboratory setting. Depending on the workplace, lab assistants may work in medical, research, or industrial labs. It is a great starting position for those looking to advance in the scientific field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Entry Level Lab Assistant position, and why are they important?

To excel as an Entry Level Lab Assistant, you need basic laboratory skills, familiarity with safety protocols, and a high school diploma or equivalent, with some employers preferring coursework or experience in biology or chemistry. Experience using laboratory equipment like centrifuges, pipettes, and data entry systems is often valuable. Strong attention to detail, communication, and time management skills help you stand out in the role. These abilities ensure that laboratory procedures are performed accurately, efficiently, and safely, supporting the overall success of scientific projects.

What are some typical daily tasks for an Entry Level Lab Assistant?

Entry Level Lab Assistants typically handle tasks such as preparing and labeling samples, maintaining laboratory equipment, recording data, and helping maintain a clean and organized workspace. You may also assist senior lab staff with routine experiments and monitor inventory of supplies. The role often involves following strict safety procedures and ensuring all activities comply with laboratory standards. This hands-on experience provides valuable exposure to lab techniques and a collaborative team environment, making it an excellent starting point for those interested in scientific careers.

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Lab Assistant jobs in Iowa? For Entry Level Lab Assistant jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Lab Assistant jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Lab Assistant jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Entry Level Lab Assistant jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Entry Level Lab Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Lab Assistant job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,555 per year, or $19 per hour.
Entry level laboratory - 2nd shift - all training provided! Component Technician!

Entry level laboratory - 2nd shift - all training provided! Component Technician!

LifeServe Blood Center

Johnston, IA • On-site

$18.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 9 days ago


LifeServe Blood Center rating

5.3

Company rating: 5.3 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Your Blood. Your Hospital. Your Neighbors.
There's no better way to support your local community than by working at LifeServe Blood Center, an organization driven by the mission to save lives locally. We're all familiar with blood: it's red, it's essential to life, and we all have it. Less commonly known are the many roles that blood plays and its many parts. Each donation can impact up to three lives, but not in its whole blood state. This is where YOU come in! We're looking for a Component Technician to join our amazing team of LifeServers.
As a Component Technician, you will work in our lab manufacturing whole blood donations into transfusable components (red cells, platelets, and plasma), playing a central role in the lifesaving process for patients in our communities. The manufacturing process involves the use of standard operating procedures (SOPs) and equipment, such as centrifuges. Component Technicians are also heavily involved in instrument quality control and maintenance.
Shift:
  • Tuesday through Saturday
  • 2pm - 10:30pm

Compensation:
  • Starting at $18.75/hr
  • Night shift differential of $4.00/hr when working 6pm - 6am
  • Weekend shift differential of $2.00/hr

Our type:
You have a strong attention-to-detail. You navigate fluctuating demands like a pro by way of your excellent communication skills. Your superior ability to multitask is due to your fierce organization skills and your uncanny ability to prioritize a list of tasks. You really want to work in a laboratory setting and love the idea of manufacturing a lifesaving product. You thrive in a high-volume, fast-paced work environment.
Key responsibilities:
  • Process blood components according to established policy and SOP.
  • Perform review of component manufacturing and equipment related documentation and release of quality control results.
  • Perform calibration and maintenance tasks.
  • Identify, troubleshoot, and document problems that may influence the quality or completion of blood manufacturing.
  • Assist with validation of new equipment and manufacturing processes.
  • Perform data entry and navigation within multiple computer programs.

Requirements:
  • High school diploma or equivalent is required.
  • Associate's degree or higher preferred.
  • The ability to multitask and set priorities is essential.
  • This position requires use of knowledge and judgement to ensure accuracy of tasks related to quality.
  • Proficiency with computers is a must; experience with MS Office is preferred.

Working conditions:
  • Repetitive tasks and repetitive motions during long periods of standing will occur over the course of the work shift.
  • This position requires work in a variety of environments. The bulk of the work will occur in ambient room temperatures with limited time working in refrigeration or freezing temperatures. Handling of refrigerated and frozen products will occur on a daily basis.
  • Work will occur in areas with ambient noise from equipment and alarms.
  • Holiday work shifts are dependent on the business needs of the department. Team members may work a holiday dependent upon business needs.

Our Benefits Are Just Your Type!
When you're part of a team that saves lives every day, you deserve benefits that have your back.
Part-time team members enjoy:
  • Vision coverage
  • 403(b) retirement plan with up to 4% contribution after a year (and at least 1,000 service hours)
  • Supplemental accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity plans
  • Flexible spending accounts for health, limited-purpose, and dependent care

Full-time team members receive all of that plus:
  • Medical and dental coverage
  • HSA with employer contribution
  • Life and AD&D insurance
  • Supplemental life insurance

LifeServe is proud to support the people who make life-saving moments possible: YOU!
Physical Requirements:
  • Twist/turn
  • Stoop/bend
  • Squat
  • Balance
  • Reach/work above shoulders
  • Use hands/wrists to include fine/simple/gross motor skills and machinery usage
  • Forearm rotations
  • Lift/carry 26-50 lbs.

Offers of employment are contingent on the successful completion of pre-employment, post-offer drug testing and background checks.
LifeServe Blood Center is fully committed to equal employment opportunity. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identification, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected status.
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation due to a disability at any stage of the employment application process should contact us at careers@lifeservebloodcenter.org.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

What LifeServe Blood Center employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom