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Entry Level Lab Jobs in Ankeny, IA (NOW HIRING)

TekWissen LLC

US- Lab Technician (Entry)

Ankeny, IA · On-site

Lab Technician (Entry) Location: Ankeny, IA, 50021 Duration: 4 Months Job Type: Temporary Assignment Work Type: Onsite * This position is on 3rd shift in our Genotyping lab from 1:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

Palmer Group

Laboratory Technician

Des Moines, IA

$19/hr

Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while collaborating with lab managers * Strong ... From entry-level positions to professional and executive-level openings, we work with companies of ...

Microbac

Laboratory Technician

Newton, IA · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

JOB SUMMARY The Lab Technician, working in an accredited commercial laboratory, is responsible for ... entry level laboratory duties, resulting in the timely and accurate reporting of data * Gather ...

New

Clean Harbors

CleanPack Chemist (CDL)

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$15.63 - $41.54/hr

... and lab moves. This is a customer facing position, working at customer sites daily . The ... This position is an entry level management position. From this role, there are approximately 15 ...

Clean Harbors

CleanPack Chemist (CDL)

Des Moines, IA

$25/hr

... and lab moves. This is a customer facing position, working at customer sites daily . The ... This position is an entry level management position. From this role, there are approximately 15 ...

Clean Harbors

CleanPack Chemist (CDL)

Des Moines, IA

$25/hr

... and lab moves. This is a customer facing position, working at customer sites daily . The ... This position is an entry level management position. From this role, there are approximately 15 ...

CleanHarbors

CleanPack Chemist (CDL)

Des Moines, IA

$25/hr

... and lab moves. This is a customer facing position, working at customer sites daily . The ... This position is an entry level management position. From this role, there are approximately 15 ...

Varsity Tutors

CompTIA A+ Tutor

Ames, IA · Remote

$25 - $40/hr

Adapts instruction using virtual lab environments, hardware identification practice, and practice examinations to support aspiring IT professionals preparing for entry-level CompTIA A+ certification.

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Entry Level Lab information

See Ankeny, IA salary details

$12

$22

$47

How much do entry level lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level lab in Ankeny, IA is $22.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.96 and $24.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level lab?

An entry level lab job typically refers to a position in a laboratory setting that requires minimal prior experience or specialized education beyond a high school diploma or associate degree. Employees in these roles assist with basic laboratory tasks such as preparing samples, performing routine tests, maintaining equipment, and recording data under the supervision of more experienced staff. These positions are often a starting point for a career in science, healthcare, or research, providing valuable hands-on experience and exposure to laboratory protocols and safety procedures.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an entry level lab technician?

To thrive as an Entry Level Lab Technician, you need a basic understanding of laboratory procedures, safety protocols, and typically an associate degree or relevant certification in a scientific field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, data entry systems, and software like LIMS (Laboratory Information Management Systems) is commonly required. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective communication help you stand out in this role. These skills are vital for ensuring accurate results, maintaining safety standards, and supporting efficient laboratory operations.

What are common challenges faced by entry level lab technicians, and how can they be overcome?

Entry-level lab technicians often face challenges such as adjusting to strict safety protocols, managing multiple tasks efficiently, and becoming familiar with laboratory equipment and procedures. To overcome these hurdles, it's important to actively participate in training sessions, ask questions when unsure, and maintain a well-organized workspace. Building strong communication with senior technicians and supervisors can also help in gaining confidence and improving technical skills over time.

What is the difference between Entry Level Lab vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectEntry Level LabLaboratory Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or associate's degreeAssociate's degree or relevant certification
Work EnvironmentEducational, research, or clinical labsMedical, industrial, or research labs
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions, research facilitiesHospitals, biotech companies, industrial labs
Common Search & ComparisonEntry Level Lab vs Laboratory Technician

Entry Level Lab roles typically require basic education and involve assisting in lab tasks within educational or research settings. Laboratory Technicians often have similar credentials but may perform more specialized or technical duties in medical or industrial labs. Both roles serve as foundational positions in laboratory environments, with Laboratory Technicians generally having more hands-on responsibilities.

How to get started working in an entry level lab?

To start working in an entry level lab, obtain relevant education such as a high school diploma or associate degree in a science-related field. Gaining basic laboratory skills, familiarity with lab equipment, and certifications like OSHA safety training can improve your chances; some positions may also require background checks and on-the-job training.

Is it hard to get a job in an entry level lab?

Securing an entry level lab position can be competitive, but having relevant education such as a high school diploma or associate degree, along with basic laboratory skills and certifications like OSHA training, can improve chances. Entry level lab jobs often require attention to detail, familiarity with lab equipment, and the ability to follow safety protocols, making some positions more accessible to new applicants than others.

What career paths start in an entry level lab?

Entry level lab positions often serve as stepping stones to careers in scientific research, quality control, laboratory management, or specialized fields such as microbiology, chemistry, or biomedical sciences. Gaining experience in lab techniques, data analysis, and certifications like OSHA or CLIA can help advance to technician, research associate, or laboratory supervisor roles.

What are the most commonly searched types of Lab jobs in Ankeny, IA?

The most popular types of Lab jobs in Ankeny, IA are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Lab jobs in Ankeny, IA?

For Entry Level Lab jobs in Ankeny, IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Lab jobs in Ankeny, IA look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Lab jobs in Ankeny, IA are:

What cities near Ankeny, IA are hiring for Entry Level Lab jobs?

Cities near Ankeny, IA with the most Entry Level Lab job openings:

Entry Level Lab jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Lab job openings in Ankeny, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 12% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,478 per year, or $22.8 per hour.

Component Technician - FT - Entry-Level Lab

LifeServe Blood Center

Johnston, IA • On-site

$18.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 18 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 full-time 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:
  • Full-Time
  • Monday-Friday
  • Hours from 2:30pm - 10:00pm

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.

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.

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