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Lab Assistant Jobs in Perry, IA (NOW HIRING)

Laboratory Assistant

Johnston, IA · On-site

$17 - $22/hr

Support automated lab workflows. * Meticulously prepare samples for PCR. * Help move large volumes of DNA through time-sensitive processes. * Contribute directly to research and production goals.

Inside Research Worker

Johnston, IA · On-site

$20 - $28/hr

We are seeking a Lab Assistant, Trait Transient Assay (TTA) to join our dynamic team. The ideal candidate will have strong experience in general laboratory operations, plant assays, sterile technique ...

Laboratory Assistant

Johnston, IA · On-site

$15 - $20/hr

Perform tasks according to accepted methods and training prescribed by the work group. * Assist technical personnel in general laboratory operations. * Handle routine laboratory or information tasks.

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Lab Technician

Johnston, IA · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

We are seeking a Lab Technician to join our team! You will be responsible for performing medical tests for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases. Responsibilities: * Collect and ...

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Biology Lab Technician

Johnston, IA · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

With guidance from supervision, this person will assist technical personnel in general laboratory ... lab. • Migrate inventory records into databases. • In addition to the above job ...

LOCATION Ames, IA 50010 (Onsite - 100% Lab Environment) COMPENSATION $20-25 per hour (full benefits offered) SCHEDULE Monday - Friday 5/40 Schedule (Standard 40-hour work week) 100% onsite CONTRACT ...

As a Lab Technician in our factory, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the quality and ... Adhere to safety protocols and maintain a safe working environment. * Assist in the development and ...

As a Lab Technician in our factory, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the quality and ... Adhere to safety protocols and maintain a safe working environment. * Assist in the development and ...

As a Lab Technician in our factory, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the quality and ... Adhere to safety protocols and maintain a safe working environment. * Assist in the development and ...

Cleaning/sterilizing glassware, cleaning/maintaining lab equipment, sterilization of labware, handling and decontamination of biohazardous waste, stocking supplies in the lab, making reagents, and ...

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Lab Assistant information

See Perry, IA salary details

$10

$19

$29

How much do lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab assistant in Perry, IA is $19.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.15 and $22.45 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Lab Assistants, and how can they be managed effectively?

Lab Assistants often encounter challenges such as managing multiple tasks under tight deadlines, maintaining strict adherence to safety protocols, and ensuring the accuracy of data collection. To manage these effectively, it's important to stay organized, communicate proactively with supervisors and colleagues, and remain attentive to details when handling samples or preparing equipment. Many labs offer training on safety and procedures, so taking advantage of these resources can help new hires adapt quickly and perform confidently in their roles.

What are lab assistants?

Lab assistants are professionals who support scientists, researchers, or instructors by preparing laboratory equipment, conducting routine experiments, and maintaining a clean and organized work environment. They may also be responsible for recording data, managing supplies, and ensuring that safety protocols are followed. Lab assistants work in various settings, including educational institutions, research facilities, hospitals, and private laboratories.

What Is a Lab Assistant?

As a laboratory assistant or lab technician, you are responsible for helping scientists conduct experiments in a laboratory environment. You may be asked to prepare, clean, and maintain lab equipment and log readings and results. Your responsibilities may also include performing basic analyses of samples and recording results accurately. Your responsibilities will vary based on the type of lab you work in, but compliance with protocols and commitment to safety and accuracy are critical in any lab.

How much does a lab assistant get paid?

Lab assistants typically earn between $12 and $20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the specific industry or laboratory setting. Entry-level positions may pay closer to the lower end, while experienced lab assistants or those with specialized skills can earn higher wages.

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

To thrive as a Lab Assistant, you need a basic understanding of laboratory procedures, safety protocols, and often an associate degree or relevant coursework in science. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), standard lab equipment, and proper sample handling techniques is typically required. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills for this role. These skills ensure accurate results, maintain lab safety standards, and support smooth laboratory operations.

What qualifications do I need to be a lab assistant?

Lab assistants typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with some positions requiring postsecondary education or certifications in laboratory procedures or safety. Relevant skills include attention to detail, basic knowledge of laboratory equipment, and the ability to follow safety protocols. Some roles may also require familiarity with specific tools or software used in labs.

What exactly does a lab assistant do?

A lab assistant supports laboratory operations by preparing experiments, maintaining equipment, recording data, and ensuring safety protocols are followed. They often work under supervision, use tools like microscopes and lab instruments, and may need basic knowledge of laboratory procedures and safety standards.

Which lab job pays the most?

In laboratory settings, senior roles such as Laboratory Managers or Principal Investigators tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding $80,000 annually. Positions requiring advanced degrees, specialized skills, or extensive experience generally offer higher pay compared to entry-level lab assistant roles.

What is the difference between Lab Assistant vs Medical Laboratory Technician?

AspectLab AssistantMedical Laboratory Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingAssociate degree in medical laboratory technology or related field
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, research labsHospitals, diagnostic labs, healthcare facilities
Job ResponsibilitiesAssist with sample collection, prepare specimens, maintain lab equipmentPerform complex tests, analyze samples, report results
Industry UsageCommonly used in healthcare and research settingsPrimarily in medical diagnostics and healthcare

While both roles support laboratory operations, Medical Laboratory Technicians perform more advanced testing and require specialized education. Lab Assistants typically handle basic tasks and support lab staff, making them entry-level positions in healthcare labs.

What cities near Perry, IA are hiring for Lab Assistant jobs? Cities near Perry, IA with the most Lab Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Lab Assistant job openings in Perry, IA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,991 per year, or $19.7 per hour.

Lab Assistant/Phlebotomist PRN

Trinityhealth

West Des Moines, IA • On-site

$16.75 - $20.75/hr

Part-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Employment Type:Part timeShift:Rotating ShiftDescription:At MercyOne, health care is more than just a doctor's visit or a place to go when you need medical attention. Our Mission is based on improving the health of our communities - that means not only when you are sick but keeping you well.
MercyOne Central Iowa sets the standard for personalized and radically convenient care in the Des Moines metro area and surrounding counties. MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center, founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1893, is the longest continually operating hospital in Des Moines and Iowa's largest medical center, with 802 beds available. The hospital is one of the Midwest's largest referral centers.
With more than 7,000 colleagues and a medical staff of almost 1,500 physicians and allied health professionals, MercyOne Central Iowa is one of Iowa's largest employers.

Join the MercyOne Family! We are looking to hire a Lab Assistant.

As a Lab Assistant at MercyOne, you will support a variety of laboratory departments by assisting technical staff in the collection, processing, analysis, and reporting of laboratory tests necessary for patient diagnosis and treatment. The role requires the skills needed to ensure specimens, patient information, and testing workflows are handled accurately and efficiently. By contributing to reliable test processes and smooth laboratory operations, this position helps maintain timely turnaround, data integrity, and compliance with quality and safety standards.

  • Performs venipunctures, finger sticks, and heel sticks appropriate to patient age (neonates through geriatric adults) and ensures proper specimen collection according to laboratory policy.
  • Accepts specimens and requisitions from internal and external customers and manages addon orders and pending lists in accordance with laboratory procedures.
  • Identifies patients and specimens using two unique patient identifiers and accurately labels specimen containers to ensure correct identification.
  • Registers and logs specimens in the Laboratory Information System (LIS), evaluates specimen adequacy and acceptability, and scans required documentation into the patient record.
  • Performs specimen processing such as proper identification, aliquoting, plate streaking, slide preparation, special handling, and required documentation in accordance with laboratory protocols.
  • Assists in resolving problematic patient specimens and test orders in collaboration with laboratory staff and clients.
  • Follows safety, infection control, and chemicalhandling procedures and supports efficient workflow practices that promote accurate testing, timely turnaround, and productivity expectations.
  • Operates laboratory information systems proficiently to support accurate data entry and workflow management.
  • Contributes to general laboratory operations by restocking supplies, participating in peer teaching, and engaging in department or hospital committees and projects as assigned.

Schedule:

  • PRN; 8 hr/week

General Requirements:

  • Laboratory experience and knowledge of medical terminology preferred.
  • Strong computer skills with the ability to learn new systems and tools quickly.
  • Must be comfortable operating in a collaborative, shared leadership environment.
  • Must possess a personal presence that is characterized by a sense of honesty, integrity, and caring, with the ability to inspire and motivate others to promote the philosophy, mission, vision, goals, and values of Trinity Health and MercyOne.

Education:

  • High school diploma or GED required.

Colleagues of MercyOne Health System enjoy competitive compensation with a full benefits package and opportunity for growth throughout the system!

Visit MercyOne Careers to learn more about the benefits, culture, and career development opportunities available to you at MercyOne Health System's circle of care.

Want to learn more about MercyOne Des Moines? Click here: Find a Location Des Moines, Iowa (IA), MercyOne Des Moines

Des Moines

Iowa's capital city offers a balanced urban-suburban experience with a cost of living below the national average. It's ranked among the top safest large metros and boasts strong education options, including highly rated public schools, private academies and nearby universities like Drake University and Grand View University. Cultural highlights include theaters, museums, music festivals and a thriving food scene, while outdoor enthusiasts enjoy extensive parks and bike trails. Located just minutes from the airport, Des Moines offers easy access to regional attractions and a welcoming, community-focused atmosphere.

MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center is a leading 656-bed acutecare, notforprofit Catholic hospital and one of Iowa's largest employers. Founded in 1893, it's the longest continuously operating hospital in Des Moines. Accredited as a Top Regional Hospital by U.S. News & World Report, named one of Becker's 100 Great Hospitals, and ranked among the top 50 cardiovascular hospitals by IBM Watson Health. With Joint Commission Gold Seal accreditation, stroke and heart care awards, CAP-accredited lab and ACS-certified Cancer Center, this flagship facility offers comprehensive services including robotic surgery, cancer care, neurosciences, rehab, emergency/trauma, maternity, behavioral health and a robust nursing excellence program.

Our Commitment

Rooted in our Mission and Core Values, we honor the dignity of every person and recognize the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents each colleague brings. By finding common ground and embracing our differences, we grow stronger together and deliver more compassionate, person-centered care. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.