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Lab Associate Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Actalent

Lab Technician

Clinton, IA

$21/hr

Associates of Science or Bachelor of Science in Chemistry or a related field preferred, OR 1-2 years of relevant lab-based experience. Additional Skills & Qualifications * Associates of Science or ...

Actalent

Lab Technician

Clinton, IA

$21/hr

Associates of Science or Bachelor of Science in Chemistry or a related field preferred, OR 1-2 years of relevant lab-based experience. Additional Skills & Qualifications * Associates of Science or ...

UnityPoint Health

Lab Technologist

Waterloo, IA · On-site

Associate degree in lab science or medical laboratory technology from an accredited institution * or * Qualify as Testing Personnel under Federal Register Sec 493.1489 Licensure/Certification:

Wells Enterprises, Inc

Micro Lab Technician I

Le Mars, IA · On-site

$18 - $24/hr

Bachelor's Degree in the areas of Microbiology, Biology, Chemistry, or Food Science, or Associate's Degree with 1-3 years of experience is preferred. * Must be fully trained in all lab testing ...

Wells Enterprise

Micro Lab Technician I

Le Mars, IA · On-site

$18 - $24/hr

Bachelor's Degree in the areas of Microbiology, Biology, Chemistry, or Food Science, or Associate's Degree with 1-3 years of experience is preferred. * Must be fully trained in all lab testing ...

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All JobsLab Associate JobsLab Associate Jobs in Iowa

Lab Associate information

See Iowa salary details

$11

$21

$32

How much do lab associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab associate in Iowa is $21.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.01 and $23.46 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lab associate?

To thrive as a Lab Associate, you need a solid understanding of laboratory procedures, attention to detail, and typically a degree in a science-related field. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), standard lab equipment, and relevant safety certifications is often required. Strong organizational skills, teamwork, and effective communication set outstanding candidates apart in this role. These skills ensure accurate data collection, safe lab practices, and efficient support for scientific research or clinical testing.

What is a lab associate?

Lab Associates are professionals who assist in the daily operations of laboratories by performing tasks such as preparing samples, conducting basic experiments, maintaining equipment, and recording data. They typically work under the supervision of scientists or lab managers and help ensure that laboratory procedures are followed safely and accurately. Lab Associates play a crucial role in supporting research and development, quality control, or diagnostic testing in fields like healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and academia. Their responsibilities may vary depending on the specific lab setting and industry.

What is the difference between Lab Associate vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectLab AssociateLaboratory Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or associate degree; certifications varyAssociate degree or relevant certification; similar educational background
Work EnvironmentHospitals, research labs, clinicsMedical labs, research facilities, industrial labs
Job ResponsibilitiesSample collection, data entry, basic testingPerforming tests, maintaining equipment, recording results
Employer & Industry UsageHealthcare, research, biotechMedical, industrial, research sectors

Both Lab Associates and Laboratory Technicians work in similar environments and often share educational requirements. The main difference lies in specific job duties, with Laboratory Technicians typically performing more complex tests and equipment maintenance. Understanding these distinctions can help job seekers identify the right role for their skills and career goals.

What are some typical challenges a lab associate might face during day-to-day work, and how can they be addressed?

Lab Associates often encounter challenges such as managing multiple experiments simultaneously, ensuring precise documentation, and maintaining equipment. Staying organized by keeping detailed lab notes and using lab management software can help streamline workflow. Clear communication with team members and supervisors is vital to address any issues promptly and maintain a safe, efficient laboratory environment. Regularly scheduled equipment checks and proactive troubleshooting also contribute to smoother operations.
What are the most commonly searched types of Lab jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Lab jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Lab Associate jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Lab Associate job openings:
Lab Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lab Associate job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,700 per year, or $21 per hour.

Research Associate - Tucker Lab

The University Of Iowa

Iowa City, IA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

New

University Of Iowa rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 85 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

458th of 616 rated colleges and universities

Job description

The University of Iowa Health Care Department of Visual Sciences is seeking a 100% Research Associate (PRK2, 4A). This position will serve as a member of a multidisciplinary laboratory focused on developing cellular and gene replacement therapies to treat patients with inherited retinal disease. To oversee the day-to-day maintenance activities of the Tucker Laboratory and manufacture AAV and lentiviruses for lab use.

Position Responsibilities

  • Manufacture AAV and lentiviruses for use in the lab. This includes following SOPs for cloning, plasmid preparation, and transfection and purification of viral products, performing release testing, and maintaining a log/inventory of vectors produced.

  • Maintain and differentiate human iPS cell lines for studying disease progression. This will include performing cell culture under aseptic technique, and following standardized protocols for iPSC maintenance, and retinal cell and RPE differentiation

  • Responsible for laboratory inventory. Includes electronic inventory management system (eLab), consumables ordering requests, and equipment repair and maintenance requests.

  • Perform day-to-day lab tasks. This includes thawing, cleaning, and organizing cold storage units, scheduling repair/maintenance visits, cleaning and autoclaving lab dishes, aliquoting and inventorying antibodies, stocking supplies, store runs, etc.

  • Pay close attention to detail.

University of Iowa Health Care-recognized as one of the best hospitals in the United States-is Iowa's only comprehensive academic medical center and a regional referral center. Each day more than 12,000 employees, students, and volunteers work together to provide safe, quality health care and excellent service for our patients. Simply stated, our mission is: Changing Medicine. Changing Lives.

Percent of Time: 100%

Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00a-5:00p

Location: UIHC, Iowa City

On Campus: This position is performed fully on campus.

Rotations: N/A

Pay Level: 4A

Position Type: Specified Term. Initial appointment is for one year. Appointment may be extended based on performance and availability of funding.

Required Qualifications

  • Requires the practical or academic knowledge of advanced laboratory procedures and an ability to translate, adapt and apply this knowledge that is generally associated with a Bachelor's degree and 3+ years of experience working in an academic research environment.

  • Requires ability perform aseptic cell culture technique to maintain human iPSC and iPSC-derived retinal cell and RPE cultures.

  • Ability to carry out standard molecular biology and biochemical techniques (e.g., nucleic acid and protein isolation from human and animal tissue samples, PCR/qPCR, and Western blot), common cell biology techniques (e.g., immunocytochemistry/immunohistochemistry), and tissue culture techniques (i.e., establishing and maintaining human iPSCs).

  • Demonstrated ability at managing laboratory equipment and inventory.

  • Must maintain detailed laboratory notes and be highly organized.

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required.

 

Desired Qualifications

  • Experience with maintaining human iPSCs and differentiating retinal cells with xeno-free protocols.

  • Ability to generate viral transgene expression plasmids, read Sanger sequencing and use DNA analysis software.

  • Prior experience producing and purifying AAVs and/or lentiviruses preferred.


Position and Application Details:

In order to be considered for an interview, applicants must upload the following documents and mark them as a "Relevant File" to the submission:

  • Resume

  • Cover Letter

Job openings are posted for a minimum of 7 calendar days and may be removed from posting and filled any time after the original posting period has ended.

Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification. Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process.

  This position is not eligible for university sponsorship for employment authorization.

For additional questions, please contact Maria Lugo, HR Generalist, at maria-lugo@uiowa.edu

Additional Information
  • Classification Title: Research Associate
  • Appointment Type: Professional and Scientific
  • Schedule: Full-time
  • Work Modality Options: On Campus
Compensation
  • Pay Level: 4A
Contact Information
  • Organization: Healthcare
  • Contact Name: Maria Lugo
  • Contact Email: maria-lugo@uiowa.edu

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