Lab Associate Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

At Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences you will make a meaningful contribution to the dynamic future of medicine and health sciences. The Surgical Skills Lab Coordinator partners with the Simulation Lab Manager, Clinical Coordinator, faculty, and other stakeholders to support skills-based education for DMU students. This role is responsible for preparing and coordinating lab sessions, setting up task trainers and simulation equipment, facilitating training activities, and ensuring courses are delivered effectively within the Skills Lab.

What you'll do:

Education (50%)

• Facilitates surgical skills and simulation-based learning activities, including instruction, learner assessment, feedback, and debriefing.
• Assists faculty, residents, and course coordinators with laboratory sessions, practical examinations, and skills-based curriculum delivery.
• Collaborates with simulation staff and faculty to develop and implement effective simulation-based learning experiences.
• Supports the integration of innovative simulation methodologies and technologies into DMU's curriculum.

Management & Operations (40%)

• Coordinates the Skills Lab calendar and daily operations to support learner needs.
• Manages teaching assistants, including hiring, scheduling, timekeeping, and performance support.
• Assists with budget preparation, purchasing, inventory, and lab supply management.

Simulation & Other Responsibilities (10%)

• Operates and maintains simulation equipment, task trainers, and virtual reality trainers.
• Supports student events, community outreach, and other Simulation Center initiatives.
• Ensures compliance with safety standards, university policies, and required training.

*To see the full job description go to Position Description at the bottom of this posting.

What we are looking for:

• Associate's degree required. Bachelor's or Master's degree preferred.
• Certified Surgical Technologist (CST), RN, or other advanced license (NP, PA, DO, MD, etc.) required.
• 5+ years of clinical experience required. Critical care experience (e.g. ICU, ER) and/or operating room preferred.
• Healthcare simulation, healthcare education, and/or curriculum development experience preferred.

Total Rewards:

The anticipated salary range for this position is in the mid-$60,000s to mid-$70,000s, commensurate with experience. Placement within the range will depend on experience, qualifications, and alignment with role requirements.

Our employees are what make DMU special, so we treat them well! Our Total Rewards reflect this commitment. Qualified faculty and staff enjoy a generous employer contribution toward the medical plan, 10% retirement match, flexible work arrangements, community service time, tuition assistance, professional development funding and access to wellness facilities with programs that promote a well-balanced lifestyle. Visit www.dmu.edu/employment to learn more about our benefits.

DMU is proud to offer employees generous benefits and perks, paid time off, free use of wellness facilities and a host of employee engagement and recognition programs throughout the year.

About:

Founded in 1898, Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences is a premier medical and health sciences institution comprising three colleges - the College of Osteopathic Medicine, the College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery and the College of Health Sciences. DMU offers graduate-level professional degree programs in anatomy, biomedical sciences, health care administration, medical science, occupational therapy, osteopathic medicine, physical therapy, physician assistant studies, podiatric medicine and public health.

Located in West Des Moines, part of Iowa's capital metro, DMU provides a collaborative, student-centered academic environment. Our students consistently exceed national benchmarks in board exam performance, certification pass rates and medical residency match outcomes. Our mission is to improve lives in our global community by educating diverse groups of highly competent and compassionate health professionals.

It is an exciting time to join DMU. Our 88-acre campus in West Des Moines brings the entire academic community together in one collaborative, future-focused environment, while the Des Moines University Clinic serves patients within the DMU32 Health and Business Complex in downtown Des Moines. Our state-of-the-art campus features technology-rich, flexible learning environments that support innovative teaching and connect faculty and students across all of our programs. Modern research facilities include a vibrant open-concept laboratory that fosters collaboration, accelerates discovery and empowers faculty and students to advance the health sciences.

DMU enhances our community's quality of life by educating outstanding health professionals and leaders, providing expert and compassionate patient care, serving the community in diverse ways and contributing to the vitality of central Iowa.

At DMU, you will make a meaningful contribution to the dynamic future of medicine and health sciences by supporting a diverse community of faculty and staff with programs and services across the employee lifecycle.

Required Documents:

Resume, cover letter and contact information for three professional references required at time of online submission. Apply at www.dmu.edu/employment.

Department: Simulation Center

Status: Exempt

Position Description