1

Lab Associate Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

RN-Cardiac Cath Lab

Dubuque, IA

$2.37K - $3.22K/wk

Certified Medical Lab Assistant (C Medical Associates CT Tech-SIGN-ON AVAILABLE MercyOne Lab Assistant/Phlebotomist FT Rotating MercyOne Medical Lab Tech (MLS or MLT) Medical Associates Lab Assistant ...

RN-Cardiac Cath Lab

Dubuque, IA

$2.37K - $3.22K/wk

Certified Medical Lab Assistant (C Medical Associates CT Tech-SIGN-ON AVAILABLE MercyOne Lab Assistant/Phlebotomist FT Rotating MercyOne Medical Lab Tech (MLS or MLT) Medical Associates Lab Assistant ...

Research Associate

Johnston, IA · On-site

$24 - $25/hr

Research Associate Location: Johnston IA Duration: Contract - 11 months Have strong experience in ... Clean and maintain lab equipment on a routine schedule. * Manage chemical inventory and supplies.

New

Cath Lab Tech

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$2.25K - $3.01K/wk

Transport patients to and from the cath lab. May apply manual pressure to puncture site to obtain ... or Associate's degree in paramedic, or Allied Health Profession) • Two years of related ...

... lab and specials department across multiple sites and locations. The Supervisor for Invasive ... for associates, securing replacements for sick calls, coordination of orientation for new ...

Laboratory Technician

Coralville, IA · On-site

$17.25 - $23/hr

This role involves managing test samples, maintaining the lab, calibrating equipment, developing ... Minimum of an Associate's degree (A. A.) or equivalent from a two-year college or technical school ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Lab Associate information

See Iowa salary details

$11

$21

$32

How much do lab associate jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 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, and why are they important?

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 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 Lab Associates?

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 the most commonly searched types of Lab jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Lab jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Lab Associate jobs in Iowa? For Lab Associate jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Lab Associate jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Lab Associate jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Lab Associate jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Lab Associate job openings:
MLT/MT/MLS (FT) | Lab | Ames | 2026-115

MLT/MT/MLS (FT) | Lab | Ames | 2026-115

McFarland Clinic

Ames, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


McFarland Clinic rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

McFarland Clinic is currently accepting applications for MLT/MT/MLS for its Ames office. Candidates should be service-oriented, a team player, and be able to provide extraordinary care, every day to our patients.
Responsibilities include: obtain and processes blood, urine and other specimens. Performs routine and advanced laboratory procedures. Performs quality control, instrument maintenance and troubleshooting procedures. Uses the clinic information system and the laboratory information system in an appropriate manner. Performs and reviews quality control in assigned work areas. Assist in orientation of new employees. Assists in maintaining lab supply inventory. Attends required meetings and participates in committees as required. Performs related work as required. Position comes with competitive clinic pay and valuable benefits package
Position will relocate to the new Ames Cytown Lab facility in 2026
Education
  • Associate or Bachelor's degree in Medical/Clinical Lab Science from an accredited college or institution.

Certification/License
  • Successful completion of a recognized course of study in MLT/MLS/CLS.
  • Certification in MT/MLS (ASCP) or certification in MLT (ASCP) and/or eligibility for certification in MT/MLS (ASCP)
  • Certification or eligibility for certification as MT (ASCP), CLS (NCA) or equivalent.
  • Current Basic Life Support certification for Health Care Providers.
  • Mandatory Reporter of Dependent Adult and Child Abuse.

Days: Monday - Friday
Hours: Monday - Thursday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM & Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Experience
  • 2 years clinical laboratory experience preferred.
  • 2 years of Microbiology experience preferred

Pre-employment drug screen and criminal history background checks are a condition of hire.
Benefits
McFarland Clinic offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health and dental insurance, 401(k), and PTO. Click here for details.
McFarland Clinic is central Iowa's largest physician-owned multi-specialty clinic. Join our team and join a group of caring professionals, dedicated to providing Extraordinary Care, Every Day! We value quality care and extraordinary service, trusting relationships and an exceptional workplace. Our organization has more than 75 years experience of caring for people. We welcome applicants who can help us enhance the health and well-being of our patients and communities we serve.
McFarland Clinic is an Equal Opportunity Employer
McFarland Clinic makes every effort to comply with all requirements of federal, state and local laws relating to Equal Employment Opportunity.
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 McFarland Clinic employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom