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Lab Associate Jobs in Des Moines, IA (NOW HIRING)

Eyemart Express

Optical Retail Sales Associate FT Ames, IA

Ames, IA

$15.75 - $19.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Optical Retail Sales Associate Full Time 30 years ago Dr. Barnes founded Eyemart Express to deliver ... You'll ensure accurate measurements and prescription information for our lab technicians, oversee ...

Eyemart Express

Optical Retail Sales Associate FT Ames, IA

Ames, IA · On-site

$15.75 - $19.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Optical Retail Sales Associate Full Time 30 years ago Dr. Barnes founded Eyemart Express to deliver ... You'll ensure accurate measurements and prescription information for our lab technicians, oversee ...

Nystrom & Associates

Certified Medical Assistant

Des Moines, IA · Remote

$21 - $24/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

... Associates, Psychiatric Associates, Sandhill Counseling & Consultation, and Vantage Point. Here ... Triages incoming lab results, medical reports, refill requests, etc. to MD/APRN/PAs in a timely ...

CYNET SYSTEMS

Inside Research Worker

Johnston, IA · On-site

$24 - $29/hr

Associate's (2-yr) required. * New graduates with experience in a laboratory setting are encouraged ... Utilize lab instruments to analyze samples and record results with attention to detail. * Perform ...

Kemin

Associate Scientist - Food Chemistry

Des Moines, IA · On-site

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Kemin Industries Food Technologies business unit is seeking an Associate Scientist to join our team ... Analytical lab skills with a strong scientific curiosity and innovative thinking. * Fluent in ...

BluePearl

Internal Medicine Veterinary Technician

Des Moines, IA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... lab results, patient updates, and other topics as requested by the doctors. You will be involved ... Our associates are leveled by their skillset and move up in level as they gain more skills and ...

Kemin

Associate Scientist - Food Chemistry

Des Moines, IA · On-site

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Overview Kemin Industries Food Technologies business unit is seeking an Associate Scientist to join ... Analytical lab skills with a strong scientific curiosity and innovative thinking. * Fluent in ...

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Showing results 41-60

All JobsLab Associate JobsLab Associate Jobs in Des Moines, IA

Lab Associate information

See Des Moines, IA salary details

$12

$21

$33

How much do lab associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab associate in Des Moines, IA is $21.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.63 and $24.38 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 Des Moines, IA?

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

What cities near Des Moines, IA are hiring for Lab Associate jobs?

Cities near Des Moines, IA with the most Lab Associate job openings:

Lab Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lab Associate job openings in Des Moines, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $45,406 per year, or $21.8 per hour.

MLT (Partial-PT) | Urgent Care | North Ames | 2026-098 (Weekend Package)

McFarland Clinic

Ames, IA • On-site

Part-time

Re-posted 28 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 for its North Ames office. Candidates should be service-oriented, a team player, and be able to provide extraordinary care, every day to our patients.
Responsibilities include: performing laboratory tests classified under CLIA-88, drawing blood, microscope interpretation, specimen collection.
Education
  • Associate degree in medical laboratory technology from an accredited institution and/or successful completion of a recognized course of study in Clinical Laboratory Technology.

Certification/License
  • Certification, or eligibility for certification, as MLT (ASCP) or equivalent.

Days: Three out of 4 weekends a month
Hours: 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM
This position is eligible for a PPT Weekend Package pay differential of $5.00 per hour. To be eligible, candidates must work three of four weekends per month.
$2.50 per hour pay differential will apply if you work Saturday and/or Sunday. If a holiday falls on a Saturday or a Sunday for details.
Experience
  • One year lab experience preferred.

Pre-employment drug screen and criminal history background checks are a condition of hire.
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 80 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.

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