1

Lab Chemist Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Lab Technician

Coralville, IA · On-site

$22.35 - $25.23/hr

Operate a variety of lab equipment, including thermal cyclers and automated liquid handling ... Strong experience within biology, chemistry, and quality control. Additional Skills ...

Lab Technician

Coralville, IA · On-site

$22.35 - $25.23/hr

Operate a variety of lab equipment, including thermal cyclers and automated liquid handling ... Strong experience within biology, chemistry, and quality control. Additional Skills ...

Showing results 41-60

Lab Chemist information

See Iowa salary details

$16

$29

$49

How much do lab chemist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab chemist in Iowa is $29.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.60 and $33.41 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a lab chemist do?

A lab chemist is a professional who conducts chemical analyses and experiments in a laboratory setting. They are responsible for preparing chemical solutions, analyzing samples, conducting quality control tests, and interpreting data to support research and development or manufacturing processes. Lab chemists work in various industries such as pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, environmental science, and manufacturing. Their work ensures product safety, regulatory compliance, and innovation in chemical products and processes.

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

To thrive as a Lab Chemist, you need a solid background in chemistry, laboratory techniques, and data analysis, typically supported by a bachelor's degree or higher in chemistry or a related field. Familiarity with analytical instruments such as HPLC, GC-MS, spectrophotometers, and laboratory information management systems (LIMS) is usually required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective communication are key soft skills that help in accurate data interpretation and teamwork. These skills and qualifications ensure reliable experimental results, compliance with safety protocols, and successful collaboration on research and development projects.

What are some common challenges lab chemists face in ensuring accurate and reliable test results?

Lab Chemists often encounter challenges such as maintaining strict adherence to protocols to prevent contamination, accurately calibrating instruments, and managing time effectively when processing multiple samples. They must also stay updated on new analytical techniques and regulatory requirements. Collaborating with team members to troubleshoot unexpected results and ensuring thorough documentation are essential for maintaining the integrity of laboratory data.

What is the difference between Lab Chemist vs Quality Control Analyst?

AspectLab ChemistQuality Control Analyst
CredentialsBachelor's degree in Chemistry or related fieldBachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, pharmaceutical, or manufacturing facilitiesQuality assurance labs, manufacturing plants, pharmaceutical companies
Employer & IndustryResearch institutions, pharmaceutical, chemical manufacturingPharmaceutical, biotech, food, and beverage industries
Job FocusConducting experiments, developing formulations, analyzing samplesTesting products, ensuring quality standards, compliance

While both roles require a chemistry background and involve laboratory work, a Lab Chemist primarily focuses on research, development, and analysis of chemical samples. In contrast, a Quality Control Analyst concentrates on testing products to ensure they meet quality and safety standards. Both roles are essential in manufacturing and pharmaceutical industries, often overlapping in skills and certifications.

How much does a lab chemist make?

The average salary for a lab chemist in the United States ranges from $45,000 to $75,000 per year, depending on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions typically start around $40,000, while experienced chemists with specialized skills or certifications can earn over $80,000 annually.

What is the role of a lab chemist?

A lab chemist conducts experiments and analyzes chemical substances to develop new products, improve processes, or ensure quality control. They use laboratory equipment, follow safety protocols, and often require knowledge of chemical analysis techniques and certifications such as OSHA training.

What are popular job titles related to Lab Chemist jobs in Iowa?

For Lab Chemist jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Lab Chemist job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,551 per year, or $29.1 per hour.

Medical Lab Scientist-Medical Lab Technician - Core Lab, 3rd Shift

University of Iowa

Iowa City, IA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday


University Of Iowa rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 85 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

461st of 621 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Qualified candidates may be eligible for a sign-on incentive of $5,000 based on years of experience!
(Current UI employees are not eligible for incentive)
The Department of Pathology is seeking a Medical Laboratory Technician or Medical Laboratory Scientist to use a variety of procedures involving highly complex analytical lab test methodology and techniques, perform quantitative and qualitative clinical laboratory analyses on biological specimens such as blood, tissue, and body fluids. These procedures will utilize a variety of procedures, many involving numerous highly complex tests and techniques that require the use of professional judgment. Provides technical expertise and information used to diagnose, prevent, or treat disease.
This position is 100%-time. Schedule will be Sunday-Thursday, 2300-0730, with rotating holidays and on-call.
The Iowa Health Care Core Laboratory is a state-of-the-art diagnostic hub, delivering high complexity testing with cutting-edge automation, advanced redundancies, and seamless integration across multiple disciplines. Located on Iowa Health Care's Main Campus, our Core Laboratory provides essential services in Chemistry, Hematology, Urinalysis, Coagulation, Critical Care, and Hemostasis, supporting the needs of a world-class academic medical center.
Our laboratory is designed for precision, efficiency, and reliability, featuring highly automated workflows, advanced instrumentation, and built-in redundancies to ensure uninterrupted patient care. We are at the forefront of innovation in diagnostic testing, integrating leading-edge technology to enhance accuracy, speed, and patient outcomes.
We are seeking skilled, forward-thinking, and detail-oriented laboratory professionals to join our team. As part of the Iowa Health Care Department of Pathology, you will work in a collaborative, high-impact environment, contributing to cutting-edge research, medical education, and the future of laboratory medicine.
Be part of a team that's Changing Medicine. Changing Lives.
The department intends to hire for one position from either Medical Laboratory Technician, or Medical Laboratory Scientist, based on the qualifications of the successful candidate. Please indicate in your application materials the position you wish to be considered for on indicate both.
Duties to include:
• Performs highly complex quantitative and qualitative analysis on chemical, hematological, microbiological, or immunological clinical and research specimens.
• Conducts comprehensive evaluation of laboratory test results. Provides information to other allied health care provider(s) regarding test methodology and interpretation.
• Performs statistical analysis of quality control data associated with assigned laboratory testing. Initiates corrective action based on statistical results.
• Responsible for the operation, calibration, maintenance and troubleshoot laboratory instrumentation. Participates in evaluation of new laboratory equipment, and makes recommendation for product acquisition
• Trains and instructs new staff members and other health care professional (residents, medical students, etc.) on laboratory test techniques, development, and interpretation.
For a full job description, please send an e-mail to the contact listed below.
The Department of Pathology is part of UI Health Care, a comprehensive health sciences center that serves Iowa and the region, as well as patients referred from the United States and overseas. The Clinical Laboratories are well recognized for providing outstanding and comprehensive care to the patients we serve. The breadth and depth of services provided are amongst the best in the country. The educational programs that the department participates in includes medical students, clinical laboratory scientists as well as biomedical scientists. To learn more: https://pathology.medicine.uiowa.edu/about-us
MLT Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in a chemical, biological, clinical laboratory science, or medical technology program from an accredited institution, or
• Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) or eligible from American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) or National Credentialing Agency (NCA), or
• Successfully completed an official US military medical laboratory procedures training course of at least 50 weeks duration and have held the military enlisted occupational specialty of Medical Laboratory Specialist (Laboratory Technician) is required.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required.
MLT Desired Qualifications:
• Certification from American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) or National Credentialing Agency (NCA) as a Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) is highly desirable.
• Previous experience in a clinical laboratory performing moderate and/or high complexity testing in chemistry, hematology (including abnormal differentials), urinalysis and coagulation is highly desired.
MLS Qualifications:
• A Bachelor's degree in a chemical, biological, clinical laboratory science, or medical technology program from an accredited institution
• Some (6 months - 1 year) clinical laboratory experience, which may include program training experience is required.
• Certification as a Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) or a categorical/specialist certification in the appropriate laboratory discipline from American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) or certification as a Medical Technologist (MT) from Health Education and Welfare (HEW) is required.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required.
MLS Desired Qualifications:
• Previous experience in a clinical laboratory performing moderate and/or high complexity testing in chemistry, hematology (including abnormal differentials), urinalysis and coagulation is highly desired.
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
Pathology will be filling this position at one of two levels. The Medical Lab Technician classification salary starts at $48,500, and the Medical Lab Scientist salary starts at $53,500. Salary will be commensurate with education and experience. You must indicate in your cover letter the level of classification (MLT and/or MLS) you wish to be considered for or indicate both. See required qualifications for additional information.
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 criminal 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 Brenda Carey via email at brenda-carey@uiowa.edu.
Applicant Resource Center -
Need help submitting an application or accepting an offer? Support is available!
OurApplicant Resource Centeris now open in the Fountain Lobby at the Main Hospital.
Hours:
Monday 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Thursday 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Friday 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Or by appointment:
ContactTAHealthCareSupport@healthcare.uiowa.eduto schedule an appointment or just stop by.
Visit the website for more information: Application Resource Center | University of Iowa Health Care

What University Of Iowa employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom