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Lab Coordinator Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

The Quality Coordinator is responsible for the design, implementation, and oversight of the Laboratory Quality Management program, partnering with management to provide continual quality systems ...

New

The Quality Coordinator is responsible for the design, implementation, and oversight of the Laboratory Quality Management program, partnering with management to provide continual quality systems ...

New

Coordinator will keep the laboratory running efficiently by developing and implementing quality control programs and preparing reports. * The coordinator will handle administrative tasks, maintain ...

$47K - $93K/yr

General Chemistry Laboratory Coordinator-MSUAASF Range C Institution: St. Cloud State University Classification Title: MSUAASF Range C Bargaining Unit / Union: 211: Minnesota State University ...

Lab Test Engineer Location: Cedar Rapids, IA (onsite) Duration: 12 months contract Description ... Ability to work in a team environment with cross-functional coordination and challenging schedules.

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Lab Coordinator information

See Iowa salary details

$12

$25

$41

How much do lab coordinator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab coordinator in Iowa is $25.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.86 and $30.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lab coordinator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lab Coordinator, you need strong organizational skills, laboratory safety knowledge, and a relevant science degree or experience in lab management. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), lab equipment, and safety certifications like OSHA training are typically required. Excellent communication, attention to detail, and problem-solving abilities help you manage workflows and coordinate between researchers, staff, and students. These skills ensure safe, efficient, and accurate laboratory operations that support research and educational objectives.

What is a lab coordinator?

A lab coordinator manages the operations of a science laboratory. As a lab coordinator, your primary job duties include coordinating lab use, acquiring new materials, maintaining equipment, and ensuring all safety rules and regulations are met. The career may also involve working with hazardous materials, such as body fluids or disease organisms. To become a lab coordinator, you must have at least a bachelor’s degree, usually in a scientific field, as well as experience using lab tools and equipment. Additional qualifications include excellent analytical, communication, and managerial skills.

What is the difference between Lab Coordinator vs Lab Technician?

AspectLab CoordinatorLab Technician
Required CredentialsTypically a bachelor's degree in a science or related fieldUsually an associate degree or certification in a specific lab area
Work EnvironmentOversees lab operations, manages schedules, and coordinates activitiesPerforms hands-on testing, sample preparation, and data collection
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in research labs, healthcare, and industrial settings for management rolesCommon in clinical, research, and manufacturing labs for technical tasks

While both roles work within laboratory settings, the Lab Coordinator primarily manages lab operations and staff, whereas the Lab Technician focuses on performing technical testing and data collection. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are some common challenges faced by lab coordinators, and how can they be addressed?

Lab Coordinators often juggle multiple responsibilities, such as managing inventory, ensuring equipment maintenance, and coordinating with researchers or students. One common challenge is balancing administrative tasks with hands-on support, especially during busy periods or when resources are limited. Effective time management, clear communication, and establishing standardized procedures can help overcome these challenges. Building strong relationships with faculty, technicians, and suppliers also streamlines workflows and minimizes disruptions.
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 Coordinator jobs in Iowa? For Lab Coordinator jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Lab Coordinator jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Lab Coordinator jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Lab Coordinator jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Lab Coordinator job openings:
Infographic showing various Lab Coordinator job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,176 per year, or $25.6 per hour.

Surgical Skills Lab Coordinator

Des Moines University

West Des Moines, IA

$60K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

Surgical Skills Lab Coordinator

Apply now Job no: 493017
Work type: FT
Location: West Des Moines
Categories: Staff

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

Advertised: 07 Jul 2026 Central Daylight Time
Applications close:

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