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

Manage laboratory waste in accordance with established procedures * Maintain cleanliness and organization of lab workspaces * Perform routine maintenance, calibration, and performance checks on lab ...

Cleaning/sterilizing glassware, cleaning/maintaining lab equipment, sterilization of labware, handling and decontamination of biohazardous waste, stocking supplies in the lab, making reagents, and ...

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Lab Manager information

See Des Moines, IA salary details

$31.7K

$89.7K

$145.4K

How much do lab manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for lab manager in Des Moines, IA is $89,746.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,300.00 and $108,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Lab Manager, you need expertise in laboratory procedures, safety protocols, and scientific analysis, typically supported by a degree in a relevant science field and prior lab experience. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), inventory software, and regulatory compliance certifications such as OSHA or CLIA is often required. Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills help manage teams, coordinate projects, and ensure accurate reporting. These abilities are vital for maintaining efficient lab operations, regulatory compliance, and a safe, collaborative work environment.

What does a lab manager do?

A Lab Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of a laboratory. Their duties typically include supervising staff, ensuring safety protocols are followed, managing inventory and ordering supplies, maintaining equipment, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Lab Managers also coordinate experiments and research activities, and may handle budgeting and administrative tasks. Their role is crucial in ensuring the lab runs efficiently and safely.

What are some common challenges faced by lab managers when overseeing a diverse research team?

Lab Managers often encounter challenges related to coordinating schedules, managing conflicting priorities among researchers, and ensuring compliance with safety protocols. Balancing administrative duties with hands-on support requires strong organizational skills and adaptability, especially when unexpected issues arise, such as equipment malfunctions or supply shortages. Effective communication is key to fostering collaboration and maintaining a productive work environment, as Lab Managers frequently serve as the bridge between researchers, technicians, and external vendors.

What is the difference between Lab Manager vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectLab ManagerLaboratory Technician
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's degree in a relevant science, often with management experienceAssociate's or Bachelor's degree in a science or related field
Work EnvironmentOversees lab operations, manages staff, and ensures compliancePerforms routine tests, prepares samples, and maintains lab equipment
ResponsibilitiesSupervises staff, manages budgets, and coordinates projectsConducts experiments, records data, and maintains lab safety

The main difference between a Lab Manager and a Laboratory Technician lies in their responsibilities and level of oversight. Lab Managers focus on managing lab operations, staff, and compliance, while Laboratory Technicians handle hands-on testing and sample preparation. Both roles require relevant scientific credentials, but Lab Managers typically have more experience and managerial skills.

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 Manager jobs? Cities near Des Moines, IA with the most Lab Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Lab Manager job openings in Des Moines, IA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,746 per year, or $43.1 per hour.

General Manager/Lab Manager in Des Moines Area

Eyemart Express

Des Moines, IA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago


Eyemart Express rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 80 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

21st of 39 rated optical retailers


Job description

General Interest Requisition:
This is for a full time positions.
Are you looking for a career that will bring you "home?" A career with a company that has one of the absolute best store leadership teams on the planet?! Well, you just found it!
One of the nation's TOP optical companies, Eyemart Express is seeking candidates with strong retail or technical skills for open positions at one of our local stores. For nearly 30 years, Eyemart Express has been setting the pace and the standard when it comes to delivering an awesome customer experience along with great prices and the fastest service anywhere! We have full-service labs in every one of our stores! And we're growing every year with new stores opening throughout the country. Your career growth potential is endless!
So, if you're looking to join a company that leads the industry in service, quality & speed, and that is rapidly expanding to well over 200 stores, then Eyemart is the place for you! If you have the drive, the talent, along with the leadership experience in bringing teams together and exceeding goals, then we want to talk to you. Take a look at some of the things the role consists of and send us your resume today!
Eyemart Express is accepting applications for candidates that meet any of the Job Descriptions listed below. This is a General Interest Requisition for multiple open positions in multiple locations. If selected to move forward in the hiring process, you will be contacted by a Recruiter or Hiring Manager for a phone interview to determine the best fit for position and location. The Job Description for each position is listed below.
General Manager:
Eyemart Express is accepting applications for candidates with a strong retail optical background for a Management position at one of our store locations. Under the direction of their District Manager and/or Regional Vice President, the General Manager will be responsible for ensuring that all customers who enter the store are professionally assisted with the purchase of eyewear. This is a leadership role, responsible for the enforcement of all Eyemart policies and procedures. A General Manager will perform sales, customer service, lab, and administrative work, in addition to ordering materials and supplies, inventory control, home office reporting, establishing and monitoring lab production, store sales, and quality goals. This role is also responsible for establishing store budgets and cost controls, human resource functions (recruiting, training, coaching, counseling, and termination), P&L control, A/R control, store facility maintenance, and for establishing and maintaining positive doctor relationships.
Optical Lab Manager:
Eyemart Express is accepting applications for candidates with a strong optical lab background for a position at one of our store locations. Under the direction of the store's General Manager and the District Lab Manager, the Lab Manager will be responsible for ensuring that all customers who enter the store receive their glasses in a timely manner. This is a leadership role, responsible for the enforcement of all Eyemart policies and procedure.
Education and Experience Requirements:
Vary depending upon positions listed above. This is a General Interest Requisition. If selected to continue in the hiring process, a Recruiter or Hiring Manager will initiate a phone interview and move your application to the most relevant position/location that will be the best fit for both the candidate and the company. Specific requirements will be listed in the Job Posting you are placed in after best fit is determined.
All positions must meet the following requirements:
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Experience working in the optical industry is preferred

Skills and Abilities
Vary depending upon positions listed above. This is a General Interest Requisition. If selected to continue in the hiring process, a Recruiter or Hiring Manager will initiate a phone interview and move your application to the most relevant position/location that will be the best fit for both the candidate and company. Specific requirements will be listed in the Job Posting you are placed in after best fit is determined.
All position must meet the following criteria:
  • Ability to stand for prolonged periods of time (up to 8 hours per day per scheduled shift)

Duties and Responsibilities
Vary depending upon positions listed above. This is a General Interest Requisition. If selected to continue in the hiring process, a Recruiter or Hiring Manager will initiate a phone interview and move your application to the most relevant position/location that will be the best fit for both the candidate and company. Specific requirements will be listed in the Job Posting you are placed in after best fit is determined.
Working Environment
Vary depending upon positions listed above. This is a General Interest Requisition. If selected to continue in the hiring process, a Recruiter or Hiring Manager will initiate a phone interview and move your application to the most relevant position/location that will be the best fit for both the candidate and company. Specific requirements will be listed in the Job Posting you are placed in after best fit is determined.
VSP Vision is an equal opportunity employer and gives consideration for employment to qualified applicants without regard to age, gender, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability or protected veteran status. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing.

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