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Lab Manager Jobs in Iowa City, IA (NOW HIRING)

Chemistry Lab Assistant

Coralville, IA · On-site

$21.95 - $25.57/hr

Lab Assistant We are seeking a detail-oriented Lab Assistant to routinely produce high-quality ... Utilize ERP systems for work order creation, material transfer, and inventory management.

Lab Assistant We are seeking a detail-oriented Lab Assistant to routinely produce high-quality ... Utilize ERP systems for work order creation, material transfer, and inventory management.

Lab Technician

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$35K - $45K/yr

Enter, log, and report analytical data daily using a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS ... with standard lab documentation and basic calculations associated with laboratory testing ...

The QA Lab Technician I is responsible for performing test procedures of the finished product and reporting the findings of these tests. What you will be doing: * Identifies off-spec production in ...

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Lab Manager information

See Iowa City, IA salary details

$31.3K

$88.7K

$143.7K

How much do lab manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for lab manager in Iowa City, IA is $88,688.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,500.00 and $107,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

How much does a lab manager make?

The average salary for a lab manager in California ranges from $70,000 to $110,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and the industry sector. Salaries may also vary based on the size of the laboratory and specific responsibilities, such as overseeing staff, managing budgets, or ensuring compliance with safety standards.

What qualifications do you need to be a lab manager?

A lab manager typically needs a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as biology, chemistry, or engineering, along with experience in laboratory operations. Strong organizational, leadership, and communication skills are essential, and certifications like OSHA safety training or specific technical certifications can be advantageous.

What are the most commonly searched types of Lab jobs in Iowa City, IA?

The most popular types of Lab jobs in Iowa City, IA are:

What cities near Iowa City, IA are hiring for Lab Manager jobs?

Cities near Iowa City, IA with the most Lab Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Lab Manager job openings in Iowa City, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,982 per year, or $43.3 per hour.

Assistant Lab Manager - North Liberty Pathology

Iowa City, IA • On-site


University of Iowa
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 10K+ employees

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 85 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

467th of 627 rated colleges and universities

People enjoy working here

Recommended by students

Respectful managers


Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

The Assistant Lab Manager ensures the smooth, efficient operation of the MCNL laboratory by supervising assigned personnel, performing assigned administrative functions, overseeing and managing technical and operational functions of the laboratory and performing other tasks and duties as assigned.

The new University of Iowa Health Care - North Liberty Campus is a 469,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility serving as the home of UI Health Care's nationally recognized Orthopedics service line. It offers coordinated, comprehensive, and accessible care across outpatient, inpatient, and surgical settings.

In addition to world-class orthopedic care, the campus features a full-service community imaging center, laboratory services, physical therapy, a retail pharmacy, an emergency department, and a wide range of support services. Every element of the facility is thoughtfully designed to deliver an exceptional experience for patients and staff, support excellence in clinical care, education, and research, and foster meaningful community partnerships.

UI Health Care is building a welcoming, skilled, and collaborative team to help launch this innovative campus and advance our mission: Changing Medicine. Changing Lives.

JOB RELATIONSHIPS:

Administrative supervision is received from the Laboratory Manager of the Medical Center North Liberty Hospital. Collaborates effectively with the Medical Directors, Laboratory Supervisors, Laboratory Technologists and other MCNL personnel to ensure timely service delivery, operational efficiency and regulatory compliance throughout the MCNL Laboratory. Provides functional and administrative supervision of other leadership, technical and support staff of the MCNL Laboratory.  

POSITION SPECIFIC TASK STATEMENTS:

         Provides clinical, technical, managerial and developmental leadership to staff.

o   Mentors and coaches staff, as appropriate.

o   Disseminates general information and pertinent policy or procedure changes.

o   Ensure staff are compliant with policies, procedures and regulations.

o   Support laboratory initiatives in a positive manner.

         Assists in maintaining productivity and quality of the laboratory operations.

o   Recommends corrective action in response to errors, near misses, regulatory changes or internal/external audits.

o   Writes and evaluates Variances.

o   Enters Riskonnect events as needed.

o   May occasionally provide assistance with bench level or supporting tasks as appropriate based on urgent needs.

         Demonstrates leadership by aligning, influencing, and inspiring the laboratory team to produce changes needed to cope with the hospital's changing environment.

o   Effectively collaborates with colleagues throughout University of Iowa Health Care.

         Oversees laboratory automation and instrumentation.

o   Evaluates and recommends new instrumentation

o   Assists in troubleshooting instrumentation problems

o   Writes and oversees instrument validation protocols.

         Provides financial background, rationale and other lab specific analytic details to support and provide justification for capital planning requests.

         Oversees and maintains testing capabilities to insure that testing is performed in a timely, accurate and effective manner.

o   Works with Emery Warner Clinical Laboratories to ensure samples are sent/transferred appropriately, including evaluation of courier routes and times.

o   Ensures that billing for testing, services along with blood and tissue products is accurate and complete.

         Establishes, evaluates, and maintains effective staffing and scheduling systems.

o   Develops schedules for laboratory staff and enters the schedule in ELMS.

o   Approves requests for time off while maintaining adequate laboratory staffing.

o   Performs activities in UI Health Care timekeeping/scheduling system.

         Assists in developing short and long term strategic plans for the laboratory in consultation with medical and departmental leadership. 

         Assesses, develops and maintains regulatory compliance in collaboration with designated staff from the Pathology Quality Management Team.

o   Maintains knowledge of and ensures compliance with regulatory and accreditation requirements.

o   Assists with writing, executing and reviewing validation protocols.

o   Assists in ensuring that proficiency testing is completed.

o   Ensures all safety requirements are met and followed by laboratory staff.

         Assists in the recruitment, orientation, training, and supervision of technical and support staff.

o   Participates in interviews and recommends laboratory staff for employment.

o   Evaluates staff performance; in consultation with Lab Manager and Human Resources, takes appropriate action to address performance gaps/deficiencies.

o   Oversees the competency program for laboratory staff.

o   Completes annual performance appraisals for laboratory staff with assistance from lead technologists.

         In conjunction with lab Manager and Director, evaluates renovation and design activities for the laboratory. 

         Participates in inventory and supply management with the laboratory Clerk.

o   Ensures that a system is in place for maintaining and accounting for appropriate laboratory supply and reagent inventory.

o   Ensures that appropriate levels of blood components are established and maintained.

o   In conjunction with the main hospital Tissue Bank, ensures that appropriate tissue inventory is established & maintained and special-order tissues are obtained.

         Works with the laboratory Clerk to ensure that annual maintenance and service contracts are renewed in a timely manner.

         Participates in the review, update, and development of written procedures.

         Provide evaluative feedback to students.  Work with clinical instructors/educators to facilitate clinical education.

         Performs other projects and tasks as assigned.

         Demonstrates appropriate and effective written, electronic and verbal communication.

Hours: 10:30 AM to 7:00 PM

Location: North Liberty Hospital

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's degree in clinical laboratory sciences from an accredited college or university or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required.

  • 3-5 years experience in laboratory or health care supervision is required.

  • 3-5 years experience working directly in laboratory or health care operations is required.

  • Certification (eligible) as a Medical Laboratory Scientist or specialist certification by the American Society of Clinical Pathology is required.

  • Reasonable knowledge of quality assurance and human resources activities is required.

  • Must be proficient in computer software applications.

  • Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills are required

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • A Master's degree in Business Administration or Hospital and Health Administration or an equivalent combination of education or experience

  • Experience working in an academic health center is desired.

  • Knowledge of laboratory information systems (LIS) is highly desired.

  • Experience with automated laboratory instrumentation is highly desired.

  • Experience in a laboratory overseeing or performing moderate and/or high complexity testing in blood banking, chemistry, hematology, microbiology and/or tissue bank is highly desired.

Application Process: In order to be considered, applicants must upload a resume (under submission relevant materials) that clearly address how they meet the listed required and desired qualifications of this position.

Job openings are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days. This job may be removed from posting and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended. Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification. For questions, contact polly-terukina@uiowa.edu

This position is not eligible for University sponsorship for employment authorization.



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