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Lab Operations Associate Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

SSAB

Production Operator - Lab

Montpelier, IA · On-site

$17 - $20.75/hr

The position follows standard operation procedures and practices safe work habits to ensure ... Associate's or Bachelor's degree with a science major, such as chemistry Work Environment and ...

EssilorLuxottica

Associate Technician*^*

Sioux City, IA · On-site

E02512 Lab Ops - Surfacing Sioux Position : Full-Time Total Rewards: Benefits/Incentive Information ... Our unique business model and relentless pursuit of operational excellence ensures that consumers ...

Essilor

Associate Technician*^*

Sioux City, IA

E02512 Lab Ops - Surfacing Sioux Position : Full-Time Total Rewards: Benefits/Incentive Information ... Our unique business model and relentless pursuit of operational excellence ensures that consumers ...

EssilorLuxottica

Associate Technician*^*

Sioux City, IA · On-site

E02505 Lab Ops - Edge Sioux Position : Full-Time Total Rewards: Benefits/Incentive Information If ... Our unique business model and relentless pursuit of operational excellence ensures that consumers ...

Essilor

Associate Technician*^*

Sioux City, IA

E02505 Lab Ops - Edge Sioux Position : Full-Time Total Rewards: Benefits/Incentive Information If ... Our unique business model and relentless pursuit of operational excellence ensures that consumers ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsLab Operations Associate JobsLab Operations Associate Jobs in Iowa

Lab Operations Associate information

See Iowa salary details

$10

$24

$50

How much do lab operations associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab operations associate in Iowa is $24.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.73 and $28.46 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the duties of lab operations?

Lab operations involve managing daily laboratory activities, including preparing and maintaining equipment, ensuring safety protocols are followed, and supporting sample handling and data recording. Lab Operations Associates often coordinate workflows, monitor inventory, and assist with compliance to quality standards, utilizing tools like laboratory information management systems (LIMS).

What is a lab operations associate?

A lab operations associate is responsible for supporting laboratory functions such as managing supplies, maintaining equipment, and ensuring safety protocols are followed. They often assist with sample processing, data entry, and may use laboratory information management systems (LIMS). This role requires attention to detail and knowledge of laboratory procedures.

What are some common challenges faced by Lab Operations Associates, and how can they be managed effectively?

Lab Operations Associates often encounter challenges such as managing multiple tasks simultaneously, maintaining strict compliance with safety protocols, and ensuring timely supply inventory. Successfully meeting these challenges requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and clear communication with both lab technicians and management. Proactively prioritizing tasks and regularly reviewing inventory and safety procedures can help maintain smooth lab operations and contribute to a collaborative and efficient work environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Lab Operations Associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lab Operations Associate, you need a solid understanding of laboratory procedures, inventory management, and safety protocols, often supported by a bachelor's degree in a life science field. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), inventory tracking software, and standard lab equipment is typically required. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills in this position. These competencies ensure smooth laboratory operations, regulatory compliance, and reliable support for scientific research or testing.

What is the difference between Lab Operations Associate vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectLab Operations AssociateLaboratory Technician
CredentialsTypically requires a high school diploma or associate degree; certifications may enhance prospectsUsually requires an associate degree or relevant certification
Work EnvironmentSupports lab workflows, manages supplies, and maintains equipmentPerforms testing, sample analysis, and data recording
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in healthcare, biotech, and research labs for operational supportFound in clinical, pharmaceutical, and research labs for technical testing

The Lab Operations Associate primarily handles logistical and support tasks within the lab environment, ensuring smooth operations. In contrast, the Laboratory Technician focuses on performing technical tests and analyzing samples. Both roles are essential in lab settings but differ in responsibilities and skill requirements.

What is the role of an operations associate?

A Lab Operations Associate is responsible for managing laboratory workflows, maintaining equipment, ensuring compliance with safety protocols, and supporting daily lab activities. They often handle inventory, data entry, and coordinate with team members to ensure efficient lab operations.

What are Lab Operations Associates?

Lab Operations Associates are professionals who support the daily functioning of scientific laboratories. Their responsibilities often include managing lab supplies, maintaining equipment, ensuring compliance with safety regulations, and assisting with sample processing or data entry. They work closely with scientists and technicians to ensure experiments and research activities run smoothly. This role is essential for maintaining an organized and efficient laboratory environment.

What is the highest paying job in a laboratory?

In a laboratory setting, the highest paying roles are often senior scientists, laboratory directors, or principal investigators, who typically hold advanced degrees and extensive experience. These positions involve overseeing research projects, managing teams, and ensuring compliance with regulations, and they can earn six-figure salaries depending on the industry and location.
What are popular job titles related to Lab Operations Associate jobs in Iowa? For Lab Operations Associate jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Lab Operations Associate jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Lab Operations Associate jobs in Iowa are:
Lab Operations Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lab Operations Associate job openings in Iowa as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 89% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,273 per year, or $24.7 per hour.
Medical Laboratory Technician

Medical Laboratory Technician

CommonSpirit Health

Missouri Valley, IA

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

CommonSpirit Health rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 507 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

406th of 873 rated healthcare providers

Job description

For more than 50 years, the mission of CHI Health Missouri Valley has been to nurture and enhance the quality of life for residents of Harrison County in Iowa. As a community hospital, its ongoing commitment is to keep residents in good health. Through the years, CHI Health Missouri Valley has strived to improve the health status of southwest Iowa residents – children, teens, adults, senior citizens, friends and neighbors. CHI Health Missouri Valley is proud to offer health care services – close to home – within this community.


** Up to $5,000 Sign-on Bonus **

** Up to $10,000 Educational Assistance **

As our Medical Lab Technologist, you will perform vital clinical laboratory procedures to detect, identify, measure, and report data crucial for disease diagnosis and treatment.
Every day, you will expertly conduct waived and moderate procedures using technical skills, instrumentation, and information systems, providing essential clinical laboratory support while ensuring the quality and accuracy of all tests under leadership direction.
To be successful in this role, you will possess comprehensive knowledge of laboratory principles across various disciplines (microbiology, hematology, chemistry, etc.), understand sample processing and result interpretation, prioritize chemical and biological safety, and be adept at operating and maintaining lab equipment.

  • Aligning with local and state requirements performs lab test procedures on patient specimens adhering to the Section’s Standard Operating Procedures to ensure accurate, timely reporting.
  • Provides excellent patient care through clinical correlation of results, identification of patterns of bias, rapid notification of appropriate caregivers of critical values, and completion of testing within established turn-around-time limits
  • Ensures that major automated equipment is operational by performing required maintenance, calibration and troubleshooting procedures; including contacting of instrument vendor for assistance or repair
  • Performs required calibration and quality control procedures and maintains records to ensure tests are being performed within established parameters
  • Performs proficiency testing as assigned and review results with laboratory clinical leaders
  • Assists in evaluation and generation of compliant documentation for the validation of new procedures and equipment to provide the physician with the most current laboratory technology

Required

  • Associates Of Science in a biological or chemical science as defined by CLIA., upon hire or
  • High School GED General Studies completed an official military medical laboratory course and held the military enlisted occupational speciality of Medical Laboratory Specialist (Lab Technician), upon hire or
  • High School Graduate General Studies completed an official military medical laboratory course and held the military enlisted occupational speciality of Medical Laboratory Specialist (Lab Technician), upon hire


Preferred

  • Medical Laboratory Technician AMT, upon hire or
  • Medical Laboratory Technician ASCP, upon hire or
  • Medical Lab Tech AAB, upon hire

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