ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Lab Research Associate Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Kemin

Research Associate

Des Moines, IA

As a Research Associate, you will support innovative R&D projects by applying scientific methods ... Perform lab experiments within well-defined guidelines and under direct supervision; operate ...

Kemin

Research Associate

Des Moines, IA · On-site

As a Research Associate, you will support innovative R&D projects by applying scientific methods ... Perform lab experiments within well-defined guidelines and under direct supervision; operate ...

Kemin

Research Associate

Des Moines, IA

As a Research Associate, you will support innovative R&D projects by applying scientific methods ... Perform lab experiments within well-defined guidelines and under direct supervision; operate ...

PayCruit

Laboratory Technician

Johnston, IA · On-site

$17.75 - $23.75/hr

The LT may take directions from a Technology Leader, Research Scientist, Senior Research Associate, or other team members. The LT will conduct transformation/genome editing experiments according to ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsLab Research Associate JobsLab Research Associate Jobs in Iowa

Lab Research Associate information

See Iowa salary details

$11

$21

$32

How much do lab research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab research associate in Iowa is $21.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.01 and $23.46 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a lab research associate do?

A Lab Research Associate supports scientific research by conducting experiments, analyzing data, and maintaining laboratory equipment. They often assist senior researchers in designing studies, collecting samples, and performing routine tests. Their role is crucial in ensuring that experiments are conducted accurately and efficiently, following safety protocols and documentation standards. Lab Research Associates work in various settings, including universities, hospitals, and private research facilities.

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

To thrive as a Lab Research Associate, you need a solid background in biology, chemistry, or a related field, usually with a bachelor's or master's degree and experience in laboratory techniques. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, data analysis software, and protocols like PCR or chromatography is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills that set top performers apart. These capabilities ensure accurate results, maintain safety standards, and contribute to successful research outcomes.

What are some common challenges faced by lab research associates when managing multiple experiments simultaneously?

Lab Research Associates often juggle several experiments at once, which can be challenging due to the need for precise timing, meticulous record-keeping, and coordination with other team members. Unexpected issues, such as equipment malfunctions or reagent shortages, may require quick troubleshooting and adaptability. Effective communication and organizational skills are essential to ensure that data is accurately collected and experiments are completed within deadlines. Collaborating closely with principal investigators and fellow researchers also helps in prioritizing tasks and sharing resources efficiently.

What is a lab research associate in a lab?

A lab research associate is a professional responsible for conducting experiments, collecting data, and analyzing results in a laboratory setting. They often work under the supervision of senior scientists and use tools like microscopes, lab equipment, and data analysis software to support research projects.

What qualifications do you need to be a lab research associate?

A lab research associate typically needs at least a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as biology, chemistry, or related sciences. Laboratory skills, familiarity with research protocols, and attention to detail are important, and some positions may require experience with specific tools or techniques. Certifications or training in safety procedures can also be beneficial.

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

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

What job categories do people searching Lab Research Associate jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Lab Research Associate jobs in Iowa are:

Lab Research Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lab Research Associate job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,700 per year, or $21 per hour.

Research Associate - Tucker Lab

The University Of Iowa

Iowa City, IA

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

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 620 rated colleges and universities

Job description

The University of Iowa Health Care Department of Visual Sciences is seeking a 100% Research Associate (PRK2, 4A). This position will serve as a member of a multidisciplinary laboratory focused on developing cellular and gene replacement therapies to treat patients with inherited retinal disease. To oversee the day-to-day maintenance activities of the Tucker Laboratory and manufacture AAV and lentiviruses for lab use.

Position Responsibilities

  • Manufacture AAV and lentiviruses for use in the lab. This includes following SOPs for cloning, plasmid preparation, and transfection and purification of viral products, performing release testing, and maintaining a log/inventory of vectors produced.

  • Maintain and differentiate human iPS cell lines for studying disease progression. This will include performing cell culture under aseptic technique, and following standardized protocols for iPSC maintenance, and retinal cell and RPE differentiation

  • Responsible for laboratory inventory. Includes electronic inventory management system (eLab), consumables ordering requests, and equipment repair and maintenance requests.

  • Perform day-to-day lab tasks. This includes thawing, cleaning, and organizing cold storage units, scheduling repair/maintenance visits, cleaning and autoclaving lab dishes, aliquoting and inventorying antibodies, stocking supplies, store runs, etc.

  • Pay close attention to detail.

University of Iowa Health Care-recognized as one of the best hospitals in the United States-is Iowa's only comprehensive academic medical center and a regional referral center. Each day more than 12,000 employees, students, and volunteers work together to provide safe, quality health care and excellent service for our patients. Simply stated, our mission is: Changing Medicine. Changing Lives.

Percent of Time: 100%

Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00a-5:00p

Location: UIHC, Iowa City

On Campus: This position is performed fully on campus.

Rotations: N/A

Pay Level: 4A

Position Type: Specified Term. Initial appointment is for one year. Appointment may be extended based on performance and availability of funding.

Required Qualifications

  • Requires the practical or academic knowledge of advanced laboratory procedures and an ability to translate, adapt and apply this knowledge that is generally associated with a Bachelor's degree and 3+ years of experience working in an academic research environment.

  • Requires ability perform aseptic cell culture technique to maintain human iPSC and iPSC-derived retinal cell and RPE cultures.

  • Ability to carry out standard molecular biology and biochemical techniques (e.g., nucleic acid and protein isolation from human and animal tissue samples, PCR/qPCR, and Western blot), common cell biology techniques (e.g., immunocytochemistry/immunohistochemistry), and tissue culture techniques (i.e., establishing and maintaining human iPSCs).

  • Demonstrated ability at managing laboratory equipment and inventory.

  • Must maintain detailed laboratory notes and be highly organized.

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required.

 

Desired Qualifications

  • Experience with maintaining human iPSCs and differentiating retinal cells with xeno-free protocols.

  • Ability to generate viral transgene expression plasmids, read Sanger sequencing and use DNA analysis software.

  • Prior experience producing and purifying AAVs and/or lentiviruses preferred.


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

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 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 Maria Lugo, HR Generalist, at maria-lugo@uiowa.edu

Additional Information
  • Classification Title: Research Associate
  • Appointment Type: Professional and Scientific
  • Schedule: Full-time
  • Work Modality Options: On Campus
Compensation
  • Pay Level: 4A
Contact Information
  • Organization: Healthcare
  • Contact Name: Maria Lugo
  • Contact Email: maria-lugo@uiowa.edu

What University Of Iowa employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply