1

Lab Supervisor Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Lab Technician (Entry) Location: Ankeny, IA, 50021 Duration: 4 Months Job Type: Temporary ... Being capable of managing multiple tasks, working effectively with more than one Supervisor ...

Lab Technician

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$41.60K - $45.80K/yr

Demonstrates sufficient computer skills to utilize lab instrument operation programs. Familiarity with current commercial software applications (Excel, Word)Experience with lab documentation.

Lab Technician We are seeking a skilled Lab Technician to perform HPLC testing and prepare both process and finished product samples. You will be responsible for conducting analytical testing ...

Lab Technician We are seeking a skilled Lab Technician to perform HPLC testing and prepare both process and finished product samples. You will be responsible for conducting analytical testing ...

Lab Technician We are seeking a dedicated Lab Technician to join our team and contribute to ensuring product quality through precise sample preparation and analytical testing using both instrumental ...

Lab Technician We are seeking a dedicated Lab Technician to join our team and contribute to ensuring product quality through precise sample preparation and analytical testing using both instrumental ...

Lab Technician We are seeking a skilled Lab Technician to perform HPLC testing and prepare both process and finished product samples. You will be responsible for conducting analytical testing ...

Microbiology Lab Technician

Mason City, IA · On-site

$19.50 - $24.50/hr

... Supervisor. * Identify nonconformities, potential nonconformities and laboratory process ... Knowledge of lab procedures and techniques. * Knowledge of microbiology, preparation of culture ...

Microbiology Lab Technician

Mason City, IA · On-site

$19.50 - $24.50/hr

... Supervisor. * Identify nonconformities, potential nonconformities and laboratory process ... Knowledge of lab procedures and techniques. * Knowledge of microbiology, preparation of culture ...

Be Seen First

Biology Lab Technician

Johnston, IA · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

We are looking for a Lab Technician for a research lab in our company, located in Johnston, Iowa. With guidance from supervision, this person will assist technical personnel in general laboratory ...

Demonstrates sufficient computer skills to utilize lab instrument operation programs. Familiarity with current commercial software applications (Excel, Word)Experience with lab documentation.

IA · On-site

We are looking to hire a Clinic Lab Assistant As a Clinic Lab Assistant at MercyOne, you will ... Maintains supply inventory; stocks areas appropriately and communicates needs to supervisor.

IA · On-site

We are looking to hire a Clinic Lab Assistant As a Clinic Lab Assistant at MercyOne, you will ... Maintains supply inventory; stocks areas appropriately and communicates needs to supervisor.

next page

Showing results 1-20

Lab Supervisor information

See Iowa salary details

$36.2K

$80.1K

$126.3K

How much do lab supervisor jobs pay per year?

As of May 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for lab supervisor in Iowa is $80,125.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,900.00 and $93,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Lab Supervisor, you need a strong background in laboratory science, quality control, and staff management, typically supported by a relevant science degree and laboratory experience. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), safety protocols, and quality assurance certifications such as ASCP or CAP accreditation is often required. Strong leadership, effective communication, and problem-solving skills help a Lab Supervisor manage teams and address technical challenges. These skills are crucial to ensure accurate results, maintain regulatory compliance, and foster a productive lab environment.

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

Lab Supervisors often encounter challenges such as balancing administrative duties with hands-on lab work, ensuring safety compliance, and coordinating a diverse team of technicians and researchers. Effective management involves establishing clear protocols, maintaining open lines of communication, and staying updated on the latest safety regulations. Regular training sessions and fostering a collaborative team environment can help address these challenges and ensure smooth laboratory operations.

What are lab supervisors?

Lab supervisors are professionals responsible for overseeing the daily operations of a laboratory. They manage lab staff, ensure safety protocols are followed, maintain equipment, and ensure that experiments and tests are conducted accurately and efficiently. Lab supervisors also handle administrative tasks such as scheduling, inventory management, and compliance with regulatory standards. Their role is crucial for maintaining a safe, organized, and productive lab environment.

How to become a laboratory supervisor?

To become a laboratory supervisor, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in a relevant science field such as biology, chemistry, or medical technology. Relevant experience in laboratory work, strong organizational skills, and sometimes certification or licensing are also required; advanced roles may require a master's degree or specialized training.

What is the difference between Lab Supervisor vs Lab Technician?

AspectLab SupervisorLab Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in a relevant science, sometimes certifications in lab managementAssociate's or bachelor's degree in a science field, technical certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentOversees lab operations, manages staff, ensures safety protocolsPerforms tests, prepares samples, maintains equipment
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in research labs, clinical labs, industrial settingsCommon in healthcare, research, manufacturing labs

The main difference between a Lab Supervisor and a Lab Technician lies in their responsibilities and level of oversight. The Lab Supervisor manages lab operations, supervises staff, and ensures compliance, while the Lab Technician focuses on conducting tests and maintaining equipment. Both roles require relevant science credentials, but the Supervisor typically has more leadership duties.

What are popular job titles related to Lab Supervisor jobs in Iowa? For Lab Supervisor jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Lab Supervisor job openings in Iowa as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,125 per year, or $38.5 per hour.
Assistant Lab Manager - North Liberty Pathology

Assistant Lab Manager - North Liberty Pathology

University of Iowa

Iowa City, IA

Full-time

Posted 16 hours ago


University Of Iowa rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 84 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

400th of 529 rated colleges and universities


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.


What University Of Iowa employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom