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Lab Trainee information

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$13

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$34

How much do lab trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab trainee in Iowa is $19.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.47 and $22.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by lab trainees during their initial months, and how can they be addressed?

Lab Trainees often encounter challenges such as adapting to strict safety protocols, learning to use specialized equipment, and managing time efficiently amidst multiple tasks. It's normal to feel overwhelmed at first, but proactively seeking guidance from experienced team members and regularly reviewing standard operating procedures can ease the transition. Open communication with supervisors and participating in hands-on training sessions also help build confidence and competence in the lab environment.

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

To thrive as a Lab Trainee, you need a solid background in biological or chemical sciences, attention to detail, and often at least a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, basic data analysis software, and adherence to safety protocols are typically required. Strong organizational skills, effective communication, and eagerness to learn help Lab Trainees excel and contribute positively to team dynamics. These skills ensure experiments are conducted accurately, safely, and efficiently, supporting reliable research outcomes.

What is the difference between Lab Trainee vs Lab Technician?

AspectLab TraineeLab Technician
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing or recently completed relevant education; no formal certification requiredUsually holds a diploma or certification in laboratory technology or related field
Work EnvironmentTraining setting, supervised, learning-focusedOperational laboratory environment, performing routine tests and procedures
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions, research labs, hospitals during trainingHospitals, diagnostic labs, research facilities

In summary, a Lab Trainee is primarily in a learning phase, gaining hands-on experience under supervision, while a Lab Technician is a trained professional responsible for conducting laboratory tests independently.

What is a lab trainee?

Lab Trainees are individuals who are undergoing training in a laboratory setting to gain practical experience and develop essential skills in scientific research or testing. Their responsibilities often include assisting with experiments, preparing samples, maintaining equipment, and learning laboratory safety protocols. Lab Trainees work under the supervision of experienced scientists or technicians and may be students, recent graduates, or new employees. This position provides foundational experience necessary for a career in science or laboratory technology.

How can I start working in a lab?

To start working as a lab trainee, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, and some positions may require basic knowledge of laboratory techniques or science subjects. Gaining relevant skills through coursework, certifications, or internships can improve your chances, and applying to entry-level positions or volunteering in labs can provide practical experience.
What are the most commonly searched types of Lab jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Lab jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Lab Trainee jobs in Iowa? For Lab Trainee jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Lab Trainee jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Lab Trainee jobs in Iowa are:
Lab Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lab Trainee job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,319 per year, or $19.9 per hour.

Research Specialist - Obal Lab

University of Iowa

Iowa City, IA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 17 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

458th of 616 rated colleges and universities

Job description

The Department of Anesthesia is seeking a full-time Research Specialist (PRK3) to support cardiovascular research projects focused on patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived cardiovascular cells and organoids. The successful candidate will function as an independent research professional with expertise in stem cell biology, molecular biology, and cardiovascular research. The position will contribute to the design, execution, analysis, and interpretation of complex experiments, manuscript preparation, grant development, and research program advancement.

The individual will independently design and conduct experiments, maintain accurate and detailed research records, analyze and present findings, and contribute to scientific publications and funding proposals. The successful candidate will collaborate with faculty, trainees, and research staff while helping to advance innovative approaches in cardiovascular and translational research. Experience with advanced computational tools and data analysis methods is highly desirable.

Position Responsibilities:

Experiments

         Function as a specialist/technical expert in cell biology/ iPSC technology. Investigate and perform critical analysis of current literature to develop novel approaches to understand of pharmacological and toxicological disturbance of early cardiovascular development

         Conduct research either independently or in conjunction with other investigators.

         Induced pluripotent stem cell reprogramming and culture.

         Cardiomyocyte, endothelial, and smooth muscle cell differentiation using human iPSCs.

         Perform cardiomyocyte, endothelial cell, smooth muscle phenotype and molecular evaluation protocols.

         Extensive experience with cloning, gene-editing in iPSC.

         Subcutaneous injection of drugs in pregnant mice.

Collect, Analyze and Summarize Data; Prepare Reports; Contribute to Manuscripts, Publications

         Plan and independently perform experiments in support of ongoing research projects based on extensive knowledge of scientific theory. Interpret and perform analyses of results and their possible implications.

         Discuss issues and considerations for using different types of research approaches.

         Analyze and interpret literature on an ongoing basis to remain current with new procedures and related research, interpret new findings and analyze their validity.

         Demonstrate in depth knowledge of and offer suggestions regarding modifications to procedures and protocols. Advice on advanced research analysis methods.

         Maintain detailed records of experiments and outcomes at all times.

         Design, write, and publish findings as needed. Participate in the preparation of written documents, including procedures, presentations, and proposals. Edit and revise as needed.

Facilities and Equipment Management

         Determine needs of the lab. Gather and determine specifications for highly specialized equipment and procure lab equipment. Determine software needs for projects.

         Maintain inventory and cell culture medium stock to ensure a flawless continuous operation of the lab

         Coordinate and evaluate general lab maintenance as needed; maintain lab stock, manage chemical inventory and safety records, and coordinate lab support when required.

Supervision/Staffing

         Develop training procedures for basic and high-level lab techniques and protocols.

         Become go-to person for grad-students and junior trainings for day-to-day questions.

         Develop evaluation tools for measuring the outcome of training, staff development, and staff performance. Help with hiring new staff and expand the laboratory according to NIH funding and projects.

Other duties as assigned.

Education Requirements
    Master's degree in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Physiology, Pharmacology, or a related scientific field, or an equivalent combination of education and related experience.
Experience Requirements
    A minimum of three years of related research experience.
    Demonstrated experience with induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) culture, maintenance, and differentiation. 
    Demonstrated experience applying scientific principles to independently design, conduct, analyze, and interpret research studies. 
    Demonstrated experience maintaining detailed research records and documentation. 
    Demonstrated proficiency with scientific data analysis software and programming tools, including Microsoft Office, R, Python, and/or MATLAB.
    Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, work independently, and meet project deadlines.
    Excellent organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.
Desired Qualifications
    PhD or Master's degree in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Physiology, Pharmacology, or a related discipline.
    Five or more years of experience in iPSC biology, gene editing, and cardiovascular research. 
    Experience with NIH-funded research projects, grant preparation, and manuscript development. 
    First-author peer-reviewed publications in a relevant scientific discipline. 
    Experience developing and maintaining IRB and/or IACUC protocols. 
    Technical writing experience, including SOPs, protocols, reports, manuscripts, and grant submissions.
    Proficiency with human cell culture techniques, including iPSC reprogramming, maintenance, and differentiation. 
    Experience with molecular biology techniques including PCR, gel electrophoresis, recombinant DNA methods, cloning, and gene editing. 
    Experience with laboratory animal research and drug administration procedures. 
    Experience supervising, training, or mentoring students, trainees, or research staff. 
    Experience with advanced data analysis, machine learning applications, and scientific programming using R, Python, and/or MATLAB.

Job openings are posted for a minimum of 14 for 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.

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

Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process.

For additional questions, please contact Joseph Mulangaliro at joseph-mulangaliro@uiowa.edu.

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