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Laboratory Associate Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Bachelor's degree in Medical Laboratory Science or an Associate's degree in Medical Laboratory Technology. * 1 year of experience required. Previous experience in a hospital laboratory setting is ...

As a Laboratory Technician, you will be part of the Johnston Sampling team supporting genotyping ... Upon completion of waiting period, associates are eligible for: * Medical and Prescription Drug ...

Research Associate The Research Associate conducts basic and applied research in microbiology ... Support daily laboratory operations such as preparing media and reagents, sterilizing equipment ...

Laboratory Technician

Cedar Rapids, IA

$18.75 - $24.75/hr

Associate Degree in Science-related field, and/or 3 years of laboratory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. * Manufacturing or metals experience preferred. * General ...

Laboratory Technician

Johnston, IA · On-site

$27 - $32/hr

Bachelor's or Associate's degree program in plant science, biological science, genetics, or related ... Willingness to support a high-quality laboratory environment through custodianship of equipment and ...

Laboratory Technician

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$18.75 - $24.75/hr

Associate Degree in Science-related field, and/or 3 years of laboratory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. * Manufacturing or metals experience preferred. * General ...

Showing results 41-60

Laboratory Associate information

See Iowa salary details

$11

$21

$32

How much do laboratory associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for laboratory 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 is a laboratory associate?

Laboratory Associates are professionals who assist with various tasks in a laboratory setting, such as preparing samples, conducting basic experiments, maintaining equipment, and recording data. They often work under the supervision of scientists or laboratory managers and play a crucial role in supporting research and development activities. Their responsibilities can vary depending on the specific laboratory and industry, but attention to detail, organizational skills, and knowledge of lab safety protocols are essential for this role.

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

To thrive as a Laboratory Associate, you need a solid understanding of laboratory procedures, attention to detail, and a background in biological or chemical sciences, often supported by a relevant degree or certification. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), safety protocols, and specialized equipment such as spectrophotometers or centrifuges is typically required. Strong organizational skills, teamwork, and effective communication help Laboratory Associates excel in collaborative and fast-paced environments. These skills ensure accurate results, safety, and efficiency, which are vital for reliable scientific research and operations.

What are some typical challenges laboratory associates face when managing multiple experiments simultaneously?

Laboratory Associates often juggle several experiments at once, which requires strong organizational and time management skills. Balancing tasks such as sample preparation, data collection, and equipment maintenance can be challenging, especially when experiments have overlapping schedules or strict deadlines. Effective communication with team members and clear documentation are crucial to ensure that procedures are followed accurately and results remain reliable. Many labs use digital systems to track progress and share updates, which helps associates manage their workload efficiently.

What is the difference between Laboratory Associate vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectLaboratory AssociateLaboratory Technician
Required CredentialsAssociate degree or relevant certificationAssociate degree or certification, often similar
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, healthcare, pharmaceutical settingsResearch, clinical, industrial labs
Employer & Industry UsageHospitals, research institutions, biotech companiesHospitals, diagnostic labs, manufacturing
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Laboratory Associates and Laboratory Technicians often share similar educational backgrounds and work environments. Both roles support laboratory operations in healthcare, research, or industrial settings. The main differences are often related to specific job duties and employer terminology, but they are frequently used interchangeably depending on the organization.

What are the most commonly searched types of Laboratory jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Laboratory jobs in Iowa are:

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

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

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Laboratory Associate jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Laboratory Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Laboratory Associate job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,700 per year, or $21 per hour.

Medical Laboratory Scientist/Technician

UnityPoint Health

Marshalltown, IA • On-site

$55 - $85/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


UnityPoint Health rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 364 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

301st of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Overview

Medical Laboratory Scientist/Technican

Marshalltown Hopsital

Shift: Full-Time | 40 Hours per Week | Overnights with Weekend and Holiday Rotation

Eligible for a $5,000 Sign-On Bonus!

As a Medical Laboratory Technician or Medical Laboratory Scientist, you will play a vital role in supporting patient care through accurate laboratory testing and analysis. This position performs testing across multiple laboratory departments including hematology, chemistry, blood bank, special chemistry, and microbiology while ensuring quality, accuracy, and timely results.

You’ll be responsible for performing routine laboratory procedures, specimen collection, quality control activities, and maintenance of laboratory equipment in accordance with regulatory and organizational standards. This role is essential in helping providers diagnose, monitor, and treat patients across a variety of care settings.

Why UnityPoint Health?

At UnityPoint Health, you matter. We’re proud to be recognized as a Top 150 Place to Work in Healthcare by Becker's Healthcare several years in a row for our commitment to our team members.

Our competitive Total Rewards program offers benefits options that align with your needs and priorities, no matter what life stage you’re in. Here are just a few:

  • Expect paid time off, parental leave, 401K matching and an employee recognition program.
  • Dental and health insurance, paid holidays, short and long-term disability and more. We even offer pet insurance for your four-legged family members.
  • Early access to earned wages with Daily Pay, tuition reimbursement to help further your career and adoption assistance to help you grow your family.

With a collective goal to champion a culture of belonging where everyone feels valued and respected, we honor the ways people are unique and embrace what brings us together.

And, we believe equipping you with support and development opportunities is a vital part of delivering an exceptional employment experience.

Find a fulfilling career and make a difference with UnityPoint Health.

Responsibilities
  • Perform routine laboratory testing in hematology, chemistry, blood bank, microbiology, and special chemistry departments
  • Follow laboratory procedures to ensure accurate testing and timely reporting of critical lab values
  • Collect, receive, process, and prepare laboratory specimens and send-out testing
  • Perform quality control procedures, instrument maintenance, and basic troubleshooting
  • Maintain compliance with laboratory safety, quality, and regulatory standards
  • Collaborate with providers and healthcare teams to support quality patient care
  • Assist with training and education for students and new laboratory employees
  • Support inventory management and supply coordination for laboratory operations
  • Prioritize workload and support efficient day-to-day laboratory workflow
  • Contribute to a patient-centered environment focused on quality, safety, and service excellence
Qualifications

Education:

  • Associate degree in Medical Technology or Clinical Laboratory Science
  • OR
  • Bachelor degree in chemical, physical, biological or clinical laboratory science or medical technology degree from an accredited institution

License(s)/Certification(s):

  • MLT-ASCP or CLA (non-regulatory)
  • OR
  • Medical Technologist (MT) or Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) certification through the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP).
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What UnityPoint Health employees say

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Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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About UnityPoint Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At UnityPoint Health, we provide care in nine regions throughout Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin. As the nation's fourth largest nondenominational health system in America, UnityPoint Health keeps people at the center of all we do. We are looking for dynamic and talented individuals to join our team. You'll find opportunities for every sized dream.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

West Des Moines, IA, US

Year founded

1995