1

Laboratory Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Director of Laboratory Services

Creston, IA · On-site

$109K - $143K/yr

Manage Laboratory Services staff to achieve operational and service objectives (i.e., training, orientation, coaching, employee evaluations, disciplinary measures, interviewing, hiring, and ...

Laboratory Technician

Johnston, IA · On-site

$17 - $22/hr

Familiarity with laboratory techniques such as DNA extraction and PCR. * Familiarity with basic computer programs such as Microsoft Excel. * 1+ years prior relevant experience working in a research ...

Laboratory Technician

Johnston, IA · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Experience with standard laboratory instrumentation, devices, and equipment. * Experience with microscopy and imaging systems. * Background in cell biology, tissue culture techniques, and sterile ...

Laboratory Technician

Johnston, IA · On-site

$17.75 - $23.75/hr

Laboratory Technician We have an exciting contract opportunity to join the Trait Performance Research team. In this role, you will contribute to a multidisciplinary research program that supports the ...

Medical Laboratory Technician Location: Hampton, Iowa Pay Rate: $46/hr Contract: 13 weeks Schedule: Day shift, Monday-Friday; potential call, weekend, and night coverage Guaranteed Hours: 36 hours ...

Laboratory Assistant

Johnston, IA · On-site

$15 - $20/hr

Requirement/Must Have: * 1+ years of experience in laboratory operations. * Tissue culture experience favored. * Strong verbal and written communication skills. * Ability to communicate effectively ...

Showing results 41-60

Laboratory information

See Iowa salary details

$9

$23

$42

How much do laboratory jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for laboratory in Iowa is $23.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.08 and $26.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a laboratory?

Laboratory jobs refer to roles that involve working in scientific labs to conduct experiments, analyze samples, and support research or diagnostic processes. These jobs include positions such as laboratory technicians, scientists, assistants, and managers. Duties vary but often involve preparing samples, operating lab equipment, recording data, and ensuring safety and quality standards. Laboratory professionals work in settings like hospitals, research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and universities. These roles require attention to detail, scientific knowledge, and adherence to strict protocols.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a laboratory role?

To thrive in a laboratory role, you need a solid background in scientific principles, laboratory techniques, and safety protocols, often supported by a degree in biology, chemistry, or a related field. Familiarity with lab equipment, data analysis software, and quality control systems is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong communication skills help individuals excel in this environment. These skills ensure accurate results, maintain safety standards, and support effective teamwork in scientific research or testing processes.

What are some common challenges faced when working in a laboratory setting and how can they be addressed?

Working in a laboratory often involves managing multiple experiments simultaneously, adhering strictly to safety protocols, and maintaining accurate documentation. Time management and attention to detail are essential to prevent errors and ensure reliable results. Collaboration with colleagues is also key, as many projects require teamwork across different specialties. To address these challenges, effective communication, continuous training, and utilizing organizational tools can help create a smooth workflow and minimize mistakes.

What is the difference between Laboratory vs Medical Laboratory Technician?

AspectLaboratoryMedical Laboratory Technician
CredentialsVaries by lab type, often includes degrees in science or related fieldsAssociate degree in medical laboratory technology, certification often required
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, industrial labs, academic institutionsHospitals, clinics, healthcare facilities
Industry UsageResearch, manufacturing, educationHealthcare, diagnostics, patient care
Job FocusBroad scientific testing, research, developmentPerforming diagnostic tests, preparing samples, reporting results

While both roles involve laboratory work, Laboratory professionals often focus on research and development across various industries, whereas Medical Laboratory Technicians specialize in diagnostic testing within healthcare settings. The credentials and work environments differ, but both are essential for scientific and medical advancements.

Is it hard to become a laboratory technician?

Becoming a laboratory technician typically requires completing a post-secondary education such as an associate degree in laboratory technology or a related field. The role involves developing technical skills, understanding safety protocols, and often obtaining certification, which can require passing exams and gaining practical experience.

What jobs are there in a laboratory?

Laboratories employ a variety of roles including laboratory technicians, research scientists, lab managers, quality control analysts, and laboratory assistants. These positions often require knowledge of scientific methods, laboratory equipment, and safety protocols, and may involve working with chemicals, biological samples, or advanced instrumentation.

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 jobs in Iowa?

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

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Laboratory jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Laboratory job openings:

Infographic showing various Laboratory job openings in Iowa as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $49,327 per year, or $23.7 per hour.

Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Laboratory Information Manager)

Iowa City, IA • On-site

$111K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

The incumbent serves as a Laboratory Information Manager (LIM) Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) who facilitates a team or unit by working in collaboration with team members to ensure that tasks, priorities, goals and achievements are coordinated with management.Qualifications:Basic Requirements:
  • United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
  • Education. A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
  • Certification.
    • Candidates must meet one of the certification options below.
      • Generalist certification as an MLS given by ASCP BOC or AMT.
      • Generalist certification as an MT given by ASCP BOR or AMT.
      • Categorical certification or Specialist certification by ASCP or AMT.
NOTE: Categorical and specialist certifications are not acceptable for CLS Generalist positions or lab sections unrelated to the categorical or specialist certification held. Categorical or specialist certifications are acceptable for higher-graded positions within the relevant lab section or one of the non-section specific assignments (including, Ancillary Testing Coordinator, Education Coordinator, Laboratory Information Manager, Quality Manager, Laboratory Manager, Regional Technical Specialist, National Quality and Compliance Agent, Regional Program Manager, Regional Director, Laboratory Director, or National Quality and Compliance Officer).
  • Foreign Education. To be creditable, education completed outside the U.S. must be deemed at least equivalent to that gained in a conventional U.S. program by a private organization specializing in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. Graduates of foreign baccalaureate degree programs meet the educational requirements if they meet either of the following:
    • Foreign transcripts are evaluated by an acceptable evaluation agency, and the degree is found to be equivalent to a NAACLS-approved U.S. clinical laboratory science degree program. OR
    • The applicant submits a letter from ASCP BOC or AMT stating the individual is eligible to take the certification examination.
NOTE: Possession of a certification identified in 4c above automatically determines the foreign education as creditable and no further documentation or proof of equivalency is needed.
  • Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements.
  • English Language Proficiency. Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7403 (f).
May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).
Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, candidates must meet the following grade-determining criteria for placement at grade levels specified.
Clinical Laboratory Scientist, GS-12, Assignments.Assignments. For all GS-12 assignments above the FPL, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty) and range of variety and be performed by the CLS at least 25% of the time.
Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Laboratory Information Manager), GS-12.
  • Experience. 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-11) is required for all GS-12 assignments.
  • Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience or education above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
    • Knowledge of concepts, principles, and methodology of clinical laboratory technology in relation to laboratory information systems.
    • Knowledge of laboratory operations and their relationship to the organization.
    • Knowledge of laboratory computer systems sufficient to implement various laboratory associated packages and sustain operation of the laboratory system.
    • Knowledge of compliance and regulatory requirements for laboratory functions.
    • Ability to adapt, implement and integrate the use of software to specific laboratory applications and processes, including the use of office automation software.
    • Ability to independently plan, organize, set priorities, work as a team member, and effectively complete assignments.
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-12.
Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination.Education:Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.Employment Type: OTHER