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Physics Laboratory Manager Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Reviewing engineering and administrative controls to support inventory management and reduce ... Demonstrated experience working within a laboratory environment * Experience with spreadsheets and ...

Reviewing engineering and administrative controls to support inventory management and reduce ... Demonstrated experience working within a laboratory environment * Experience with spreadsheets and ...

... manage their end-to-end laboratory operations, from instrument data integration to workflow and ... A BS/BA degree or equivalent in a scientific discipline (e.g. biology, chemistry, physics)

Meteorologist

Davenport, IA · On-site

$40K/yr

Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook. BASIC REQUIREMENTS ... hours of physics, including at least one laboratory course. * 3 semester hours of ordinary ...

REGENTS Tutor

Ames, IA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

... Physics, English Language Arts, US History, and Global History. Ability to explain exam-specific ... laboratory-based questions, and managing time across exam parts. Emphasizes rubric-aligned response ...

REGENTS Tutor

Iowa City, IA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

... Physics, English Language Arts, US History, and Global History. Ability to explain exam-specific ... laboratory-based questions, and managing time across exam parts. Emphasizes rubric-aligned response ...

Physics Laboratory Manager information

What is the difference between Physics Laboratory Manager vs Physics Laboratory Technician?

AspectPhysics Laboratory ManagerPhysics Laboratory Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Physics or related field; management experienceAssociate's or Bachelor's in Physics or related field; technical training
Work EnvironmentOversees lab operations, manages staff, plans experimentsPerforms experiments, maintains equipment, assists in research
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutes, labsUniversities, research labs, industrial labs

The Physics Laboratory Manager focuses on overseeing lab operations, managing staff, and ensuring safety, while the Physics Laboratory Technician handles hands-on experiments, equipment maintenance, and technical support. Both roles are essential in physics research environments but differ in responsibilities and required credentials.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a physics laboratory manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Physics Laboratory Manager, you need a solid background in physics or a related science, laboratory management experience, and often a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), safety protocols, and scientific instrumentation is typically required, along with certifications in lab safety or hazardous materials handling. Strong organizational, leadership, and communication skills help manage staff, coordinate experiments, and maintain a safe working environment. These skills are crucial for ensuring accurate research, efficient lab operations, and compliance with safety and regulatory standards.

What does a physics laboratory manager do?

A Physics Laboratory Manager oversees the daily operations of a physics laboratory, ensuring that experiments are conducted safely and efficiently. Their responsibilities include managing laboratory staff, maintaining and calibrating equipment, enforcing safety protocols, and coordinating with faculty or researchers for laboratory schedules and needs. They may also assist in budgeting for lab supplies and training new personnel. Overall, they play a key role in supporting research and educational activities within the laboratory.

Is a physics laboratory manager a stressful job?

A physics laboratory manager's job can be stressful due to responsibilities such as overseeing experiments, managing staff, maintaining equipment, and ensuring safety protocols. The level of stress often depends on the size of the lab, workload, and deadlines, but strong organizational and communication skills help manage these pressures.

What are some common challenges faced by a physics laboratory manager, and how can they be addressed?

Physics Laboratory Managers often encounter challenges such as maintaining complex equipment, ensuring safety compliance, and coordinating experiments among multiple users. Effective time management and clear communication with faculty, students, and technical staff are essential to keep lab operations running smoothly. Proactively scheduling maintenance, providing regular safety training, and fostering a collaborative environment can help address these challenges and ensure the lab remains a productive and safe workspace.
What are the most commonly searched types of Physics Laboratory jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Physics Laboratory jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Physics Laboratory Manager jobs in Iowa? For Physics Laboratory Manager jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Physics Laboratory Manager jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Physics Laboratory Manager jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Physics Laboratory Manager jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Physics Laboratory Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Physics Laboratory Manager job openings in Iowa as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Iowa State University rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 86 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

383rd of 618 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Position Title:Health PhysicistJob Group:Professional & ScientificRequired Minimum Qualifications:Bachelor's degreeJob Description:

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:

The Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) department at Iowa State University is accepting applications for a Health Physicist position. EH&S is an employing unit that reports to the Office of General Counsel at ISU. EH&S aids the campus community in preventing illness and injury, protects the environment, and connects the university to the message of safety and preparedness. EH&S delivers effective training, fosters beneficial partnerships, maintains technical expertise, and provides exemplary service.

The successful candidate will support the Radiation Safety Program through a variety of technical, compliance, and service-oriented activities, including:

  • Implementing Iowa State University's radiation safety policies and procedures.
  • Conducting radiation safety surveys of research laboratories and associated facilities.
  • Collecting and analyzing samples to assess radiological conditions and quantify contamination, when present.
  • Reviewing engineering and administrative controls to support inventory management and reduce potential radiation exposure risks.
  • Calibrating, validating, and maintaining radiation detection and monitoring equipment.
  • Supporting the worker dosimetry program and compliance with the university's ALARA program.
  • Working with faculty, staff, students, and external partners to promote the safe use of radioactive materials and radiation-producing devices.
  • Depending on experience and classification level, providing technical guidance, conducting program audits, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives within the Radiation Safety Program.

The successful candidate will possess the ability to form positive working relationships with faculty, staff, students, and external partners through effective written and oral communication. The candidate will demonstrate strong problem-solving capabilities, the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively, and excellent organizational and multitasking skills to manage a variety of simultaneous responsibilities. The candidate will also be comfortable using computers, mobile devices, and software applications to maintain compliance records, analyze data, and prepare related reports.

This is a rewarding role for someone who enjoys supporting cutting-edge research while helping maintain a safe and compliant environment for the university community. The position offers the opportunity to work with faculty and researchers across a broad range of disciplines, develop expertise in radiation safety and regulatory compliance, and contribute to Iowa State University's research, teaching, and outreach mission.

This candidate may be hired at a level I or II, depending on experience:

Level I: Requires a Bachelor's degree (PS808)

Level II: Requires a Bachelor's degree and 3 years of related experience (PS810)

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's or advanced degree in Chemistry, Industrial Hygiene, Biology/Molecular/Microbiology, Plant Pathology, Occupational Safety/Health, Health Physics, Nuclear Engineering, or related field
  • Technical training covering OSHA, EPA, NFPA, or related workplace regulations, guidelines, and standards
  • Experience developing and administering safety training
  • Demonstrated experience working within a laboratory environment
  • Experience with spreadsheets and relational databases
  • Experience working at a college, university, or research institution


Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.

To ensure full consideration, applications should be submitted by 8/20/2026. The position will remain open until filled.
Application Instructions:
To apply for this position, please click on "Apply" and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:

Resume/Curriculum Vitae

Letter of Application/Cover Letter

Why Choose Iowa State University?
Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental, as well as:

  • Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
  • Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans
  • Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
  • Life insurance and long-term disability
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Various voluntary benefits and discounts
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Wellbeing program

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu, or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.

Appointment Type:RegularNumber of Months Employed Per Year:Time Type:Full timePay Grade:PS808Original Posting Date:August 6, 2026Posting Close Date:Job Requisition Number:R19738

Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu.

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.


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