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Reference Lab Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

ADN Healthcare

RN - Cardiac Cath Lab

Waterloo, IA

$2.47K - $3.36K/wk

Cardiac Cath Lab Rn Our client is currently seeking cardiac cath lab for positions in Waterloo ... Current BLS and/or ACLS and/or specialty certifications * 2 current clinical references

ADN Healthcare

Travel Cath Lab RN

Waterloo, IA

... clinical references • Competitive pay rates • Health/Dental Benefit package • License ... Cardiac Cath Lab,09:00:00-17:00:00 About ADN Healthcare ADN Healthcare has thousands of contract ...

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How much do reference lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for reference lab 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Reference Laboratory Technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Reference Laboratory Technician, you need a solid background in laboratory science, attention to detail, and typically an associate's or bachelor's degree in medical technology or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS), automated analyzers, and quality control procedures is essential, along with certifications like ASCP or AMT being highly valued. Strong organizational skills, effective communication, and the ability to work independently under strict deadlines are crucial soft skills. These competencies ensure accurate test processing, reliable results, and efficient lab operations critical for patient diagnosis and care.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals working in a reference laboratory, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in a reference laboratory often encounter challenges such as managing high sample volumes, meeting strict turnaround times, and ensuring accuracy across a diverse range of tests. Effective communication with clinical teams and meticulous attention to detail are essential to maintain workflow efficiency and minimize errors. Continuous training and familiarity with evolving technologies also help staff stay current with best practices and regulatory requirements, ensuring high-quality results and patient safety.

What is a Reference Lab?

A reference lab is a specialized medical laboratory that performs high-complexity or specialized diagnostic testing, often on samples sent from hospitals, clinics, or other medical facilities. These labs have advanced equipment and expertise to conduct tests that are not typically available in smaller or local labs. Reference labs play a crucial role in providing accurate results for rare, complex, or high-volume tests, supporting physicians in diagnosing and treating patients. They may also offer consultation on test interpretation and guidance on appropriate testing strategies.

What is the difference between Reference Lab vs Medical Laboratory Technician?

AspectReference LabMedical Laboratory Technician
CredentialsVaries; often specialized certifications or licensure depending on tests performedAssociate's degree in medical laboratory technology; certification often required
Work EnvironmentLarge laboratories, hospitals, or diagnostic centers; handling high volume testingHospital labs, clinics, or diagnostic facilities; performing routine tests under supervision
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by diagnostic companies and hospitals for specialized testingCommonly employed in healthcare settings for sample analysis

Reference Labs and Medical Laboratory Technicians both work in laboratory settings, but Reference Labs typically handle high-volume, specialized testing often for multiple clients, while Medical Laboratory Technicians perform routine testing under supervision. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are popular job titles related to Reference Lab jobs in Iowa? For Reference Lab jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Reference Lab jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Reference Lab jobs in Iowa are:
Reference Lab jobs near you
Infographic showing various Reference Lab job openings in Iowa as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,327 per year, or $23.7 per hour.

Assistant IVF Lab Technician, Part Time

Urus

Hull, IA

Part-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Trans Ova Genetics is seeking a part-time IVF Lab Tech to join their team in Sioux Center, IA! As an IVF Lab Tech, you will become specialized in embryo evaluation, grading, and freezing, and other laboratory procedures within the IVF lab. 

Our ideal candidate would be passionate about laboratory procedures, client satisfaction, and, of course, embryos! Trans Ova Genetics provides in-depth training that provides a solid foundation prior to supporting client production and would require eight-twelve weeks at our training facility, which is critical to the success of this role.

Responsibilities:

  • Embryo evaluation, grading and freezing. 
  • Fertilization and culture plate preparation.
  • Semen handling and preparation for IVF.
  • Recordkeeping/Data Entry.
  • Embryology training. 
  • Quality Control.
  • Maintain good laboratory technique and follow lab protocols.

Requirements:

Education Requirements:

  • Completed high school biology with a minimum B average
  • Current minimum GPA of 3.0
  • 3-character references from current/past teachers or community member

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions:

  • Ability to sit for long periods of time behind a microscope, in a lab setting.
  • Ability to climb ladders and stairs.
  • Some travel may be required.
  • Flexible working hours, potential for long days (over 8 hours) and early morning start times. 
  • Rotational weekend and holiday work.

Other skills/experience:

  • Good hand to eye coordination.
  • Strong attention to detail and organization.
  • Knowledge of the cattle industry is preferred.
  • Works effectively in a team as well as alone (ability to work independently)

Trans Ova Genetics, a member of the URUS Group, provides industry-leading reproductive technologies and expertise to cattle breeders through a unique professional services team that works closely with clients to understand their breeding goals and ultimately help clients advance and extend superior genetics. Trans Ova Genetics understands the process that will help multiply a herd's genetic success. Reproductive technologies such as embryo transfer, in-vitro fertilization (IVF), sexed-semen, genetic preservation, and cloning are considered the reproductive "tools" available for breeders looking to achieve specific breeding and reproductive goals. Internationally recognized as a source of superior animal husbandry and reproductive expertise, Trans Ova Genetics offers an integrated system of regional centers, satellite stations, and on-farm application of reproductive technologies. 

Trans Ova's headquarters are in Sioux Center, Iowa, but we have many offices and satellite centers across the country. On-going research and applied science allow Trans Ova Genetics to develop and implement new technologies to help move the science of bovine genetic improvement forward. Trans Ova is dedicated to meeting the requirements of their customers and to continual improvement.


TOG has deep roots in the industry through its origin within the URUS family of companies. As a holding company with cooperative and private ownership, URUS is a family of businesses at the heart of the dairy and beef industry - Alta Genetics, GENEX, Genetics Australia, Leachman Cattle, Jetstream, PEAK, SCCL, Trans Ova Genetics and VAS.  Each organization has its unique identity, products, and services. These companies work globally to provide cutting-edge dairy and beef genetics, customized reproductive services to maximize conceptions, dairy management information to take producers to the frontline of progressive dairy farming, and an array of products and services to help bovines reach their full genetic potential. URUS has 9 brands in 17 retail countries and employs nearly 2,800 people globally.

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