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Reference Lab Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

LanceSoft

Travel Cath Lab RN

Des Moines, IA · On-site

... Reference Check - charge/supervisor/nurse manager/director/CNO/COO performance evaluation/reference from within 24 months of today's date [preferred] Driver's License [document] [required] AHA ...

Skyline Med Staff, LLC

Cath Lab Tech

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$2.5K/wk

... Lab Tech. To apply, please submit your resume, completed skills checklist ... and 2-3 references from within the last 12 months. The benefits of MedSource Travelers include ...

OU Health (Parent)

RN - Cath Lab

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$2.5K/wk

Cath Lab Shift Notes : Days: 7a-5p, 4x10s - Monday-Friday with a random day off during the week ... Professional Reference/Reference Check - charge/supervisor/nurse manager/director/CNO/COO ...

Titan Medical (Nebraska)

Travel Cath Lab Tech

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$2.3K - $2.5K/wk

That includes developing your résumé, skills checklist and references. Travel Cath Lab Tech Weekly Gross Pay: $2332 - $2532 Location: Dubuque, IA, United States Start date: 09-08-2026 Assignment ...

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All JobsReference Lab JobsReference Lab Jobs in Iowa

Reference Lab information

See Iowa salary details

$9

$23

$42

How much do reference lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 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 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a reference laboratory technician?

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 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 does a reference lab do?

A reference lab is a specialized laboratory that performs complex or specialized diagnostic tests that are often not available at standard labs. They process samples from healthcare providers, using advanced equipment and techniques, and typically require trained personnel and quality certifications to ensure accurate results.
Reference Lab jobs near you
Infographic showing various Reference Lab job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,327 per year, or $23.7 per hour.

Research Associate - Tucker Lab

University of Iowa

Iowa City, IA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 16 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

462nd of 620 rated colleges and universities

Job description

The University of Iowa Health Care Department of Visual Sciences is seeking a 100% Research Associate (PRK2, 4A). This position will serve as a member of a multidisciplinary laboratory focused on developing cellular and gene replacement therapies to treat patients with inherited retinal disease. To oversee the day-to-day maintenance activities of the Tucker Laboratory and manufacture AAV and lentiviruses for lab use.
Position Responsibilities
  • Manufacture AAV and lentiviruses for use in the lab. This includes following SOPs for cloning, plasmid preparation, and transfection and purification of viral products, performing release testing, and maintaining a log/inventory of vectors produced.
  • Maintain and differentiate human iPS cell lines for studying disease progression. This will include performing cell culture under aseptic technique, and following standardized protocols for iPSC maintenance, and retinal cell and RPE differentiation
  • Responsible for laboratory inventory. Includes electronic inventory management system (eLab), consumables ordering requests, and equipment repair and maintenance requests.
  • Perform day-to-day lab tasks. This includes thawing, cleaning, and organizing cold storage units, scheduling repair/maintenance visits, cleaning and autoclaving lab dishes, aliquoting and inventorying antibodies, stocking supplies, store runs, etc.
  • Pay close attention to detail.

University of Iowa Health Care-recognized as one of the best hospitals in the United States-is Iowa's only comprehensive academic medical center and a regional referral center. Each day more than 12,000 employees, students, and volunteers work together to provide safe, quality health care and excellent service for our patients. Simply stated, our mission is: Changing Medicine. Changing Lives.®
Percent of Time: 100%
Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00a-5:00p
Location: UIHC, Iowa City
On Campus: This position is performed fully on campus.
Rotations: N/A
Pay Level: 4A
Position Type: Specified Term. Initial appointment is for one year. Appointment may be extended based on performance and availability of funding.
Required Qualifications
  • Requires the practical or academic knowledge of advanced laboratory procedures and an ability to translate, adapt and apply this knowledge that is generally associated with a Bachelor's degree and 3+ years of experience working in an academic research environment.
  • Requires ability perform aseptic cell culture technique to maintain human iPSC and iPSC-derived retinal cell and RPE cultures.
  • Ability to carry out standard molecular biology and biochemical techniques (e.g., nucleic acid and protein isolation from human and animal tissue samples, PCR/qPCR, and Western blot), common cell biology techniques (e.g., immunocytochemistry/immunohistochemistry), and tissue culture techniques (i.e., establishing and maintaining human iPSCs).
  • Demonstrated ability at managing laboratory equipment and inventory.
  • Must maintain detailed laboratory notes and be highly organized.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required.

Desired Qualifications
  • Experience with maintaining human iPSCs and differentiating retinal cells with xeno-free protocols.
  • Ability to generate viral transgene expression plasmids, read Sanger sequencing and use DNA analysis software.
  • Prior experience producing and purifying AAVs and/or lentiviruses preferred.

Position and Application Details:
In order to be considered for an interview, applicants must upload the following documents and mark them as a "Relevant File" to the submission:
  • Resume
  • Cover Letter

Job openings are posted for a minimum of 7 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. Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process.
This position is not eligible for university sponsorship for employment authorization.
For additional questions, please contact Maria Lugo, HR Generalist, at maria-lugo@uiowa.edu

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