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Researcher Assistant Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

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Researcher Assistant information

What is a researcher assistant?

Researcher Assistants are professionals who support scientists, scholars, or other researchers in conducting studies and experiments. Their tasks often include collecting and analyzing data, preparing materials, conducting literature reviews, and maintaining laboratory equipment or records. Researcher Assistants play a crucial role in ensuring that research projects run smoothly and efficiently. They may work in academic, scientific, technical, or medical settings, and often gain valuable experience that can lead to further career advancement in research or academia.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a researcher assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Researcher Assistant, you need strong analytical abilities, attention to detail, and a relevant academic background, often in the field of research. Familiarity with data analysis software (such as SPSS or Excel), online research databases, and sometimes laboratory equipment is typically required. Excellent organizational skills, effective communication, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively help someone stand out in this position. These skills ensure accurate data collection, efficient project support, and meaningful contributions to research outcomes.

What are some typical challenges researcher assistants face when balancing multiple projects, and how are these usually managed within research teams?

Researcher Assistants often juggle several projects with overlapping deadlines and priorities. This can be challenging, especially when coordinating data collection, literature reviews, and reporting tasks simultaneously. Most research teams address this by holding regular check-ins, using project management tools, and setting clear expectations about deliverables. Developing strong organizational skills and proactive communication with supervisors and team members are key strategies to manage workload effectively.

What is the difference between Researcher Assistant vs Research Associate?

AspectResearcher AssistantResearch Associate
Required CredentialsTypically a bachelor's degree or ongoing education in a related fieldUsually a master's degree or higher in a relevant discipline
Work EnvironmentSupportive research settings, labs, or academic institutionsIndependent research projects, often with more responsibility
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutes, government agenciesUniversities, research organizations, private sector R&D
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for entry-level research rolesCompared for more advanced research positions

The main difference between a Researcher Assistant and a Research Associate lies in their experience, education, and responsibilities. Researcher Assistants typically hold a bachelor's degree and support research activities, while Research Associates usually have higher qualifications and take on more independent research tasks. Both roles are common in academic and research settings, but they differ in scope and level of responsibility.

Do research assistants get paid a lot?

Research assistants' salaries vary depending on the industry, location, and level of experience, but they generally earn modest wages compared to other roles in research or academia. Entry-level research assistants often earn hourly wages that align with minimum wage standards, while those with specialized skills or advanced degrees may earn higher pay. Compensation can also include benefits such as academic credits or stipends in some settings.

How much does a research assistant get paid?

Research assistants typically earn an hourly wage or a stipend, with salaries ranging from around $12 to $25 per hour depending on experience, location, and field. In academic settings, they may also receive stipends or part-time salaries, often requiring basic skills in data collection and analysis.

What qualifications do I need to be a research assistant?

Research assistants typically need a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent, with many positions requiring a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as science, social science, or engineering. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, proficiency with data analysis tools, and good communication abilities are also important qualifications.

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

The most popular types of Researcher jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Researcher Assistant jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Researcher Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Researcher Assistant job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.

Core Facility Research Assistant - Microbiome Core Facility

The University Of Iowa

Iowa City, IA

$43K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 29 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

459th of 618 rated colleges and universities


Job description

The Microbiome Core facility provides a centralized resource for all researchers to determine the role of microbiome in health and disease. The Department of Pathology is seeking Core Facility Research Assistant to perform established protocols developed by the Core director and/or users of the Core. This position will also help to develop new/additional protocols based on new information in the literature.

This position is 100% time, Monday through Friday.

Duties to include:

        Routine laboratory reagent preparation and storage, equipment and supplies acquisition and maintenance

        Routine work for function of the Microbiome Core such as performing quantification and quality control checks on isolated DNA/RNA, and preparing sequencing libraries for high-throughput platforms

        Contributing to the functioning of the Microbiome Core Laboratory by maintaining a clean work area, attending staff laboratory and research meetings, and recording results, observations, and interpretations for every experiment according to laboratory guidelines

        Manages administrative duties such as Core facility service tracking, generating customer usage metrics, and preparing routing billing/invoicing logs for core users.

For a full job description, please send an e-mail to the contact listed below.

The Department of Pathology is part of UI Health Care, a comprehensive health sciences center that serves Iowa and the region, as well as patients referred from the United States and overseas. The Clinical Laboratories are well recognized for providing outstanding and comprehensive care to the patients we serve. The breadth and depth of services provided are amongst the best in the country. The educational programs that the department participates in includes medical students, clinical laboratory scientists as well as biomedical scientists. To learn more: https://medicine.uiowa.edu/pathology/about-us

Required Qualifications:

        Requires a Bachelor's degree in a biological science, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

        Experience in experimental biology, especially nucleic acid extraction and purification, gene amplification, and human sample processing

        Experience in designing experiments, gathering and recording data, and presenting of results

        Excellent written and verbal communication skills

        Proficiency in computer software applications

        Ability to manage complex information with attention to detail and a high level of accuracy

Highly Desired Qualifications:

        Prior experience with clinical research, human sample collection, and human sample processing

        Prior experience with polymerase chain reaction (PCR)

        Prior experience with RNA or DNA extraction and quantification

Desired Qualifications:

        Prior experience with preparing samples for NextGen sequencing

        Prior experience with handling of sequencing data and microbiome analysis

        Prior experience with laboratory organization and/or management

        Knowledge of University of Iowa policies, procedures, and regulations

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. 

For additional questions, please contact Brenda Carey via email at brenda-carey@uiowa.edu.

Applicant Resource Center - 

Need help submitting an application or accepting an offer? Support is available! 

OurApplicant Resource Centeris now open in the Fountain Lobby at the Main Hospital. 

Hours: 

Monday 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 

Tuesday 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 

Wednesday 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 

Thursday 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 

Friday 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 

Or by appointment

ContactTAHealthCareSupport@healthcare.uiowa.eduto schedule an appointment or just stop by.  

Visit the website for more information: Application Resource Center | University of Iowa Health Care 

Additional Information
  • Classification Title: Core Facility Research Assist
  • Appointment Type: Professional and Scientific
  • Schedule: Full-time
  • Work Modality Options: On Campus
Compensation
  • Pay Level: 3
  • Starting Salary Minimum: $43,240
  • Starting Salary Maximum: Commensurate
Contact Information
  • Organization: Healthcare
  • Contact Name: Brenda Carey
  • Contact Email: brenda-carey@uiowa.edu

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