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Science Lab Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

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Biology Lab Technician

Johnston, IA · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

We are looking for a Lab Technician for a research lab in our company, located in Johnston, Iowa ... Requirements: • Bachelor's degree in Microbiology or other related science. • Previous ...

Lab Technician

Clinton, IA · On-site

$21/hr

Lab Technician We are seeking a skilled Lab Technician to perform HPLC testing and prepare both ... Willingness to be trained on site with HPLC, GC, and other scientific instrumentation. Work ...

Lab Tech

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$22/hr

Lab Technician We are seeking a dedicated Lab Technician to join our team and contribute to ... A 2-year degree in life sciences or 2+ years of relevant laboratory experience. * Background in ...

Lab Tech

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$22/hr

Lab Technician We are seeking a dedicated Lab Technician to join our team and contribute to ... A 2-year degree in life sciences or 2+ years of relevant laboratory experience. * Background in ...

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Science Lab information

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

Professionals in science labs often encounter challenges such as maintaining rigorous safety standards, managing time effectively to balance experiments and documentation, and troubleshooting unexpected results or equipment malfunctions. Collaboration with colleagues and clear communication are essential for resolving technical issues and ensuring experiments run smoothly. Regular training, adherence to protocols, and staying up-to-date with the latest scientific methods can help address these challenges and support career growth within the lab environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Science Lab Technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Science Lab Technician, you need a solid understanding of laboratory procedures, safety protocols, and scientific principles, usually backed by a degree in a science field. Proficiency in using lab equipment, data analysis software, and familiarity with inventory management systems are typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and strong organizational skills help set outstanding lab technicians apart. These skills are essential for maintaining accurate results, ensuring lab safety, and supporting efficient scientific research operations.

What are science labs and what do people do in them?

Science labs are specialized spaces equipped for scientific research, experiments, and instruction. In these labs, scientists, students, or technicians use various tools and materials to conduct experiments, analyze data, and test hypotheses. The work often involves following strict safety protocols, documenting results, and collaborating with others to advance scientific understanding. Science labs can be found in schools, universities, research institutions, and industries, each tailored to specific fields like chemistry, biology, or physics.

What is the difference between Science Lab vs Science Technician?

AspectScience LabScience Technician
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in science or related fieldOften requires an associate degree or certification in laboratory techniques
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research facilities, educational institutionsLaboratories, industrial settings, educational institutions
Job RoleConducts experiments, research, and analysisPrepares lab equipment, assists with experiments, maintains lab safety
Industry UsageResearch, education, healthcareManufacturing, education, research support

Science Lab professionals focus on conducting experiments and research, often requiring higher education. Science Technicians support laboratory operations, handling equipment and safety. Both roles are essential in scientific environments but differ in responsibilities and qualifications.

What are the most commonly searched types of Science Lab jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Science Lab jobs in Iowa are:
Infographic showing various Science Lab job openings in Iowa as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 66% Full Time, 29% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.
Medical Lab Scientist or Medical Lab Technician - Blood Bank

Medical Lab Scientist or Medical Lab Technician - Blood Bank

University of Iowa

Iowa City, IA • On-site

$53K/yr

Full-time

Posted 2 hours ago


University Of Iowa rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 84 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

406th of 532 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Qualified candidates may be eligible for a sign-on incentive of $5,000 based on years of experience!

(Current UI employees are not eligible for incentive)

The Department of Pathology is seeking a Medical Laboratory Scientist or Medical Laboratory Technician, utilizing a variety of procedures involving highly complex analytical lab test methodology and techniques, perform quantitative and qualitative clinical laboratory analysis on biological specimens such as blood, tissue and body fluids. These procedures will utilize a variety of procedures, many involving numerous highly complex tests and techniques that require the use of professional judgment. Provide technical expertise and information used to diagnose, prevent or treat disease. This position is 100%-time, 10-hour shifts from 2100-0700, Wednesday-Wednesday (8 days on, followed by 6 days off), with rotating holidays.

The department intends to hire for one position from either Medical Laboratory Technician, or Medical Laboratory Scientist, based on the qualifications of the successful candidate. Please indicate in your application materials the position you wish to be considered for on indicate both. 

Duties to include:

         Receive blood samples, process incoming blood shipments, and prepare blood components.

         Dispense and return blood components.

         Keep records of all transactions.

         Perform ABO/Rh antibody screening and identification tests using established procedures.

         Perform compatibility testing using pre-transfusion protocols.

         Perform other projects and tasks as assigned.

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

MLT Qualifications:

         Bachelor's degree in a chemical, biological, clinical laboratory science, or medical technology program from an accredited institution, OR

         Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) or eligible from American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) or National Credentialing Agency (NCA), OR

         Successfully completed an official US military medical laboratory procedures training course of at least 50 weeks duration and have held the military enlisted occupational specialty of Medical Laboratory Specialist (Laboratory Technician) is required.

         Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required.

         Certification from American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) or National Credentialing Agency (NCA) as a Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) is highly desirable.

MLS Qualifications:

         A Bachelor's degree in a chemical, biological, clinical laboratory science, or medical technology program from an accredited institution is required.

         Six (6) months - one (1) year clinical laboratory experience, which may include program training experience, is required.

         Certification as a Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) or a categorical/specialist certification in the appropriate laboratory discipline from American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) or certification as a Medical Technologist (MT) from Health Education and Welfare (HEW) is required.

         Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required.

         Experience in transfusion medicine (blood bank or transfusion services) is desirable

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

Pathology will be filling this position at one of two levels. The Medical Lab Technician classification salary starts at $48,500, and the Medical Lab Scientist salary starts at $53,500. Salary will be commensurate with education and experience. You must indicate in your cover letter the level of classification (MLT and/or MLS) you wish to be considered for or indicate both. See required qualifications for additional information.

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 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 


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