1

Summer Lab Assistant Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Nurses who work in the cardiac catheterization lab (CCL) will assist the doctor in performing ... Summer in the Mid-West, experience the change of seasons in Boston and New York, and hit the ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Summer Lab Assistant information

See Iowa salary details

$9

$19

$27

How much do summer lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for summer lab assistant in Iowa is $19.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.58 and $21.68 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Are Summer Jobs for a Lab Assistant?

As a summer lab assistant, you assist a team in conducting research through various experiments. Your responsibilities for this role include recording test results, preparing lab materials, and keeping highly detailed logs. These positions are often internships or entry-level jobs for students that allow you to gain research or laboratory experience and learn new skills as you pursue an advanced degree. This position is particularly helpful to those seeking a career in medical, scientific, pharmaceutical, or biological fields. Regardless of your area of study, the duties of a summer lab assistant are often to help a lab technician prepare or carry out an experiment, prepare a sample for testing, or record findings as they happen.

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

To excel as a Summer Lab Assistant, you generally need a basic understanding of laboratory procedures, attention to detail, and coursework in biology, chemistry, or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, safety protocols, and data recording systems is often required. Strong organizational skills, reliability, and effective communication help you work well in a team and follow instructions precisely. These competencies are essential to maintain lab safety, ensure accurate results, and support ongoing research projects efficiently.

What is the difference between Summer Lab Assistant vs Summer Research Intern?

AspectSummer Lab AssistantSummer Research Intern
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or current student, some labs prefer relevant courseworkUndergraduate or graduate student, often with related coursework or research experience
Work EnvironmentLaboratory settings, assisting with experiments and data collectionResearch projects, data analysis, and possibly lab work, often more independent
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutions, biotech companiesUniversities, research labs, scientific organizations

While both roles involve supporting research activities in laboratory settings, Summer Lab Assistants typically assist with routine tasks and data collection, often requiring less experience. Summer Research Interns usually engage in more in-depth research activities, data analysis, and may have more academic prerequisites. Both positions provide valuable experience in scientific research environments.

What are some typical daily responsibilities for a Summer Lab Assistant, and how do they contribute to the overall success of the research team?

As a Summer Lab Assistant, you’ll typically spend your days preparing lab materials, maintaining equipment, recording data, and assisting with experiments under the supervision of senior researchers. Your attention to detail ensures that experiments run smoothly and data is accurate, which is crucial for the research team’s progress. You may also help with sample collection, inventory management, and organizing lab spaces. By taking on these essential tasks, you enable scientists to focus on complex analyses and contribute directly to the success of the lab’s projects.

What are Summer Lab Assistants?

Summer Lab Assistants are temporary staff, often students, who work in laboratories during the summer months to support ongoing research and routine lab operations. Their duties typically include preparing materials, assisting with experiments, collecting and recording data, and maintaining lab equipment. This role offers hands-on experience in a scientific environment, making it valuable for those interested in careers in science or research. Summer Lab Assistants work under the supervision of senior researchers or laboratory managers and must follow safety protocols at all times.
What are popular job titles related to Summer Lab Assistant jobs in Iowa? For Summer Lab Assistant jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Summer Lab Assistant jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Summer Lab Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Summer Lab Assistant job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Full Time, and 67% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $39,555 per year, or $19 per hour.
Instructional Lab Assistant - Automotive Collision (Part Time)

Instructional Lab Assistant - Automotive Collision (Part Time)

Kirkwood Community College

Cedar Rapids, IA • On-site

$18.58/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


Kirkwood Community College rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

407th of 553 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Salary: $18.58 Hourly
Location : Main Campus, 6301 Kirkwood Blvd SW, Cedar Rapids, IA
Job Type: Part-time
Job Number: 02716
Division: Academic Affairs
Department: Industrial Technologies
Opening Date: 01/14/2026
JOB GOAL:
To advance the college's mission, vision, principles, values and strategic initiatives through continuous improvement decisions.
GENERAL JOB SUMMARY:
The Instructional Lab Assistant for the Automotive Collision Repair program plays a key role in supporting the faculty and enhancing student learning. This part-time position collaborates with the lead faculty to provide hands-on instruction while maintaining a safe environment. The Instructional Lab Assistant provides guidance to students as they practice collision repair techniques, reinforcing classroom instruction and helping ensure skill development aligns with course objectives. Responsibilities also include maintaining a clean, organized, and safe lab environment and monitoring tools and equipment. The pay for this position is $18.31 per hour.
This position can work up to 28 hours per week, pending the following lab schedule:
  • Fall Semester: October 20th to December 12th, Monday through Thursday 8:00 am to 1:10 pm
  • Spring Semester: January 12th - May 4th, Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 12:55 pm
  • Summer Semester: May 18th - June 30th, Monday/Wednesday 7:00-1:20, Tuesday/Thursday 7:00 am to 5:20 pm

UNIVERSAL CORE COMPETENCIES:
  • Advocate for Continual Improvement- empowering each other to identify opportunities for excellence.
  • Collaborate with Mutual Accountability- working together with a willingness to take ownership and account for our actions.
  • Champion Service- anticipating needs and create a welcoming, diverse, and inclusive environment.
  • Perseverance- commitment to excellence even in the face of adversity or delay in achieving success.
  • Lead- regardless of title, through positive influence.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Support instructional delivery by assisting faculty during lab sessions and reinforcing course content through hands-on guidance and demonstrations.
  • Maintain a safe, organized, and productive learning environment.
  • Provide direct support to students as they work on lab or customer vehicles, offering instruction and feedback on techniques, tool usage, and industry-standard procedures.
  • Assist in setting up lab equipment and materials in preparation for instructional activities; assist with teardown and cleanup after lab sessions.
  • Support instructional continuity by serving as a substitute lab facilitator in the absence of the lead faculty member.
  • Track inventory of tools, consumables, and safety supplies to ensure availability and accountability during lab activities.

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS:
  • Demonstrate professionalism and model industry expectations in both technical skills and workplace behavior.
  • Welcome, value, and nurture people of all backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, as well as support and promote an environment that accepts differences.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential job duties/responsibilities and performance expectations of the job, which should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES WITH/WITHOUT REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION:
Position involves working in an office setting. Occasional (10-33%) standing, pushing, pulling and grasping. Frequent (34-66%) reaching and viewing a computer and other types of close visual work. Constant (67-100%) sitting, walking, repetitive motion, talking and hearing.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Degree or diploma in automotive collision repair/related field, OR a minimum of 3 years of work experience.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, OR REGISTRATIONS REQUIRED:
  • The following certifications are required or must be willing to obtain certifications upon hire:
    • I-CAR PDP-EE or similar pro-level 1 training
    • NESHAP HHHHHH National Rule Painter certification
    • I-CAR WCS03 Steel MIG Welding certification

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS, LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, OR REGISTRATIONS:
  • Similar welding certifications or I-CAR/painter training as it pertains to the collision repair industry.
  • Experience teaching or facilitating training in a higher education setting.

EEO/AA STATEMENT:It is the policy of Kirkwood Community College not to discriminate in its programs, activities, or employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, creed, religion, and actual or potential family, parental or marital status. If you have questions or complaints related to compliance with this policy, please contact the Vice President, Human Resources and Institutional Effectiveness (employees) or the Vice President of Student Services (students), 6301 Kirkwood Blvd. SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404, 319-398-5572, , or the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Cesar E. Chavez Memorial Building, 1244 Speer Boulevard, Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204-3582, Telephone: (303) 844-5695 FAX: (303) 844-4303, TDD 800-877-8339 Email: WHY KIRKWOOD:Kirkwood Community College prides itself on fostering a diverse workforce and values unique perspectives throughout its campus community. The college is a convenient, innovative, visionary educational leader striving to remain affordable and accessible. With more than 140 majors and programs, Kirkwood boasts 16,000 annual college-credit students while maintaining one of the lowest tuitions in the state. All degree-seeking students are eligible for federal financial aid and the college offers more than $3 million in scholarships each year to students from all walks of life.Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.
Kirkwood offers a wide range of employee benefits. Read more about them !
01
Do you have a degree or diploma in automotive collision repair/related field OR a minimum of 3 years of work experience?
  • Yes
  • No

02
Do you have or are willing to obtain the following certifications: I-CAR PDP-EE or similar pro-level 1 training, NESHAP HHHHHH National Rule Painter certification, I-CAR WCS03 Steel MIG Welding certification?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

What Kirkwood Community College employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom