Laboratory Jobs in Iowa
Laboratory jobs in Iowa are in steady demand, concentrated in healthcare systems, agricultural testing, food and beverage manufacturing, and industrial quality control, with openings from entry-level technician to senior research scientist. Des Moines, Iowa City, and Cedar Rapids account for the largest share of postings, anchored by employers like UnityPoint Health, the University of Iowa, and Quaker Oats. The most in-demand specialties are clinical laboratory science, environmental testing, and food safety analysis. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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The Department of Chemistry is seeking a Laboratory Manager (Instructional Services Specialist) to oversee daily operations relating to instructional laboratories for introductory chemistry courses.
Reporting to the Administrator of Undergraduate Education, this position is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of instructional laboratories, including facilities, equipment, and support services. This role ensures that lab spaces are properly staged for teaching, manages prep room activities, and collaborates with instructional staff to maintain a safe, efficient, and technology-supported learning environment. The Laboratory Manager plays a key role in supporting undergraduate instruction through operational leadership, compliance oversight, and coordination with other instructional services personnel. Join our team and contribute to an exceptional learning environment!
This position not eligible for University sponsorship for employment authorization and is 100% on-site.
Key Responsibilities
- Prep Room Management: Direct and oversee prep room activities to ensure correct and efficient lab setup.
- Lab Staging: Properly stage instructional labs for organic, inorganic, and analytical chemistry courses.
- Financial Oversight: Managing financial aspects related to lab operations.
- Administrative Duties: Handle administrative tasks associated with lab management.
- Technology Integration: Support the application of technology within instructional laboratories.
- Equipment Maintenance: Operate and maintain specialized lab equipment.
- Quality Assurance: Develop, implement, and maintain quality controls for lab operations.
- Collaboration: Coordinate with other Instructional Services Specialists to optimize lab processes.
- Compliance: Ensure facilities adhere to federal and state health and safety regulations.
For a full job description or questions about this position, please send an email to chris-crawford-1@uiowa.edu.
Education Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or closely related field with sufficient Chemistry knowledge and coursework to be able to perform the duties of the position or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Required Qualifications
- Demonstrated experience in a laboratory environment, such as academic or commercial preparatory labs, undergraduate research labs, or advanced lab coursework.
- Working knowledge of laboratory safety practices, SOPs, and proper procedures for handling and disposing of chemical waste.
- Proficiency with common technology tools, including Microsoft Office (Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and internet‑based research tools.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to convey complex information clearly to faculty, staff, and students.
- Demonstrated organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple tasks, set priorities, and work independently to solve problems.
- Experience contributing to a welcoming and respectful academic or work environment.
Desired Qualifications
- Master’s degree in chemistry or related scientific field.
- Three or more years of laboratory experience in an academic preparatory, instructional, or research laboratory.
- Experience writing SOPs or developing technical laboratory documentation.
- Working knowledge of academic instructional systems such as ICON or related platforms.
- Experience with advanced chemical instrumentation or laboratory management systems.
Position and Application Details
For additional job details and to apply please visit https://jobs.uiowa.edu/ and access requisition #26004005.
Pay Level 3A
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 14 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: chris-crawford-1@uiowa.edu.
Joining the University of Iowa means becoming a vital part of the Hawkeye community, where your work directly impacts education, research, and student success.
Enjoy exceptional health coverage, university-paid life insurance, robust retirement plans, and generous leave policies. Benefit from 24/7 support services, well-being resources, and access to UI Health Care specialists. Grow professionally with advanced training, leadership development, and tuition assistance.
Iowa City offers a great quality of life with world-class performances at Hancher Auditorium, Big Ten athletics, top-ranked public schools, and outdoor recreation.
Join us in making a difference at a leading Big Ten university and premier public research institution.
- Classification Title: Instructional Serv Specialist
- Appointment Type: Professional and Scientific
- Schedule: Full-time
- Work Modality Options: On Campus
- Pay Level: 4A
- Organization: College of Liberal Arts
- Contact Name: Chris Crawford
- Contact Email: chris-crawford-1@uiowa.edu
The Department of Chemistry is seeking a Laboratory Manager (Instructional Services Specialist) to oversee daily operations relating to instructional laboratories for introductory chemistry courses.
Reporting to the Administrator of Undergraduate Education, this position is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of instructional laboratories, including facilities, equipment, and support services. This role ensures that lab spaces are properly staged for teaching, manages prep room activities, and collaborates with instructional staff to maintain a safe, efficient, and technology-supported learning environment. The Laboratory Manager plays a key role in supporting undergraduate instruction through operational leadership, compliance oversight, and coordination with other instructional services personnel. Join our team and contribute to an exceptional learning environment!
This position not eligible for University sponsorship for employment authorization and is 100% on-site.
Key Responsibilities
- Prep Room Management: Direct and oversee prep room activities to ensure correct and efficient lab setup.
- Lab Staging: Properly stage instructional labs for organic, inorganic, and analytical chemistry courses.
- Financial Oversight: Managing financial aspects related to lab operations.
- Administrative Duties: Handle administrative tasks associated with lab management.
- Technology Integration: Support the application of technology within instructional laboratories.
- Equipment Maintenance: Operate and maintain specialized lab equipment.
- Quality Assurance: Develop, implement, and maintain quality controls for lab operations.
- Collaboration: Coordinate with other Instructional Services Specialists to optimize lab processes.
- Compliance: Ensure facilities adhere to federal and state health and safety regulations.
For a full job description or questions about this position, please send an email to chris-crawford-1@uiowa.edu.
Education Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or closely related field with sufficient Chemistry knowledge and coursework to be able to perform the duties of the position or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Required Qualifications
- Demonstrated experience in a laboratory environment, such as academic or commercial preparatory labs, undergraduate research labs, or advanced lab coursework.
- Working knowledge of laboratory safety practices, SOPs, and proper procedures for handling and disposing of chemical waste.
- Proficiency with common technology tools, including Microsoft Office (Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and internet‑based research tools.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to convey complex information clearly to faculty, staff, and students.
- Demonstrated organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple tasks, set priorities, and work independently to solve problems.
- Experience contributing to a welcoming and respectful academic or work environment.
Desired Qualifications
- Master’s degree in chemistry or related scientific field.
- Three or more years of laboratory experience in an academic preparatory, instructional, or research laboratory.
- Experience writing SOPs or developing technical laboratory documentation.
- Working knowledge of academic instructional systems such as ICON or related platforms.
- Experience with advanced chemical instrumentation or laboratory management systems.
Position and Application Details
For additional job details and to apply please visit https://jobs.uiowa.edu/ and access requisition #26004005.
Pay Level 3A
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 14 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: chris-crawford-1@uiowa.edu.
Joining the University of Iowa means becoming a vital part of the Hawkeye community, where your work directly impacts education, research, and student success.
Enjoy exceptional health coverage, university-paid life insurance, robust retirement plans, and generous leave policies. Benefit from 24/7 support services, well-being resources, and access to UI Health Care specialists. Grow professionally with advanced training, leadership development, and tuition assistance.
Iowa City offers a great quality of life with world-class performances at Hancher Auditorium, Big Ten athletics, top-ranked public schools, and outdoor recreation.
Join us in making a difference at a leading Big Ten university and premier public research institution.
- Classification Title: Instructional Serv Specialist
- Appointment Type: Professional and Scientific
- Schedule: Full-time
- Work Modality Options: On Campus
- Pay Level: 4A
- Organization: College of Liberal Arts
- Contact Name: Chris Crawford
- Contact Email: chris-crawford-1@uiowa.edu
See All 48 Laboratory Jobs in Iowa
Find roles in Iowa that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Laboratory JobsLaboratory Jobs by City in Iowa
Where Iowa roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Laboratory Job Market in Iowa
A snapshot from current Iowa openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- UnityPoint Health12
- The University of Iowa9
- Eurofins4
- CommonSpirit Health3
- Sanford Health2
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
- Education
- Medical Devices
- Non-Profit & Social Services
- Food & Beverage
What Iowa Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in laboratory jobs across Iowa.
- Active Iowa license or ASCP certification recognized by the Iowa Department of Public Health
- Associate or bachelor's degree in medical laboratory science, biology, or chemistry
- Hands-on experience with laboratory instrumentation and quality control procedures
- Proficiency in laboratory information systems and accurate data documentation
- Knowledge of CLIA regulations, safety protocols, and standard laboratory practices
- Strong attention to detail and ability to follow established testing procedures independently
Laboratory Jobs in Iowa: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a laboratory professional in Iowa?
Most laboratory positions in Iowa require at minimum an associate degree in medical laboratory technology or a bachelor's degree in clinical laboratory science, followed by national certification through ASCP or AMT. Clinical laboratory scientists who perform moderate or high-complexity testing must hold a license recognized by the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing. Completing an accredited clinical practicum and passing the national board exam are the standard path to meeting Iowa's hiring requirements.
Which companies hire laboratory professionals in Iowa?
Employers hiring laboratorys in Iowa right now include UnityPoint Health, The University of Iowa, and Eurofins, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. Iowa's mix of large academic medical centers, regional hospital networks, and food and agricultural processing companies means consistent openings for both clinical and industrial laboratory roles across the state.
Which Iowa cities have the most laboratory jobs?
Iowa City, Sioux City, and Ames have the most laboratory openings in Iowa. Des Moines drives volume through its concentration of major hospital systems and corporate headquarters, Iowa City is anchored by University of Iowa Health Care and its affiliated research programs, and Cedar Rapids draws demand from both its medical community and its large food processing industry.
Are there remote laboratory jobs in Iowa?
Yes, but they're rare. Most laboratory work requires hands-on specimen handling, instrument operation, or on-site quality control that cannot be done remotely. About 0% of laboratory openings tied to Iowa are remote or hybrid as of July 2026, and those positions are typically in laboratory informatics, data analysis, or regulatory compliance rather than bench work.
How can I get hired as a laboratory professional in Iowa with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for a laboratory assistant or phlebotomist role at a regional Iowa hospital while completing or having just finished an accredited program. UnityPoint Health and University of Iowa Health Care both offer new-graduate support structures and tend to hire candidates who completed clinical rotations at their facilities. Earning ASCP certification before applying, even without full-time experience, gives candidates a measurable edge over uncertified applicants for these roles.
Where can I find and apply to laboratory jobs in Iowa?
You can find and apply to laboratory jobs in Iowa on Migrate Mate, which lists current Iowa openings updated regularly. Search by city, specialty, or experience level to find roles that fit your background, then apply directly to the ones that match.
See All 48 Laboratory Jobs in Iowa
Find roles in Iowa that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Laboratory Jobs