Laboratory Technician Jobs in Iowa
Laboratory Technician jobs in Iowa are concentrated in Des Moines, Iowa City, and Cedar Rapids, where healthcare systems, university research, and agricultural science labs generate steady hiring across clinical, environmental, and food safety specialties. Major employers with established Iowa footprints include UnityPoint Health, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, and Hy-Vee, which operates its own food and pharmacy laboratory operations across the state. Openings range from entry-level positions in hospital reference labs to senior roles in quality control and agricultural testing. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Showing 5 of 15+ Laboratory Technician jobs
Cambridge Technologies
Position Guidelines
JOB TITLE: Bacterin Lab Technician CLASSIFICATION: Non-Exempt
DEPARTMENT: Manufacturing DATE REVISED: 02/20/2024
SUMMARY
Bacterin Lab Technician will assist in the cultivating, supplementing, and inactivation of bacteria used for the production of autogenous vaccines. Applicant must be able to work with little to no supervision and be able to read and understand Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) within the respecting department.
ACCOUNTABILITIES
Reports to: Production Supervisor
Supervises: Has no supervisory responsibilities
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Cultivating, supplementing, and inactivation of bacteria in sterile environments, using aseptic techniques learned through on-the-job training.
- Scheduling of weekly task and communicate to appropriate parties.
- Growth monitoring of bacteria and determined harvest parameters as assigned by Standard Operating Procedures.
- Ability to read and understand Standard Operation Procedures (SOP’s) in an efficient and accurate manner.
- Record keeping and documentation of daily task.
- Preparing, cleaning, and sterilization of glassware and equipment used in various procedures.
- Inventory management.
- Accurate communication amongst co-workers and supervisor.
- Able to demonstrate and promote safe lab practices and procedures as assigned by Cambridge Technologies.
- Acts within guidelines of Cambridge Technologies company policies.
- Must be able to learn and follow regulatory guidelines by the USDA.
- Able to lift up to 50lbs and stand for extended periods of time.
- All other assigned duties.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Fast-paced work environment with a family style culture. Team centric laboratory, willing to provide on-the-job training. Noise level in production is typically moderate.
EDUCATION
- Degree or experience in related field is preferred but not required.
- Aseptic Technique and clean room experience is preferred but not required.
- Good documentation practice experience is preferred but not required.
- High-school diploma or higher
IMPORTANT QUALITIES
- Good verbal and written skills.
- Able to work with minimal supervision.
- Able to communicate effectively.
- Problem recognition
- Able to prioritize projects and meet deadlines.
- Ability to read, write, and comprehend information and to effectively convey information to colleagues at various levels.
- Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations.
Cambridge Technologies
Position Guidelines
JOB TITLE: Bacterin Lab Technician CLASSIFICATION: Non-Exempt
DEPARTMENT: Manufacturing DATE REVISED: 02/20/2024
SUMMARY
Bacterin Lab Technician will assist in the cultivating, supplementing, and inactivation of bacteria used for the production of autogenous vaccines. Applicant must be able to work with little to no supervision and be able to read and understand Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) within the respecting department.
ACCOUNTABILITIES
Reports to: Production Supervisor
Supervises: Has no supervisory responsibilities
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Cultivating, supplementing, and inactivation of bacteria in sterile environments, using aseptic techniques learned through on-the-job training.
- Scheduling of weekly task and communicate to appropriate parties.
- Growth monitoring of bacteria and determined harvest parameters as assigned by Standard Operating Procedures.
- Ability to read and understand Standard Operation Procedures (SOP’s) in an efficient and accurate manner.
- Record keeping and documentation of daily task.
- Preparing, cleaning, and sterilization of glassware and equipment used in various procedures.
- Inventory management.
- Accurate communication amongst co-workers and supervisor.
- Able to demonstrate and promote safe lab practices and procedures as assigned by Cambridge Technologies.
- Acts within guidelines of Cambridge Technologies company policies.
- Must be able to learn and follow regulatory guidelines by the USDA.
- Able to lift up to 50lbs and stand for extended periods of time.
- All other assigned duties.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Fast-paced work environment with a family style culture. Team centric laboratory, willing to provide on-the-job training. Noise level in production is typically moderate.
EDUCATION
- Degree or experience in related field is preferred but not required.
- Aseptic Technique and clean room experience is preferred but not required.
- Good documentation practice experience is preferred but not required.
- High-school diploma or higher
IMPORTANT QUALITIES
- Good verbal and written skills.
- Able to work with minimal supervision.
- Able to communicate effectively.
- Problem recognition
- Able to prioritize projects and meet deadlines.
- Ability to read, write, and comprehend information and to effectively convey information to colleagues at various levels.
- Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations.
See All 15 Laboratory Technician Jobs in Iowa
Find roles in Iowa that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Laboratory Technician JobsLaboratory Technician Jobs by City in Iowa
Where Iowa roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Laboratory Technician Job Market in Iowa
A snapshot from current Iowa openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- The University of Iowa3
- Eurofins2
- UnityPoint Health2
- CommonSpirit Health2
- Terracon Consultants2
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services4
- Education2
- Medical Devices2
- Consulting & Professional Services2
- Food & Beverage1
What Iowa Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in laboratory technician jobs across Iowa.
- Associate or bachelor's degree in medical laboratory science, biology, or chemistry
- MLT or MLS certification from ASCP or AMT recognized in Iowa
- Experience with laboratory information systems and specimen processing procedures
- Knowledge of CLIA regulations and standard laboratory safety protocols
- Ability to perform phlebotomy or collect and handle biological specimens accurately
- Strong attention to detail and accurate documentation in regulated laboratory environments
Laboratory Technician Jobs in Iowa: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a laboratory technician in Iowa?
Most laboratory technician positions in Iowa require at minimum an associate degree in medical laboratory technology or a related science field, followed by a national certification such as the MLT credential from ASCP or AMT. Iowa does not operate a separate state licensure board for laboratory technicians, so employers rely on those national certifications to verify competency. Hospital and clinic employers in Iowa typically require ASCP or AMT certification before hiring, though some accept candidates actively pursuing it.
How much do laboratory technicians make in Iowa?
Laboratory technicians in Iowa earn a median of about $48,050 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $39,310 for the lowest 10% to over $72,510 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire laboratory technicians in Iowa?
Employers hiring laboratory technicians in Iowa right now include The University of Iowa, Eurofins, and UnityPoint Health, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. Iowa's mix of large regional health systems, state university medical centers, and food and agricultural science companies creates consistent demand for laboratory professionals across clinical, quality assurance, and research settings.
Which Iowa cities have the most laboratory technician jobs?
Iowa City, Des Moines, and Missouri Valley lead Iowa for laboratory technician openings. Des Moines anchors the largest share of clinical lab hiring through its major health systems and specialty clinics, Iowa City draws heavily from the University of Iowa's hospital and research infrastructure, and Cedar Rapids supports both healthcare and food science laboratory roles tied to its manufacturing and processing industry base.
Are there remote laboratory technician jobs in Iowa?
Yes, but they're rare. Laboratory technician work is largely hands-on and requires physical access to specimens, equipment, and regulated lab environments, which limits remote options significantly. About 0% of laboratory technician openings tied to Iowa are remote or hybrid as of July 2026, and those positions tend to be in data review, lab informatics, or quality documentation roles rather than bench work.
How can I get hired as a laboratory technician in Iowa with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is completing an accredited MLT associate program at an Iowa community college such as Kirkwood Community College or Des Moines Area Community College, which include clinical externship rotations at partner health systems. Those externships often convert to job offers. Large Iowa employers like UnityPoint Health and University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics post new-graduate positions that accept candidates who are certification-eligible. Moving into a laboratory assistant or specimen processor role first is a common lateral path that builds the hands-on hours needed for full technician advancement.
Where can I find and apply to laboratory technician jobs in Iowa?
You can find and apply to laboratory technician jobs in Iowa on Migrate Mate, which lists current Iowa openings updated regularly. Search the listings to find roles that match your credentials and experience level, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 15 Laboratory Technician Jobs in Iowa
Find roles in Iowa that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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