Principal Scientist Jobs in Iowa
Principal Scientist jobs in Iowa are concentrated in Des Moines, Iowa City, and Ames, where agricultural biotechnology, pharmaceutical research, and academic science drive steady demand for senior research talent. Employers including Corteva Agriscience, Iowa State University, and the University of Iowa regularly seek principal scientists to lead discovery programs, direct laboratory operations, and translate research into commercial outcomes. The work ranges from crop science and bioinformatics to drug development and analytical chemistry, with demand consistent at the staff scientist and group leader levels. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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Showing 5 of 39+ Principal Scientist jobs
We are seeking skilled, forward-thinking, and detail-oriented laboratory professionals to join our team. As part of the Downtown Campus Pathology team, you will work in a collaborative, high-impact environment, contributing to cutting-edge research, medical education, and the future of laboratory medicine. These procedures will utilize a variety of procedures, many involving numerous highly complex tests and techniques that require the use of professional judgment. Provides technical expertise and information used to diagnose, prevent, or treat disease.
BASIC FUNCTION AND RESPONSIBILITY
May perform all levels of testing complexity and analysis on biological specimens to provide information used in the diagnosis, prevention or treatment of disease. Utilize a variety of procedures that may involve numerous detailed tests and techniques that require the use of professional judgment.
CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Perform quantitative and qualitative analysis for all levels of testing complexity on laboratory clinical and research biological specimens such as blood, tissue and body fluids.
- Provide information to health care provider regarding test methodology and interpretation. Evaluate test results and provide support to Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS).
- Investigate quality assurance issues involving patient samples.
- Recommend corrective action for quality assurance.
- Calibrate, conduct routine maintenance and troubleshoot laboratory instrumentation.
- Seek technical direction from the MLS with specific instrumentation problems.
- Assist in reagent comparisons, evaluate results and recommend changes to reduce costs and improve efficiency.
- Participate in evaluation of equipment and recommend products for acquisition.
- Maintain inventory and orders supplies as needed.
- Comply with applicable regulatory and accreditation requirements of the laboratory section.
- Perform, record and review daily quality control associated with assigned testing.
- Document and report variances.
- Participate in the Quality Assurance program within the section. Identify opportunities for improvement for improvement and make recommendations for resolution of identified problems/errors.
- May assist with writing and revising laboratory procedures according to NCCLS guidelines.
- Assist in a positive and professional manner with bench training for the Clinical Lab Sciences Training Program within the section.
- Maintain effective working relationships with faculty, staff, students and the public
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Supervision is received from Medical Laboratory Scientist Supervisor, Assistant Laboratory Manager, Laboratory Manager, Laboratory Director, or other designated official.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
Functional supervision may be exercised over support staff and students.
Schedule: Monday-Friday 2300-0730, rotating holidays
MLT Qualifications:
- A Bachelor’s degree in a chemical, biological, clinical laboratory science, or medical technology program from an accredited institution, or:
- Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) or a categorical/specialist certification in the appropriate laboratory discipline or eligible from American Society for Clinical Pathologists (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 Pathologists (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
- Some (6 months – 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
Application Process:
Please include a resume with your submission. Job openings are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days. This job may be removed from posting and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended. For questions or additional information, please contact the Emilio Villagrana at evillagrana@uiowa.edu.
Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification. This position is not eligible for University sponsorship for employment authorization.
This position is not eligible for university sponsorship for employment authorization.
- Classification Title: Medical Lab Scientist
- Appointment Type: SEIU
- Schedule: Full-time
- Work Modality Options: On Campus
- Pay Level: 6
- Organization: Healthcare
- Contact Name: Emilio Villagrana
- Contact Email: emilio-villagrana@uiowa.edu
We are seeking skilled, forward-thinking, and detail-oriented laboratory professionals to join our team. As part of the Downtown Campus Pathology team, you will work in a collaborative, high-impact environment, contributing to cutting-edge research, medical education, and the future of laboratory medicine. These procedures will utilize a variety of procedures, many involving numerous highly complex tests and techniques that require the use of professional judgment. Provides technical expertise and information used to diagnose, prevent, or treat disease.
BASIC FUNCTION AND RESPONSIBILITY
May perform all levels of testing complexity and analysis on biological specimens to provide information used in the diagnosis, prevention or treatment of disease. Utilize a variety of procedures that may involve numerous detailed tests and techniques that require the use of professional judgment.
CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Perform quantitative and qualitative analysis for all levels of testing complexity on laboratory clinical and research biological specimens such as blood, tissue and body fluids.
- Provide information to health care provider regarding test methodology and interpretation. Evaluate test results and provide support to Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS).
- Investigate quality assurance issues involving patient samples.
- Recommend corrective action for quality assurance.
- Calibrate, conduct routine maintenance and troubleshoot laboratory instrumentation.
- Seek technical direction from the MLS with specific instrumentation problems.
- Assist in reagent comparisons, evaluate results and recommend changes to reduce costs and improve efficiency.
- Participate in evaluation of equipment and recommend products for acquisition.
- Maintain inventory and orders supplies as needed.
- Comply with applicable regulatory and accreditation requirements of the laboratory section.
- Perform, record and review daily quality control associated with assigned testing.
- Document and report variances.
- Participate in the Quality Assurance program within the section. Identify opportunities for improvement for improvement and make recommendations for resolution of identified problems/errors.
- May assist with writing and revising laboratory procedures according to NCCLS guidelines.
- Assist in a positive and professional manner with bench training for the Clinical Lab Sciences Training Program within the section.
- Maintain effective working relationships with faculty, staff, students and the public
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Supervision is received from Medical Laboratory Scientist Supervisor, Assistant Laboratory Manager, Laboratory Manager, Laboratory Director, or other designated official.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
Functional supervision may be exercised over support staff and students.
Schedule: Monday-Friday 2300-0730, rotating holidays
MLT Qualifications:
- A Bachelor’s degree in a chemical, biological, clinical laboratory science, or medical technology program from an accredited institution, or:
- Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) or a categorical/specialist certification in the appropriate laboratory discipline or eligible from American Society for Clinical Pathologists (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 Pathologists (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
- Some (6 months – 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
Application Process:
Please include a resume with your submission. Job openings are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days. This job may be removed from posting and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended. For questions or additional information, please contact the Emilio Villagrana at evillagrana@uiowa.edu.
Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification. This position is not eligible for University sponsorship for employment authorization.
This position is not eligible for university sponsorship for employment authorization.
- Classification Title: Medical Lab Scientist
- Appointment Type: SEIU
- Schedule: Full-time
- Work Modality Options: On Campus
- Pay Level: 6
- Organization: Healthcare
- Contact Name: Emilio Villagrana
- Contact Email: emilio-villagrana@uiowa.edu
See All 39 Principal Scientist Jobs in Iowa
Find roles in Iowa that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Principal Scientist JobsPrincipal Scientist Jobs by City in Iowa
Where Iowa roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Principal Scientist Job Market in Iowa
A snapshot from current Iowa openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- The University of Iowa8
- Iowa State University5
- Wells Enterprises4
- Cambrex3
- Kemin Industries2
Top Industries Hiring
- Education7
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals5
- Food & Beverage4
- Science & Research3
- Healthcare & Medical Services2
What Iowa Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in principal scientist jobs across Iowa.
- PhD in a relevant scientific discipline such as biology, chemistry, or agronomy
- Seven or more years of progressive research experience in an industry or academic setting
- Demonstrated ability to independently design, execute, and publish original research
- Experience leading cross-functional research teams or managing junior scientists
- Proficiency with scientific tools relevant to the specialty, such as genomics platforms or analytical instrumentation
- Strong record of external grant funding, peer-reviewed publications, or patent contributions
Principal Scientist Jobs in Iowa: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a principal scientist in Iowa?
Becoming a principal scientist in Iowa typically requires a doctoral degree in a scientific field followed by several years of postdoctoral or industry research experience. Iowa does not issue a state license specific to the principal scientist title, so advancement depends on building a portfolio of publications, patents, or successful research programs. Iowa State University and the University of Iowa are common training grounds, and many candidates move from postdoctoral associate or senior scientist roles at Iowa-based agricultural or pharmaceutical companies.
Which companies hire principal scientists in Iowa?
Employers hiring principal scientists in Iowa right now include The University of Iowa, Iowa State University, and Wells Enterprises, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. Iowa's strength in agricultural biotechnology and life sciences means demand is especially consistent at crop science companies headquartered in the state and at major research universities.
Which Iowa cities have the most principal scientist jobs?
The Iowa cities with the most principal scientist openings are Iowa City, Ames, and Des Moines. Des Moines anchors demand through corporate research centers and pharmaceutical operations, Iowa City is driven by University of Iowa Health Care and affiliated research institutes, and Ames reflects the research activity concentrated around Iowa State University and the agricultural biotech companies clustered nearby.
Are there remote principal scientist jobs in Iowa?
Yes, but they're relatively limited. Principal scientist roles often involve hands-on laboratory work, instrument operation, or team oversight that requires on-site presence. About 13% of principal scientist openings tied to Iowa are remote or hybrid as of July 2026, and those positions tend to concentrate in computational biology, bioinformatics, regulatory science, or research program management where the core deliverables are data and documentation rather than bench work.
How can I get hired as a principal scientist in Iowa with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through a postdoctoral research position at Iowa State University or the University of Iowa, both of which post openings for candidates completing doctoral training. From there, moving into a research scientist or senior scientist role at an Iowa-based agricultural biotech or life science company builds the independence and publication record employers expect at the principal level. Candidates with a strong thesis, a patent application, or a funded grant proposal stand out considerably in Iowa's research-driven hiring environment.
Where can I find and apply to principal scientist jobs in Iowa?
You can find and apply to principal scientist jobs in Iowa on Migrate Mate, which lists current Iowa openings updated in real time. Search the available roles, identify the ones that match your background and specialization, and apply directly through each listing. No account is needed to search or review what's currently available.
See All 39 Principal Scientist Jobs in Iowa
Find roles in Iowa that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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