Research Intern Jobs in Iowa
Research Intern jobs in Iowa concentrate in academic research, agricultural science, healthcare, and public policy, with demand spread across entry-level and graduate-level candidates. The busiest hiring markets are Iowa City, Ames, and Des Moines, where institutions like the University of Iowa, Iowa State University, and UnityPoint Health consistently bring on research interns across life sciences, social science, and data-driven fields. The most in-demand specialties are biomedical research, agricultural data analysis, and clinical research coordination. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Key Responsibilities of the Role:
- Scout research trials, in a variety of different areas and environments
- Trial implementation and data collection - working in groups to execute and conduct accurate in-field trial work and plant collections on various research trials
- Conduct plant sample processing and subsequent data collection and data entry at our research facilities
- Participate in soil sample collection efforts as needed
- Willing to work with others on a team and independently
- Effectively communicate with growers, agronomists, and other full-time employees
Qualifications and Educational Requirements:
- Agriculture or Science degree track preferred
- Willingness and ability to work under on-farm and in-field conditions
- Understanding of current farming practices is of benefit
- Must be task/project driven and able to work independently as well as in group settings
- Must exhibit a growth mindset and a desire for continuous learning
Additional Job Information:
- Positions are available at/near our three research facilities (Huntington, IN; Champaign, IL; Ames, IA) . Housing options can be discussed for those that are willing to relocate. In general, interns will be expected to work 40 hours/week. At times, hours more than 40 may be required and will be approved in advance by the supervisor. This position includes day travel as a team, and a small number of overnight events.
- When travel is required, all expenses will be reimbursed as approved in advance by the supervisor.
See All 16 Research Intern Jobs in Iowa
Find roles in Iowa that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Research Intern JobsResearch Intern Jobs by City in Iowa
Where Iowa roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Research Intern Job Market in Iowa
A snapshot from current Iowa openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring


Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Technology & Software
What Iowa Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in research intern jobs across Iowa.
- Current enrollment or recent degree in a relevant field from an accredited Iowa institution
- Demonstrated experience with quantitative or qualitative research methods in a formal academic setting
- Proficiency in data analysis tools such as SPSS, R, or Excel used in Iowa research environments
- Ability to work on-site in a laboratory, clinical, or field-based Iowa research setting
- Strong written communication skills for preparing reports, abstracts, and research summaries
- Familiarity with IRB protocols and ethical research standards as practiced in Iowa institutions
Research Intern Jobs in Iowa: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a research intern in Iowa?
Most research intern positions in Iowa require current enrollment in or recent completion of a bachelor's or graduate program in a relevant field such as biology, public health, social science, or engineering. Iowa does not require a state-issued license specifically for research interns, but positions in clinical or healthcare settings may require HIPAA training or IRB certification. Candidates pursuing roles at institutions like the University of Iowa or Iowa State University benefit from faculty referrals and departmental application portals.
Which companies hire research interns in Iowa?
Iowa research intern roles are posted by Vylor, The University of Iowa, and Syngenta and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Iowa's concentration of Big Ten research universities, agricultural biotech firms, and regional healthcare systems keeps a steady pipeline of intern openings active across the state year-round.
Which Iowa cities have the most research intern jobs?
Des Moines, Iowa City, and Ames have the most research intern openings in Iowa. Iowa City leads because of the University of Iowa and its affiliated hospital and research centers, Ames is driven by Iowa State University and its extensive agriculture and engineering programs, and Des Moines draws openings through its healthcare networks, insurance sector, and state government agencies with active research functions.
Are there remote research intern jobs in Iowa?
Yes, but they're less common than in purely desk-based fields, since many research intern roles involve lab work, clinical observation, or field data collection that requires physical presence. About 67% of research intern openings tied to Iowa are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, reflecting the blend of in-person and analytical tasks. Roles focused on data analysis, literature review, or policy research are the most likely to offer remote or hybrid arrangements.
How can I get hired as a research intern in Iowa with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying directly through university research department portals, particularly at the University of Iowa and Iowa State University, which run structured undergraduate research programs and faculty-supervised internships designed for students with no prior experience. Iowa's agricultural biotech sector also offers summer intern cohorts that welcome first-time applicants. Completing coursework in statistics or lab methods, earning an IRB human subjects certification, or volunteering as a research assistant in a campus lab gives candidates a concrete credential to reference in applications.
Where can I find and apply to research intern jobs in Iowa?
You can find and apply to research intern jobs in Iowa on Migrate Mate, which lists current Iowa openings updated regularly. Search the listings to find roles that match your field of study and availability, then apply directly to the ones that fit. No sign-up is required to see the openings.
See All 16 Research Intern Jobs in Iowa
Find roles in Iowa that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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