Scientist Jobs in Iowa
Scientist jobs in Iowa are concentrated in agriculture and food science, biopharmaceuticals, and environmental research, with openings at every level from entry-level lab technicians to senior research directors. The largest hiring activity is in Des Moines, Iowa City, and Ames, where employers like Pioneer (a Corteva company), the University of Iowa, and Iowa State University Research Park maintain consistent demand for scientific talent. Crop science, analytical chemistry, and environmental science are among the most in-demand specializations across the state. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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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 Scientist Jobs in Iowa
Find roles in Iowa that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Scientist JobsScientist Jobs by City in Iowa
Where Iowa roles are concentrated, by current openings.
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 scientist jobs across Iowa.
- Bachelor's or advanced degree in biology, chemistry, agriculture, or a related science field
- Hands-on laboratory or field research experience relevant to the Iowa employer's core focus area
- Proficiency with data analysis tools and scientific software used in the specialty
- Familiarity with regulatory compliance standards for agricultural, environmental, or pharmaceutical research
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for presenting findings to technical and non-technical audiences
- Ability to collaborate within interdisciplinary teams common to Iowa's research-driven industries
Scientist Jobs in Iowa: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a scientist in Iowa?
Most scientist roles in Iowa require at minimum a bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline such as biology, chemistry, environmental science, or agricultural science, with advanced research positions expecting a master's or doctorate. Iowa does not have a single state-issued license covering all scientists, but specific paths do carry credential requirements: environmental scientists working on regulated projects often need certifications recognized by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, and food scientists may need credentials aligned with federal safety standards enforced locally.
Which companies hire scientists in Iowa?
Employers hiring 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 strong agricultural and bioscience industries mean research institutions, crop technology companies, and food manufacturing firms account for a large share of ongoing scientist hiring across the state.
Which Iowa cities have the most scientist jobs?
Iowa City, Ames, and Des Moines account for the most scientist openings in Iowa. Des Moines draws demand through its corporate headquarters and healthcare research presence, Iowa City benefits from the University of Iowa's research enterprise and affiliated medical institutions, and Ames is anchored by Iowa State University and the surrounding agricultural technology corridor that attracts both private and government-funded research operations.
Are there remote scientist jobs in Iowa?
Yes, but they're rare. About 13% of scientist openings tied to Iowa are remote or hybrid as of July 2026, reflecting the hands-on nature of most laboratory and field research work. The roles most likely to offer remote flexibility are those focused on data analysis, regulatory affairs, scientific writing, or computational modeling rather than bench or field work.
How can I get hired as a scientist in Iowa with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through undergraduate research programs or post-graduate internships offered by Iowa State University, the University of Iowa, and companies in the Ames-based agricultural technology corridor. Large employers like Corteva and regional food manufacturers regularly hire into associate scientist or research technician roles designed for candidates without extensive professional experience. A relevant degree, demonstrated lab skills, and familiarity with the specific field's safety or compliance standards give candidates a practical edge when applying.
Where can I find and apply to scientist jobs in Iowa?
You can find and apply to scientist jobs in Iowa on Migrate Mate, which lists current Iowa openings updated regularly. Search the listings to find roles that fit your background, specialization, and preferred location, then apply directly to the ones that match your experience and qualifications.
See All 39 Scientist Jobs in Iowa
Find roles in Iowa that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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