Position Title:Laboratory Technician I
Job Group:Merit
Required Minimum Qualifications:- One year of related laboratory experience, or Any combination of related experience and/or related undergraduate courses in physical or natural sciences that is equivalent to one year of full-time employment.
Preferred Qualifications:Degree in Biology or related field.
Experience with basic molecular biology techniques such as PCR, ELISA, gel electrophoresis, RNA or DNA extraction.
Experience using laboratory instruments such as microscopes, centrifuges, pipettes, biosafety cabinets, or plate readers.
Experience in laboratory operations within a diagnostic, medical, veterinary, or research environment.
Job Description:
Are you someone who enjoys hands-on laboratory work, pays close attention to detail, and thrives in a collaborative research environment? The College of Veterinary Medicine at Iowa State University is seeking a motivated Laboratory Technician I to support the research program within the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences. If you’re looking to apply and grow your molecular laboratory skills while contributing to impactful veterinary research, we want to hear from you.
What You Will Do
– Perform molecular and cellular laboratory techniques including ELISA, PCR, RNA and DNA isolation, microscopy, protein expression, cell culture, gel electrophoresis, bacterial growth, and related methods while maintaining sterile technique and accuracy.- Prepare laboratory materials, maintain detailed electronic records, organize samples, and support efficient workflow for ongoing research projects.- Support daily laboratory operations including equipment cleaning, equipment calibration, supply ordering, inventory updates, and ensuring chemical and biosafety compliance.- Provide training and guidance for students or other individuals working in the laboratory. This includes writing standard operating procedures and assisting with onboarding.- Work closely with the Principal Investigator, research team members, and students to ensure high-quality laboratory performance and smooth project execution.
Training in specific techniques will be provided to the successful candidate.
Position Details:
Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM through 5:00 PMLocation: On site, located in Ames IowaAppointment Type: Full-time, regular
About the Department
The Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences is committed to advancing both animal and human health through innovative clinical and translational research. The department fosters a collaborative academic environment that supports multidisciplinary research, professional growth, and meaningful contributions to veterinary science. Team members benefit from access to state-of-the-art facilities and the opportunity to support impactful research that improves lives.
Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities
– Performs simple and repetitive tests on experimental materials or animals to process environmental samples or biological specimens, such as adding chemicals and recording color changes, counting blood cells under a microscope, and recording food intake of animals.
– Prepares simple chemical solutions for media, reagents, and drugs according to established instructions or procedures.
– Performs routine cleaning and preventative maintenance in a small laboratory area and for laboratory equipment therein.
– Receives and properly distributes, incoming mail, freight, laboratory supplies, biological specimens, or environmental samples, and directs and performs the packing and mailing of outgoing freight, specimens, and reports.
– Assembles and dismantles experimental equipment according to set standards.
– May assist in building more complex equipment.
– Maintains supplies and equipment for small laboratory area and reports of lacking stocks.
– Assists with this function in large laboratory areas.
– Performs data entry to label and process laboratory specimens.
– Responds to telephone inquiries regarding laboratory specimens.
– Investigates and resolves minor laboratory questions.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
– Knowledge of care and use of laboratory equipment.
– Knowledge of principles of sanitation, health hazards, and the necessary precautionary measures.
– Knowledge of standard cleaning techniques and equipment and supplies required.
– Knowledge of keyboarding and computer data entry skills.
– Ability to use proper bending and lifting techniques.
– Ability to communicate effectively with others.
– Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
– Ability to collect data, keep accurate records, and prepare reports.
– Ability to work with computerized inventory control systems.
– Ability to use and care for tools in maintenance and repair work.
– Ability to prepare chemical solutions according to instructions.
Appointment Type:Regular with Term Appointment (Fixed Term)
Proposed End Date or Length of Term:April 5, 2027
Number of Months Employed Per Year:12 Month Work Period
Time Type:Full time
Pay Grade:06
Application Instructions:
To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae2) Letter of Application/Cover LetterIf you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an on-going basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.
Why Choose ISU?Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:- Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans- Generous vacation, holiday and sick time and leave plans- Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)- Life insurance and long-term disability- Flexible Spending Accounts- Various voluntary benefits and discounts- Employee Assistance Program- Wellbeing program- Iowa State offers WorkFlex options for some positions. WorkFlex offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work. For more information, please speak with the Hiring Manager.
Original Posting Date: February 27, 2026
Posting Close Date:March 12, 2026
Job Requisition Number:R18714
By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State University (http://www.iastate.edu/) attracts students and faculty who want to make a difference. With a comprehensive?land-grant?mission of education, research, extension and outreach, we produce scholars whose ideas change the world. And through Innovate at Iowa State, we provide innovative and entrepreneurial opportunities for students of all backgrounds. Located just 30 minutes north of Des Moines, the city of Ames was recently named one of the Top 10 cities in the U.S. for campus life and career opportunities.
Iowa State University is a welcoming community of students, faculty, and staff. Campus community members have a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and are committed to engaging with each other respectfully as outlined in the university’s Principles of Community (https://www.iastate.edu/principles-community) . Iowa State recognizes that diverse intellectual and philosophical perspectives are vital to innovation, critical thinking skills, and a dynamic academic community that fosters the land-grant ideals of putting science, technology, and human creativity to work.
All offers of employment, oral and written, are contingent upon the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by federal and state law, ISU policies/procedures, and may include the completion of a background check and/or a consumer credit check.
Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu.
If you have questions about the application process please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll-Free at 1-877-477-7485. Iowa State University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should email employment@iastate.edu or call (515) 294-4800 or Toll-Free: (877) 477-7485. TTY users are welcome to use the Iowa Relay Service number by dialing 7-1-1 or (800) 735-2942.
General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources (https://www.hr.iastate.edu/careers/compensation) website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.