Laboratory Assistant II at Iowa State University
Iowa State University · Ames, United States Of America · Onsite
- Junior
- Office in Ames
Position Title:
Laboratory Assistant IIJob Group:
MeritRequired Minimum Qualifications:
• Any combination of clerical office experience, undergraduate education, and/or post high school clerical training that is the equivalent to one year of full-time employment.Special Required Qualifications
Must have accurate color recognitionPreferred Qualifications:
Experience working in a clinical, research, or diagnostic laboratory setting.Familiarity with laboratory safety protocols and use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
Prior experience with handling specimens.
Degree related to animal science or related field.
Job Description:
Are you someone who enjoys hands-on work, staying organized, and supporting scientific processes behind the scenes? We’re looking for a dependable and detail-focused Lab Assistant II to help keep our laboratory operations running efficiently and safely. If you’re motivated by routine, precision, and teamwork, this role could be a great fit for you.
What You’ll Do:
- Receive, sort, and accession biopsy specimens using specialized software, ensuring accurate data entry and proper handling with PPE.
- Distribute departmental mail twice daily, meeting strict delivery times at 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM.
- Maintain lab cleanliness and organization by sanitizing workstations, discarding waste properly, and cleaning small equipment.
- Support lab staff with basic experiments, reagent preparation, and assembling specimen collection kits for clients.
- Organize specimen archives and teaching samples, and occasionally answer lab phone calls, relaying messages to the supervisor.
You’ll work closely with laboratory personnel and supervisors, and occasionally assist with client-facing tasks related to specimen kit preparation.
Additional Details:
- Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- This is an on-site position; remote work is not available.
- PPE and biosafety training will be provided.
About Our Department:
Our laboratory team supports clinical and research efforts through accurate specimen handling and efficient lab operations. We take pride in maintaining a clean, organized, and collaborative environment where every team member plays a vital role in the success of our work.
Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities
• Codes, tabulates, posts, and enters fiscal, statistical and other data.
• May use credit card machines, bar code systems, computers, or cash registers.
• Assembles standard forms, correspondence, records, and maintains associated files.
• Prepares, proofs, collects, copies, and cross checks routine documents and generates summary reports.
• Matches receipts/tickets to statements and maintains account records and other office records.
• Gathers, collates, processes requests, and classifies information according to established guidelines, requiring independent judgment in the selection of materials and using a variety of communicative sources.
• Greets and assists the public, patients, students, faculty and staff and provides information relative to the area of assignment and according to established guidelines.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Knowledge of office routines and functions sufficient to relay factual information to visitors and telephone callers and to direct communications.
• Skill in operating office equipment.
• Ability to operate a personal computer and related software.
• Ability to communicate effectively with staff, students, and the public.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to perform routine arithmetic computations.
• Ability to collect data, keep accurate records, and prepare reports.
• Ability to organize and prioritize multiple tasks.
Appointment Type:
RegularNumber of Months Employed Per Year:
12 Month Work PeriodTime Type:
Full timePay Grade:
0005aApplication 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 Vitae
2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter
If you have questions regarding this application process, please email [email protected] 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.
