Laboratory Assistant II

Iowa State University; United States; On-site; USD 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Onsite childcare

Life insurance

Wellbeing program

Job summary

Iowa State University’s Veterinary Pathology Histology Services Laboratory is seeking a Laboratory Assistant II to support diagnostic and research activities. You will learn histology techniques and assist with tissue processing, embedding, slide preparation, and staining.

The role offers hands-on experience in a veterinary diagnostic setting, with training provided in lab procedures, specimen handling, safety practices, and histology operations.

Qualifications

• Coursework in biology, chemistry, animal science, veterinary technology, or a related scientific field.
• Experience using computer systems for data entry, record-keeping, or inventory management.
• Experience working in a laboratory, healthcare, veterinary, agricultural, manufacturing, or other technical environment.
• Experience handling or processing biological specimens, samples, or materials.

Responsibilities

• Receive, accession, label, and process animal tissue specimens submitted for diagnostic and research purposes.
• Assist with tissue processing, embedding, slide preparation, staining procedures, and other histology laboratory activities.
• Prepare materials, supplies, and reagents for laboratory procedures.
• Maintain accurate specimen records, laboratory documentation, and specimen tracking information.
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment following established procedures.
• Clean, organize, and stock laboratory work areas and supplies.
• Monitor inventory levels and assist with maintaining laboratory supplies.
• Follow laboratory safety standards and proper handling procedures for animal specimens, chemicals, and laboratory materials.
• Support laboratory operations to ensure timely and accurate diagnostic services.
• Perform other laboratory support duties as assigned.

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Job description

Position Title

Laboratory Assistant II

Job Group

Merit

Required Minimum Qualifications

• High School graduation, including courses and related lab work in general science or chemistry, or One year of Laboratory Assistant I or related experience.

Job Description

Join a team that supports animal health through diagnostic laboratory services. The Veterinary Pathology Histology Services Laboratory in the College of Veterinary Medicine at Iowa State University is seeking a Laboratory Assistant II to join our team. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to meaningful work that supports veterinary diagnostics, education, and research while developing valuable laboratory skills in a specialized setting. Whether you’re beginning your laboratory career or looking to expand your experience in a veterinary environment, this role provides hands on experience and comprehensive training in histology and diagnostic laboratory operations. Working behind the scenes of veterinary medicine, you’ll play an important role in the processing and preparation of animal tissue specimens that help veterinarians, researchers, and students better understand disease processes and improve animal health outcomes.

Why You’ll Enjoy This Role

• Stable Monday through Friday schedule with evenings and weekends free.
• Opportunity to learn specialized laboratory techniques and procedures.
• Hands‑on experience in a veterinary diagnostic laboratory.
• Collaborative, team‑oriented environment that supports professional growth and development.
• Meaningful work that directly contributes to animal health, education, and research.
• Training provided in laboratory procedures, specimen handling, safety practices, and histology operations.

What You’ll Do

• Receive, accession, label, and process animal tissue specimens submitted for diagnostic and research purposes.
• Assist with tissue processing, embedding, slide preparation, staining procedures, and other histology laboratory activities.
• Prepare materials, supplies, and reagents for laboratory procedures.
• Maintain accurate specimen records, laboratory documentation, and specimen tracking information.
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment following established procedures.
• Clean, organize, and stock laboratory work areas and supplies.
• Monitor inventory levels and assist with maintaining laboratory supplies.
• Follow laboratory safety standards and proper handling procedures for animal specimens, chemicals, and laboratory materials.
• Support laboratory operations to ensure timely and accurate diagnostic services.
• Perform other laboratory support duties as assigned.

Work Environment

This position is based in the Veterinary Pathology Histology Services Laboratory within Iowa State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Team members work directly with animal tissue specimens from a variety of species and play an important role in supporting diagnostic, teaching, and research activities. The laboratory environment includes routine handling of animal tissue specimens, use of specialized laboratory equipment, and exposure to biological materials and chemicals used in tissue preservation and processing, including formalin. Daily work may involve preparing and processing specimens, tracking samples, and assisting with laboratory workflows that support veterinary diagnostic services. Comprehensive safety training and personal protective equipment (PPE) are provided.

Additional Details

Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Preferred Qualifications

• Coursework in biology, chemistry, animal science, veterinary technology, or a related scientific field.
• Experience using computer systems for data entry, record‑keeping, or inventory management.
• Experience working in a laboratory, healthcare, veterinary, agricultural, manufacturing, or other technical environment.
• Experience handling or processing biological specimens, samples, or materials.
• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship.
• Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.

Benefits

• 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

Appointment Type

Regular

Number of Months Employed Per Year

12

Time Type

Full time

Pay Grade

0005a

Original Posting Date

September 15, 2026

Posting Close Date

September 29, 2026

Job Requisition Number

R19925

Equal Opportunity Statement

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.

Equal Opportunity Contact

Inquiries regarding non‑discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. [phone], email [e-mail].

Further Diversity and Inclusion Statement

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.

Background Check

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.

Workforce Diversity Statement

Iowa State University 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.

Community Statement

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.

Accommodation Statement

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 [e-mail] or call [phone] or Toll‑Free: [phone]. TTY users are welcome to use the Iowa Relay Service number by dialing 7-1-1 or [phone].