Laboratory Technician II - UI Health Care Sioux City Family Medicine 90-100%25

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Laboratory Technician II - UI Health Care Sioux City Family Medicine

Company: University of Iowa Health Care

Location: Sioux City, Iowa, United States

Job Type: Full-time, Regular

Category: Healthcare Operations / Clinical Support

Date Posted: April 22, 2026

Experience Level: Entry-level to Mid-level (0-2 years relevant experience)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on essential patient-facing laboratory support within a family medicine clinic, emphasizing phlebotomy and point-of-care testing.

• Responsibilities include performing venipuncture, routine laboratory testing, specimen processing, and maintaining laboratory equipment and supplies.

• The position requires accurate data entry and reporting within the Laboratory Information System (LIS) and adherence to quality control protocols.

• Collaboration with clinicians and laboratory consultants is key to ensuring accurate and timely patient care diagnostics.

📝 Enhancement Note: The raw job description is for a "Laboratory Technician II" which often implies a level of autonomy and technical skill beyond entry-level. However, the experience listed (0-2 years) and the specific duties (phlebotomy, routine testing, point-of-care) align with an entry to mid-level technician role. The inclusion of "Laboratory Technician I or equivalent level experience" in the requirements further supports this. The role is positioned within a Family Medicine clinic, indicating a focus on ambulatory care and direct patient interaction rather than a large hospital laboratory setting.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Perform accurate and efficient phlebotomy procedures on patients of all ages.

• Conduct routine clinical laboratory testing on biological specimens, including blood and body fluids, such as urinalysis and blood tests.

• Utilize the Laboratory Information System (LIS) for specimen accessioning, data entry, labeling, and processing.

• Prepare specimens for transport to maintain viability and ensure accurate downstream testing.

• Record, review, and report laboratory testing results in compliance with regulatory requirements and standard operating procedures.

• Operate, calibrate, and maintain laboratory equipment and instruments, performing daily quality control checks.

• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the laboratory area and equipment.

• Manage laboratory supplies, including inventory reporting and ordering.

• Receive, distribute, and pack laboratory supplies, samples, and specimens.

• Respond to and resolve telephone inquiries regarding laboratory specimens and testing.

• Escalate complex equipment or technical issues to the Laboratory Technical Consultant and report significant laboratory variances.

• Perform other assigned duties to support clinic laboratory operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description details a hands-on role with direct patient interaction and laboratory testing responsibilities. The emphasis on LIS usage, quality control, and specimen handling indicates a need for meticulousness and adherence to protocols, common in healthcare operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Two years of related laboratory experience, including one year as a Laboratory Technician I or equivalent level experience; OR

• Certified Laboratory Assistant (CLA) certification; OR

Experience:

• 0-2 years of experience in a clinical laboratory setting, with a focus on phlebotomy and basic laboratory testing.

Required Skills:

• Phlebotomy Expertise: Proven ability to perform venipuncture procedures accurately and efficiently.

• Clinical Laboratory Testing: Proficiency in performing routine tests such as urinalysis and basic blood tests.

• Laboratory Information System (LIS) Proficiency: Experience with LIS for specimen accessioning, data entry, and result reporting.

• Quality Control & Assurance: Understanding and application of quality control procedures for laboratory testing and instrumentation.

• Specimen Handling: Knowledge of proper specimen collection, preparation, and transport protocols.

• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication abilities for interacting with patients, clinicians, and team members.

• Attention to Detail: Meticulousness in record-keeping, data entry, and adherence to procedures.

Preferred Skills:

• Point of Care Testing (POCT): Experience performing and documenting point-of-care tests.

• Laboratory Equipment Maintenance: Familiarity with calibration and basic maintenance of laboratory instruments.

• Inventory Management: Experience in managing laboratory supplies and ordering.

• EPIC and Beaker Experience: Prior use of these specific Electronic Health Record (EHR) and Laboratory Information System (LIS) platforms.

• Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) Certification: Certification from ASCP or NCA as an MLT is highly desirable.

• Lab Audit Experience: Familiarity with laboratory audit processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Highly Desired Qualifications" section provides critical information for candidates. Highlighting "Strong phlebotomy skills," "EPIC and Beaker experience," and "Certification from American Society for Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) or National Credentialing Agency (NCA) as a Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT)" will be crucial for candidates to emphasize in their applications and interviews. The mention of "ambulatory experience" also signals a preference for candidates familiar with clinic-based lab work.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Phlebotomy & Specimen Handling Protocols: Documentation showcasing understanding and adherence to best practices in venipuncture and specimen management, including labeling, transport, and storage.

• Routine Testing Procedures: Examples of performing and documenting basic laboratory tests (e.g., urinalysis, point-of-care tests), including quality control measures.

• Laboratory Information System (LIS) Use Cases: Demonstrations of proficiency in using an LIS for accessioning, data entry, and retrieving test results. If specific systems like EPIC/Beaker are known, tailor examples accordingly.

• Quality Control Records: Samples of quality control logs, calibration records, and documentation of corrective actions taken when QC parameters are out of range.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Efficiency: Evidence of identifying and implementing minor improvements in laboratory workflows to enhance efficiency or accuracy, even if informal.

• Specimen Processing & Preparation: Clear documentation of standard operating procedures (SOPs) or personal understanding of processes for preparing specimens for transport or further analysis.

• Equipment Maintenance & Calibration: Records or descriptions of procedures for daily maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting of common laboratory equipment.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a formal "portfolio" might not be explicitly required for this level, candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with processes and systems. This could take the form of a detailed resume highlighting specific skills and accomplishments, or being ready to articulate their knowledge during an interview. Focusing on how they've applied procedures, managed specimens, used LIS systems, and performed QC will be key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Minimum Hourly Rate (100% time): $18.72

• Minimum Annual Salary (100% time): $39,087.36

• Note: Salary is based on years of experience. The "Pay Grade: 8" suggests a structured pay scale within the University of Iowa system, with potential for increases based on performance and tenure.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Benefit Package: The University of Iowa Health Care offers a robust benefits package.

• Retirement Plans: Generous employer contributions into retirement plans, including a double retirement match.

• Paid Time Off: Paid vacation and paid sick leave.

• Insurance: Health, dental, life, and disability insurance options.

• Other Perks: FREE on-site parking.

Working Hours:

• Schedule: Variable hours between 7:00 am and 5:30 pm, Monday through Friday.

• Total Hours: 90-100% FTE, equating to 36-40 hours per week.

• No Weekends, Holidays, or On-Call: This role offers a predictable work schedule without weekend or holiday coverage requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary is a minimum. Candidates should research the University of Iowa's pay grade system for Laboratory Technicians and factor in their specific years of experience to estimate a more precise salary. The benefits package is a significant draw for this role, particularly the "double retirement match" and comprehensive insurance options. The fixed weekday schedule is also a strong selling point for work-life balance.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Healthcare (Academic Medical Center)

Company Size: Large (University of Iowa Health Care employs over 12,000 employees, students, and volunteers)

Founded: The University of Iowa was founded in 1847, with its health care system evolving over time to become a comprehensive academic medical center.

Team Structure:

• This role is part of the laboratory support team within the Sioux City Clinic's Family Medicine department.

• The team likely includes other laboratory technicians, phlebotomists, and potentially nurses and physicians.

• The Laboratory Technician II reports to a Laboratory Technical Consultant for complex issues.

Methodology:

• Patient-Centered Care: The core philosophy emphasizes compassionate, personalized care, building relationships with patients, and managing their health history.

• Data-Driven Diagnostics: Utilizes laboratory testing and information systems for accurate diagnosis and treatment monitoring.

• Continuous Improvement: Implicit in the "WE CARE" values, suggesting an environment that encourages striving for excellence and addressing errors with accountability.

• Integrated Healthcare Delivery: Focuses on seamless patient experiences, including coordination with UI Health Care specialists.

Company Website: https://uiowa.taleo.net/careersection/2b/jobdetail.ftl?job=26002770&lang=en and https://www.healthcare.uiowa.edu/

📝 Enhancement Note: The "WE CARE" core values (Welcoming, Excellence, Collaboration, Accountability, Respect, Empowerment) are central to the company culture. Candidates should consider how their personal values align with these principles, especially "Excellence" in performing lab duties and "Collaboration" with team members and clinicians. The large size of the organization implies structured processes and opportunities for internal mobility, but also potentially a more formal work environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as a "Laboratory Technician II," indicating a step beyond an entry-level position, likely requiring some demonstrated proficiency and ability to handle more complex venipuncture or routine testing scenarios. It sits within the broader clinical support/healthcare operations function.

Reporting Structure:

• Reports to a Laboratory Technical Consultant for guidance on complex technical issues or significant laboratory variances.

Operations Impact:

• Directly impacts patient care by providing accurate and timely diagnostic information crucial for treatment decisions.

• Contributes to the efficiency of the clinic by managing laboratory workflows, specimen processing, and maintaining essential equipment.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Potential to develop advanced skills in specific laboratory testing areas or point-of-care technologies.

• Certification Advancement: Opportunity to pursue further certifications, such as MLT (Medical Laboratory Technician), which can lead to higher-level roles.

• Internal Mobility: As part of a large academic medical center, there may be opportunities to move into other laboratory roles or departments within UI Health Care.

• Leadership Potential: With experience and further development, progression to roles like Laboratory Technical Consultant or Supervisor could be possible within the wider organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The job posting notes that the department intends to hire one candidate from a pool of three requisition numbers (LPN, Lab Tech II, MA II). This suggests flexibility in hiring based on candidate qualifications, meaning a strong candidate in one area might be considered for a related role if they possess overlapping skills. This also implies that while this is a Lab Tech role, some cross-training or adaptability might be valued.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Clinical laboratory setting within a Family Medicine clinic.

Office Location(s): Sioux City, Iowa. The clinic provides a specific work environment focused on ambulatory care and direct patient interaction.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Requires close interaction with physicians, nurses, and other clinic staff to ensure seamless patient care.

• Laboratory Tools & Technology: Access to standard laboratory equipment, point-of-care testing devices, and the University's Laboratory Information System (EPIC/Beaker is a strong preference).

• Patient Interaction: Significant portion of the role involves direct patient contact for phlebotomy and potentially sample collection.

Work Schedule:

• Predictable Hours: Primarily weekday hours (Monday-Friday, 7:00 am - 5:30 pm), offering good work-life balance.

• Flexibility: While hours are variable within the stated range, there is no weekend or holiday work, or on-call requirement, providing a stable schedule.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is situated in a clinic, which implies a faster pace and potentially a broader range of patient needs compared to a large hospital lab. The mention of "free on-site parking" is a practical benefit specific to the work environment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely an HR or recruiter screening based on resume and application qualifications.

• Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion with the hiring manager (Chloe Vincent) to assess technical skills, experience, and cultural fit. This stage will likely involve specific questions about phlebotomy, lab procedures, LIS use, and quality control.

• Technical Assessment/Case Study (Potential): While not explicitly stated, some roles may include a practical phlebotomy demonstration, a review of sample QC data, or a case study involving a common laboratory scenario to assess problem-solving.

• Team/Peer Interview: Opportunity to meet with potential colleagues or other clinic staff to evaluate collaboration and team dynamics.

• Final Decision: Based on overall assessment of skills, experience, and fit with UI Health Care's "WE CARE" values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Resume Focus: Ensure your resume clearly details your phlebotomy experience, types of laboratory tests performed, LIS systems used (especially EPIC/Beaker if applicable), and any quality control experience. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Processed an average of X specimens per day").

• Highlight Desired Qualifications: Explicitly mention any experience with point-of-care testing, laboratory audits, specimen handling, or certification (CLA, MLT).

• Process Examples: Be prepared to verbally describe your process for performing venipuncture, handling difficult draws, processing specimens, and running quality controls.

• STAR Method: For behavioral questions, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to describe past experiences, especially concerning problem-solving, handling challenging patients, or ensuring accuracy.

Challenge Preparation:

• Phlebotomy Scenarios: Anticipate questions about handling challenging venipuncture situations (e.g., difficult veins, anxious patients, pediatric draws if applicable).

• Troubleshooting: Be ready to discuss how you would troubleshoot common laboratory issues (e.g., equipment malfunction, QC out of range).

• LIS & Data Accuracy: Prepare to discuss the importance of accurate data entry in the LIS and how you ensure it.

• Safety & Compliance: Understand general laboratory safety protocols and compliance requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The job description explicitly states that applicants "must upload resume... that clearly address how they meet the listed required and desired qualifications." This is critical. Candidates should tailor their resumes meticulously. The note about the department hiring from multiple requisitions (LPN, Lab Tech II, MA II) implies that interviewers will be assessing candidates' suitability across these related roles, so emphasizing transferable skills will be beneficial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Laboratory Information System (LIS): Proficiency with LIS is essential. EPIC and Beaker experience is highly desired. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with these or similar systems for accessioning, data entry, and reporting.

• Phlebotomy Equipment: Standard venipuncture supplies (needles, tubes, tourniquets, collection devices).

• Point of Care Testing (POCT) Devices: Experience with specific POCT instruments used for rapid testing (e.g., glucose meters, urinalysis dipsticks).

• General Laboratory Equipment: Centrifuges, microscopes, incubators, water baths, etc., for routine testing.

Analytics & Reporting:

• LIS Reporting Functions: Ability to generate basic reports on test volumes, turnaround times, or quality control data from the LIS.

• Spreadsheets (e.g., Excel): For basic data tracking, inventory, or QC review as needed.

CRM & Automation:

• Electronic Health Record (EHR): Familiarity with EHR systems is beneficial, especially EPIC, as it integrates with LIS for patient data and order management.

• No specific automation tools mentioned: The role is more focused on manual processes and instrument operation rather than process automation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of "EPIC and Beaker" as highly desired qualifications is a significant indicator of the technology stack. Candidates with this experience should highlight it prominently. Even if they haven't used these exact systems, highlighting experience with other major LIS/EHR platforms (e.g., Cerner, Meditech) and emphasizing adaptability will be crucial.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence: Striving for the highest quality in all testing, data accuracy, and patient interactions.

• Collaboration: Working effectively with physicians, nurses, and other clinic staff to ensure seamless patient care and efficient workflow.

• Accountability: Taking ownership of responsibilities, ensuring accuracy in results, and adhering to protocols.

• Respect: Creating a welcoming and supportive environment for patients and colleagues.

• Welcoming: Contributing to a positive and inclusive atmosphere within the clinic and lab.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Teamwork: Essential for patient care coordination within the family medicine clinic. This involves clear communication and understanding of roles with nursing and physician staff.

• Process-Oriented: Adherence to established laboratory protocols and quality control measures is paramount.

• Problem-Solving: Willingness to identify and address issues with equipment, specimens, or workflows, seeking assistance when necessary.

• Patient Focus: All interactions and tasks are ultimately geared towards providing the best possible patient experience and diagnostic support.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "WE CARE" values are deeply embedded. Candidates should prepare to articulate how they embody these values in a clinical laboratory setting, especially "Excellence" in accuracy and "Collaboration" within a clinic team.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Handling Difficult Venipunctures: Managing patients with challenging veins, anxiety, or pediatric patients requires specific skills and patience.

• Maintaining Accuracy Under Pressure: In a clinic setting, managing sample volume and ensuring accurate results for immediate patient needs can be demanding.

• Equipment Malfunctions & QC Issues: Troubleshooting unexpected issues with laboratory instruments or quality control failures requires critical thinking and adherence to protocols.

• Keeping Pace with Technology: Staying current with evolving laboratory technologies and potentially new EHR/LIS systems.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Skill Enhancement: Deepening expertise in phlebotomy, specific types of lab tests, or POCT.

• Certification Pursuit: Opportunity to obtain or enhance certifications like CLA or MLT.

• Cross-Training: Potential to learn additional tasks or procedures within the clinic laboratory.

• Exposure to Academic Medical Center Environment: Gaining experience within a large, reputable healthcare system like UI Health Care.

📝 Enhancement Note: The job posting mentions the department intends to hire from multiple requisitions (LPN, Lab Tech II, MA II). This presents a unique challenge and opportunity. A strong candidate might be adaptable and willing to learn aspects of related roles, or the hiring team might be looking for the best overall fit across these functions. This also suggests the department values versatility.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Technical Proficiency: "Describe your experience with venipuncture, including any challenges you've faced and how you overcame them." "Walk me through the process of performing a urinalysis, including quality control steps." "How do you ensure accuracy when entering patient data into a Laboratory Information System?"

• Problem-Solving: "What would you do if a patient was extremely anxious about having their blood drawn?" "If a quality control test for a specific instrument failed, what steps would you take?" "How would you handle a situation where a specimen was improperly collected or labeled?"

• Process & Systems: "What experience do you have with Laboratory Information Systems, specifically EPIC or Beaker?" "Describe your process for maintaining laboratory equipment and performing daily calibration."

Company & Culture Questions:

• "How do you embody the 'WE CARE' values in your daily work?"

• "Describe a time you collaborated effectively with a physician or nurse."

• "Why are you interested in working for University of Iowa Health Care?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Resume Walkthrough: Be prepared to walk through your resume, highlighting specific experiences and skills that directly match the job description's requirements and desired qualifications, especially phlebotomy, LIS use, and QC.

• Case Study Discussion: If a case study is presented, clearly articulate your thought process, the steps you would take, and the rationale behind your decisions, focusing on accuracy, patient safety, and efficiency.

• Demonstrate Adaptability: Given the multi-requisition hiring, be ready to discuss how your skills are transferable and how you are eager to learn and contribute within the clinic's laboratory operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be ready to speak to their experience with specific desired qualifications like EPIC/Beaker. If they lack direct experience, they should emphasize their ability to learn quickly and their proficiency with similar systems. The note about hiring from multiple requisitions is key; candidates should frame their responses to show versatility and a strong work ethic that could apply to related clinical support roles.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the University of Iowa's Taleo career portal.

• Resume Optimization: Meticulously tailor your resume to highlight all required and highly desired qualifications. Use keywords from the job description, such as "phlebotomy," "venipuncture," "Laboratory Information System," "quality control," "EPIC," "Beaker," and "ambulatory experience." Quantify achievements where possible.

• Address Qualifications Directly: In your resume's summary or experience sections, explicitly state how you meet the educational and experience requirements, including any CLA certification or equivalent experience.

• Prepare for Interview Questions: Review common interview questions for laboratory technicians, focusing on technical skills, problem-solving, and behavioral examples using the STAR method. Be ready to discuss your experience with the "WE CARE" values.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with University of Iowa Health Care's mission, values, and the scope of their services, particularly their family medicine clinics.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions. This role is part of a hiring initiative where the department may select candidates for LPN, Laboratory Technician II, or Medical Assistant II roles based on overall qualifications.