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Animal Lab Assistant Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Research Assistant

Campus, IL ยท On-site

$18.75 - $25.75/hr

The research assistant will directly assist PI and PI lab and able to work with cell culture, processing clinical specimens and animal studies. This person must have adequate wet lab (ELISA ...

Lab Technician

Campus, IL

$18.50 - $24.50/hr

May assist with receipt and inspection of reagents, and ordering and stocking of materials and ... OSHA training and certification in animal care and use or the willingness to complete the ...

Lab Technician

Campus, IL ยท On-site

$18.50 - $24.50/hr

May assist with receipt and inspection of reagents, and ordering and stocking of materials and ... OSHA training and certification in animal care and use or the willingness to complete the ...

Lab Technician

Campus, IL ยท On-site

$18.50 - $24.50/hr

May assist with receipt and inspection of reagents, and ordering and stocking of materials and ... OSHA training and certification in animal care and use or the willingness to complete the ...

Showing results 21-40

Animal Lab Assistant information

See Illinois salary details

$10

$19

$28

How much do animal lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal lab assistant in Illinois is $19.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.06 and $22.36 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an animal lab assistant?

Animal Lab Assistants are professionals who support scientific research by caring for laboratory animals and maintaining their living environments. They are responsible for feeding, cleaning, monitoring animal health, and assisting researchers with experiments. Their work ensures that animals are treated ethically and that experiments are conducted in a safe, controlled environment. Animal Lab Assistants may also help with maintaining records and administering medications as directed by veterinarians or researchers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an animal lab assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Animal Lab Assistant, you need a foundational understanding of animal care, handling procedures, and basic laboratory techniques, often supported by a relevant certification or associate degree in animal science or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, data recording systems, and compliance regulations such as IACUC protocols is typically expected. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to work collaboratively are essential soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure the well-being of laboratory animals, the accuracy of research data, and adherence to ethical and safety standards.

What are some common challenges faced by animal lab assistants, and how can they be managed?

Animal Lab Assistants often face challenges such as maintaining strict adherence to protocols, handling animals with care under potentially stressful conditions, and managing time efficiently between various tasks like feeding, cleaning, and record-keeping. To manage these challenges, it's helpful to develop strong organizational skills, stay up to date on animal care guidelines, and communicate effectively with research staff and veterinarians. Regular training and working closely within the team can also help ensure both animal welfare and research integrity are maintained.

What is the difference between Animal Lab Assistant vs Veterinary Technician?

AspectAnimal Lab AssistantVeterinary Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingAssociate's degree in veterinary technology; certification often required
Work EnvironmentResearch laboratories, animal care facilitiesVeterinary clinics, animal hospitals, research labs
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, pharmaceutical companiesVeterinary clinics, animal hospitals, research facilities
Common Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

Animal Lab Assistants primarily support research labs and animal care in laboratory settings, often with minimal formal credentials. Veterinary Technicians work in veterinary clinics or hospitals, requiring specialized education and certification. While both roles involve animal care, Veterinary Technicians typically have more advanced training and perform clinical procedures, whereas Animal Lab Assistants focus on supporting research activities.

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Animal Lab Assistant jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Animal Lab Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Animal Lab Assistant job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,809 per year, or $19.6 per hour.

Research Assistant

Meharry Medical College

Campus, IL โ€ข On-site

$18.75 - $25.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

The Research Assistant should have prior experience with multi-tasking skills in working wet lab/bench research. The research assistant will directly assist PI and PI lab and able to work with cell culture, processing clinical specimens and animal studies. This person must have adequate wet lab (ELISA's, Protein, RNA experiments; cellular/molecular) research experience, including microbiome and cytokine analysis in all kinds of specimens.

Daily Operations

  • Human cell and tissue culture studies, microbiome and cytokine analysis in various specimens
  • IHC, Western blotting, RT-PCR and other wet lab experiments as needed
  • Lab maintenance
  • Record keeping, data analysis
  • Performs other related duties as assigned

Required Skills

  • Prior experience in wet lab research (RT-PCR, Western blotting, ELISA, cell culture, animal handling, able to learn new methods etc)
  • Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, particularly skills in MSExcel
  • Experience in database creation
  • Strong communication, organization and interpersonal skils

Preferred Skills

  • Prior experience in wet lab research (RT-PCR, Western blotting, ELISA, cell culture, animal handling, able to learn new methods etc)
  • Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, particularly skills in MSExcel
  • Experience in database creation
  • Strong communication, organization and interpersonal skills.

Required Education and Experience

  • BS/MS (Clinical/Physiology/Biochemistry/Biomedical/oral biology)
  • 1-2 years of relevant experience working