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Animal Lab Assistant Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Certified Group

Micro Lab Assistant

Aurora, IL

FSNS Certification & Audit - Provides accredited third-party auditing and certification services, including food safety, animal welfare, and GMP programs. Job Summary The Lab Assistant within the ...

Certified Group

Micro Lab Assistant

Aurora, IL · On-site

FSNS Certification & Audit - Provides accredited third-party auditing and certification services, including food safety, animal welfare, and GMP programs. Job Summary The Lab Assistant within the ...

Cary Grove Animal Hospital

Veterinary Assistant

Cary, IL · On-site

$18 - $23/hr

CARY GROVE ANIMAL HOSPITAL Part Time Veterinary Assistant - Average 10-20 hours/per week. Cary ... Our hospital is well equipped with digital medical records, full in-house lab, digital radiographs ...

New

Hebron Animal Hospital

Veterinary Assistant

Hebron, IN · On-site

$15 - $19/hr

Hebron Animal Hospital Is Hiring a Veterinary Assistant! Position Details Role: Veterinary ... Sick Time / Paid Time Off, employee pet discounts, free or discounted lab work for employee pets ...

Hebron Animal Hospital

Veterinary Assistant

Hebron, IN · On-site

$15 - $19/hr

Hebron Animal Hospital Is Hiring a Veterinary Assistant! Position Details Role: Veterinary ... Sick Time / Paid Time Off, employee pet discounts, free or discounted lab work for employee pets ...

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All JobsAnimal Lab JobsAnimal Lab Assistant JobsAnimal Lab Assistant Jobs in Chicago, IL

Animal Lab Assistant information

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How much do animal lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal lab assistant in Chicago, IL is $20.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $23.75 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 are popular job titles related to Animal Lab Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Animal Lab Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Animal Lab Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Animal Lab Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Animal Lab Assistant jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Animal Lab Assistant job openings:

Animal Lab Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Lab Assistant job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,383 per year, or $20.9 per hour.

Micro Lab Assistant

Certified Group

Aurora, IL

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

Certified Group is committed to partnering with customers to deliver innovative scientific solutions and expertise – So The World Can Trust In What It Consumes™. Our network of 30+ North American and European laboratories serves the food & beverage, dietary supplements, cosmetics, OTC, tobacco/nicotine, cannabis, and hemp industries.

Our Brands

Certified Group is comprised of a set of specialized brands that collectively deliver laboratory testing, regulatory consulting, and certification & audit services across highly regulated industries:

  • Certified Laboratories – Provides comprehensive analytical and microbiological testing, primarily supporting food, beverage, cosmetics, OTC, and dietary supplement industries.
  • Food Safety Net Services (FSNS) – A leading network of ISO-accredited laboratories across North America, focused on food safety testing, operational support, and technical services for the food industry.
  • Labstat – A global leader in contract research and testing for nicotine, tobacco, cannabis, hemp, and next-generation products, with deep expertise in analytical chemistry and toxicology.
  • EAS Consulting Group – A regulatory consulting firm offering expert guidance, training, and auditing support across FDA, USDA, and other regulated sectors, powered by a large network of independent advisors.
  • FSNS Certification & Audit – Provides accredited third-party auditing and certification services, including food safety, animal welfare, and GMP programs.

Job Summary

The Lab Assistant within the Media Department is responsible for preparing, sterilizing, and organizing media and reagents essential to analytical and microbiological testing of food products, ingredients, and environmental samples. This role ensures the availability of accurate, sterile materials to support testing operations while maintaining laboratory safety and compliance standards.

Essential Responsibilities

  1. Prepare and maintain bacteriological media and chemical solutions.
  2. Safely operate an autoclave to sterilize media, reagents, and supplies.
  3. Label, handle, store, use, and dispose of media and solutions in accordance with safety guidelines.
  4. Maintain an accurate inventory of prepared media and supplies.
  5. Collaborate with other departments to prepare required media in a timely manner.
  6. Perform work in a neat, safe, hygienic, and efficient manner; maintain cleanliness and equipment within the department.
  7. Follow established processes, procedures, and techniques in accordance with FSNS policies/procedures, customer requirements, and the media operations manual.
  8. Maintain laboratory conditions, equipment, supplies, quality assurance programs, and accurate records throughout all procedures.
  9. Share information in an open and timely manner to support team collaboration.
  10. Complete required training and comply with safety and quality programs.

Education & Experience

  • High School Diploma or GED required.
  • Familiarity with aseptic sampling techniques.
  • Experience operating autoclaves and sterile dispensing equipment preferred.
  • Basic knowledge of testing laboratory practices and general laboratory procedures.
  • One or more years of experience in a commercial food-testing laboratory preferred.
  • Competency with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) a plus.
  • Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Skills & Competencies

  • Strong organizational skills and ability to complete detailed manual tasks.
  • Ability to work under deadlines, manage interruptions, and multitask effectively.
  • Logical thinking and accuracy in task completion.
  • Basic math skills: add, subtract, multiply, divide, and work with fractions and decimals.
  • Ability to follow written and oral instructions and problem-solve within standardized situations.
  • Working knowledge of ISO 17025 quality procedures and general OSHA laboratory safety guidelines preferred.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

  • Frequent standing, walking, sitting, reaching, and handling of materials.
  • Occasional stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling.
  • Regular use of hands and fingers to operate laboratory equipment and computers.
  • Ability to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
  • Potential exposure to odors, fumes, airborne particles, hazardous chemicals, and microbiological pathogens.
  • Varying noise levels and temperatures (hot to cold).
  • Fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
  • Overnight travel may be required at the discretion of management.
  • Must wear appropriate protective clothing and equipment.

General Requirements

  • Flexible schedule availability.
  • Ability to perform opening and closing procedures in the media laboratory.
  • Commitment to workplace safety for self and others.
  • Willingness to work as part of a collaborative, team-driven environment.

By applying, you acknowledge that Certified Group will process your personal information for recruitment and hiring purposes in accordance with our Applicant Privacy Policy. California residents may review additional information about how we collect and use personal information, including retention and rights, in our California Notice at Collection. To view our Privacy Policy, click the link here: Certified Group Privacy Policy

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and make employment decisions without regard to protected characteristics under applicable law.