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Assay Lab Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lab Technician

San Antonio, TX ยท On-site

$16.50 - $21.75/hr

LABORATORY TECHNICIAN The Laboratory Technician will perform a wide variety of assays or tests ... KEY RESPONSIBILITIES / TASKS: โ€ข Responsible for having a broad working knowledge of lab policies ...

Routine Assay Scientist

West Point, PA ยท On-site

$34.25 - $43/hr

We have an exciting opportunity for a Routine Assay Scientist with past experience running routine ... This is a brand-new lab so some flexibility in day-to-day tasks will be required. Key ...

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How much do assay lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for assay lab in the United States is $25.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $27.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in an assay lab, and how are they typically addressed?

Assay lab professionals often encounter challenges such as maintaining strict quality control, handling hazardous materials safely, and ensuring accurate, reproducible results under tight deadlines. These challenges are typically addressed through rigorous adherence to standard operating procedures, ongoing training in safety protocols, and the use of calibrated, well-maintained equipment. Effective communication within the team and with other departments, such as quality assurance and research, is also crucial for troubleshooting issues and maintaining workflow efficiency.

What is the highest paying career in a laboratory?

In an assay lab, senior roles such as Laboratory Director or Principal Scientist tend to be the highest paying careers, often requiring advanced degrees and extensive experience. These positions involve overseeing laboratory operations, ensuring compliance, and managing research projects, with salaries significantly higher than entry-level roles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Assay Lab Technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assay Lab Technician, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a background in chemistry or a related science, often supported by a relevant degree or laboratory certification. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), analytical balances, spectrometers, and standard assay procedures is typically required. Precision, problem-solving, and effective communication are essential soft skills for ensuring reliable results and collaborating with team members. These competencies are crucial for maintaining data integrity, meeting regulatory standards, and supporting accurate decision-making in laboratory environments.

What is the highest paid lab technician?

The highest paid lab technicians are often those working in specialized fields such as pharmaceutical or clinical laboratories, with salaries reaching over $60,000 annually. Advanced certifications, extensive experience, and working in high-demand industries can increase earning potential for assay lab technicians.

Is MLT a stressful job?

MLT (Medical Laboratory Technician) in an assay lab can involve stressful situations due to strict deadlines, the need for accuracy, and handling potentially hazardous materials. However, the work environment is typically controlled, and proper training and safety protocols help manage stress levels. Overall, stress varies based on workload, experience, and workplace support.

What is the difference between Assay Lab vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectAssay LabLaboratory Technician
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in chemistry, biology, or related field; certifications varyHigh school diploma or associate degree; certifications may be preferred
Work EnvironmentSpecialized lab focused on assays, testing, and analysisGeneral lab setting performing a variety of tests and procedures
Industry UsageCommon in pharmaceuticals, biotech, and research labsWidespread across healthcare, manufacturing, and research sectors
Job FocusDesigning, conducting, and analyzing assaysPreparing samples, operating equipment, recording data

While both roles work in laboratory settings, an Assay Lab specializes in performing specific assays and tests, often requiring advanced knowledge and certifications. A Laboratory Technician has a broader role, supporting various lab operations across industries. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify the right career path based on skills and interests.

What is an assay lab technician?

An assay lab technician is a professional responsible for performing laboratory tests and analyses to measure the presence, amount, or activity of substances in samples. They typically work with specialized equipment, follow strict protocols, and may require certifications in laboratory techniques or safety procedures. Their work supports research, quality control, and product development in various industries such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and environmental testing.

What is an assay lab?

An assay lab is a laboratory facility where various types of analyses are performed to determine the composition, quality, and quantity of substances, often minerals, metals, chemicals, or biological samples. These labs use precise scientific techniques to measure the presence and concentration of specific elements or compounds. Assay labs are essential in industries such as mining, pharmaceuticals, environmental science, and biotechnology to ensure product quality, regulatory compliance, and research accuracy.
More about Assay Lab jobs
What cities are hiring for Assay Lab jobs? Cities with the most Assay Lab job openings:
Lab Analyst III NENSPMolecular

Lab Analyst III NENSPMolecular

University of Massachusetts Medical School

Worcester, MA โ€ข On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

Overview
Under the general direction of Lab Management, the Lab Analyst III NENSP Molecular performs laboratory assays for the timely detection of newborn disorders and works on special projects to develop, implement and evaluate new methodologies to improve current screening, and add new capabilities. Maintains competency in high complexity testing (as defined by CLIA) in all laboratory methodologies of the section. Performs other related laboratory tasks in support of laboratory management. Responsibilities include careful adherence to established laboratory protocols, as well as projects under the direction of laboratory managers. Performs work with little, or sometimes no direct supervision and is expected to train more junior staff. Works with Lab Management on design providing the first line of bench strength for the development of emerging technologies
Responsibilities
Responsibilities
  • Performs laboratory assays (clinical or research) with appropriate documentation, as an integral member of the section's laboratory analysts, following validated protocols.
  • Follows established safety and privacy protocols.
  • Performs bench work to assist management in the performance and documentation of laboratory activities for the technical development, validation, performance and troubleshooting of laboratory assays (both laboratory-developed tests as well as kit assays) used in the screening procedures.
  • Performs bench work to assist management in laboratory activities for validation, troubleshooting the performance of and management of instrumentation used in the screening procedures.
  • Performs bench work to assist management in laboratory activities for validation, troubleshooting and monitoring of the instrumentation relationships with Laboratory Information Management System.
  • Works as an integral team member in the preparation and validation of reagents, materials and kits used in the laboratory.
  • Contributes data for laboratory documentation of quality assurance, quality control, and competency data in accordance with Program policies and CLIA requirements.
  • Responsible for training junior lab analysts.
  • Works independently on assigned laboratory projects to develop and validate data and new methodologies.
  • Works independently to draft documents including new SOPs.
  • Assists the Lab Supervisor and Scientist with the management of lab supply budget and inventory
  • Perform other duties as required.

Qualifications
REQUIRED EDUCATION
Bachelor's degree or equivalent in chemical, life or clinical sciences
Graduate level coursework or equivalent yielding expertise in the theory of general molecular biology
REQUIRED WORK EXPERIENCE
5 - 7 years of relevant experience including 1 - 2 years clinical laboratory experience
5 - 7 years of Assay Design, Implementation and Troubleshooting experience
Experience in Primer Design, Probe Design, LNA design, Multiplex RealTime PCR design, Nested PCR design, copy-number assay design such that the analyst has established expertise in the following
  • clinical development and application of PCR-based assays, inclusive of the prevention and containment of amplicon contaminants,
  • the development and implementation of clinical detection systems for the generation of human genotypic data using a variety of techniques (Luminex Lab developed tests, Real-Time lab developed tests), and
  • the development and implementation of clinical assays for the evaluation of the presence/absence and quantification of molecular markers (RealTime and Digital Droplet PCR or equivalent),such that the development yields low-cost laboratory developed tests.

5 - 7 years of Implementation of High-throughput Clinical Molecular Assays experience
  • Expert-level practical experience in the isolation of nucleic acids from small-volume (3 ยตL) dried blood spots or other similar human specimens.
  • Expertise in high-throughput processing of clinical specimens
  • Experience with robotics applications for high-throughput processing of clinical specimens

3 - 5 years of experience with BLAST and gene homology tools available through NIH and commercial vendors
3 - 5 years of experience with database and spreadsheet tools for use with quality monitoring and data management
3 - 5 years of experience with Sanger sequencing and related informatics
1 - 2 years of experience with specialized sequencing assays for detection of allele dropout
1 - 2 years of experience with specialized assays and related informatics for human identity testing
1 - 2 years of experience with NextGen Sequencing theory to assist staff scientist with implementation.
Must satisfy CLIA requirements for high complexity testing
Experience with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within the clinical laboratory
Good communication and organizational skills, with focus on detail and orderliness
Experience and/or training in clinical/medicinal chemistry, emerging clinical analytic technologies
Strong communication and organizational skills, with focus on detail
Ability to perform laboratory procedures independently with great care and attention
Interpersonal skills in independent as well as team work
Experience with productivity software (Excel, Access, Word,)
Flexibility in work schedule as required by laboratory section (i.e., weekend and holiday rotations).
PREFERRED EDUCATION
Master's Level Degree in chemical, life or clinical sciences
PREFERRED WORK EXPERIENCE
Experience with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within the field of emerging technologic analyses
Familiar with the use of bioinformatic computing technology in new assay design, management and analysis of data, and research of relevant scientific literature.