1

Assay Laboratory Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$51K - $66K/yr

Assay Laboratory Supervisor Work Schedule: 2 weeks on-site, 2 weeks off-site Responsibilities: * Be a courageous safety leader, adhere to and sponsor safety and environmental rules and procedures

Cell-Based Assay Scientist

Beaverton, OR · On-site

$36.75 - $46/hr

The Cell-Based Assay Scientist uses specialized laboratory skills and technical knowledge to support Lumencor's hardware, software and reagent products related to cell-based assays. These activities ...

Cell-Based Assay Scientist

Beaverton, OR · On-site

$36.75 - $46/hr

The Cell-Based Assay Scientist uses specialized laboratory skills and technical knowledge to support Lumencor's hardware, software and reagent products related to cell-based assays. These activities ...

Olean Work Type: Full-Time Shift 3 To receive, order, prepare, and assay laboratory samples and to perform prompt, accurate, and reliable laboratory procedures on patient specimens as well as to ...

Assay Technician

Lafayette, LA · On-site

$14.75 - $19.50/hr

The Assay Lab supports production and customer needs by providing accurate precious metal analysis ... Maintain laboratory equipment and ensure proper functioning of analytical tools * Support lab ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Assay Laboratory information

See salary details

$42.5K

$94.4K

$153K

How much do assay laboratory jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for assay laboratory in the United States is $94,420.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,000.00 and $119,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an assay laboratory?

An assay laboratory is a specialized facility where the composition, quality, and quantity of substances—such as minerals, metals, chemicals, or biological samples—are analyzed and measured. These laboratories use a variety of scientific techniques and equipment to determine the presence and concentration of elements or compounds. Assay laboratories are essential in industries such as mining, pharmaceuticals, environmental science, and food safety to ensure products meet required standards and regulations.

What are some common challenges faced when working in an assay laboratory, and how can they be addressed?

Working in an assay laboratory often involves handling precise measurements, maintaining rigorous quality control, and adhering to strict safety protocols. One common challenge is managing sample contamination or cross-contamination, which can impact test results; this can be addressed by following standardized procedures and proper equipment maintenance. Additionally, assay technicians may encounter time pressure to meet deadlines while ensuring accuracy, requiring strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Regular training and clear communication with team members help maintain high standards and foster a collaborative work environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assay laboratory technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assay Laboratory Technician, you need a solid background in chemistry or laboratory sciences, usually supported by a relevant degree or diploma. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), analytical instruments like spectrometers, and safety protocols is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure accurate analysis, regulatory compliance, and efficient teamwork in a laboratory environment.

What is the difference between Assay Laboratory vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectAssay LaboratoryLaboratory Technician
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in chemistry, biology, or related field; certifications may include ASCP or equivalentUsually requires a high school diploma or associate degree; certifications vary by employer
Work EnvironmentSpecialized labs focused on chemical or biological assays, often in research or quality controlGeneral lab settings across various industries, performing routine testing and sample preparation
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in pharmaceutical, biotech, and environmental testing industriesCommon across healthcare, manufacturing, and research institutions

Assay Laboratory roles focus on conducting specific chemical or biological assays requiring specialized knowledge and equipment, while Laboratory Technicians perform broader lab tasks, including sample handling and routine testing. Both roles are essential in scientific and industrial settings but differ in scope and specialization.

More about Assay Laboratory jobs
What cities are hiring for Assay Laboratory jobs? Cities with the most Assay Laboratory job openings:
What states have the most Assay Laboratory jobs? States with the most job openings for Assay Laboratory jobs include:
Infographic showing various Assay Laboratory job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, 10% Temporary, and 30% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $94,420 per year, or $45.4 per hour.

Assay Lab Superintendent

Hycroft Resources & Development LLC

Winnemucca, NV • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

Description:

Hycroft Mining Holding Corporation is a US-based gold and silver mining company, which operates its wholly owned Hycroft open pit, gold, and silver mine located an hour southwest of Winnemucca, Nevada.

Job Description

The Lab Superintendent is responsible for the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of the Company's assay laboratory in support of exploration, resource definition, and development activities. The role will lead the restart, commissioning, and ongoing management of the laboratory, ensuring the timely delivery of high-quality analytical results while maintaining industry-leading standards for safety, quality assurance, and operational excellence.

The successful candidate will oversee all aspects of laboratory operations, including sample preparation, fire assay, instrumental analysis, QA/QC programs, personnel management, equipment maintenance, budgeting, and regulatory compliance. The position will play a critical role in reducing assay turnaround times and supporting the Company's exploration objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Laboratory Startup and Commissioning

  • Lead the reactivation and commissioning of the assay laboratory following a period of inactivity.
  • Develop and implement laboratory operating procedures, workflows, and quality management systems.
  • Coordinate installation, calibration, validation, and commissioning of analytical equipment.
  • Establish laboratory safety programs, hazard assessments, and operating protocols.
  • Develop laboratory staffing plans and training programs.

Laboratory Operations

  • Manage daily laboratory operations to ensure safe, efficient, and accurate sample processing.
  • Oversee sample preparation, crushing, pulverizing, splitting, and assay workflows.
  • Ensure analytical results are delivered within established turnaround time targets.
  • Monitor laboratory productivity, capacity, and resource utilization.
  • Coordinate laboratory scheduling to support exploration and drilling programs.

Analytical and Technical Oversight

  • Supervise fire assay operations for gold and silver analysis.
  • Oversee multi-element analytical programs utilizing ICP-OES and/or ICP-MS instrumentation.
  • Manage sulfide speciation analyses using LECO instrumentation.
  • Ensure analytical methods are properly validated and maintained.
  • Investigate analytical discrepancies and implement corrective actions when required.
  • Review, validate, and approve analytical data prior to release.

Leadership and Personnel Management

  • Recruit, train, mentor, and supervise laboratory personnel.
  • Establish performance expectations and development plans for laboratory staff.
  • Foster a culture of safety, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
  • Coordinate staffing requirements to support changing operational demands.

Health, Safety, and Environmental Compliance

  • Promote and maintain a strong safety culture throughout laboratory operations.
  • Ensure compliance with company policies and applicable regulatory requirements.
  • Conduct safety inspections, incident investigations, and risk assessments.
  • Ensure proper handling, storage, and disposal of chemicals and hazardous materials.

Budgeting and Continuous Improvement

  • Develop and manage laboratory operating and capital budgets.
  • Identify opportunities to improve laboratory efficiency, quality, and turnaround times.
  • Manage laboratory consumables, reagents, and equipment inventories.
  • Evaluate and implement new analytical technologies and methodologies where appropriate.


Requirements:

Education

  • Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Geochemistry, Metallurgy, Geological Sciences, or a related scientific discipline.
  • Advanced technical certifications or management training are considered an asset.

Experience

  • Minimum 8 years of progressive experience in mining, commercial, or metallurgical laboratories.
  • Minimum 3 years in a laboratory supervisory, superintendent, or management role.
  • Demonstrated experience supporting gold and silver exploration, resource development, or mining operations.
  • Proven experience commissioning, operating, or expanding laboratory facilities.
  • Extensive experience managing high-volume sample throughput in exploration environments.

Technical Requirements

  • Strong knowledge of gold and silver fire assay techniques.
  • Hands-on experience with ICP-OES and/or ICP-MS instrumentation and associated analytical methods.
  • Hands-on experience with LECO carbon and sulfur analyzers and related sample preparation procedures.
  • Strong understanding of QA/QC protocols used in exploration and mining laboratories.
  • Experience with laboratory information management systems (LIMS).
  • Working knowledge of statistical quality control and analytical method validation.
  • Familiarity with ISO 17025 laboratory quality systems and accreditation requirements.

Leadership Competencies

  • Strong leadership and team-building skills.
  • Excellent organizational and project management abilities.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Effective communication and stakeholder management capabilities.
  • Ability to work effectively in a dynamic exploration environment with changing priorities.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience establishing laboratories from startup through full operational status.
  • Familiarity with geochemical exploration programs and resource drilling campaigns.
  • Experience managing assay turnaround time performance and laboratory optimization initiatives.

Safety, Environmental, Compliance

  • Strictly adheres to all safety and environmental disciplines.
  • Have an unconditional strong commitment to safe working practices.
  • Is alert and observes, corrects, and reports unsafe conditions.
  • Follows operating procedures and complies with all regulatory requirements.


Accessibility: If you need accommodations as part of the employment process please contact

Human Resources at

Email: hr@hycroftmining.com