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Biotech Lab Assistant Jobs in Pittsburgh, PA (NOW HIRING)

Biotech Lab Assistant information

See Pittsburgh, PA salary details

$10

$19

$28

How much do biotech lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for biotech lab assistant in Pittsburgh, PA is $19.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $22.40 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a biotech lab assistant?

Biotech Lab Assistants are professionals who support scientists and researchers in biotechnology laboratories. Their main responsibilities include preparing and maintaining laboratory equipment, conducting routine experiments, collecting and analyzing samples, and recording data accurately. They also ensure that the lab follows safety protocols and proper documentation procedures. Biotech Lab Assistants play a crucial role in the smooth operation of research and development projects in fields such as pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and medical diagnostics.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a biotech lab assistant?

To thrive as a Biotech Lab Assistant, you need a solid understanding of biology or chemistry, laboratory procedures, and often an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in a life science field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, data analysis software, and safety protocols, as well as certifications like Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), are typically required. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective teamwork are vital soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure accurate experiment execution, reliable data collection, and smooth laboratory operations, which are crucial for scientific research and product development.

What are common challenges faced by biotech lab assistants, and how can they be overcome?

Biotech Lab Assistants often encounter challenges such as managing multiple experiments simultaneously, ensuring strict adherence to protocols, and maintaining accurate documentation. To overcome these, it’s important to develop strong organizational skills, communicate effectively with team members, and stay up-to-date with lab safety procedures. Regular training and collaboration with scientists can also help build confidence and ensure high-quality results in a fast-paced laboratory environment.

What does a biotech lab assistant do?

A biotech lab assistant supports laboratory operations by preparing samples, maintaining equipment, and recording data. They often assist scientists with experiments, follow safety protocols, and may need basic knowledge of laboratory techniques and tools such as pipettes and microscopes.
Infographic showing various Biotech Lab Assistant job openings in Pittsburgh, PA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,352 per year, or $18.9 per hour.

Faculty.Instructor.Research - Full-Time

University of Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh, PA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

RANK/TITLE: 

Research Instructor (1-5 years of experience) Non-Tenure Appointment Stream

DEPARTMENT/DIVISION:

Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center is seeking a Research Instructor, non-tenure appointment stream. The successful candidate will contribute to varied research activities in the the Laboratory of Drs Hadjiyannis and Soto-Gutierrez.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK:

Responsibilities will include design and execution of experimental plans, analysis, and presentation of data as well as other assignments related to scientific development (e.g. writing manuscripts, reviews and supervising/teaching other fellows).  Studies focus on human organ-based immunology with respect to allograft rejection and tolerance and immune modulation with lipid nanoparticle based therapeutic mRNAs and other small molecules to promote both transplant and self-tolerance . The position will be responsible for participation in seminars, professional development opportunities, manuscript preparation and publication, and presentations at scientific meetings.  To ensure candidate's successful advancement, feedback and performance evaluations will be provided.

JOB DUTIES:

A Research Instructor position is available in the laboratory of Drs Yannis Hadjiyannis and Soto-Gutierrez, Department of Experimental Pathology. The research laboratory conducts studies on human organ-based immunology focused on the mechanisms of allograft rejection and tolerance and the development of immune-modulating therapies to promote transplant and self-tolerance. The lab operates in a collaborative manner and will design and execute experimental studies, analyze and present data, and perform laboratory procedures that may include murine studies, cell culture, flow cytometry, tissue processing, molecular assays, and evaluation of lipid nanoparticle-based therapeutic mRNAs and other small molecules. Applicants will work collaboratively with investigators and trainees, contribute to the preparation of manuscripts, reviews, and scientific presentations, and assist with the supervision and teaching of fellows and other laboratory personnel.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1.     MD or PhD degree in Biotechnology. Training in immunology, experimental murine biology, and organ-based immunobiology, and in common laboratory techniques, is an attractive attribute for the position.

2.     Work Experience of at least 1-5 years conducting independent experiments related to immunology, organ-based tissue biology, digital imaging, cell culture and mRNA expression analysis and interpretation, writing skills and leadership in a collaborative environment.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

Salary will be commensurate with experience.

TO APPLY:  Go to Talent Center at www.join.pitt.edu and search for requisition number 26004403 in

the keyword.

The University of Pittsburgh is an Equal Opportunity Employer.