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Clinical Lab Associate Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

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Clinical Lab Associate information

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How much do clinical lab associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for clinical lab associate in Raleigh, NC is $30.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.58 and $40.43 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a clinical lab associate?

A clinical lab associate is a healthcare professional responsible for performing laboratory tests on patient samples to assist in diagnosis and treatment. They typically handle specimen processing, operate laboratory equipment, and follow safety protocols, often requiring attention to detail and knowledge of laboratory procedures.

Where do CLS get paid the most?

Clinical Lab Associates tend to earn higher salaries in regions with a high cost of living and strong healthcare industries, such as major metropolitan areas. Salaries are also influenced by experience, certifications, and the size of the employer, with larger hospitals and private labs often offering higher pay.

What are some common challenges faced by Clinical Lab Associates, and how can they be managed?

Clinical Lab Associates often encounter challenges such as managing high sample volumes, maintaining accuracy under time constraints, and adhering to strict regulatory standards. Effective time management, meticulous attention to detail, and consistent communication with team members are crucial in overcoming these hurdles. Many labs provide ongoing training and support to help staff stay current with best practices and emerging technologies, ensuring that associates can deliver reliable results in a fast-paced environment.

What are Clinical Lab Associates?

Clinical Lab Associates are healthcare professionals who assist in the preparation, processing, and analysis of laboratory specimens. They work under the supervision of laboratory technologists or scientists to ensure tests are conducted accurately and efficiently. Their responsibilities often include specimen collection, data entry, equipment maintenance, and quality control. Clinical Lab Associates play a vital role in diagnosing and monitoring patient health by supporting laboratory operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Clinical Lab Associate, and why are they important?

A Clinical Lab Associate needs a strong background in biology, chemistry, and laboratory techniques, usually supported by a relevant associate's or bachelor's degree. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), automated analyzers, and standard laboratory safety protocols is essential. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective teamwork help individuals excel in this role. These skills ensure accurate test results, efficient workflow, and compliance with regulatory standards, which are critical to patient care and laboratory operations.

What qualifications do I need to be a lab assistant?

To be a clinical lab associate, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with some positions requiring an associate degree or certification in clinical laboratory science. Relevant skills include attention to detail, familiarity with laboratory equipment, and knowledge of safety protocols. Certification or training may be required depending on the specific role and employer.

What is the difference between Clinical Lab Associate vs Medical Laboratory Technician?

AspectClinical Lab AssociateMedical Laboratory Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or associate degree; certification often preferredAssociate degree in medical laboratory technology; certification usually required
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, diagnostic labsHospitals, diagnostic labs, research facilities
Job ResponsibilitiesSample collection, processing, basic testing, data entryPerforming complex tests, analyzing samples, maintaining lab equipment
Industry UsageCommonly employed in healthcare settings for sample handlingMore involved in testing procedures and analysis

While both roles support laboratory operations, Clinical Lab Associates typically focus on sample collection and basic processing, whereas Medical Laboratory Technicians perform more complex testing and analysis. The choice depends on your education level and desired responsibilities within the lab environment.

How much does a lab assistant get paid?

A clinical lab associate or lab assistant typically earns between $30,000 and $45,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced professionals with specialized skills can earn higher salaries, often working in hospital or diagnostic laboratory settings.
What are the most commonly searched types of Clinical Lab jobs in Raleigh, NC? The most popular types of Clinical Lab jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Clinical Lab Associate jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Clinical Lab Associate job openings:
Post-Doc Research Associate - Tamayo Lab

Post-Doc Research Associate - Tamayo Lab

UNC-Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Vision, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 48 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

268th of 544 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Posting Details
Department Microbiology and Immunology - 422501 Posting Open Date 06/18/2026 Application Deadline Open Until Filled Yes Position Type Postdoctoral Scholar Position Title Post-Doc Research Associate - Tamayo Lab Vacancy ID PDS004893 Full-time/Part-time Full-Time Temporary Hours per week 40 FTE 1 Work Location Chapel Hill, NC Position Location North Carolina, US Hiring Range Dependent on experience and/or qualifications Proposed Start Date 07/01/2026 Estimated Duration of Appointment 12 Months
Position Information
Be a Tar Heel!
A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities and is among is the top ten research universities in the nation for federal research expenditures as well as for federally funded social and behavioral sciences research and development.
Here at Carolina, our highly skilled postdocs play a vital role in our research enterprise and towards our overall commitment to research excellence. Across many disciplines, postdocs contribute to the intellectual vitality of the University. They provide innovative ideas and perspectives, foster a stimulating research environment and advance knowledge within their fields. Postdocs are crucial members of our scientific research workforce, contributors to our research outputs and an important reason why Carolina is one of the leading public research institutions in the country.
UNC-Chapel Hill offers postdocs comprehensive medical and vision coverage, paid leave, and benefits and services that support professional development and a healthy work/life balance. Chapel Hill regularly ranks as one of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, a reputation guided by the diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.
Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit
Our mission is to improve the health and well-being of North Carolinians and others whom we serve. We accomplish this by providing leadership and excellence in the interrelated areas of patient care, education and research.
Patient care: We promote health and provide superb clinical care while maintaining our strong tradition of reaching underserved populations and reducing health disparities across North Carolina and beyond.
Education: We prepare tomorrow`s healthcare professionals and biomedical researchers from all backgrounds by facilitating learning within innovative and integrated curricula and team-oriented interprofessional education to ensure a highly skilled workforce.
Research: We develop and support a rich array of outstanding health sciences research programs, centers and resources. We provide infrastructure and opportunities for collaboration among disciplines throughout and beyond our university to support outstanding research. We foster programs in the areas of basic, translational, mechanistic and population research.
Position Summary
The Tamayo Lab seeks a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to conduct research as part of an NIH-funded project. The postdoctoral researcher will investigate mechanisms of pathogenesis of the bacterium Clostridioides difficile, an obligate anaerobe and biosafety level 2 pathogen. This work involves genetic manipulation of bacterial genes for analysis of function and regulation, genetic screens, biochemical analysis of macromolecular interactions (e.g., DNA-protein and RNA-protein interactions), and a variety of microbiological assays to assess bacterial phenotypes (motility, biofilm formation, microscopy, other). The research requires work with tissue culture and murine models of disease.
The Postdoctoral Research Associate will conduct literature searches, design and perform experiments, optimize protocols, document procedures and results, collate and analyze data, and communicate results and conclusions in written and oral formats. They will have the opportunity to train and mentor other lab members in these activities and to participate in career development activities.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
PhD in Microbiology, Immunology, Molecular Biology, or similar discipline
Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
Extensive hands-on experience in wet lab bacterial genetics and molecular biology techniques including PCR, qPCR, cloning, protein purification, western blotting, and cell culture
Experience with murine models of bacterial infection
Proficiency in experimental design and documentation, data analysis and visualization, and troubleshooting
Experience mentoring junior lab members in experimental techniques
Strong communication skills for preparing manuscripts, presenting at conferences, and mentoring junior lab members
Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
Microbiology experience
Special Physical/Mental Requirements Special Instructions
For information on UNC Postdoctoral Benefits and Services click here
Quick Link https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/321068
Posting Contact Information
Department Contact Name and Title Peyton Dabbs, HR Consultant Department Contact Telephone or Email peyton_dabbs@med.unc.edu Postdoctoral Affairs Contact Information
If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the University's Office of Postdoctoral Affairs at (919) 962-9982 or send an email to opahr@unc.edu.
Please note: The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

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About University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-Chapel Hill), located in Chapel Hill, NC, US, is renowned for being one of the leading research institutes in the world. Operating within the education industry, this public research university offers a broad range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various disciplines. UNC-Chapel Hill was chartered in 1789 and has maintained its legacy of academic excellence and innovative research for more than two centuries. The institution operates under the core values of excellence, innovation, engagement, accessibility, diversity, and inclusivity. Their mission is to serve the people of North Carolina and the United States by teaching a diverse community of students to become the next generation of leaders.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Chapel Hill, NC, US

Year founded

1789