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Cytology Lab Assistant Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Research Assistant

Beaverton, OR · On-site

$65 - $90/hr

This person will be expected to grow to function independently, as a lab manager, contribute to the ... cytometry, histology, microscopy and image analysis. * Experience maintaining inventories of ...

New

Pathology Specialist

Vancouver, WA · On-site

$28.31 - $42.44/hr

Utilizes the pathology lab information system to assist pathology staff and clients. Provides support for cytology department and pathology transcriptionists. Understands Anatomic Pathology processes ...

Pathology Specialist

Vancouver, WA · On-site

$28.31 - $42.44/hr

Utilizes the pathology lab information system to assist pathology staff and clients. Provides support for cytology department and pathology transcriptionists. Understands Anatomic Pathology processes ...

Pathology Specialist Evergreen

Vancouver, WA · On-site

$27.06 - $40.58/hr

Utilizes the pathology lab information system to assist pathology staff and clients. Provides support for cytology department and pathology transcriptionists. Understands Anatomic Pathology processes ...

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Cytology Lab Assistant information

See Portland, OR salary details

$10

$21

$31

How much do cytology lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for cytology lab assistant in Portland, OR is $21.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.60 and $24.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a cytology lab assistant do?

A Cytology Lab Assistant supports cytotechnologists and pathologists by preparing and processing biological samples, such as cells from body fluids, for microscopic examination. They are responsible for labeling specimens, maintaining laboratory equipment, and ensuring that all samples are handled and stored properly. Additionally, they may assist with record keeping, data entry, and maintaining a clean and safe laboratory environment. This role is essential for helping pathologists diagnose diseases like cancer by providing high-quality samples for analysis.

What are some common challenges faced by cytology lab assistants, and how can they be managed?

Cytology Lab Assistants often encounter challenges such as maintaining accuracy while handling high specimen volumes and adhering to strict turnaround times. Managing these challenges involves staying organized, double-checking specimen labeling, and following established laboratory protocols meticulously. Effective communication with cytotechnologists and pathologists is also essential to ensure that any discrepancies or urgent cases are addressed promptly. Continuous learning about new laboratory technologies and procedures can further enhance efficiency and reduce errors.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cytology lab assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cytology Lab Assistant, you need a solid understanding of laboratory procedures, specimen handling, and a high school diploma or associate’s degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS), microscopes, and specimen staining techniques is typically expected. Attention to detail, organizational skills, and effective communication are standout soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure accurate sample processing, minimize errors, and support efficient lab operations crucial for reliable diagnostic results.

What is the difference between Cytology Lab Assistant vs Histology Lab Technician?

AspectCytology Lab AssistantHistology Lab Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; certification preferredHigh school diploma; additional histology certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentLaboratory settings focused on cell analysis, often in hospitals or clinicsLaboratories performing tissue processing and slide preparation, typically in hospitals or research labs
Job DutiesAssist in preparing cytology specimens, label slides, and maintain lab equipmentProcess tissue samples, embed, section, and prepare slides for microscopic examination

Both roles support laboratory operations in healthcare settings, with Cytology Lab Assistants focusing on cell samples and Histology Lab Technicians handling tissue specimens. While their tasks differ, they share similar credentials and work environments, making them closely related roles in pathology labs.

What are popular job titles related to Cytology Lab Assistant jobs in Portland, OR?

For Cytology Lab Assistant jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Cytology Lab Assistant jobs in Portland, OR look for?

The top searched job categories for Cytology Lab Assistant jobs in Portland, OR are:

What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Cytology Lab Assistant jobs?

Cities near Portland, OR with the most Cytology Lab Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Cytology Lab Assistant job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,661 per year, or $21.5 per hour.

Senior Research Assistant/Research Associate

SupportFinity™

Portland, OR • On-site

$50 - $80/hr

Other

Posted 2 days ago

New


Key responsibilities

  • Support investigators in conducting original research related to cancer, including animal handling, surgeries, necropsies, and tissue processing.

  • Assist researchers with processing animal and human tissues/blood, performing cellular and molecular techniques, and immunohistochemistry.

  • Help design and run flow cytometry panels, analyze data, and generate graphs to evaluate experimental results.


Job description

Oregon Health & Science University |

Oregon Health & Science University | Posted Mar 13

Full-time

Portland

Negotiable

Unknown

Department Overview

This position is a member of the Cell, Developmental, and Cancer Biology Department at OHSU. Support investigators in the conduct of original research in service to OHSU’s mission to improve human health, building and leveraging platform-based tools and biological understanding while working in a team. Work will be focused on Cancer research involving animal handling, including surgery, necropsy and animal tissue processing. Duties include working with rodents, flow cytometry, basic immunohistochemistry, basic cellular and molecular procedures. Candidate must be experienced in working within a team, collaboration, data management, and support of investigators’ discoveries and scholarly work.

Function/Duties of Position
  • Animal experimentation: Work with researchers in managing the animal colony, taking measurements, harvesting tissues for experimentation, animal surgeries and necropsies.
  • Wet lab duties: Assist researchers with processing animal and human tissues/blood, labelling, organizing materials for experiment days. Basic to advanced cellular and molecular techniques. Basic to advanced immunologic methodologies with tissue specimens, tissue culture and relevant assays. Use of aseptic techniques and statistical applications (Prism/GraphPad).
  • Flow cytometry: Assist researchers with designing and running flow cytometry panels, using animal and human cells and tissues. Experience with FlowJo would be helpful. Assembling flow cytometry data to generate graphs, and evaluation of statistical significance of data.
  • Career Development: Participate in appropriate activities that enhance general knowledge of or ability to do assigned work. This includes, but is not limited to the following: attend classes, seminars, and other training forums; stay current in relevant literature; participate in preparation of scholarly work; participate in staff meetings and other informational sessions; read vendor documentation as appropriate to position; interact with peers and other employees to receive and disseminate information.
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's in relevant field AND 1 years of relevant experience OR
  • Equivalent combination of training and experience
Research Associate
  • Master's Degree in relevant field AND 3 years of relevant experience OR
  • Bachelor's Degree in relevant field AND 5 years of relevant experience
Preferred Qualifications
  • Masters degree with major courses in field of research (tissue biology, immunology, cancer biology) plus two years of applicable experience outside of the classroom.
  • 1 years experience required molecular and immunologic techniques
  • 1 years experience required animal handling and research
  • Prefer 2 years of relevant experience, including two years of hands‑on experience with animal handling, molecular and immunologic experimental techniques
  • One year experience with the following,
    • Small animal handling and colony management
    • Small animal surgeries, knowledge of mouse anatomy, necropsies.
    • Flow cytometry
    • Basic to advanced cellular, molecular, immunologic experimental techniques.
    • Understanding of basic statistics and some of its applications to biomedical science.
    • Ability to prioritize multiple tasks at one time.
  • Excellent communication, analytical and organizational skills, both written and verbal.
  • 2 years experience with the following,
    • experience in a professional, team-oriented biology environment.
    • Animal handling and experimentation.
    • Flow cytometry experience.
    • Immunohistochemistry
Why apply to OHSU?

We are Oregon's only public academic health center. In addition to caring for patients, we lead groundbreaking research. We also train the next generation of health care professionals. As Portland's largest employer, we give you opportunities to learn and advance in a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington.

OHSU welcomes people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, national origins, religions and sexual orientations. We are striving to build an anti‑racist, multicultural institution and encourage people with diverse backgrounds to apply.

To request reasonable accommodation, contact askhr@ohsu.edu

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