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Entry Level Biochemist Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Archer Daniels Midland

Entry Level Lab Technician - Decatur, IL Job Summary Performs chemical and microbiological analysis ... Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Food Science ...

University of Utah

Lab Aide

Campus, IL · On-site

$14.75 - $20.50/hr

The successful candidate may also assist with basic research experiments including molecular biology and biochemistry. This is an entry level position ideal for students interested in laboratory ...

University of Utah

Lab Aide

Campus, IL · On-site

$14.75 - $20.50/hr

The successful candidate may also assist with basic research experiments including molecular biology and biochemistry. This is an entry level position ideal for students interested in laboratory ...

University of Utah

Lab Aide

Campus, IL · On-site

$14.75 - $20.50/hr

The successful candidate may also assist with basic research experiments including molecular biology and biochemistry. This is an entry level position ideal for students interested in laboratory ...

University of Utah

Post Doc Res Assoc

Campus, IL · On-site

$65K - $73K/yr

... P1 - Entry Level Pro FLSA Code Administrative Patient Sensitive Job Code? No Standard Hours per ... Mitochondrial biochemistry, bioenergetics, or oxidative phosphorylation. * Rare mitochondrial ...

University of Utah

Post Doc Res Assoc

Campus, IL · On-site

$65K - $73K/yr

... P1 - Entry Level Pro FLSA Code Administrative Patient Sensitive Job Code? No Standard Hours per ... Mitochondrial biochemistry, bioenergetics, or oxidative phosphorylation. * Rare mitochondrial ...

University of Utah

Research Technicians

Campus, IL · On-site

$11 - $21/hr

Performs basic molecular biology and biochemical techniques (e.g., PCR, Western blotting, ELISA ... This is an Entry-Level position in the Support track. Job Code: S56441 Grade: S12 Expected Pay ...

University of Utah

Research Technicians

Campus, IL · On-site

$11 - $21/hr

Performs basic molecular biology and biochemical techniques (e.g., PCR, Western blotting, ELISA ... This is an Entry-Level position in the Support track. Job Code: S56441 Grade: S12 Expected Pay ...

University of Utah

Research Technicians

Campus, IL

$11 - $21/hr

Performs basic molecular biology and biochemical techniques (e.g., PCR, Western blotting, ELISA ... This is an Entry-Level position in the Support track. Job Code: S56441 Grade: S12 Expected Pay ...

University of Utah

Logistics Coordinators

Campus, IL · On-site

$11.75 - $26.94/hr

... of Biochemistry Location Campus City Salt Lake City, UT Type of Recruitment External Posting Pay ... This is an Entry-Level position in the Support track. Job Code: S23581 Grade: S13 Expected Pay ...

University of Utah

Logistics Coordinators

Campus, IL

$11.75 - $26.94/hr

... of Biochemistry Location Campus City Salt Lake City, UT Type of Recruitment External Posting Pay ... This is an Entry-Level position in the Support track. Job Code: S23581 Grade: S13 Expected Pay ...

University of Utah

Logistics Coordinators

Campus, IL

$11.75 - $26.94/hr

... of Biochemistry Location Campus City Salt Lake City, UT Type of Recruitment External Posting Pay ... This is an Entry-Level position in the Support track. Job Code: S23581 Grade: S13 Expected Pay ...

University of Utah

Lab Aide

Campus, IL · On-site

$14.75 - $20.50/hr

Minimum Qualifications This is an entry level position and on the job training is provided. The ... Preferences Bachelor's degree with Biology, Biochemistry or other equivalent scientific discipline ...

University of Utah

Lab Aide

Campus, IL · On-site

$14.75 - $20.50/hr

Minimum Qualifications This is an entry level position and on the job training is provided. The ... Preferences Bachelor's degree with Biology, Biochemistry or other equivalent scientific discipline ...

University of Utah

Lab Aide

Campus, IL · On-site

$14.75 - $20.50/hr

Minimum Qualifications This is an entry level position and on the job training is provided. The ... Preferences Bachelor's degree with Biology, Biochemistry or other equivalent scientific discipline ...

All JobsBiochemist JobsEntry Level Biochemist JobsEntry Level Biochemist Jobs in Illinois

Entry Level Biochemist information

See Illinois salary details

$13

$28

$46

How much do entry level biochemist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level biochemist in Illinois is $28.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.08 and $31.44 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level biochemist do?

An entry-level biochemist studies or performs research on the chemical and biological functions of living things. Biochemistry is, as the name implies, the confluence of biology and chemistry, and involves the study of compounds on a molecular level, meaning your duties often include working in a laboratory setting where you perform analysis with microscopes and specialized equipment. Biochemistry careers exist in a wide variety of sectors: industrial, commercial, and academic. Entry-level biochemists working in academia do so most often in universities, where your responsibilities are to support the research of a senior biochemist, gathering and collating data, performing minor experiments, and providing supplementary research to aid the larger project. You can also find work in the research and development or quality control departments of pharmaceutical or medical device manufacturers, food producers, or government agencies.

What are some typical projects an entry level biochemist might work on during their first year?

As an entry level biochemist, you can expect to support research and development initiatives by conducting experiments, preparing samples, and analyzing data under the guidance of senior scientists. Common projects include assisting with protein purification, running assays to measure enzyme activity, and maintaining cell cultures. You'll often collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including chemists and lab technicians, to ensure experiments run smoothly and results are accurately recorded. This hands-on experience is invaluable for developing technical skills and building a strong foundation for future advancement.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level biochemist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Biochemist, you need a fundamental understanding of biochemistry, molecular biology, and laboratory techniques, typically supported by a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, analytical instruments (such as spectrophotometers and chromatography systems), and software for data analysis is common, along with safety certifications. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for success in this role. These skills ensure accurate experimental results, maintain safety standards, and foster productive collaboration in research or industrial laboratory environments.

What is the difference between Entry Level Biochemist vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectEntry Level BiochemistLaboratory Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in biochemistry, biology, or related fieldAssociate's degree or relevant certification
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, pharmaceutical companies, biotech firmsClinical, industrial, or research laboratories
Employer & Industry UsageResearch and development, academia, biotech industryQuality control, testing labs, manufacturing
Common Search & ComparisonYesNo

Entry Level Biochemists typically hold a bachelor's degree and focus on research and experimental work in labs, while Laboratory Technicians often have an associate's degree and perform routine testing and sample analysis. Both roles are essential in scientific settings but differ in responsibilities and qualifications.

More about Entry Level Biochemist jobs

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What job categories do people searching Entry Level Biochemist jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Biochemist jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Entry Level Biochemist jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Entry Level Biochemist job openings:

Entry Level Biochemist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Biochemist job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, and 40% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $58,733 per year, or $28.2 per hour.

Entry Level Lab Technician - Decatur, IL

Archer Daniels Midland

On-site

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Performs chemical and microbiological analysis of samples to assess product quality, process performance, and food safety compliance.

  • Operates, maintains, troubleshoots, and calibrates laboratory instrumentation, including HPLC systems and microbiological testing equipment.

  • Documents analytical results, reviews data for accuracy and trends, and communicates laboratory findings and quality concerns.

ADM rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 186 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

76th of 366 rated logistics

Job description

Entry Level Lab Technician - Decatur, IL
Job Summary
Performs chemical and microbiological analysis, documentation, and data entry in a high-volume process control laboratory while ensuring compliance with safety, environmental, food safety, and quality programs. Operates, maintains, and troubleshoots laboratory instrumentation, including HPLC systems and other analytical equipment, to support production, product quality, and process improvement initiatives.
Essential Job Functions
  • Analyzes process, production, environmental, and finished product samples to determine product quality, process performance, and food safety compliance.
  • Performs analytical testing using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and other laboratory instrumentation in accordance with established methods and procedures.
  • Conducts routine microbiological testing and monitoring to support quality assurance and food safety programs.
  • Documents analytical results and laboratory activities, including food safety, product quality, housekeeping, and hazardous waste generation.
  • Reviews analytical data for completeness, accuracy, trends, and product quality or food safety implications.
  • Communicates laboratory results, quality concerns, and operational issues.
  • Enters analytical and microbiological data.
  • Performs routine calibration, verification, preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, and minor repairs on laboratory instruments and equipment.
  • Prepares samples, standards, reagents, and microbiological media according to established procedures.
  • Assists with laboratory housekeeping, organization, inventory control, and compliance activities.
  • Understands their role in food safety and quality systems, actively participates in food safety efforts, and ensures all activities conform to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), laboratory procedures, and regulatory requirements.
  • Works effectively across analytical, instrumentation, and microbiology laboratory areas to support plant operations and business objectives.
  • Other task as assigned.
Minimum Job Requirements
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Basic math, computer, and problem solving skills.
  • Ability to follow written procedures and accurately document laboratory activities.
  • Ability to work safely around chemicals, laboratory equipment, and manufacturing processes.
Education / Experience
  • Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Food Science, or a related scientific field preferred.
  • Continuing education, technical certification, or laboratory coursework in a science-related field preferred.
  • Previous laboratory experience in analytical chemistry, microbiology, manufacturing, food processing, or quality control preferred.
  • Experience with HPLC systems, laboratory instrumentation, and microbiological testing methods preferred.
Working Conditions
  • Respiratory Hazards:
    • Dust
  • Hot/Cold Temperature Extremes:
    • Temperature and humidity controlled
    • Indoor
  • Chemicals
    • Hazardous chemicals present
  • Lighting
    • Indoor
Physical Requirements
  • Lifts, carries, and transports up to 50 pounds.
  • Ascends and descends stepladders.
  • Positions self to access samples, supplies, and laboratory instruments.
  • Opens, prepares, analyzes, and disposes of samples in accordance with laboratory procedures.
  • Handles laboratory supplies, instruments, sample containers, transfer vessels, and testing materials safely and efficiently.
Excited about this role but don't think you meet every requirement listed? We encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this role or another one of our openings.
ADM requires the successful completion of a background check. 
REF:112422BR
 

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