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Entry Level Lab Assistant Jobs in Champaign, IL (NOW HIRING)

Kraft Heinz

Class C

Champaign, IL

$22.73/hr

... - Assist with project testing including samples from Champaign projects, R&D and other locations ... Poor lab technique and errors can result in substantial product loss with a high financial impact ...

Nutrien

Seasonal Lab Technician (FT)

Champaign, IL · On-site

$15 - $20/hr

On-Site Experience Level: Entry Level Job Type: Seasonal Waypoint Analytical has been a trusted ... Document activities and report results in a concise and accurate manner * Assist group leaders and ...

All JobsEntry Level Lab Assistant JobsEntry Level Lab Assistant Jobs in Champaign, IL

Entry Level Lab Assistant information

See Champaign, IL salary details

$10

$20

$29

How much do entry level lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level lab assistant in Champaign, IL is $20.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.63 and $23.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an Entry Level Lab Assistant job?

An Entry Level Lab Assistant supports scientists and researchers by performing basic laboratory tasks, such as preparing samples, organizing lab equipment, and recording data. They follow strict safety protocols and ensure the lab stays clean and organized. This role is ideal for individuals with a background in science who want hands-on experience in a laboratory setting. Depending on the workplace, lab assistants may work in medical, research, or industrial labs. It is a great starting position for those looking to advance in the scientific field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Entry Level Lab Assistant position, and why are they important?

To excel as an Entry Level Lab Assistant, you need basic laboratory skills, familiarity with safety protocols, and a high school diploma or equivalent, with some employers preferring coursework or experience in biology or chemistry. Experience using laboratory equipment like centrifuges, pipettes, and data entry systems is often valuable. Strong attention to detail, communication, and time management skills help you stand out in the role. These abilities ensure that laboratory procedures are performed accurately, efficiently, and safely, supporting the overall success of scientific projects.

What are some typical daily tasks for an Entry Level Lab Assistant?

Entry Level Lab Assistants typically handle tasks such as preparing and labeling samples, maintaining laboratory equipment, recording data, and helping maintain a clean and organized workspace. You may also assist senior lab staff with routine experiments and monitor inventory of supplies. The role often involves following strict safety procedures and ensuring all activities comply with laboratory standards. This hands-on experience provides valuable exposure to lab techniques and a collaborative team environment, making it an excellent starting point for those interested in scientific careers.

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Lab Assistant jobs in Champaign, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Lab Assistant jobs in Champaign, IL are:
What cities near Champaign, IL are hiring for Entry Level Lab Assistant jobs? Cities near Champaign, IL with the most Entry Level Lab Assistant job openings:
Entry Level Lab Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Lab Assistant job openings in Champaign, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,175 per year, or $20.3 per hour.
Class C

Class C

Kraft Heinz

Champaign, IL

$22.73/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

Kraft Heinz rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 120 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

198th of 389 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

Job DescriptionHourly manufacturing position Job Description
JOB: Laboratory Analyst
DEPARTMENT: Quality
RATE OF PAY: $22.73
SHIFT: 3rd shift (11pm-7am)
FLEXIBLE WORK WEEK
In addition to the following, employees are responsible for understanding the relevance and importance of the individual's activities in contributing to food safety, and reporting situations that may impact food.
STATEMENT OF THE JOB:
Primary responsibilities are to gather product, raw material and microbiological samples. Analyst is to work and communicate closely with the other members of the team to provide support in both East Laboratory and West Laboratory and other areas of Quality and Manufacturing.
DUTIES:
Under the direction of the Laboratory Supervisor:
- Pick up samples from the production lines.
- Sample raw materials and perform analysis.
- Perform analytical testing (includes, but not limited to, pH, salt, viscosity, acids, fats, moistures, phosphorus, sorbates, extraneous, refractive index, density) as required by Kraft specifications.
- Address deviations from specifications as appropriate.
- Proper use of delicate and precision instrumentation and equipment is required.
- Log samples and test results into the laboratory computer systems.
- Generate reports and interpret results.
- Coordinate data entry and accounting for all laboratory testing.
- Conduct scale and weight checks.
- Coordinate and execute road test density program.
- Execute hold program for all faulty raw materials.
- Monitor rotation and sampling of all raw materials.
- Prepare chemicals, solutions and equipment necessary for the required testing.
- Set up daily grading table, check samples for any visual defects such as labels and code dates; collect and record comments of graders.
- Prepare samples for grading such as cheese melts and pasta cook-offs.
- Gather micro samples (equipment swabs, fingerplates and air samples).
- Calibrate thermometers and temperature probes in the production and laboratory area.
- Maintain and clean laboratory instrumentation, equipment and environment.
- Troubleshoot laboratory instrumentation as necessary.
- Maintain testing control programs including testing, recording results and addressing deviations as appropriate.
- Maintain accurate and precise records (includes log books, computer files, graphs, and control programs).
- Work in safe manner and be aware of potential safety hazards in the laboratory and workplace.
- Comply with all Kraft Foods, Inc GMP policies.
- Assist with project testing including samples from Champaign projects, R&D and other locations.
- Keep informed about changes in laboratory and department procedures.
- Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Employee must concentrate and pay close attention to detail.
- Must be able to prioritize work for maximum time effectiveness and efficiency, and handle a number of situations at one time.
- As part of the laboratory work team the employee must have the capability and initiative to perform duties without direct supervision.
- Provide assistance to other areas of the laboratory to accomplish all necessary laboratory functions in a professional manner.
- The Employee should also strive to continually contribute to the improvement of laboratory and departmental procedures.
- Know, understand, and comply with Kraft Food's Environmental Policy. - Reduce Kraft's Environmental footprint.
-Participate in the QRMP audit and assist in the development of procedures and corrective actions
-Oversee and lead the implementation of the QRMP (Quality Risk Management Process) system and operational standards as outlined in the plant accountability list.
- Responsible for wearing proper PPE, compliance of safety training, policy and procedures and report any unsafe safety conditons to a Supervisor/ Management.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Able to demonstrate proficiency in Microsoft Office (Power Point, Excel and Outlook)
- Requires basic arithmetic skills including multiplication and division as well as use of a calculator and computer.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Classes in general laboratory science and chemistry would be helpful.
- Experience in lab testing.
- Experience with SAP and Quality Suite.
RESPONSIBILITY OF EQUIPMENT OPERATED:
Employee will be required to operate instrumentation and equipment that is expensive, delicate and very critical to daily operations.
VALUE OF MATERIAL:
Improper monitoring of lab supplies can be costly; supplies that are mishandled or over ordered can become faulty, or if supplies are not monitored and ordered in time, can cause a financial impact to both the department and facility. Poor lab technique and errors can result in substantial product loss with a high financial impact to the facility. Losses as mentioned above can amount to thousands of dollars.
LIFTING REQUIREMENTS:
Employee must be able to lift up to 60 lbs. Employee must be able to lift carboys [approx. 20+ lbs.] overhead several times each week.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Employee must be able to work in a variety of physical environments that include, but are not limited to; varying degrees of temperature, humidity and noise. Employee must be able to work around different types of chemicals that include, but are not limited to; ethers, alcohol, ammonia hydroxide, antibiotics, color concentrates, acids, sodium hydroxide and silver nitrate. Employee will be using hot equipment including water or oil baths. Employee will be moving around the majority of the time. The job requires a lot of standing, walking and stair climbing. Employee will be required to wear safety PPE to perform specific tasks in the lab and production.
TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:
Employee will be trained one on one for two (2) weeks under close supervision in the area of primary responsibilities. Employee will be trained in all areas of testing in the laboratory and must be capable of operating necessary instrumentation and equipment to perform job responsibilities.
Benefits: Coverage for employees (and their eligible dependents) through affordable access to healthcare, protection, and savingfor the future, we offer plans tailored to meet you and your family's needs. Coveragefor benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents.
Wellbeing: We offer events, resources, and learning opportunities that inspire aphysical, social, emotional, and financial well-being lifestyle for our employees and their families.
You'll be able to participate in a variety of benefits and wellbeing programs that may vary by role, country, region, union status, and other employment status factors, for example:
  • Physical - Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, Vision, Screenings/Assessments
  • Social - Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, Leave of Absence, Recognition, Training
  • Emotional - Employee Assistance Program, Wellbeing Programs, Family Support Programs
  • Financial - 401k,Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Disability
Location(s)
Champaign Plant
Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer that prohibits discrimination or harassment of any type. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Applicants who require an accommodation to participate in the job application or hiring process should contact NAZTAOps@kraftheinz.com.

Benefits: Coverage for employees (and their eligible dependents) through affordable access to healthcare, protection, and savingfor the future, we offer plans tailored to meet you and your family's needs. Coveragefor benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents.

Wellbeing: We offer events, resources, and learning opportunities that inspire aphysical, social, emotional, and financial well-being lifestyle for our employees and their families.

You'll be able to participate in a variety of benefits and wellbeing programs that may vary by role, country, region, union status, and other employment status factors, for example:

  • Physical - Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, Vision, Screenings/Assessments

  • Social - Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, Leave of Absence, Recognition, Training

  • Emotional - Employee Assistance Program, Wellbeing Programs, Family Support Programs

  • Financial - 401k,Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Disability

Location(s)

Champaign Plant

Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer that prohibits discrimination or harassment of any type. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Applicants who require an accommodation to participate in the job application or hiring process should contact NAZTAOps@kraftheinz.com.

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