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Entry Level Lab Jobs in Amherst, MA (NOW HIRING)

Holyoke Medical Center Laboratory has an exciting entry-level position available for applicants interested in diagnostic medicine. The applicant must share a passion for our lab mission statement ...

CompTIA A+ Tutor

Northampton, MA · Remote

$25 - $40/hr

Adapts instruction using virtual lab environments, hardware identification practice, and practice examinations to support aspiring IT professionals preparing for entry-level CompTIA A+ certification.

Entry Level Lab information

See Amherst, MA salary details

$13

$23

$49

How much do entry level lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level lab in Amherst, MA is $23.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $25.58 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level lab?

An entry level lab job typically refers to a position in a laboratory setting that requires minimal prior experience or specialized education beyond a high school diploma or associate degree. Employees in these roles assist with basic laboratory tasks such as preparing samples, performing routine tests, maintaining equipment, and recording data under the supervision of more experienced staff. These positions are often a starting point for a career in science, healthcare, or research, providing valuable hands-on experience and exposure to laboratory protocols and safety procedures.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an entry level lab technician?

To thrive as an Entry Level Lab Technician, you need a basic understanding of laboratory procedures, safety protocols, and typically an associate degree or relevant certification in a scientific field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, data entry systems, and software like LIMS (Laboratory Information Management Systems) is commonly required. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective communication help you stand out in this role. These skills are vital for ensuring accurate results, maintaining safety standards, and supporting efficient laboratory operations.

What are common challenges faced by entry level lab technicians, and how can they be overcome?

Entry-level lab technicians often face challenges such as adjusting to strict safety protocols, managing multiple tasks efficiently, and becoming familiar with laboratory equipment and procedures. To overcome these hurdles, it's important to actively participate in training sessions, ask questions when unsure, and maintain a well-organized workspace. Building strong communication with senior technicians and supervisors can also help in gaining confidence and improving technical skills over time.

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

AspectEntry Level LabLaboratory Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or associate's degreeAssociate's degree or relevant certification
Work EnvironmentEducational, research, or clinical labsMedical, industrial, or research labs
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions, research facilitiesHospitals, biotech companies, industrial labs
Common Search & ComparisonEntry Level Lab vs Laboratory Technician

Entry Level Lab roles typically require basic education and involve assisting in lab tasks within educational or research settings. Laboratory Technicians often have similar credentials but may perform more specialized or technical duties in medical or industrial labs. Both roles serve as foundational positions in laboratory environments, with Laboratory Technicians generally having more hands-on responsibilities.

How to get started working in an entry level lab?

To start working in an entry level lab, obtain relevant education such as a high school diploma or associate degree in a science-related field. Gaining basic laboratory skills, familiarity with lab equipment, and certifications like OSHA safety training can improve your chances; some positions may also require background checks and on-the-job training.

Is it hard to get a job in an entry level lab?

Securing an entry level lab position can be competitive, but having relevant education such as a high school diploma or associate degree, along with basic laboratory skills and certifications like OSHA training, can improve chances. Entry level lab jobs often require attention to detail, familiarity with lab equipment, and the ability to follow safety protocols, making some positions more accessible to new applicants than others.

What career paths start in an entry level lab?

Entry level lab positions often serve as stepping stones to careers in scientific research, quality control, laboratory management, or specialized fields such as microbiology, chemistry, or biomedical sciences. Gaining experience in lab techniques, data analysis, and certifications like OSHA or CLIA can help advance to technician, research associate, or laboratory supervisor roles.

What are the most commonly searched types of Lab jobs in Amherst, MA?

The most popular types of Lab jobs in Amherst, MA are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Lab jobs in Amherst, MA look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Lab jobs in Amherst, MA are:

What cities near Amherst, MA are hiring for Entry Level Lab jobs?

Cities near Amherst, MA with the most Entry Level Lab job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Lab job openings in Amherst, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,292 per year, or $23.7 per hour.

Entry Level Laboratory Technician

Ascend Wellness Holdings

Athol, MA • On-site

$20/hr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New


Ascend Wellness Holdings rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

22nd of 33 rated cannabis dispensaries


Job description

Description
Who We Are
Ascend Wellness Holdings (AWH) is a vertically integrated cannabis cultivator, processor, and retailer with assets in Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. Our mission is to shape the future of cannabis as a leading healthcare solution while delivering a premium, customer-focused retail experience. We are committed to building a high-performing team that is passionate about our products, our communities, and creating operational excellence across our growing footprint.
The Role
This position reports directly to the Extraction Lab Manager and is responsible for supporting all operations within the extraction laboratory, including cannabis extraction, post-processing, and analytical testing. The Lab Technician performs all duties in strict compliance with company standard operating procedures (SOPs), health and safety protocols, and applicable laws and regulations governed by the cannabis regulatory agency.
Pay: $20/hour
Schedule: Tuesday - Friday 6:30am - 5pm.
Essential Job Functions
  • Operate extraction and post-processing equipment following safety and compliance standards
  • Assist in the preparation, sampling, and documentation of analytical testing
  • Maintain detailed and accurate records in accordance with seed-to-sale tracking requirements
  • Perform routine cleaning, sanitization, and equipment maintenance to ensure lab readiness
  • Support lab leadership in implementing quality control procedures and process improvements

Other Job Responsibilities
  • Participate in state inspections and internal audits as needed.
  • Adhere to all safety protocols, including proper use of PPE and chemical handling.
  • Report equipment issues, safety hazards, or compliance concerns to management.
  • Assist with research and development trials and formulation projects.
  • Maintain a professional and respectful demeanor while working with cross-functional teams.
  • Perform additional duties as assigned based on operational needs.
  • Observe and adhere to regulatory, safety and security procedures at all times

Minimum Job Requirements
  • Must be 21 years of age or older
  • Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a Registered Agent Card
  • Ability to perform physical tasks in a lab setting, including standing, lifting, and repetitive motions while wearing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
  • Basic math, communication, and data entry skills

Preferred Job Requirements
  • 2-3 years of Laboratory, pharmaceutical, or cannabis production experience preferred
  • Familiarity with lab best practices and regulatory compliance
  • Strong attention to detail with strong troubleshooting and documentation skills
  • Ability to work effectively in a fast paced, highly regulated environment
  • Team-oriented with excellent interpersonal and collaboration skills

EEO Statement
Ascend Wellness Holdings, INC., ("AWH") and its subsidiaries is an equal opportunity employer and celebrate the population of differences and does not discriminate in its hiring / hiring practices, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Nothing in this job specification restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Critical features of this job are described under various headings above. They may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons. The above statements are strictly intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees in this position.
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.
To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" relationship.

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About Ascend Wellness Holdings

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Ascend Wellness Holdings (AWH) is a leading multi-state cannabis operator hailing from New York, NY, USA. With a strong online presence at awholdings.com, they have a deep commitment to the cultivation, processing, and distribution of cannabis. AWH was established on the belief in the healing power of cannabis and their mission is to offer a wide range of high-quality cannabis products. They focus on consumer-centric experiences through their strategically positioned dispensaries in key US markets. AWH upholds a strong emphasis on compliance, compassion, and product quality, core values that continue to propel them to the top in the highly regulated cannabis industry.

Industry

Agriculture

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

New York, NY, US

Year founded

2018

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