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Entry Level Lab Jobs in DeKalb, IL (NOW HIRING)

Glanbia plc

Material Handler II - 2nd Shift - Picking

Aurora, IL · On-site

$23.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Immediate Hiring for Entry-Level and Experienced manufacturing team members at Glanbia Performance ... Lab coat, steel-toe boots/shoes, safety glasses, bump cap, hearing protection, hair net, beard net ...

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Entry Level Lab information

See DeKalb, IL salary details

$12

$23

$49

How much do entry level lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level lab in DeKalb, IL is $23.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.54 and $25.48 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 do I start working in an entry level lab?

To start working in an entry level lab, obtain relevant education such as a high school diploma or an associate degree in a science-related field. Gaining basic laboratory skills, familiarity with lab equipment, and sometimes certifications like OSHA safety training can improve your chances; applying for internships or entry-level positions through job boards is also common.

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

Securing an entry level lab position can be competitive, often requiring relevant education such as a high school diploma or an associate degree, along with basic laboratory skills. Candidates with certifications, familiarity with lab equipment, and strong attention to detail tend to have better chances of employment.

What career paths start in an entry level lab?

Starting in an entry-level lab position can lead to careers such as laboratory technician, research associate, quality control analyst, or laboratory supervisor. These roles often serve as stepping stones to specialized fields like biomedical research, clinical laboratory science, or quality assurance, and may require certifications or further education in science or technology.

What are the most commonly searched types of Lab jobs in DeKalb, IL?

The most popular types of Lab jobs in DeKalb, IL are:

What cities near DeKalb, IL are hiring for Entry Level Lab jobs?

Cities near DeKalb, IL with the most Entry Level Lab job openings:

Entry Level Lab jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Lab job openings in DeKalb, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,123 per year, or $23.6 per hour.

Material Handler II - 2nd Shift - Picking

Glanbia plc

Aurora, IL • On-site

$23.25/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago

Glanbia Performance Nutrition rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 38 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

30th of 438 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

Immediate Hiring for Entry-Level and Experienced manufacturing team members at Glanbia Performance Nutrition!
Compensation for roles at Glanbia varies depending on a wide range of factors including but not limited to the specific office location, role, skill set and level of experience. Glanbia provides a reasonable range of compensation for roles that may be hired in Illinois. This range may not be applicable to other locations. The hourly rate for Illinois based employees for this role is $23.25/hour ($22.50/hour + $0.75 shift differential).
Benefits Include: Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription Drug Coverage, FSA, HSA, Life & Disability Insurance, 19 Days Paid Time Off and 6% 401K match!
Monday through Friday set schedule!
  • 2nd Shift: 2:00pm - 10:30pm
Join the Glanbia Performance Nutrition team as a Forklift Operator / Material Handler. We are holding interviews with on-the-spot offers and have multiple shift opportunities available!
When you join our manufacturing team, you will enjoy the chance to develop your career and stretch your skills in an environment that requires innovation, initiative, and teamwork!
What you'll do:
As a Forklift Operator / Material Handler, you will manage responsible for moving goods, loaded pallets and equipment safely and securely. In addition to driving forklifts, this position also has a range of other manufacturing/warehouse duties such as cleaning activities, manual labor or checking inventories.
Every day, you can expect to:
  • Load, unload, move, count/pick, stack and stage product and materials using a stand-up forklift, sit-down forklift, regular reach truck and material handling as required.
  • Your shift will consist of about 95% forklift operation and 5% other warehouse duties.
  • Cross-train and assist other departments as needed.
  • Accurately pull and prepare product for use production or for shipment, completing documentation correctly using RH scanners.
  • Inspect all materials during picking, shipping and receiving to ensure product number accuracy and material is free of damage, reporting any discrepancies
  • Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Lab coat, steel-toe boots/shoes, safety glasses, bump cap, hearing protection, hair net, beard net, and nitrile gloves
  • Operate all equipment in a safe and efficient manner following work methods and OSHA standards. Drives electric powered MHE equipped with lifting devices, evaluating platforms to lift or stack products or materials.
  • Assist in maintaining/promoting the safety of the warehouse. Report issues and problems to management. Will support and abide by the company's safety program and all safety initiatives, policies and procedures.
  • Work with known allergens
    • Most common allergens found in the plant/warehouse environment include, but are not limited to, milk, soy, wheat, egg, peanut and tree nut
  • Work with powders
  • Practice continuous safety
To thrive in this role, you must:
  • Have at least 6-months Sit-Down, Reach and Stand Up Forklift Experience
  • Lift up to 55 lbs. on an occasional basis 6 inches off Ground to Waist.
  • Lift up to 30 lbs. on an occasional basis Waist to Shoulder.
  • Carry up to 55 lbs. on an occasional basis up to 5 ft.
  • Be able to pull a 55lb bag from a height of 60 inches on an occasional basis.
Preferred qualifications:
  • High School Diploma or equivalent preferred
  • Experience in Food environment or Consumer product
  • Experience using WMS or ERP system with RF scanning a plus

Disclaimer:
This job description is not intended, nor should it be construed to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills, or working conditions associated with the particular job. It is intended only to be a general description of the essential functions common to positions of this type.
At Glanbia, we celebrate diversity, because we know that our individual strengths make us stronger together. We welcome and encourage interest from a wide variety of candidates, and we will give your application consideration, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, protected veteran status, or disability status.
At Glanbia our culture will celebrate individuality, knowing that together we are more.

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