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Food Lab Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Owens Community College

Applicant Pool for Adjunct Faculty, Lab Assistant, Culinary Arts The Culinary Arts Lab Assistant ... Knowledge of food safety and sanitation guidelines and requirements. Working knowledge of basic ...

Merieux NutriSciences

Lab Assistant

Crete, IL · On-site

$18 - $18.50/hr

Lab Assistant Crete Analytical Laboratory Regular (US Only) MERIEUX NUTRISCIENCES As a trusted partner, our Public Health mission is to make food systems safer, healthier and more sustainable.

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How much do food lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for food lab assistant in the United States is $20.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $23.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a food lab assistant?

Food Lab Assistants are professionals who support food scientists and technologists in research and quality control laboratories. They help prepare samples, conduct experiments, maintain laboratory equipment, and record data related to food safety, nutrition, and product development. Their work is essential in ensuring food products meet safety standards and regulatory requirements. Food Lab Assistants often work in food manufacturing companies, research institutions, or government agencies.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a food lab assistant?

To thrive as a Food Lab Assistant, you need a background in food science or a related field, with knowledge of laboratory safety and basic analytical techniques. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, food testing methods, and data management systems is typically required. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to work well in a team are essential soft skills. These abilities ensure accurate testing, compliance with safety standards, and efficient support of food quality and research operations.

What challenges might a food lab assistant face during routine testing and how can they be addressed?

Food Lab Assistants often encounter challenges such as maintaining strict quality control standards while handling multiple samples and adhering to tight deadlines. Another common issue is managing cross-contamination risks, which requires careful attention to lab protocols and cleanliness. Effective communication with team members and supervisors is also crucial, especially when clarifying test procedures or reporting unusual findings. Staying organized, following standard operating procedures, and seeking guidance when uncertainties arise can help overcome these challenges and ensure accurate results.

How do you become a food lab assistant?

To become a food lab assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and some experience or training in food science, microbiology, or related fields. Relevant skills include attention to detail, knowledge of laboratory safety procedures, and familiarity with testing equipment. Some positions may require certification or coursework in food safety or quality assurance.

Is it hard to become a food lab assistant?

Becoming a food lab assistant typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent and some knowledge of food safety and laboratory procedures. The role often involves attention to detail, basic lab skills, and sometimes certifications like ServSafe, but it generally does not require extensive experience or advanced education.

What qualifications do I need to be a food lab assistant?

To become a food lab assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. Relevant skills include attention to detail, basic knowledge of food safety and sanitation, and familiarity with laboratory equipment; some positions may require prior experience or certification in food safety or related fields.
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Food Lab Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Lab Assistant job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, 32% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,113 per year, or $20.2 per hour.

Student Assistant (Technical) - Central Station/Food Lab

Edmond, OK • On-site

University of Central Oklahoma
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about University of Central Oklahomaexternal

$7.25 - $11/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Assist the instructor with conducting the food lab, including answering student questions and helping students complete lab activities.

  • Set up, check-in, and oversee cleanup of lab items, ensuring the lab is clean and sanitized before leaving.

  • Assist with setting up audio/visual equipment, PowerPoint presentations, and computers for staff, faculty, or students.

University Of Central Oklahoma rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Position Overview

This is a regular student technical position in which the student will assist the instructor with the food lab in the Central Station Café. Duties may include setting up, picking up, and checking-in items for labs. May be requested to set up audio/visual equipment, PowerPoint presentations, and/or computers for staff, faculty or students.

Hours per Week

Up to 6 hours per week on either Tuesday or Thursday labs.

College/Department Overview

College of Education and Professional Studies, Human Environmental Sciences, Nutrition and Food Science, Food Lab.

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Department Specific Job Functions

The student assistant will report to the lab instructor on Tuesdays or Thursdays to assist with conducting the food lab. Duties will include answering student questions, assisting students with completing the lab, and ensuring food safety guidelines are followed. Additional duties include turning in cash drawer contents to the Bursar’s office and assisting with washing and drying towels and aprons. The student assistant also oversees lab cleanup, and ensures the lab is clean and sanitized prior to leaving. Other related duties may be assigned.

Enrollment Requirements

Fall/Spring Semesters: All student employees must be enrolled at least half-time to be eligible to work any UCO student position. Half-time enrollment for fall/spring semesters is considered 5 hours for graduates and 6 hours for undergraduates. International students must be enrolled full-time to be eligible to work as a student employee. Full-time enrollment is 9 credit hours for graduates and 12 credit hours for undergraduates.

Summer Semester: Student employees working regular student positions must be enrolled in at least 3 credit hours to be eligible to work during the summer. Students not enrolled in summer classes must be enrolled in fall classes in order to work during the summer, but they (and the department) will be required to pay FICA taxes. Student employees working FWSP positions must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 credit hours (if undergraduate) or 5 credit hours (if graduate) in order to work during the summer in a Federal Work Study Program position.

Enrollment Exception: If the number of credit hours needed to graduate is less than the minimum number of hours required for student employment, the student must obtain a letter from their Academic Advisor (stating the number of hours needed to graduate and anticipated graduation date) and submit it to Human Resources. This pertains to both regular and Federal Work Study Program positions. Contact jobs@uco.edu for more information.

Qualifications/Experience Required

Applicants must be Nutrition majors who have already completed Introduction to Food Preparation and Quantity Foods Course. 

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • Sensitivity of intercultural communication.
  • Good interpersonal skills.
  • Dependable.
  • Punctual.

Physical Demands

Reasonable accommodation, in accordance with ADA requirements, may be made upon request to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

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