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Food Lab Assistant Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Joliet Junior College

Culinary Lab Assistant

Joliet, IL · On-site

$15.38 - $17.30/hr

Work with the instructor to inventory all products and prepare orders for all food and non-food ... of lab assistant. 5. Must be able to work flexible hours during scheduled lab times. 6. Must ...

Joliet Junior College

Culinary Lab Assistant

Joliet, IL · On-site

$15.38 - $17.30/hr

Work with the instructor to inventory all products and prepare orders for all food and non-food ... of lab assistant. 5. Must be able to work flexible hours during scheduled lab times. 6. Must ...

JJC Enterprises

Culinary Lab Assistant

Joliet, IL

$15.38 - $17.30/hr

Work with the instructor to inventory all products and prepare orders for all food and non-food ... of lab assistant. 5. Must be able to work flexible hours during scheduled lab times. 6. Must ...

Certified Group

Micro Lab Assistant

Aurora, IL

Job Summary The Lab Assistant within the Media Department is responsible for preparing, sterilizing, and organizing media and reagents essential to analytical and microbiological testing of food ...

Certified Group

Micro Lab Assistant

Aurora, IL

Food Safety Net Services (FSNS) - A leading network of ISO-accredited laboratories across North ... Job Summary The Lab Assistant within the Media Department is responsible for preparing, sterilizing ...

Certified Group

Micro Lab Assistant

Aurora, IL · On-site

Food Safety Net Services (FSNS) - A leading network of ISO-accredited laboratories across North ... Job Summary The Lab Assistant within the Media Department is responsible for preparing, sterilizing ...

Merieux NutriSciences

Laboratory Assistant

Crete, IL · On-site

$16.50/hr

Laboratory 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.

Carbery Group

Lab Technician (Contract)

Wauconda, IL · On-site

$22/hr

With deep expertise across food, beverage, and nutrition, our teams develop high-quality taste ... procedures. Assist with sensory testing by organizing and preparing samples for taste panels.

Carbery Group

Lab Technician (Contract)

Wauconda, IL · On-site

$22/hr

With deep expertise across food, beverage, and nutrition, our teams develop high-quality taste ... • Assist with sensory testing by organizing and preparing samples for taste panels. • Perform ...

Simple Mills

R&D/QA Lab Technician

Chicago, IL · On-site

$19.50 - $26/hr

Company Description Simple Mills is on a mission to transform the way food is made, creating ... Requirements Role Description The R&D/QA Lab Technician will be a critical role in Chicago. In this ...

Simple Mills

R&D/QA Lab Technician

Chicago, IL · On-site

$19.50 - $26/hr

Technical Testing & Lab Support * Assist in the planning and execution of benchtop testing as assigned by the Food Scientists and Managers * Prepare, test, and evaluate food and ingredient samples ...

Certified Group

Chemistry Lab Tech II

Aurora, IL

$18.75 - $25/hr

JOB SUMMARY Assist in the chemical testing of food products, ingredients, and other matrices with ... Maintain lab workspaces in a clean and organized manner at all times * Assisting with managing ...

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Food Lab Assistant information

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How much do food lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for food lab assistant in Chicago, IL is $20.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $23.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What qualifications do I need to be a lab assistant?

Food lab assistants typically need a high school diploma or equivalent; some positions prefer or require postsecondary education in food science, microbiology, or related fields. Basic knowledge of laboratory procedures, attention to detail, and the ability to follow safety protocols are important. Certifications in food safety or sanitation can be advantageous but are not always mandatory.

What are some common challenges a Food Lab Assistant might 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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Food Lab Assistant, and why are they important?

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 are Food Lab Assistants?

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.

Is it easy to get a job with a food science degree?

Food Lab Assistants with a food science degree often find entry-level positions available, especially in food manufacturing, quality control, or research settings. Having relevant skills such as laboratory techniques, attention to detail, and certifications like HACCP can improve job prospects, but competition varies by location and industry demand.

What exactly does a lab assistant do?

A Food Lab Assistant supports food testing and quality control processes by preparing samples, operating laboratory equipment, and recording data. They ensure safety protocols are followed and may assist with experiments or inspections to ensure food products meet standards.

What degree do I need to be a lab assistant?

For a Food Lab Assistant position, a high school diploma or equivalent is typically required. Some roles may prefer or require post-secondary education such as an associate's degree or coursework in food science, microbiology, or related fields. Relevant skills include attention to detail and familiarity with laboratory equipment and safety protocols.
What are the most commonly searched types of Food Lab jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Food Lab jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Food Lab Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL? For Food Lab Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Food Lab Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Food Lab Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Food Lab Assistant jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Food Lab Assistant job openings:
Food Lab Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Lab Assistant job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,383 per year, or $20.9 per hour.

Culinary Lab Assistant

Joliet Junior College

Joliet, IL • On-site

$15.38 - $17.30/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 26 days ago

Joliet Junior College rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

495th of 613 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Position Title:
Culinary Lab Assistant
Job Description:
POSITION TITLE:Culinary Lab Assistant
STATUS:Part time
DEPARTMENT: Culinary Arts
SUB-DIVISION: Career & Technical Education
DIVISION: Academic Affairs
CLASSIFICATION: Non-exempt
UNION: Non-union
REPORTS TO: Chef Instructor holding lab class on that particular day
PLACEMENT: Support staff, Grade 2
HIRING RANGE: $15.38 - $17.30 hourly
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The student population at the college is diverse in ethnicity, gender, language, age and background. Joliet Junior College is an AA/EO employer and strongly encourages applications from candidates who would enhance the diversity of its staff.
POSITION SUMMARY
Responsible for assisting instructional faculty and students, and provides support in the operation and monitoring of lab processes, equipment and activities in the Culinary Arts Management Program.
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Meet with instructor to discuss any special needs for that day's lab class.
2. Assist students with menu production and supervise quality of product.
3. Monitor students to ensure they are following proper recipes, cooking procedures, baking practices, and service skills where appropriate.
4. Continually monitor sanitation and safety practices of students.
5. Inform chef instructor of any misconduct, mishandling or a destruction and/or waste of product by students.
6. Monitor all storage and food production areas to ensure that students put products away and store them properly.
7. Assist students with proper professional knife skills, terminology and techniques.
8. Maintain a positive attitude towards students to foster a learning environment.
9. Assist with Chef for a Day visiting students, recruitment efforts and high school/career fair presentations.
10. Fill in as a teacher assistant when needed.
11. Assist with instruction of daily cooking and food production lessons.
12. Assist with supervision of student workers as necessary.
13. Perform final inspection of individual student work area and dismiss students at the end of each class once all food production and classroom food spaces have been cleaned and sanitized.
14. Ensure operation is in good condition for health department inspections of student food production areas.
15. Work with the instructor to inventory all products and prepare orders for all food and non-food supplies needed for each class.
16. Develop and maintain production sheets for each instructor/class.
17. Perform other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
1. One (1) year of culinary arts lab work completed with a grade of "B" or better.
2. Ability to communicate effectively with students/faculty and foodservice staff.
3. Self-motivated, patient, with common sense and problem-solving ability and a willingness to accept responsibility.
4. Recommendation from chef/lab instructor for position of lab assistant.
5. Must be able to work flexible hours during scheduled lab times.
6. Must possess (or currently in process of earning) a current FSSMC sanitation license for the State of Illinois.
7. Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with other members of the college and community, displaying cultural competence as well as emotional intelligence.
8. Demonstrated commitment to the college's core values of respect and inclusion, sustainability, integrity, collaboration, humor and well-being, innovation and quality.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
1. English and Spanish verbal and written communication proficiency.
2. Demonstrated multicultural competence.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
1. Normal culinary lab physical demands.
2. Must complete physical.
3. Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.
4. Standard culinary lab equipment.
5. Must be able to stand for extended period of times.
WORKING CONDITIONS
1. Culinary lab environment
BENEFITS
Click Here for benefits; Non-Union Support Staff, Professional, Administrative
Full Time/Part Time:
Part time
Union (If Applicable):
Scheduled Hours:
28

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