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Graduate Lab Assistant Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

The lab assistant receives tissue specimens while confirming the requisition/orders for ... graduate schools and the MD/PhD program of the CU School of Medicine. Our faculty and staff are ...

Cardiac Cath Lab Manager

Aurora, CO · On-site

$102K - $160K/yr

Graduate from an accredited RN nursing program and documentation of 3 years of relevant work ... Ability to interact with physicians during routine procedures, during emergencies and to assist ...

Cardiac Cath Lab Manager

Aurora, CO · On-site

$102K - $160K/yr

Graduate from an accredited RN nursing program and documentation of 3 years of relevant work ... Ability to interact with physicians during routine procedures, during emergencies and to assist ...

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Graduate Lab Assistant information

See Colorado salary details

$10

$21

$31

How much do graduate lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate lab assistant in Colorado is $21.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.45 and $24.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a graduate lab assistant?

Graduate lab assistants are graduate students who support professors and researchers in academic or research laboratories. Their responsibilities typically include preparing laboratory materials, assisting with experiments, maintaining equipment, and sometimes helping undergraduate students with lab work. They may also collect and analyze data, keep detailed records, and ensure that safety protocols are followed. This role provides valuable hands-on experience in scientific research and laboratory management, which is beneficial for their academic and career development.

What does a graduate lab assistant do?

As a Graduate Lab Assistant, you can expect to be involved in a variety of hands-on and organizational tasks each day. These often include preparing materials and equipment for experiments, assisting with data collection and analysis, maintaining laboratory cleanliness and safety standards, and supporting researchers or instructors with ongoing projects. You may also be responsible for inventory management and occasionally training new students on laboratory protocols. The role offers valuable exposure to advanced lab techniques and fosters close collaboration with faculty and research teams.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a graduate lab assistant?

To thrive as a Graduate Lab Assistant, you need a solid background in laboratory techniques, scientific research methods, and relevant coursework in your field of study. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, safety protocols, and data analysis software such as Excel or specialized scientific tools is typically required. Attention to detail, strong organizational abilities, and effective communication make someone stand out in this position. These skills ensure accurate data collection, maintain lab safety, and support successful research outcomes.

What is the difference between Graduate Lab Assistant vs Research Intern?

AspectGraduate Lab AssistantResearch Intern
Required CredentialsEnrolled graduate student, relevant courseworkUndergraduate or graduate student, relevant field of study
Work EnvironmentUniversity labs, academic settingsResearch institutions, labs, or university departments
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, academic research projectsResearch organizations, academic or industry research
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a Graduate Lab Assistant and a Research Intern lies in their educational status and scope of work. Graduate Lab Assistants are typically enrolled graduate students working within university labs, focusing on supporting ongoing research. Research Interns may be undergraduate or graduate students gaining practical experience in research settings, often for a limited period. Both roles involve assisting with experiments and data collection but differ mainly in their educational level and specific responsibilities.

Can you get a graduate lab assistant job with no experience?

Graduate lab assistant positions often do not require extensive prior experience, as they typically provide on-the-job training. However, having relevant coursework, basic laboratory skills, or familiarity with scientific tools can improve chances of hiring. Employers may also look for strong organizational skills and the ability to follow safety protocols.

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

To become a graduate lab assistant, candidates typically need to be enrolled in a relevant graduate program and have a strong background in the subject area, such as biology, chemistry, or engineering. Relevant skills include laboratory techniques, data analysis, and familiarity with lab equipment; some positions may also require prior research experience or certifications in safety procedures. Educational requirements usually include maintaining a minimum GPA and meeting any specific program prerequisites.
Infographic showing various Graduate Lab Assistant job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,283 per year, or $21.3 per hour.

Lead Histology Lab Assistant (Lab Tech III)

Aurora, CO • On-site

University of Colorado
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 10K+ employees

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


University Of Colorado Boulder rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
Department of Pathology
Lead Histology Lab Assistant (Lab Tech III)
Position #: 00843605 - Requisition #: 38689
Job Summary:
The Lead Clinical Laboratory (Histology) Technologist Assistant is a full-time position that performs a variety of routine and non-routine technical and administrative/clerical duties in the clinical histology laboratory setting under minimal supervision. This position requires independent judgment in selection of methodologies utilized in processing specimens and in solving non-routine problems. The Lead Clinical Laboratory (Histology) Technologist Assistant contributes to the overall efficiency of the laboratory or pathology practice in a cost effective manner by performing a variety of tasks. The Lead Clinical Laboratory (Histology) Technologist Assistant must be familiar with many laboratory policies and procedures. The position also assists in maintenance of the histology area by ordering, receiving and stocking supplies, cleaning and organizing supply storage areas, disposal of biological waste, adherence to all compliance and operational procedures.
Key Responsibilities:
80% Monitoring inventory and supply ordering
  • Ordering all supplies accurately and in a timely manner
  • Receiving supplies and logging them into the Lab Guru laboratory inventory software
  • Labeling and stocking supplies accurately
  • Physically monitoring supplies to ensure adequate par levels
  • Identifying organizational storage needs for laboratory supplies

10% Overseeing and leading all lab assistants in their duties and responsibilitie
  • Maintaining and posting the lab assistant work schedule
  • Training new lab assistants on duties and responsibilities
  • Filling in for lab assistants when necessary
  • When down a lab assistant due to vacation or call-in
  • High workload

5% Ability to adhere to established daily, monthly, and quarterly maintenance of Histology laboratory equipment.
  • has strong working knowledge of the Sakura Prisma and Prisma Plus stainer and coverslipper maintenance procedures.
  • Properly documents all maintenance performed
  • Has strong working knowledge of the Peloris III and VIP 6 tissue processor's program schedules as well as daily and monthly maintenance.
  • Properly take and records temperatures of ovens, paraffin pots and tissue processors.

5% Maintains all patient materials properly
  • Filing all blocks in appropriate drawers and in order
  • Filing and maintaining the unstained slide storage
  • Scheduling and coordinating block storage from drawers to boxes then to the basement
  • Scheduling and coordinating large scale block and unstained slides archives through the path archives.

Work Location:
Onsite - this role is expected to work onsite and is located in Aurora, CO.
Why Join Us:
Welcome to the Department of Pathology of the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. The Department has grown substantially in the past 15 years, from 40 to 120 faculty in parallel with the remarkable growth of our hospital-based affiliates as well as the city and county of Denver. Our work is value driven and focused on scientific investigation, lifelong learning and a balance of personal and professional values. In addition to a vibrant and highly competitive residency program with 25 positions, we offer 9 fellowships and participate in numerous graduate school and the MD/PhD program of the CU School of Medicine.
Why work for the University?
We have AMAZING benefits and offerexceptional amounts of holiday, vacation and sick leave! The University of Colorado offers an excellent benefits package including:
  • Medical: Multiple plan options
  • Dental: Multiple plan options
  • Additional Insurance: Disability, Life, Vision
  • Retirement 401(a) Plan: Employer contributes 10% of your gross pay
  • Paid Time Off: Accruals over the year
  • Vacation Days: 22/year (maximum accrual 352 hours)
  • Sick Days: 15/year (unlimited maximum accrual)
  • Holiday Days: 10/year
  • Tuition Benefit: Employees have access to this benefit on all CU campuses
  • ECO Pass: Reduced rate RTD Bus and light rail service

There are many additional perks & programs with the CU Advantage.
Qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications:
  • A combination of related education and/or relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned to the position equal to six (6) years.

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Six (6) months of experience organizing specimens and assisting in preparing them for processing using various methodologies, complex machinery and staining systems.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
  • Knowledge of histology laboratory procedures and protocols, including specimen preparation, staining techniques (e.g., H&E), and quality assurance standards for surgical pathology.
  • Skill in operating and maintaining laboratory equipment, such as paraffin baths, cryostats, ovens, and staining systems, including performing routine preventive maintenance and minor adjustments.
  • Ability to apply independent judgment in selecting methodologies and troubleshooting non-routine problems, ensuring accurate and timely specimen processing under minimal supervision.
  • Skill in data entry and information management using Laboratory Information Systems (LIS), including accurate labeling, logging, and retrieval of specimens and archived materials.
  • Ability to adhere to safety and compliance protocols, including proper handling of biological waste, chemical solutions, and infectious materials, while maintaining a clean and organized work environment.
  • Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees at all levels throughout the institution.
  • Outstanding customer service skills.
  • Ability to organize workload effectively
  • Ability to follow proper protocols and procedures
  • Basic computer skills in data entry, Word, and Excel

How to Apply:
For full consideration, please submit the following document(s):
  1. Curriculum vitae / Resume
  2. Three to five professional references, including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address

Questions should be directed to:
Jeana Marks at Jeana.Marks@cuanschutz.edu
Screening of Applications Begins:
Applications will be accepted until finalists are identified, but preference will be given to complete applications received by January 27, 2025. Those who do not apply by this date may or may not be considered.
Anticipated Pay Range:
The starting salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established as $67,980 - $78,852
The above salary range (or hiring range) represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. This position may be eligible for overtime compensation, depending on the level.
Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.
Total Compensation Calculator
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
ADA Statement:
The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at hr.adacoordinator@cuanschutz.edu.
Background Check Statement:
The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective employees.
Vaccination Statement:
CU Anschutz strongly encourages vaccination against the COVID-19 virus and other vaccine preventable diseases. If you work, visit, or volunteer in healthcare facilities or clinics operated by our affiliated hospital or clinical partners or by CU Anschutz, you will be required to comply with the vaccination and medical surveillance policies of the facilities or clinics where you work, visit, or volunteer, respectively. In addition, if you work in certain research areas or perform certain safety sensitive job duties, you must enroll in the occupational health medical surveillance program.

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