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Graduate Lab Assistant Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Details Open Date Requisition Number PRN45612B Job Title Lab Assistant Working Title Lab Assistant ... Those who intend to go to graduate or medical school after a 2-year period and require laboratory ...

Details Open Date Requisition Number PRN45612B Job Title Lab Assistant Working Title Lab Assistant ... Those who intend to go to graduate or medical school after a 2-year period and require laboratory ...

Details Open Date Requisition Number PRN45612B Job Title Lab Assistant Working Title Lab Assistant ... Those who intend to go to graduate or medical school after a 2-year period and require laboratory ...

Lab Assistant I

New Lenox, IL · On-site

$16.97 - $20.79/hr

High School Graduate, or equivalent required. Ability to work as a team player with excellent customer services skills. Previous lab experience preferred. Work Shift Details: Nights, Work hours 5pm ...

Laboratory Assistant II

Springfield, IL · On-site

$17.34 - $25.14/hr

Job Relationships Reports to the Laboratory Manager or Lab Supervisor Principal Responsibilities ... High School graduate or GED required and provide documentation. * Experience in phlebotomy is ...

Laboratory Assistant II

Springfield, IL · On-site

$17.34 - $25.14/hr

Job Relationships Reports to the Laboratory Manager or Lab Supervisor Principal Responsibilities ... High School graduate or GED required and provide documentation. * Experience in phlebotomy is ...

Laboratory Assistant II

Springfield, IL · On-site

$17.34 - $25.14/hr

Job Relationships Reports to the Laboratory Manager or Lab Supervisor Principal Responsibilities ... High School graduate or GED required and provide documentation. * Experience in phlebotomy is ...

Laboratory Assistant II

Hillsboro, IL · On-site

$17.34 - $25.14/hr

Job Relationships Reports to the Laboratory Manager or Lab Supervisor Principal Responsibilities ... High School graduate or GED required and provide documentation. * Experience in phlebotomy is ...

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Graduate Lab Assistant information

See Illinois salary details

$10

$19

$28

How much do graduate lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate lab assistant in Illinois is $19.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.06 and $22.36 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.

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Graduate Lab Assistant jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Graduate Lab Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Graduate Lab Assistant job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,809 per year, or $19.6 per hour.

Coffee Lab Graduate Assistant

Naperville, IL • On-site

North Central College
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 501 - 1,000 employees

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

Posting Details
Position Information
Posting Number
GA000133
Position Title
Coffee Lab Graduate Assistant
Position ID
GA-COFFEE-LAB
Department
School of Business & Entrepreneurship
Division
Academic Affairs
Supervisor
Amy Rogers
Supervisor Title
MGR-COFFEELAB
Description of Job Duties
Position Summary:
The Coffee Lab Graduate Assistant helps manage the state-of-the-art Coffee Lab at North Central College. It is a faculty-student-partner collaboration that focuses on direct trade, relationship-based social enterprises and provides a distinct educational model and business opportunity that serves the campus and community. Building on the work of Enactus and their coffee business, the Coffee Lab provides roasting services, private and public coffee classes, coffee tastings, coffee brewing, and other events and trainings. Through these offerings, students, faculty, alumni, and community members collaborate to provide rich experiential learning opportunities.
Essential Functions:
- Support the vision for the North Central College Coffee Lab, as set by the Coffee Lab Advisory Board, to operate this signature, high-impact, experiential learning opportunity through a student-run business that supports the College's strategic plan.
- Perform and manage roasting operations including but not limited to assisting with acquiring green beans, green bean room management, roast profile development, roasting, roaster cleaning and basic maintenance, and bean inventory.
- Perform weekly bookkeeping tasks including but not limited to invoicing. (Primarily in year two of the position.)
- Develop and implement programming focused around coffee and related products for both the NCC and external community with the assistance of The Coffee Lab Manager, CLAB members, and students.
- Provide support for operational management and programmatic execution for all additional aspects of the Coffee Lab, including brewing, packaging, tours, events, and student staffing
- Be available to oversee and/or assist with immediate needs or equipment issues that arise.
- Engage with the Enactus student organization around Coffee Lab activities.
- Advance the principles of social entrepreneurship and social justice through the Coffee Lab, both through operations and communications. Widely share the story of the Coffee Lab through relevant networks to raise the College's profile.
- Flexibility to take on other job-related duties as assigned.
Do the job duties for this position have any potential exposure to student records?
No
Do the job duties for this position include any driving requirements?
Yes
Will this position be working with minors?
No
Job Qualifications
Job Qualifications
- Accepted into a graduate program at North Central College.
- Ability to manage ongoing projects and provide direct service to students.
- Advanced skills using MS Office Suite, specifically Excel.
- Excellent written and verbal communication, presentation, interpersonal, and analytical skills.
- Excellent time management skills.
- Demonstrated problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
- Food Manager Certification required but can be obtained during the first 60 days. (If not already certified, course and exams fees will be covered by the college.)
- Ability to work flexible hours in limited circumstances including evenings and weekends.
- Roasting experience is not required but an eagerness to learn and a genuine interest in the coffee industry is.
Approximate number of work hours per week
20 hours per week during the academic year, excluding academic breaks
New or Replacement?
Replacement
If replacement, person(s) being replaced
Posting Detail Information
EEO Statement
North Central College is an Equal Opportunity Employer. NCC provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please notify the Office of Human Resources at 630-637-5757 or humanresources@hr.noctrl.edu
Determinations for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Open Date
12/12/2025
Close Date
Open Until Filled
Yes