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Graduate Lab Assistant Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Next Move Healthcare

Cath Lab Technologist

Peoria, IL · On-site

$36.39 - $47.64/hr

The Cath Lab Technologist will assist physicians with diagnostic and interventional cardiac and ... Graduate of an approved Radiologic Technology program * ARRT registration in Radiography * Illinois ...

Thrive Staffing

Travel Cath Lab / IR Technologist

Rockford, IL · On-site

$2.3K - $3.0K/wk

Acquire and process digital images and assist with ultrasound guidance for vascular access or ... Graduate of an accredited radiology program. * IEMA-DNS radiography accreditation required. * ARRT ...

New

Schuman Cheese

Lab Lead

Elgin, IL · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

... * Assist with product sampling, inspection, testing and other duties required to support the site ... At least High School graduate or food manufacturing experience preferred * Strong written and ...

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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 10, 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:

Graduate Lab Assistant jobs near you
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.

Laboratory Assistant II - Microbiology - Per Diem

Arlington Heights, IL

Endeavor Health
Health Care and Social Assistance • 10K+ employees
Learn more about Endeavor Healthexternal

$19.31 - $28/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Receive, process, label, and distribute specimens accurately.

  • Perform data entry of patient information and prepare laboratory specimens for analysis and testing.

  • Identify, label, and properly store specimens, and resolve and document any problem specimens.

Endeavor Health rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 403 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Hourly Pay Range:

$19.31 - $28.00 - The hourly pay rate offered is determined by a candidate's expertise and years of experience, among other factors.

Position Highlights:

  • Position: Laboratory Assistant II - Microbiology - Per Diem
  • Location: Northwest Community Hospital
  • Full Time/Part Time: Per Diem
  • Hours: Monday-Friday,7am-3:30pm or 2pm-10:30pm

What you will do:

  • The specimen processor is responsible and accountable for receiving, processing, labeling, distributing specimens
  • The position requires a thorough understanding of laboratory specimens as well as the LIS computer systems.
  • The Processor will be required to perform customer service duties and other clerical duties as the job dictates
  • Data entry of patient information in an accurate and timely manner
  • Accurately identify and label specimens
  • Prepare laboratory specimens for analysis and testing
  • Properly prepare and store excess specimen samples
  • Resolve and document any problem specimens
  • Ability to work independently and within a team environment
  • Comfortability with handling biological specimens

What you will need:

  • Education: High school graduate or equivalent.
  • Certification: High school graduate
  • Experience: 3 months or more of specimen processing experience
  • Unique or Preferred Skills: 3 months or more of specimen processing experience

Benefits:

  • Incentive pay for select positions
  • Opportunity for annual increases based on performance
  • Career Pathways to Promote Professional Growth and Development
  • Various Medical, Dental, Pet and Vision options
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Free Parking
  • Wellness Program Savings Plan
  • Health Savings Account Options
  • Retirement Options with Company Match
  • Paid Time Off and Holiday Pay
  • Community Involvement Opportunities

Endeavor Health is a fully integrated healthcare delivery system committed to providing access to quality, vibrant, community-connected care, serving an area of more than 4.2 million residents across six northeast Illinois counties. Our more than 25,000 team members and more than 6,000 physicians aim to deliver transformative patient experiences and expert care close to home across more than 300 ambulatory locations and eight acute care hospitals – Edward (Naperville), Elmhurst, Evanston, Glenbrook (Glenview), Highland Park, Northwest Community (Arlington Heights) Skokie and Swedish (Chicago) – all recognized as Magnet hospitals for nursing excellence. For more information, visit www.endeavorhealth.org.  

When you work for Endeavor Health, you will be part of an organization that encourages its employees to achieve career goals and maximize their professional potential.

Please explore our website (www.endeavorhealth.org) to better understand how Endeavor Health delivers on its mission to “help everyone in our communities be their best”. 

Endeavor Health is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. Please refer to the main career page for more information.

At Endeavor Health, we are united by a shared commitment to working together to create a culture of connection and belonging—each of us bringing different skills and experiences as we deliver safe, seamless, and personal care. Every person, every time. We are committed to fostering an environment where all team members can be their best, learn, and pursue excellence together.

EOE: Race/Color/Sex/Sexual Orientation/ Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Vets, VEVRRA Federal Contractor.

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