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Graduate Lab Assistant Jobs in Independence, KY (NOW HIRING)

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Graduate Lab Assistant information

See Independence, KY salary details

$10

$19

$29

How much do graduate lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate lab assistant in Independence, KY is $19.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $22.74 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 Independence, KY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,459 per year, or $19.9 per hour.

Microbiology Lab Assistant

Hebron, KY • On-site

St. Elizabeth Healthcare
Health Care and Social Assistance • 10K+ employees

Part-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


St. Elizabeth Healthcare rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 127 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

649th of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Engage with us for your next career opportunity. Right Here.
Job Type:
Regular
Scheduled Hours:
20
💙 Why You'll Love Working with St. Elizabeth Healthcare
At St. Elizabeth Healthcare, every role supports our mission to provide comprehensive and compassionate care to the communities we serve. For more than 160 years, St. Elizabeth Healthcare has been a trusted provider of quality care across Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio. We're guided by our mission to improve the health of the communities we serve and by our values of excellence, integrity, compassion, and teamwork. Our associates are the heart of everything we do.
🌟 Benefits That Support You
We invest in you - personally and professionally.
Enjoy:
- Competitive pay and comprehensive health coverage within the first 30 days.
- Generous paid time off and flexible work schedules
- Retirement savings with employer match
- Tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities
- Wellness, mental health, and recognition programs
- Career advancement through mentorship and internal mobility
Job Summary:
Under the direction of the General or Section Laboratory Supervisor, performs specimen processing functions, waived and moderate complexity testing as defined by CLIA Section 493.1421 and as approved by the Medical Director, and other non-technical duties as assigned.
Demonstrate respect, dignity, kindness and empathy in each encounter with all patients, families, visitors and other employees regardless of cultural background.
Job Description:
1st/2nd shift Part-Time 20 hrs/wk 7:00-3:30PM
Every 3rd weekend
  • Prepares, packages, labels, and sends out specimens as directed by procedures. Generates appropriate worksheets for reference laboratory specimens and prepares specimens to be sent to reference lab.
  • Receives specimen from pneumatic tube system, responsible for centrifuging blood and urine specimens as needed.
  • Centrifuge blood and urine specimens for analysis.
  • Aliquot specimens and prepare for analysis.
  • Performs waived and moderately complexity testing as defined by CLIA. Reports testing according to established protocols including evaluation of specimen acceptability
  • Provides support functions to technologist including the loading and maintaining instruments, assist in re-constituting reagents, thawing, pooling, of blood products.
  • Receives, logs in specimens (i.e., urines, blood specimens, and body fluids) from inpatient nursing units, outpatients, and operating rooms and Emergency Department.
  • Transports specimens from Central Processing Area to each laboratory section. Files specimens once testing is complete, locates any specimens that have "add on " testing
  • Checks unfinished work report and daily checklist if needed. Supports the Central Processing staff when needed, i.e. receiving specimens, answering the telephones, etc.
  • Follows recommended procedures for universal precautions and safety policies, as established in the Laboratory. Decontaminates work area daily. When handling blood or body fluids, follows universal precaution procedures in order to minimize exposure to infectious diseases.
  • Assists in the Maintenance and repair of clinical laboratory equipment within the scope of training.
  • Performs clerical support duties necessary to ensure efficient running of laboratory section or general laboratory.
  • Completes all mandatory competencies and training modules along with review of all departmental policies and procedures and must adhere to all safety policies and procedures.
  • Performs other duties as assigned to facilitate the efficient and cost effective operation of the laboratory that fall within their scope of practice.
  • Shall follow and demonstrate knowledge of applicable safety and health rules, guidelines, and procedures as outlined in the SEMC Safety and Infection Control Manual; and perform work-related duties in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
  • The associate must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide services based on the applicable principles of growth and development over the life span. Performs other duties as assigned.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Education, Credentials, Licenses:
  • HS graduate or GED
  • CLIA Section 493.1421 requirements

Specialized Knowledge:
  • Computer literacy/fluency
  • Human relations and communication skills.
  • Computer skills

Kind and Length of Experience:
  • Up to three months to become proficient.

FLSA Status:
Non-Exempt
Right Career. Right Here. If you're looking for the right careers in healthcare, the right place to be is at St. Elizabeth. Join us, and you'll take pride in the level of care we offer our community.

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