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Graduate Lab Assistant Jobs in Indianapolis, IN (NOW HIRING)

Medical Assistant

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$17 - $21.75/hr

Communicate lab results and medical concerns to providers and nursing staff * Support coordination ... Graduate from an accredited Medical Assistant Program or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in ...

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Graduate Lab Assistant information

See Indianapolis, IN salary details

$9

$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 Indianapolis, IN is $19.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $22.07 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 Indianapolis, IN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,255 per year, or $19.4 per hour.

Onsite Instructor, Learning Lab - Indianapolis, IN - Part Time

Indianapolis, IN • On-site

Western Governors University
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 5 - 10K employees

$38.79 - $58.17/hr

Part-time

Retirement

Posted 25 days ago


Western Governors University rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

83rd of 633 rated colleges and universities


Job description

If you're passionate about building a better future for individuals, communities, and our country-and you're committed to working hard to play your part in building that future-consider WGU as the next step in your career.
Driven by a mission to expand access to higher education through online, competency-based degree programs, WGU is also committed to being a great place to work for a diverse workforce of student-focused professionals. The university has pioneered a new way to learn in the 21st century, one that has received praise from academic, industry, government, and media leaders. Whatever your role, working for WGU gives you a part to play in helping students graduate, creating a better tomorrow for themselves and their families.
The salary range for this position takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs.
At WGU, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their position, and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current range is:
Grade: Faculty 507
Pay Range: $38.79 - $58.17
Job Description
**This position is located ON-SITE in the WGU Clinical Learning & Simulation Center in Indianapolis, IN. Must have availability to work two (2) shifts per month during the hours of operation (Monday - Friday 7:30 am - 4:30 pm) as needed.**
The Instructor, Learning Lab is a clinically experienced subject matter expert who is responsible for facilitating student learning and performance assessment(s) in on-site Clinical Learning Labs. Student learning activities in Clinical Learning Labs range from learning basic nursing skills to resolving simple-to-complex patient care situations via high-fidelity simulation. Teaching responsibilities can include traditional basic nursing skills and nursing care with high-fidelity simulation.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities:
  • Serves as a professional role model for students in dress, communication, deportment, problem solving, care delivery and patient advocacy to facilitate student's socialization into the profession.
  • Demonstrates understanding of and participates in implementation of the philosophy and goals of the nursing program.
  • Demonstrates respect for the student as a new learner by communicating constructive feedback.
  • Uses evidence-based tools and measures to evaluate the students' clinical learning.
  • Maintains communication with the Supervisor, Lab Faculty to make appropriate student referrals for remediation or other needs in post lab reports.
  • Engages in teaching through demonstration, practice, and assistance.
  • Facilitates student advancement through the performance of basic nursing skills to resolution of simple and/or complex patient care situations via high-fidelity simulation.
  • When teaching in a simulated environment, the candidate demonstrates the ability to facilitate scenarios according to evidence-based standards and guidelines.
  • Assists the student with application of clinical judgment, critical thinking, problem solving using reflection, probing, active listening, and other clinical teaching strategies.
  • Assists students in the application of the nursing process to include assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of care.
  • Understands and practices the difference between "doing it for" the student and "supporting the student" during the learning experience.
  • Assists students in the identification of individual learning needs.
  • Promotes, provides, and maintains a safe learning experience.
  • Incorporates student and self as an integral part of the nursing team in the provision of safe patient care when teaching in a simulated environment.
  • Works closely with Supervisor, Lab Faculty to appropriately integrate lab operations, obtain maximum utilization for the most efficient expenditure, and to moderate student and program costs.
  • Support quality improvement measurements related to faculty and student satisfaction.
  • Provides orientation and substantial first cohort support to new Learning Lab Instructors and Simulation Technicians during onboarding to the WGU model and standards for lab instruction.
  • Assist in planning staff schedules.
  • Assist in maintaining the supply inventory.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skill and Abilities:
  • Problem solving skills - Investigates appropriate resources and involves partners when appropriate. Is future oriented. Assesses what will help or hinder achieving goals. Focuses on what is important.
  • Interpersonal skills - Deals with others in a considerate, respectful, and unbiased manner. Approaches conflict proactively. Solicits and shares feedback openly. Listens with empathy and maintains composure.
  • Accuracy - Draws on facts collected from a broad knowledge of WGUs goals and processes.
  • Adaptability - Corrects behaviors and communication style to meet the needs of a wide range of situations. Tackle obstacles appropriately and is comfortable with ambiguity.
  • Reliability - Accountable to others; does what it takes to get the job done. Actions are consistent with words. Follows through on commitments. Exhibits exceptional integrity.
  • Attitude - Displays commitment to the organization and to personal growth. Is self-motivated and able to motivate and inspire others. Asserts self appropriately to champion ideas. Tells the truth in a direct and constructive manner.
  • Initiative - Self-directs with a strong tendency for action. Leads the way to improve performance or processes. Displays keen interest in students and organization.

Job Qualifications:
Minimum Requirements:
  • MSN required (contingent on State Board of Nursing regulations).
  • 2+ years of professional work experience.
  • This individual is a demonstrated subject matter expert with assigned content or practice area(s).
  • Requires an active and unencumbered (will be verified) RN License in the State of the lab location.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Strong experience with distance education and distance learning students is preferred.
  • Experience in simulation-based education is preferred.
  • Experience with integrated technology systems and tools

Physical Requirements:
  • Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
  • Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.

Working Conditions:
  • This is an on-site only role.
  • Flexibility in working with changing groups of students in a variety of locales.

Position & Application Details
Part-Time Intermittent Positions (classified as intermittent and less than 30 standard weekly hours): This is a part-time, intermittent position (classified to work less than 30 SWH) that may be eligible for mental healthcare; retirement savings plan; wellbeing program; and prorated paid holidays and accrued sick time.
How to Apply: If interested, an application will need to be submitted online. Internal WGU employees will need to apply through the internal job board in Workday.
Additional Information
Disclaimer: The job posting highlights the most critical responsibilities and requirements of the job. It's not all-inclusive.
Accommodations: Applicants with disabilities who require assistance or accommodation during the application or interview process should contact our Talent Acquisition team at recruiting@wgu.edu.
Equal Employment Opportunity: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected characteristic as required by law.

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