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Graduate Lab Assistant Jobs in Philadelphia, PA (NOW HIRING)

Main Line Health

Laboratory Assistant II

Media, PA · On-site

Proficiency in 2 different areas of the lab strongly preferred. * 1 year experience with infant collections Education: High school graduate or equivalent, certification as a medical assistant or ...

Main Line Health

Laboratory Assistant II

Media, PA · On-site

Proficiency in 2 different areas of the lab strongly preferred. * 1 year experience with infant collections Education: High school graduate or equivalent, certification as a medical assistant or ...

Main Line Health

Laboratory Assistant II

Media, PA · On-site

Proficiency in 2 different areas of the lab strongly preferred. * 1 year experience with infant collections Education: High school graduate or equivalent, certification as a medical assistant or ...

Main Line Health

Laboratory Assistant II

Media, PA · On-site

Proficiency in 2 different areas of the lab strongly preferred. * 1 year experience with infant collections Education: High school graduate or equivalent, certification as a medical assistant or ...

Main Line Health

Laboratory Assistant II

Media, PA · On-site

Proficiency in 2 different areas of the lab strongly preferred. * 1 year experience with infant collections Education: High school graduate or equivalent, certification as a medical assistant or ...

Main Line Health

Laboratory Assistant II

Media, PA · On-site

$20.73 - $32.11/hr

Proficiency in 2 different areas of the lab strongly preferred. * 1 year experience with infant collections Education: High school graduate or equivalent, certification as a medical assistant or ...

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Graduate Lab Assistant information

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How much do graduate lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate lab assistant in Philadelphia, PA is $20.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.73 and $23.27 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 near Philadelphia, PA are hiring for Graduate Lab Assistant jobs?

Cities near Philadelphia, PA with the most Graduate Lab Assistant job openings:

Graduate Lab Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graduate Lab Assistant job openings in Philadelphia, PA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,496 per year, or $20.4 per hour.

ME Shop Graduate Lab Assistant AY26-27

Villanova, PA • On-site

Villanova University
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Villanova Universityexternal

$18/hr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Set up and operate a variety of machine tools to produce precision parts and instruments.

  • Assist students with manufacturing prototypes and precision parts, and provide guidance in the machine shop.

  • Perform machining operations, maintain shop equipment, and fabricate parts based on drawings, sketches, or verbal instructions.

Villanova University rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

316th of 631 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Posting Details
Do you have questions about the application process? If so, please refer to the Applicant FAQ's.
Position Information
Posting Number:
20260364V
Position Title:
ME Shop Graduate Lab Assistant AY26-27
Posting Type
Student
Hours/week:
20 hours per week
Eligibility:
Work study preferred but open to all students
Semester
2026-2027 Academic Year
Location
Drosdick Hall
Detailed Work Schedule
M-F as assigned
Number of positions:
2
Department:
205-Mechanical Engineering
Contact Name:
Jane Ni
Contact Phone/Extension:
6105194981
Position Summary Information
Job Description Summary:
Description
Set up and operate a variety of machine tools to produce precision parts and
instruments. May also fabricate and modify parts to make or repair machine tools
or maintain industrial machines, applying knowledge of mechanics,
mathematics, metal properties, layout and machining procedures.
Responsibilities
• Assist students of all levels with the full cycle of manufacturing highquality prototypes, precision parts
• Work collaboratively with engineering research and development team to
design and fabricate high-quality prototypes/ precision parts out of
titanium, stainless steel, low carbon steel, aluminum, and other materials
as needed
• Provide guidance and direction to consumers in the ME Machine shop
• Maintain order and appearance of the ME Machine shop
• Maintain ME Machine shop equipment, tools, consumables
• Teach and supervise students of all levels in ME Machine shop, complete
shop training for new users
• Reports to ME Shop Manager
• Perform a variety of machining operations to extremely close tolerances
using lathes, milling machines, grinders, drill presses, highly specialized
tools, and other shop equipment with minimum supervision
• Work from drawings, prints, rough sketches, and verbal instructions;
fabricate and construct a variety of shapes composed of steel, brass,
aluminum, stainless steel, and other exotic materials
• Set-up, adjust, and operate computerized numerically controlled
equipment (CNC) and use software to generate tool paths for parts
fabrication in multiple axes. Certificate required once onboarded
• Design, develop, and construct intricate tools, jigs, fixtures, and special
gauges for the fabrication of standard and experimental parts
• Plan, layout and perform machine tool and bench operations using
unusual and diƯicult set-ups and machining methods
• Visualize a finished job, make necessary mathematical calculations and
determine allowances for deflection and distortion
• Perform highly-skilled fitting and assembly operations to extremely close
tolerances
• Work closely with engineers in developing new, unusual or untried designs
and methods; where design information is minimal or nonexistent
• Inspect own work, detect errors in drawings, operations and defects in
parts or materials and report to shop supervisor
• Perform and execute welding using oxygen, acetylene, electric, TIG, MIG,
etc. Operate plasma cutter.
• Set, align, and weld intricate parts and units in accordance to exacting
specifications; lay a smooth bead, obtain proper fusion and penetration
• Perform finishing operations such as grinding, buƯing, polishing,
hardening, coating, etc.
• Receive shipments and equipment, bring equipment to desired locations.
• Responsibilities as directed by Mechanical Engineering Lab Manager
Requirements:
Additional Information:
Physical Demands Summary:
Wage Rate:
$18.00/hour
Posting Detail Information
Closing Date (11:59pm ET):
Open Until Filled
Yes

What Villanova University employees say

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About Villanova University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Villanova University, located in Villanova, Pennsylvania, United States, operates within the higher education industry. Its establishment traces back to 1842 by the Augustinians, a Catholic religious order. The university offers a wide range of academic programs in various disciplines, including Liberal Arts and Sciences, Engineering, Nursing, Business, and Law, serving over 10,000 undergraduate, graduate, and law students. Guided by its Augustinian Catholic intellectual tradition, it is committed to community service, and it seeks to cultivate knowledgeable, thoughtful, and ethical leaders. The university’s mission is to empower students to ignite change, with a vision for a just and peaceful world.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Villanova, PA, US

Year founded

1842

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