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Lab Apprentice Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Research Technician

Chicago, IL · On-site

$18.50 - $25.50/hr

Department BSD CCC - Cancer Research Lab About the Department The University of Chicago ... Minimum requirements include vocational training, apprenticeships or the equivalent experience in ...

Research Assistant

Chicago, IL · On-site

$19.23 - $26.44/hr

The lab is led by Dr. Martina Damo, who is a bioengineer and immunologist. The lab studies ... Minimum requirements include vocational training, apprenticeships or the equivalent experience in ...

Sr. Regulatory Engineer

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$85K - $162K/yr

Mentor interns and apprentices in Regulatory engineering (duplicate of below) * Coordinate, provide ... Understand lab equipment and testing processes * Conduct on-site testing. * Assists in developing ...

Sr. Regulatory Engineer

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$85K - $162K/yr

Mentor interns and apprentices in Regulatory engineering (duplicate of below) * Coordinate, provide ... Understand lab equipment and testing processes * Conduct on-site testing. * Assists in developing ...

CNC Machinist

Elmhurst, IL · On-site

$26.83 - $49.83/hr

Perform monthly 6S audit ensuring the lab is organized, safe and a professional working environment ... Technical training (college or trade school) or apprenticeship * Highschool diploma or GED. * 5+ ...

CNC Machinist

Elmhurst, IL · On-site

$26.83 - $49.83/hr

Perform monthly 6S audit ensuring the lab is organized, safe and a professional working environment ... Technical training (college or trade school) or apprenticeship * Highschool diploma or GED. * 5+ ...

CNC Machinist

Elmhurst, IL · On-site

$26.83 - $49.83/hr

Perform monthly 6S audit ensuring the lab is organized, safe and a professional working environment ... Technical training (college or trade school) or apprenticeship * Highschool diploma or GED. * 5+ ...

CNC Machinist

Elmhurst, IL

$26.83 - $49.83/hr

Perform monthly 6S audit ensuring the lab is organized, safe and a professional working environment ... Technical training (college or trade school) or apprenticeship * Highschool diploma or GED. * 5+ ...

Licensed Practical Nurse

Chicago, IL

$26.50 - $36/hr

Performs POCT lab tests, including urine dipsticks, glucose tests, rapid strep test, and urine ... Minimum requirements include vocational training, apprenticeships or the equivalent experience in ...

Engineer Module C

Campus, IL · On-site

$43 - $44.78/hr

... hot water system, lab equipment and city water) and adjusts chemical levels as required ... High school diploma, or equivalent, and completion of a 4-year apprenticeship program Benefits: USC ...

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Showing results 1-20

Lab Apprentice information

See Illinois salary details

$10

$18

$28

How much do lab apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab apprentice in Illinois is $18.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $20.58 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest paying apprentice job?

Lab apprenticeships in specialized fields such as pharmaceutical, chemical, or industrial laboratories tend to offer higher wages compared to general apprenticeships. These roles often require technical skills, certifications, or prior education, and can lead to higher-paying positions in scientific or technical industries.

What does a laboratory apprentice do?

A laboratory apprentice assists scientists and technicians by preparing samples, conducting basic experiments, and maintaining lab equipment. They often learn laboratory procedures, follow safety protocols, and may handle data entry or sample analysis under supervision.

What qualifications do I need to be a lab assistant?

To become a lab apprentice, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. Relevant skills include attention to detail, basic knowledge of laboratory procedures, and familiarity with safety protocols; some positions may require coursework or certifications in science or laboratory techniques.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Lab Apprentice, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lab Apprentice, you need a basic understanding of laboratory procedures, safety protocols, and typically a high school diploma or relevant coursework in science. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, data entry systems, and basic analytical tools is often required. Attention to detail, strong organizational abilities, and effective communication help you work accurately and collaboratively in a lab environment. These skills are crucial for maintaining safe, reliable, and efficient lab operations while supporting scientific research or testing.

What are some common challenges faced by Lab Apprentices and how can they be effectively managed?

Lab Apprentices often encounter challenges such as learning to handle specialized equipment, adhering strictly to safety protocols, and managing multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment. To succeed, it’s important to ask questions, seek guidance from senior staff, and regularly review safety procedures. Building strong organizational skills and maintaining clear communication with your team will also help you stay on track and develop confidence in your daily responsibilities.

What are lab apprentices?

Lab apprentices are entry-level individuals who work in laboratory settings to gain hands-on experience and training in scientific or technical procedures. They assist senior lab staff with tasks such as preparing samples, maintaining equipment, conducting basic experiments, and recording data. This role is often a stepping stone for those pursuing a career in science, research, or laboratory technology, allowing apprentices to learn essential skills and industry standards directly on the job.

Is MLT harder than nursing?

Lab Apprentice roles, such as Medical Laboratory Technicians (MLTs), typically require technical skills, attention to detail, and knowledge of laboratory procedures, while nursing involves patient care, clinical judgment, and communication skills. The difficulty depends on individual strengths and interests, but nursing generally requires more extensive training and direct patient interaction, whereas MLT roles focus on laboratory work and technical proficiency.
What are the most commonly searched types of Lab jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Lab jobs in Illinois are:
What job categories do people searching Lab Apprentice jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Lab Apprentice jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Lab Apprentice jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Lab Apprentice job openings:
Infographic showing various Lab Apprentice job openings in Illinois as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 84% Full Time, and 14% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,448 per year, or $19 per hour.
Research Technician

$18.50 - $25.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


University Of Chicago rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

109th of 537 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Department

BSD CCC - Cancer Research Lab


About the Department

The University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center (UCCCC) is an integral component of the Biological Sciences Division (BSD). The BSD is the largest of four Divisions of the University and includes the Pritzker School of Medicine. UCCCC administers four established scientific programs, and the NCI-sponsored Cancer Center Support Grant funds ten Shared Resources. The Comprehensive Cancer Center comprises over 190 faculty members from twenty departments, with members currently being awarded over $47 million in total direct costs in peer-reviewed cancer research grants, and $28 million in non-peer-reviewed grants and contracts. The activities of the Center are broad and varied, including research, training and education, communications, fundraising, marketing, clinical trials management, and community outreach.
UCCCC has one of the largest cancer clinical trials programs in the country and in the Chicago area, with nearly 500 adult and pediatric therapeutic trials actively accruing patients. Many of these studies are investigator-initiated, including Phase I or I/II trials, demonstrating UCCCC's commitment to translating basic research findings to the clinic through proof-of-principle and early-phase studies. UCCCC opens over 250 new trials each year and accrues approximately 900 participants to therapeutic trials each year.


Job Summary

As a lab technician, you will work on a variety of tasks in our gynecologic cancer lab. The work encompasses cell culture, genomics, metabolomics, and molecular biology, utilizing animal models, established cancer cell lines, and human specimens. You will work in a dynamic and growing environment as part of the gynecologic cancer group of researchers on the 10th floor of the Knapp Center for Biological Discovery, with the best views of Lake Michigan on campus.
The 10th-floor lab environment features monthly socials that allow technicians and researchers from other labs to meet and connect. This is an opportunity for you to join a leading gynecological cancer research team that is making strides in the fight against cancer. This role also presents an opportunity to utilize your existing knowledge and expand your skills. You will also be expected to perform data analysis and generate reports, as well as perform general lab duties related to equipment maintenance and materials inventory management.
This at-will position is wholly or partially funded by contractual grant funding which is renewed under provisions set by the grantor of the contract. Employment will be contingent upon the continued receipt of these grant funds and satisfactory job performance.

Responsibilities

  • Provides technical and administrative support in a laboratory environment, performing basic laboratory techniques and analysis under direction.
  • Acquires and maintains competency in routine techniques, including but not limited to, Western blotting, qPCR, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence.
  • Assists with laboratory operations, including ordering and maintaining equipment and supplies.
  • Provides routine or standardized laboratory duties by collecting data in support of research projects under direct supervision.
  • Collects and enters data. Assists in the analysis of data and in the preparation of reports, manuscripts, and other documents.
  • Complies with institution, state, and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives, and mandates.
  • Provides technical and administrative support for a research project.
  • Collects and enters data. Assists in analyzing data. Assists with preparation of reports, manuscripts and other documents.
  • Assists with the installation, sets up and performs experiments; interacting with students and other laboratory staff under the direction of the principal investigator.
  • May assist recruiting and scheduling research subjects; assisting with developing or amending study protocols; assisting with developing data collection tools; assisting with building databases; and providing general administrative support. Is developing skills in research techniques ormethods, regulatory policies and procedures, and relevant scientific field.
  • Performs other related work as needed.


Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include vocational training, apprenticeships or the equivalent experience in related field (not typically required to have a four-year degree).


Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.


Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

  • Bachelor's degree or higher in molecular biology, biochemistry, biology, or other related fields.

Experience:

  • Previous experience in a laboratory setting.
  • At least two years of experience in performing cell cultures.
  • Mouse handling, tissue harvest, and analysis.
  • Performing and analyzing functional assays such as cell culture, Western blotting, qPCR, or immunofluorescence.
  • Performing and analyzing molecular biology assays.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

  • Strong data management skills and attention to detail.
  • Knowledge of the Microsoft Suite, including Outlook.
  • Understand complex documents, such as clinical trials.

Preferred Competencies

  • Interact and communicate with clarity, tact, and courtesy with patrons, patients, staff, faculty, students, and others.
  • Strong organizational skills.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills.
  • Handle competing demands with diplomacy and enthusiasm.
  • Absorb large amounts of information quickly.
  • Adaptability to changing working situations and work assignments.

Working Conditions

  • Navigate the UChicago campus.
  • Some weekend hours.

Application Documents

  • Resume/CV (required)
  • Cover Letter (preferred)


When applying, the document(s) MUSTbe uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.


Job Family

Research


Role Impact

Individual Contributor


Scheduled Weekly Hours

40


Drug Test Required

No


Health Screen Required

Yes


Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No


Pay Rate Type

Hourly


FLSA Status

Non-Exempt


Pay Range

$21.63 - $28.85

The included pay rate or range represents the University's good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.


Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.


Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at:http://securityreport.uchicago.edu.Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.


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