Lab Assistant Specimen Processor Jobs in Lake Forest, IL

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Business Unit: Rush Medical Center

Hospital: Rush University Medical Center

Department: Orthopedic Surgery-Res Adm

Work Type: Full Time (Total FTE between 0. 9 and 1. 0)

Shift: Shift 1

Work Schedule: 8 Hr (8:00:00 AM - 4:00:00 PM)

Rush offers exceptional rewards and benefits learn more at our Rush benefits page (https://www.rush.edu/rush-careers/employee-benefits).

Pay Range: $23.12 - $32.66 per hour
Rush salaries are determined by many factors including, but not limited to, education, job-related experience and skills, as well as internal equity and industry specific market data. The pay range for each role reflects Rush’s anticipated wage or salary reasonably expected to be offered for the position. Offers may vary depending on the circumstances of each case.

Summary:
The Lab Research Assistant 3 independently performs specialized laboratory procedures and oversees technical workflows to support high-quality scientific research. The Lab Research Assistant 3 serves as a technical lead in executing and refining protocols, interpreting complex data, and supervising daily laboratory activities of junior staff. This position contributes to data generation, documentation integrity, and scientific deliverables such as protocol development and manuscript preparation.
Exemplifies the Rush mission, vision and values and acts in accordance with Rush policies and procedures.

Required Job Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
• Experience: 3 years of laboratory experience in an academic, healthcare, or research environment

OR

• Experience (in lieu of a degree): 4 years of progressive laboratory experience, with at least two (2) years involves direct execution of laboratory tests or support of active research studies

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Expert knowledge of both basic and specialized laboratory instruments and software programs
• Expert knowledge of standard experimental design
• Strong analytic skills
• Proficient knowledge of best practice laboratory practice and principles including their application
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Organizes responsibilities to meet protocol deadlines; adjusts task flow to maintain lab productivity and readiness
• Manages multiple tasks with attention to accuracy and sequencing; prioritizes responsibilities to meet study timelines
• Demonstrated experience contributing to protocol development, scientific writing, or manuscript preparation
• Experience working independently in regulated or quality-controlled laboratory environments
• Strong oral and written communication
• Proficiency using laboratory data systems such as REDCap, Excel, GraphPad Prism, or Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) for data entry, organization, and basic analysis

Preferred Job Qualifications:

• Education: Master’s degree in biological or chemical science with applied laboratory coursework
• Experience: 3 years of laboratory exposure in an academic, healthcare, or research environment
• 1+ years supervisory / mentoring / advising experience

Physical Demands:

• Requires effective use of fine motor skills for pipetting, microscopy, and data entry tasks
• Requires good vision and manual dexterity to accurately handle lab instruments, record data, and operate computerized systems
• Frequently stands or walks during labs and may occasionally lift or carry items (e.g., reagent trays, small sample containers) up to 25 lbs
• Must work safely in environments containing chemicals, biological samples, or equipment with minimal physical strain

Job Responsibilities:

• Independently perform specialized or multi-step laboratory procedures aligned with research protocols; adjust experimental conditions based on sample variability or instrument response
• Process, label, and track specimens through complex workflows; troubleshoot specimen quality issues and escalate study concerns to the investigator
• Operate, calibrate, and troubleshoot advanced laboratory instruments and robotic systems; train others on proper use and coordinate service visits as needed
• Lead the refinement and implementation of laboratory protocols; evaluate new methods, document outcomes, and share findings with the research team
• Record detailed procedures and results in electronic systems or lab notebooks; review documentation from junior staff to ensure accuracy and compliance
• Analyze experimental results across multiple time points or sample groups; interpret findings in relation to study aims and contribute summaries for team review
• Supervise Lab Research Assistant 1 and 2 staff in day-to-day lab operations; assign tasks, monitor timelines, and provide technical guidance or corrective feedback
• Present findings, protocol updates, or technical challenges during lab meetings; contribute to workflow planning and implementation of efficiency improvements
• Collaborate with external labs, shared resource cores, or clinical teams to coordinate protocols, timelines, and data transfer logistics
• Oversee laboratory supply inventory and vendor coordination; ensure availability of specialty materials, resolve order issues, and track purchasing trends
• Monitor lab-wide safety adherence; deliver onboarding or refresher safety training for students, volunteers, or new hires
• Draft or revise methods sections for internal protocols or scientific manuscripts; generate visuals and respond to data presentation feedback from PIs or collaborators
• Translate findings from literature into improved lab practices or study designs; present relevant updates during team discussions
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support daily research operations

Rush is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.