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Lab Assistant Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

APDerm

Pathology Laboratory Assistant

Foxboro, MA · On-site

$19.83/hr

Overview Pathology Lab Assistant will assist the Lab Manager with specimen processing, quality assurance on each pathology ensuring receipt and accessioning specimens. The schedule for this position ...

New

APDerm

Pathology Laboratory Assistant

Foxboro, MA

$19.83/hr

Overview Pathology Lab Assistant will assist the Lab Manager with specimen processing, quality assurance on each pathology ensuring receipt and accessioning specimens. The schedule for this position ...

APDerm

Pathology Laboratory Assistant

Westford, MA

$19.83/hr

Overview Pathology Lab Assistant will assist the Lab Manager with specimen processing, quality assurance on each pathology ensuring receipt and accessioning specimens. The schedule for this position ...

APDerm

Pathology Laboratory Assistant

Foxboro, MA

$19.83/hr

Pathology Lab Assistant will assist the Lab Manager with specimen processing, quality assurance on each pathology ensuring receipt and accessioning specimens. The schedule for this position is * Day ...

New

Harvard University

Research Assistant I Lab

Boston, MA · On-site

The Adelman Lab at Harvard Medical School is looking for a full-time Research Assistant (RA) to join our vibrant, interdisciplinary team. Our group investigates how gene regulation goes awry in ...

Harvard University

Research Assistant I Lab

Boston, MA · On-site

The Adelman Lab at Harvard Medical School is looking for a full-time Research Assistant (RA) to join our vibrant, interdisciplinary team. Our group investigates how gene regulation goes awry in ...

APDerm

Pathology Laboratory Assistant

Westford, MA · On-site

$19.83/hr

Overview Pathology Lab Assistant will assist the Lab Manager with specimen processing, quality assurance on each pathology ensuring receipt and accessioning specimens. The schedule for this position ...

APDerm

Pathology Laboratory Assistant

Westford, MA · On-site

$19.83/hr

Pathology Lab Assistant will assist the Lab Manager with specimen processing, quality assurance on each pathology ensuring receipt and accessioning specimens. The schedule for this position is M-F 9 ...

APDerm

Pathology Laboratory Assistant

Westford, MA

$19.83/hr

Overview Pathology Lab Assistant will assist the Lab Manager with specimen processing, quality assurance on each pathology ensuring receipt and accessioning specimens. The schedule for this position ...

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Lab Assistant information

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How much do lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab assistant in Boston, MA is $22.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $25.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

Lab Assistants often encounter challenges such as managing multiple tasks under tight deadlines, maintaining strict adherence to safety protocols, and ensuring the accuracy of data collection. To manage these effectively, it's important to stay organized, communicate proactively with supervisors and colleagues, and remain attentive to details when handling samples or preparing equipment. Many labs offer training on safety and procedures, so taking advantage of these resources can help new hires adapt quickly and perform confidently in their roles.

What are lab assistants?

Lab assistants are professionals who support scientists, researchers, or instructors by preparing laboratory equipment, conducting routine experiments, and maintaining a clean and organized work environment. They may also be responsible for recording data, managing supplies, and ensuring that safety protocols are followed. Lab assistants work in various settings, including educational institutions, research facilities, hospitals, and private laboratories.

What Is a Lab Assistant?

As a laboratory assistant or lab technician, you are responsible for helping scientists conduct experiments in a laboratory environment. You may be asked to prepare, clean, and maintain lab equipment and log readings and results. Your responsibilities may also include performing basic analyses of samples and recording results accurately. Your responsibilities will vary based on the type of lab you work in, but compliance with protocols and commitment to safety and accuracy are critical in any lab.

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

To thrive as a Lab Assistant, you need a basic understanding of laboratory procedures, safety protocols, and often an associate degree or relevant coursework in science. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), standard lab equipment, and proper sample handling techniques is typically required. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills for this role. These skills ensure accurate results, maintain lab safety standards, and support smooth laboratory operations.

What is the difference between Lab Assistant vs Medical Laboratory Technician?

AspectLab AssistantMedical Laboratory Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingAssociate degree in medical laboratory technology or related field
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, research labsHospitals, diagnostic labs, healthcare facilities
Job ResponsibilitiesAssist with sample collection, prepare specimens, maintain lab equipmentPerform complex tests, analyze samples, report results
Industry UsageCommonly used in healthcare and research settingsPrimarily in medical diagnostics and healthcare

While both roles support laboratory operations, Medical Laboratory Technicians perform more advanced testing and require specialized education. Lab Assistants typically handle basic tasks and support lab staff, making them entry-level positions in healthcare labs.

More about Lab Assistant jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Lab jobs in Boston, MA? The most popular types of Lab jobs in Boston, MA are:
What are popular job titles related to Lab Assistant jobs in Boston, MA? For Lab Assistant jobs in Boston, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Lab Assistant jobs in Boston, MA look for? The top searched job categories for Lab Assistant jobs in Boston, MA are:
What cities near Boston, MA are hiring for Lab Assistant jobs? Cities near Boston, MA with the most Lab Assistant job openings:
Lab Assistant jobs near you
Lab Research Assistant

Lab Research Assistant

Harvard University

Cambridge, MA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

Harvard University rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

130th of 537 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Company Description
By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.
Why join the Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences?
The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) is the historic heart of Harvard University. It is the home of Harvard's undergraduate program (Harvard College, founded in 1636) as well as all of Harvard's Ph.D. programs (the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, founded in 1872), Harvard Athletics and the Division of Continuing Education. The 40 academic departments and 30+ centers of the FAS support a community unparalleled in its academic excellence across the broadest range of liberal arts and sciences disciplines. Together, the FAS seeks to foster an environment of ambition, curiosity and shared commitment to knowledge and truth that elicits excellence from all members of our community and prepares the next generation of leaders through a transformative educational experience.
Job Description
Job Summary:
The Research Assistant will report to Charles Langmuir in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences. Under specific direction, performs a variety of basic and general laboratory research and clerical tasks determined by the field and scope of the particular research study. May perform tasks related to the research project independently, but within specific guidelines and subject to review by supervisor or other research staff.
Job-Specific Responsibilities:
Responsibilities would include help preparing and collecting data on samples in the solid earth geochemistry lab for a large scale project in collaboration with investigators from Germany.
TypicalDuties
  • Performs laboratory experiments utilizing specific and proscribed techniques and equipment;
  • As a member of a project team, may assist in the design of laboratory experiments, techniques, and protocols;
  • May perform and assist with chemical analyses of samples.
  • May occasionally instruct others in basic laboratory techniques;
  • May process orders or invoices, or undertake other clerical and simple accounting duties under the direction of administrative personnel.

Physical Requirements:
  • May be required to spend much of the day standing and moving, may help with lifting and moving samples and related laboratory equipment

Working Conditions:
  • This position is based fully on-site in Cambridge, MA and does not offer any hybrid flexibility.

Qualifications
Basic Qualifications (required):
  • At least six months of lab experience (relevant course work may count towards experience)

Additional Qualifications and Skills (preferred):
  • Bachelors degree in a scientific field strongly preferred.
  • Exposure to applicable computer technologies, including specific software applications, may be required.
  • Demonstrated abilities in basic laboratory techniques helpful, but not required. Appropriate communications skills required.

Additional Information
  • This position is a 1 year term appointment from the date of hire with renewal contingent upon funding and performance.
  • Standard Hours: 35 hours per week
  • Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
  • Pre-Employment Screening: Identity
  • Other Information: All formal offers will be made by FAS HR.

#LI-CM1
Work Format Details
This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.
Salary Grade and Ranges
This position is salary grade level 052. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.
Benefits
Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:
  • Generous paid time off including parental leave
  • Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
  • Retirement plans with university contributions
  • Wellbeing and mental health resources
  • Support for families and caregivers
  • Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
  • Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page.
EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement
Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.
Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.

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