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Lab Assistant Jobs in Columbus, MS (NOW HIRING)

Observe patients, charting, reporting changes in patients' conditions, such as adverse reactions to medication or treatment and taking any necessary action. * Assist with lab testing and phlebotomy ...

Medical Records Coordinator LPN

Starkville, MS ยท On-site

$16 - $20.50/hr

Accurately file nurses' notes, assessments, progress notes, lab reports, x-ray results, and other correspondence. * Collect, assemble, review, and file resident charts as required. * Assist the MDS ...

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Lab Assistant information

See Columbus, MS salary details

$8

$16

$23

How much do lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab assistant in Columbus, MS is $16.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.22 and $18.41 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.

How much does a lab assistant get paid?

Lab assistants typically earn between $12 and $20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the specific industry or laboratory setting. Entry-level positions may pay closer to the lower end, while experienced lab assistants or those with specialized skills can earn higher wages.

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 qualifications do I need to be a lab assistant?

Lab assistants typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with some positions requiring postsecondary education or certifications in laboratory procedures or safety. Relevant skills include attention to detail, basic knowledge of laboratory equipment, and the ability to follow safety protocols. Some roles may also require familiarity with specific tools or software used in labs.

What exactly does a lab assistant do?

A lab assistant supports laboratory operations by preparing experiments, maintaining equipment, recording data, and ensuring safety protocols are followed. They often work under supervision, use tools like microscopes and lab instruments, and may need basic knowledge of laboratory procedures and safety standards.

Which lab job pays the most?

In laboratory settings, senior roles such as Laboratory Managers or Principal Investigators tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding $80,000 annually. Positions requiring advanced degrees, specialized skills, or extensive experience generally offer higher pay compared to entry-level lab assistant roles.

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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Lab jobs in Columbus, MS? The most popular types of Lab jobs in Columbus, MS are:
What job categories do people searching Lab Assistant jobs in Columbus, MS look for? The top searched job categories for Lab Assistant jobs in Columbus, MS are:
What cities near Columbus, MS are hiring for Lab Assistant jobs? Cities near Columbus, MS with the most Lab Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Lab Assistant job openings in Columbus, MS as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,609 per year, or $16.2 per hour.

Administrative Assistant - EHS Department

Global Cellulose Fibers

Columbus, MS โ€ข On-site

$50K - $65K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

Administrative Assistant - Environmental, Health, & Safety
Columbus, MS
Pay Rate:
$50,000 - $65,000
Multiple factors, including Individual experience, skills and abilities will determine where an employee is ultimately placed in the pay range.
Category/Shift:
Salaried non-exempt
About The Role:
This position is located at the Columbus, MS Global Cellulose Fibers mill. As one of the largest softwood pulp producers in the world, this location produces bleached softwood pulp for use in paper and specialty products such as absorbent personal care products, pharmaceuticals and photographic-based papers.
  • Responsible for office activities, coordinating calendars (schedules & appointments), meetings, conference calls, and travel arrangements for EHS department
  • Ensure that the mill EHS team has appropriate materials for various meetings, and events.
  • Assist employees with prescription safety glasses and steel-toed boot programs
  • Coordinate and facilitate meeting and EHS training scheduling including safety meetings, safety recognition, safety training, and visitor events
  • Process expense reports for EHS purchases and create purchase requisitions yearly and as needed
  • Purchase safety recognition items, lab supplies, EHS displays including signs, banners, stickers, etc.
  • Responsible for maintaining the mill's Safety Incident reporting system, EHS Sharepoint site, electronic reader board, and SDS system
  • Maintain all EHS files
  • Serve as central communications point for EHS Team

About You: Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Minimum five years' administrative support experience preferred; associates degree is preferred
  • Must have excellent PC skills including proficiency in Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Microsoft Outlook
  • Excellent time management and prioritization skills required
  • Must be able to maintain positive relationships will all levels of the organization
  • Must be able to handle multiple tasks and work in a dynamic environment
  • Must demonstrate a high level of discretion and confidentiality
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and communication skills (verbal and written)
  • Must be able to shift priorities in order to handle a variety of work and changing deadlines
  • Demonstrated ability to plan and coordinate scheduled meetings and travel arrangements with quality and accuracy
  • Able to work independently to meet deadlines with minimum supervision

Key competencies required include:
  • Organizing
  • Time Management
  • Customer Focus
  • Integrity & Trust
  • Interpersonal Savvy
  • Listening
  • Peer Relationships
  • Planning, & Written Communication Skills

About Global Cellulose Fibers (GCF):
Our GCF business helps customers transform renewable cellulose fibers into essential everyday products. Our safe, high-quality pulp forms the basis for a wide range of applications like towel and tissue products, diapers, feminine care, incontinence and other personal care products that promote health and wellness. In addition, our specialty pulp serves as a sustainable raw material used in construction materials, paints, coatings and more. GCF generated $2.8B in revenue in 2024 and has 3,300 employees globally, with nine manufacturing facilities and eight regional offices. Additional information can be found by visiting globalcellulosefibers.com.
Why GCF:
Global Cellulose Fibers promotes employee well-being by providing safe, caring and inclusive workplaces. We have team members all around the world with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. These are our strengths. We are committed to creating a culture where all individuals are respected, valued, engaged and have an opportunity to do their best work every day. We invite you to bring your uniqueness, creativity, talents, experiences, and safety mindset to be a part of our increasingly inclusive and diverse culture.
We've Got You Covered:
At Global Cellulose Fibers, our employees are our most important asset and that's reflected in our benefits package that includes health, welfare and retirement plans. We are proud to offer a variety of benefits to support our employees and their families, including:
  • Medical, Dental, Life insurance
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Short-term and Long-term Disability
  • 401(k) and Company-funded retirement contributions
  • Paid Time Off

Physical Location of Position:
Columbus Cellulose Fibers Mill
4335 Carson Road
Columbus, MS 39701
Global Cellulose Fibers is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. Global Cellulose Fibers complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact accommodations@gcfibers.com or (833) 753-3242.