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Lab Assistant Jobs in Decatur, IL (NOW HIRING)

ADM

Lead Laboratory Technician - Decatur, IL

Decatur, IL

$49K - $87K/yr

Assist in method development for new testing and method improvements.Train and develop laboratory ... Be a point of contact in the lab if production is having issues via Microsoft Teams and EmailBe a ...

VOLT

NDT Radiography Tech

Decatur, IL · On-site

$26 - $30/hr

... and lab procedures. • Lab equipment validation • Computed radiography to ASTM e2033 • ... If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation to assist with your ...

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All JobsLab Assistant JobsLab Assistant Jobs in Decatur, IL

Lab Assistant information

See Decatur, IL salary details

$10

$19

$28

How much do lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab assistant in Decatur, IL is $19.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $22.40 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 Decatur, IL? The most popular types of Lab jobs in Decatur, IL are:
What job categories do people searching Lab Assistant jobs in Decatur, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Lab Assistant jobs in Decatur, IL are:
What cities near Decatur, IL are hiring for Lab Assistant jobs? Cities near Decatur, IL with the most Lab Assistant job openings:
Lab Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lab Assistant job openings in Decatur, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,849 per year, or $19.6 per hour.
Lead Laboratory Technician - Decatur, IL

Lead Laboratory Technician - Decatur, IL

Archer Daniels Midland

Decatur, IL • On-site

$49K - $87K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Job Description
Lead Quality Control Technician - Decatur, IL
West Refinery Laboratory
This is a full-time, exempt position.
Job Duties:
  • Troubleshoot and perform maintenance, calibrations and validations on laboratory equipment such as HPLC, ICP, GC, Karl Fisher, Mettler Dropping Point, Spectrophotometer, Spectrocolorimeter, Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIR), Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), Auto-Titrator.
  • Assist in method development for new testing and method improvements.
  • Train and develop laboratory technicians.
  • Perform Weekly Verifications (Balances, Lovibond, Peroxide Value, OSI, NMR, Auto-Titrator, GC
  • Track and maintain laboratory inventory as needed
  • Support all plant and company safety, environmental, and quality initiatives.
  • Learn Quality Control Specialist/Manager tasks and be able to fill in as required.
  • Be a point of contact in the lab if production is having issues via Microsoft Teams and Email
  • Be a point of contact for the QC Specialist/Manager on the back shifts if issues arise via Microsoft Teams, Email, and Phone
  • Maintain a safe environment that is free of hostility
  • Ensure proper PPE is being worn
  • Assist with variance approvals for shipments
  • Give guidance to technicians who seem to be struggling or are not keeping up with the pace
  • Ensure Coursemill/Policytech/MyAlchemy training is being completed in the technicians' downtime
  • Perform analytical duties during their scheduled shift (Lecithin, Oils, Back,)
Qualifications:
  • Previous experience with running and maintaining lab instrumentation such as HPLC, ICP, GC, Karl Fisher, and/or other basic laboratory equipment is preferred.
  • A bachelor's or master's degree in chemistry, biochemistry or similar discipline is preferred.
  • Previous experience working in a quality control or FDA regulated environment is preferred.
  • Candidate must be detail oriented with strong documentation and communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a team environment.
Physical Requirements:
  • Standing for long periods of time
  • This is a 12 hour shift, (2 on, 2 off, 3 on, 3 off) and will either be on days or nights (not a rotation)
  • Ability to carry up to 50 lbs.
  • Walk to all levels and areas of the process plant and work through seasonal temperature changes
  • In emergency staffing situations, may be called in to help out
Excited about this role but don't think you meet every requirement listed? We encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this role or another one of our openings.
ADM requires the successful completion of a background check.
REF:107576BR
About ADM
At ADM, we unlock the power of nature to provide access to nutrition worldwide. With industry-advancing innovations, a complete portfolio of ingredients and solutions to meet any taste, and a commitment to sustainability, we give customers an edge in solving the nutritional challenges of today and tomorrow. We're a global leader in human and animal nutrition and the world's premier agricultural origination and processing company. Our breadth, depth, insights, facilities and logistical expertise give us unparalleled capabilities to meet needs for food, beverages, health and wellness, and more. From the seed of the idea to the outcome of the solution, we enrich the quality of life the world over. Learn more at www.adm.com.
#IncludingYou
Diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging are cornerstones of ADM's efforts to continue innovating, driving growth, and delivering outstanding performance. We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce and create welcoming, truly inclusive work environments - environments that enable every ADM colleague to feel comfortable on the job, make meaningful contributions to our success, and grow their career. We respect and value the unique backgrounds and experiences that each person can bring to ADM because we know that diversity of perspectives makes us better, together.
We welcome everyone to apply. We are committed to ensuring all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, ethnicity, disability, religion, national origin, language, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, sexual orientation, age, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law
Benefits and Perks
Enriching the quality of life for the world begins by taking care of our colleagues. In addition to competitive pay, we support your diverse needs with a comprehensive total rewards package to enhance your well-being, including:
  • Physical wellness - medical/Rx, dental, vision and on-site wellness center access or gym reimbursement (as applicable).
  • Financial wellness - flexible spending accounts, health savings account, 401(k) with matching contributions and cash balance plan, discounted employee stock purchasing program, life insurance, disability, workers' compensation, legal assistance, identity theft protection.
  • Mental and social wellness - Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and Colleague Giving Programs (ADM Cares).
Additional benefits include:
  • Paid time off including paid holidays.
  • Adoption assistance and paid maternity and parental leave.
  • Tuition assistance.
  • Company-sponsored training and development resources, such as LinkedIn Learning, language training and mentoring programs.
*Benefits may vary for bargained locations, confirm benefit eligibility with your recruiter.
Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Hourly and salaried non-exempt employees will also be paid overtime pay when working qualifying overtime hours.
If hired, employees will be in an "at-will position" and the Company reserves the right to modify base pay (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.
The pay range for this position is expected to be between:

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