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Lab Assistant Jobs in Portland, IN (NOW HIRING)

GLC On-The-Go

Travel Medical Lab Technician

Portland, IN · On-site

$1.7K - $1.8K/day

Medical Lab Technician * Discipline: Allied Health Professional * Start Date: 08/10/2026 * Duration: 13 weeks * 40 hours per week * Shift: 8 hours * Employment Type: Travel Medical Lab Technician ...

New

Taylor University

PA Program Professor

Upland, IN · On-site

... Assistant Studies. Rank and salary are dependent on qualifications and experience. Responsibilities may include assisting with didactic and clinical curriculum planning, classroom and lab instruction ...

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Casual Patient Transport

Coldwater, OH

$16 - $21.75/hr

Lab runner. Assist with procedures. Assist with patient care. Transporting admission and discharges from all nursing areas. Inventory, maintaining, and cleaning ambulances. Assist with courier runs ...

compunet

Phlebotomist

Greenville, OH

$15.75 - $19.50/hr

Maintain equipment and assist with problem-solving related to patient draws and orders. * Ensure ... Compliance with PPE requirements in lab or biohazard areas. * Completion of required safety ...

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Lab Assistant information

See Portland, IN salary details

$8

$17

$25

How much do lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab assistant in Portland, IN is $17.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.04 and $19.52 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.

More about Lab Assistant jobs
What cities near Portland, IN are hiring for Lab Assistant jobs? Cities near Portland, IN with the most Lab Assistant job openings:
Lab Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lab Assistant job openings in Portland, IN as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,656 per year, or $17.1 per hour.
Medical Laboratory Technician - Jay Hospital

Medical Laboratory Technician - Jay Hospital

Indiana University Health

Portland, IN • On-site

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 22 days ago

Indiana University Health rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 459 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

327th of 886 rated healthcare providers

Job description


Indiana University Health is Indiana's most comprehensive health system, with 16 hospitals and more than 34,000 team members serving Hoosiers across the state! We're looking for team members who are inspired by challenging and meaningful work for the good of every patient. People who are compassionate and serve with a purpose. People who aspire to excellence every day.
SHIFT: Full time Night
LOCATION: Jay Hospital
The laboratories of IU Health offer some of the most comprehensive laboratory services in Indiana! Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the laboratories perform more than 19 million tests a year. In addition to IU Health, laboratory testing services are provided to hospitals and physicians across the country.
The Medical Laboratory Technician at the LAB assists with laboratory testing on patient specimens. Under direction, may provide information for the diagnosis and treatment. Helps to maintain records of performance and utilizes independent judgment to generate acceptable test results. Performs all tasks according to standard operating procedures. Assists with development and modification of procedures and assumes additional responsibilities as outlined by management or the laboratory director.
  • Requires Bachelor's degree in a related science (Certification is not required); Associate Degree in an approved Medical Laboratory Technician Program or a Medical Laboratory Specialist (Laboratory Technician) certification from an official military medical laboratory procedures course of at least 50 weeks duration, dependent on when coursework was completed.
  • Associate degree requires certification (NCA, AMT, ASCP, HEW, and CLA) within 12 months of employment. Failure to achieve would result in downgrade to Lab Assistant II position until certification is achieved or loss of employment, dependent on business need.
  • Requires knowledge of various laboratory techniques and procedures.
  • Requires working knowledge of laboratory testing equipment and routine maintenance procedures.
  • Requires ability to maintain quality control and other records.
  • Requires working knowledge of computers.
  • Requires knowledge of all laboratory safety regulations and protocols.

Full-time roles are eligible for a sign-on bonus - apply today to learn more!
As Indiana's largest and most comprehensive healthcare system, and the number 1 ranked healthcare system in Indiana, we offer:
  • Increased pay scale for bedside nurses.
  • 401(K) retirement savings with employer match
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Student loan forgiveness - Government program that may allow qualifying participants to have the remainder of their student loan balance forgiven (after a set amount of time and specific qualifications have been met).
  • Employee Assistance Program - Counseling at no cost to you
  • Healthy Results - Participation in our team member wellness programs award points that contribute toward a biweekly financial incentive in your paycheck! The more you participate, the more you earn!

About Us
  • Indiana University Health has nearly 40,000 team members, including more than 3,600 physicians and 1,200 advanced practice providers, and we're home to the largest nursing network in Indiana with more than 9,000 nursing team members at over 800 sites of care.
  • IU Health is ranked No. 1 in Indiana by U.S. News & World Report, Riley Children's Health is ranked among the top children's hospitals in the country by U.S. News & World Report.
  • A unique partnership with the Indiana University School of Medicine - one of the nation's largest medical schools - gives patients access to groundbreaking research and innovative treatments, and it offers team members access to the latest science and the very best training - advancing healthcare for all.
  • With 15 hospitals, including seven with Magnet designation and eight with Pathways to Excellence designation, our team members are leading the way through excellence.
  • At Indiana University Health, your personal and professional growth is a top priority. You will have access to many diverse opportunities to learn and develop in meaningful ways that matter most to you, such as advanced clinical training, leadership development, promotion opportunities and cross training development.
  • Indiana University Health is invested in the lives of Hoosiers, leading the transformation of healthcare to make Indiana one of the nation's healthiest states.

About the Team
Indiana University Health is Indiana's most comprehensive health system, with 15 hospitals and nearly 40,000 team members serving Hoosiers across the state. We're looking for team members who are inspired by challenging and meaningful work for the good of every patient. People who are compassionate and serve with a purpose. People who aspire to excellence every day.

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