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Lab Assistant Jobs in Reading, MA (NOW HIRING)

Northeastern University

Machinist/Lab Technician

Boston, MA · On-site

$28.01 - $39.56/hr

The major tasks for the Lab Technician are as follows: * to maintain the operation of the MIE Additive Manufacturing (3D) printing lab, * assist students with 3D printing design, * managements and ...

NorthEastern

Machinist/Lab Technician

Boston, MA

$28.01 - $39.56/hr

The major tasks for the Lab Technician are as follows: * to maintain the operation of the MIE Additive Manufacturing (3D) printing lab, * assist students with 3D printing design, * managements and ...

Harvard University

Research Assistant I Lab

Boston, MA · On-site

$52/hr

The Kruse lab in the Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology at Harvard Medical School seeks a Research Assistant to perform routine laboratory experiments, including molecular ...

Harvard University

Research Assistant I Lab

Boston, MA · On-site

$52/hr

We invite applicants for a Research Assistant position in the Brugge lab at Harvard Medical School in Boston, Massachusetts. The Brugge lab has identified populations of breast epithelial cells that ...

Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research

Be Seen First

Technical Assistant I/II-Raguram Lab (Relocation Assistance Available)

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$47K - $55K/yr

The Raguram Lab is seeking a highly motivated Technical Assistant to join our team. In the Raguram Lab, we investigate mechanisms of intercellular biomolecule transfer to inform the development of ...

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 ...

Emerson Health

Assistant Core Lab Supervisor

Concord, MA · On-site

$30 - $40/hr

Assistant Core Lab Supervisor Schedule: Full Time Pay Range: $30.00 - $40.00 / Hourly Shift: Day shift Hours: 7:00am to 3:3opm About this role Job Summary Under the direction of the Director of ...

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 ...

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Lab Assistant information

See Reading, MA salary details

$10

$21

$31

How much do lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab assistant in Reading, MA is $21.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.50 and $24.33 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 are the most commonly searched types of Lab jobs in Reading, MA? The most popular types of Lab jobs in Reading, MA are:
What job categories do people searching Lab Assistant jobs in Reading, MA look for? The top searched job categories for Lab Assistant jobs in Reading, MA are:
What cities near Reading, MA are hiring for Lab Assistant jobs? Cities near Reading, MA with the most Lab Assistant job openings:
Lab Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lab Assistant job openings in Reading, MA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,437 per year, or $21.4 per hour.
Optics Engineering Lab Assistant

Optics Engineering Lab Assistant

Quadratic 3D

Somerville, MA • On-site

Part-time

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

Company Description

Quadratic is a well-funded seed-stage startup revolutionizing the entire concept of 3D printing to open up new commercial and industrial applications. The company's technology is based on a groundbreaking invention by a dynamic multidisciplinary team of scientists at Harvard. Think Star Trek Replicator. Veteran entrepreneurs guide the company with a deep commitment to transparency in a high-trust environment. We focus relentlessly on rapid results with fast customer feedback loops. Make a broad impact as an early team member and help us invent the future of 3D printing.

Job Description

Quadratic 3D is seeking an optics engineering lab assistant to support scientists and engineers building, programming and testing various optical printing engines in a fast-paced multidisciplinary startup environment.  The successful candidate will be passionate about 3D printing, building machines and enjoy solving complex problems that involve advanced materials, optics and systems.

Responsibilities:

  • Set up and implement optical experiments for 3D printer development
  • Summarize and report results to engineering team
  • Develop software to control and test printers and interface with available databases
  • Work closely with engineering team to optimize printing performance
  • Comply with EH&S requirements and promote safety in the work environment.
Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Student pursuing a BS or graduate degree in electrical or mechanical engineering, physics or similar major
  • Hands-on experience with optics laboratory equipment such as displays, photodetectors, cameras, fiber as well as spectrometers and microscopes.
  • Programming experience in LabVIEW, Matlab, C/C++, VB and/or python
  • Ability to work independently as well as part of a team
  • Excellent communication and organizational skills
  • Available to work at least 20 hrs/wk

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Hands-on experience programming display and camera hardware
  • Knowledge and experience designing and implementing optical systems
  • Demonstrated success programming lab equipment using LabVIEW, VB or python
  • Familiarity with different optical sources such lasers and LEDs
  • Experience with electronics designing and debugging circuits
  • Experience with 3D modeling (e.g., SOLIDWORKS, AutoCAD) and/or optical ray tracing
Additional Information

Location: Somerville, Massachusetts

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

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