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Lab Assistant Jobs in Reading, PA (NOW HIRING)

The lab offers cross training opportunities and the opportunity to be part of cross-function ... Lab Assistants). Discover why our hospital is a great place to work-take a virtual tour of our ...

Reading's lab offers opportunities for advancement and continued career growth (including career advancement ladders for Phlebotomists and Lab Assistants). Discover why our hospital is a great place ...

Lab Technician - 2nd/3rd shift

Reading, PA

$18.25 - $24.25/hr

Perform receiving lab duties including weighing trucks, observing sample collections, and preparation of receiving tickets. * Evaluate truck shipments for acceptance based upon established criteria.

Graduate Assistant - Communications

Reading, PA

$39.90K - $53.30K/yr

Graduate Assistant For The Community News Lab The Graduate Assistant (GA) for the Community News Lab supports the growth and day-to-day operations of the lab through editorial leadership, community ...

We are currently looking for a Pathogen Lab Analyst to join our growing team! Job Summary: Perform ... * Assist in quality duties to by taking incubator temperatures, inoculating control organisms ...

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Lab Assistant information

See Reading, PA salary details

$9

$19

$28

How much do lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of May 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab assistant in Reading, PA is $19.44, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.91 and $22.16 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 Reading, PA? The most popular types of Lab jobs in Reading, PA are:
What job categories do people searching Lab Assistant jobs in Reading, PA look for? The top searched job categories for Lab Assistant jobs in Reading, PA are:
What cities near Reading, PA are hiring for Lab Assistant jobs? Cities near Reading, PA with the most Lab Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Lab Assistant job openings in Reading, PA as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 6% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $40,443 per year, or $19.4 per hour.
Laboratory Assistant - Pathology

Laboratory Assistant - Pathology

Tower Health

Reading, PA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago


Tower Health rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 99 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

403rd of 864 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Job Summary
The Pathology Lab Assistant/Secretary:
  • Works within compliance and regulatory parameters while completing the receipt, registration, order entry and labeling of a large volumes of specimens in the appropriate computer system.
  • Works pathologists to send cases out
  • Receives cases
  • Takes phone calls
  • Works with accessioning in the lab
  • Scans pathology slides
  • Prepares information for tumor board meetings

#READ
Qualifications
Education Requirements
  • High School Diploma - OR - GED

Required Skills
  • Analytical Skills
  • Collaborative Skills
  • Computer Skills to include use and navigation
  • Customer Service Skills
  • Detail Oriented
  • Excellent Communications Skills
  • Excellent Interpersonal Skills
  • Good Reasoning Skills
  • Medical Terminology
  • Microsoft Office Applications
  • Multi Line Telephone Operational Skills
  • Multitasking
  • Organizational Skills
  • Problem Solving Skills
  • Strong Team Player

WHY READING HOSPITAL's LABORATORY?
Reading Hospital's Laboratory is CAP accredited offering specialized testing, lab automation, and state of the art equipment. The lab offers cross training opportunities and the opportunity to be part of cross-function process improvement teams. In Fiscal Year 2023, the lab performed 8.5 million tests (including Chemistry, Cytology, Flow Cytometry, Hematology, Coagulation, Histology, Microbiology, Point of Care Testing, Transfusion Services and Urinalysis), 122,751 Anatomical Pathology tests, and 404,139 combined inpatient & outpatient phlebotomy draws. The department consists of over 200 medical laboratory professionals. Reading's lab offers opportunities for advancement and continued career growth (including career advancement ladders for Phlebotomists and Lab Assistants).
Discover why our hospital is a great place to work-take a virtual tour of our facility here: Reading Hospital Virtual Tour
Overview
Tower Health, a regional healthcare system, serves communities across multiple counties in Pennsylvania. Its network includes Reading Hospital, Phoenixville Hospital, Pottstown Hospital, and St. Christopher's Hospital for Children (in partnership with Drexel University). Committed to academic medicine and training, Tower Health offers various programs, including residency and fellowship programs, the Drexel University College of Medicine at Tower Health, and the Reading Hospital School of Health Sciences. Additionally, the system provides a wide range of healthcare services, such as Reading Hospital Rehabilitation at Wyomissing, home healthcare via Tower Health at Home, TowerDirect ambulance and emergency response, Tower Health Medical Group, Tower Health Providers (a clinically integrated network), and Tower Health Urgent Care facilities across its service area.

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