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Lab Assistant Jobs in Ridgeland, MS (NOW HIRING)

Optician

Jackson, MS · On-site

$14 - $20/hr

Make suggestions on frames, and assist patients in choosing the best option for them * Take facial measurements to ensure a perfect frame fit * Prepare specific orders for the ophthalmic lab

Optician

Jackson, MS · On-site

$14 - $20/hr

Make suggestions on frames, and assist patients in choosing the best option for them * Take facial measurements to ensure a perfect frame fit * Prepare specific orders for the ophthalmic lab

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Lab Assistant information

See Ridgeland, MS salary details

$8

$16

$24

How much do lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab assistant in Ridgeland, MS is $16.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.80 and $19.23 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Lab jobs in Ridgeland, MS? The most popular types of Lab jobs in Ridgeland, MS are:
What job categories do people searching Lab Assistant jobs in Ridgeland, MS look for? The top searched job categories for Lab Assistant jobs in Ridgeland, MS are:
What cities near Ridgeland, MS are hiring for Lab Assistant jobs? Cities near Ridgeland, MS with the most Lab Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Lab Assistant job openings in Ridgeland, MS as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,088 per year, or $16.9 per hour.
Medical Laboratory Scientist - Clinical Lab - Bacteriology - PT - 5pm-9pm

Medical Laboratory Scientist - Clinical Lab - Bacteriology - PT - 5pm-9pm

University of Mississippi Medical Center

Jackson, MS • On-site

Part-time

Posted 7 days ago


University Of Mississippi Medical Center rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 46 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

389th of 997 rated hospitals


Job description

Hello,
Thank you for your interest in career opportunities with the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Please review the following instructions prior to submitting your job application:
  • Provide all of your employment history, education, and licenses/certifications/registrations. You will be unable to modify your application after you have submitted it.
  • You must meet all of the job requirements at the time of submitting the application.
  • You can only apply one time to a job requisition.
  • Once you start the application process you cannot save your work. Please ensure you have all required attachment(s) available to complete your application before you begin the process.
  • Applications must be submitted prior to the close of the recruitment. Once recruitment has closed, applications will no longer be accepted.

After you apply, we will review your qualifications and contact you if your application is among the most highly qualified. Due to the large volume of applications, we are unable to individually respond to all applicants. You may check the status of your application via your Candidate Profile.
Thank you,
Human Resources
Important Applications Instructions:
Please complete this application in entirety by providing all of your work experience, education and certifications/
license. You will be unable to edit/add/change your application once it is submitted.
Job Requisition ID:
R00050673
Job Category:
Allied Health
Organization:
Bacteriology
Location/s:
Main Campus Jackson
Job Title:
Medical Laboratory Scientist - Clinical Lab - Bacteriology - PT - 5pm-9pm
Job Summary:
To perform a full range of laboratory tests, procedures, experiments, and analyses for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease. To compile specific, technical, statistical and/or numerical data.
Education & Experience
Certifications, Licenses, Registration Required:
One of the below accepted credentials required post-hire within 1 year:
  • American Association of Bioanalyst, MT(AAB)
  • American Medical Technologist, MT(AMT)
  • American Society for Clinical Pathology, MT(ASCP)
  • American Society for Clinical Pathology, MB(ASCP)
  • National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel CLS(NCA)
  • Equivalent categorical registration in Blood Banking, BB(ASCP), Chemistry, C(ASCP), Cytometry, SCYM (ASCP); Hematology, H(ASCP), Medical Laboratory Scientist, MLS(ASCP), Microbiology, M(ASCP), or Molecular Biology, MB(ASCP) from American Society for Clinical Pathology.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of laboratory and experimental protocols and procedures. Knowledge of chemical composition, structure and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations they undergo. Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells function, intercede with each other and the environment. Analytical skills. Skills in the use of personal computers and related software applications. Ability to analyze, verify, and manipulate clinical and/or laboratory data.
Responsibilities
  • Conducts clinical laboratory tests and analysis in the areas of hematology, microbiology, immunology, clinical chemistry, and urinalysis.
  • Analyzes samples of biological material for chemical content or reaction.
  • Conducts chemical analysis of body fluids to determine the presence of normal and abnormal components.
  • Cultivates, isolates, assists in identifying, and conducts tests on microbial organisms; obtains, cuts, stains, and mounts biological material on slides for microscopic study and diagnosis.
  • Selects and prepares specimens and media for cell culture, using aseptic, technique. Studies blood samples to determine the number of cells and their morphology, as well as blood group type, and compatibility for transfusion purposes.
  • Operates, calibrates, and maintains equipment used in quantitative and qualitative analysis such as spectrophotometers, calorimeters, flame photometers, and computer-controlled analyzers; promotes safety, environmental, and/or infection control practices.
  • The duties listed are general in nature and are examples of the duties and responsibilities performed and are not meant to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive.

Physical and Environmental Demands
Requires occasional exposure to unpleasant or disagreeable physical environment such as high noise level and exposure to heat and cold, constant exposure to bio-hazardous conditions such as risk of radiation exposure, blood borne pathogens, fumes or airborne particles, and/or toxic or caustic chemicals which mandate attention to safety considerations, constant work produced subject to precise measures of quantity and quality, frequent bending, occasional lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds, occasional crouching/stooping, frequent pushing/pulling, frequent reaching, frequent sitting, frequent standing, frequent twisting, and frequent walking. (occasional-up to 20%, frequent-from 21% to 50%, constant-51% or more)
Time Type:
Part time
FLSA Designation/Job Exempt:
No
Pay Class:
Hourly
FTE %:
40
Work Shift:
Evening
Benefits Eligibility:
Grant Funded:
No
Job Posting Date:
06/3/2026
Job Closing Date (open until filled if no date specified):

What University Of Mississippi Medical Center employees say

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About University of Mississippi Medical Center

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) is the state's sole academic medical center, focused on enhancing the lives of Mississippi residents through education, research, and healthcare. UMMC houses seven health science schools with over 3,000 enrolled students, and its researchers are renowned for their contributions to areas like heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, and cancer treatment. Their efforts not only improve health outcomes but also drive economic growth and job opportunities in the state.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Jackson, MS, US

Year founded

1955