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Lab Assistant Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM (NOW HIRING)

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Lab Assistant information

See Rio Rancho, NM salary details

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How much do lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab assistant in Rio Rancho, NM is $19.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.58 and $21.68 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 Rio Rancho, NM? The most popular types of Lab jobs in Rio Rancho, NM are:
What job categories do people searching Lab Assistant jobs in Rio Rancho, NM look for? The top searched job categories for Lab Assistant jobs in Rio Rancho, NM are:
What cities near Rio Rancho, NM are hiring for Lab Assistant jobs? Cities near Rio Rancho, NM with the most Lab Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Lab Assistant job openings in Rio Rancho, NM as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,612 per year, or $19 per hour.
Clinical Lab Assistant - Phlebotomist/ Rust, (1380)

Clinical Lab Assistant - Phlebotomist/ Rust, (1380)

TriCore Reference Laboratories

Rio Rancho, NM โ€ข On-site

$16 - $20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Schedule: Saturday-Sunday 0800-1830 with weekends, rotating holidays, on-call, and other shifts as needed.
Location: Rust Hospital
Salary/Hourly: Hourly Position
JOB SUMMARY:
The Clinical Lab Assistant Phlebotomist is able to work independently and with minimal supervision and/or oversight. Successful candidates have the experience and skillset to perform one or more identified modalities. Compensation is dependent on the number of modalities performed. Candidates without experience may be considered for a paid apprenticeship level. Regular in-person attendance during scheduled work hours is essential.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTION:
The following items are requirements for all individuals.
1. Performs duties in a professional and courteous manner.
2. Maintains supplies and inventory necessary to perform departmental functions.
3. Observe students and\or new staff as needed.
4. Exhibit basic problem solving skills to ensure exceptional customer and patient care service levels.
5. Responsible for hospital communication responsibilities as assigned, including on-call responsibilities during scheduled hours (cell phone) by location.
6. Demonstrates effective telephone and verbal communication skills
7. Actively demonstrates professional judgment when dealing with clients, patients and co-workers.
8. Perform clerical functions as needed by the department, including, but not limited to documenting critical communication such as call-ins in the absence of a supervisor.
9. Responsible for maintaining levels of confidentiality associated with position and access to personal and confidential information.
10. Participate in and maintain coverage levels for on call as needed/required to meet service levels.
11. Participate in coverage for holidays, evenings, and weekends as needed or required.
12. Basic P.C. skills.
Minimum Qualifications:
MINIMUM EDUCATION:
โ€ข H.S. diploma or equivalent.
PREFERRED:
โ€ข PBT (ASCP) or equivalent certification.
โ€ข Completion of a relevant Clinical Lab Assistant or comparable program
IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS:
Prove Immunity to Hepatitis B, or be immunized, or sign a waiver refusing Hepatitis immunization. Provide documentation of a PPD test conducted not more than 90 days prior to date of hire, or have a PPD test conducted through TriCore.
IN DEPARTMENTS/LOCATIONS WITH DIRECT PATIENT CONTACT: Prove immunity or be eligible to receive rubella, rubeola and varicella immunization.
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:
1. Valid driver's license. Good driving record. Must be insurable by lab insurance carrier as required by location.
2. Eligible to work in a health care facility as provided by the New Mexico Caregivers Criminal History Screening Act or other applicable law.
MINIMUM EXPERIENCE:
โ€ข Candidates with no training or experience may be considered for an apprenticeship.
โ€ข Selected Candidates will be placed into CLA Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, or Level 4 based on the number of modalities (listed below) completed on a regular basis. Assigned modalities are determined by the department leadership.
Modalities:
1. Check-in and Order Entry\Reconciliation- (Modality per system- Clinical, Anatomic, Research, Referral Testing) Including, but not limited to:
a. Identifying patient in system
b. Reconciling electronic orders
c. Manual Entry when necessary
d. Insurance\payment when necessary
2. General Phlebotomy (ages 10 and above) includes vacutainer , butterfly and syringe collections.
3. Special Collections and/or external shipping certification. Special Collections include but are not limited to arterial blood gas, pediatric and infant draws, sweat collection, breath collections, occ health/drug screen collections, MRSA and Covid collections, therapeutic phlebotomies)
4. Assisting provider performed procedures, including but not limited to FNA, Bone Marrow, EBUS, Bronchial lavage.
5. Specimen Processing (includes Specimen receipt, specimen sorting , specimen delivery\loading, decanting and retrieval for send out testing and surgical sample triage, Specimen storage and disposal functions)
6. Non-conformity investigation\Problem Resolution (examples Problem Desk aka Portal, TLC, NCE responses, client service) includes proper documentation.
7. Lab Equipment Maintenance and\or support (superuser), to include chemical and biohazard waste management for non-testing instrumentation (cryostats and stainline)
8. Sample Testing (waived to moderate) including appropriate instrument maintenance, including biohazard disposal, and QC.
a. Reviews results to see if they are within defined parameters. Identifies and resolves technical specimen problems. Report out results.
b. Identifies, researches and resolves specimen, QC, or instrument problems.
9. Consistent training and\or assisting in competency assessments of modalities to employee and\or students with completing initial training documentation. This may include N95 FIT Testing,
10. Department specific skilled technical assistance:
a. BB-Product prep: irradiating units, thaw cryo and plasma, splitting plasma and platelets
b. Infectious Disease- Planting patient specimens that includes: Tissue and Bone processing (grinding and cutting), Plate Inoculation, Knowledge of anaerobic versus aerobic incubation requirements
c. Genetics and Cytometry - Nucleic acid extraction, cell culture and harvesting, renal transplant kit oversight and patient testing scheduling and monitoring
d. Histology and Cytology - Cytology specimen processing, slide preparation and staining, Histology specimen processing, including bone marrow grossing and knowledge of processing for each tissue type.
e. TRI Honest Broker
11. Department specific clerical or support functions
a. Organization of AP/HP cases and slide distribution
b. FFPE Block and slide filing and material retrieval
c. Consult Case management (ordering, material retrieval, billing, Client on the Fly, report upload)
d. Client Material return
e. Unit allocation & issue: cryo, plasma, platelet, bone and tissue
12. Skilled Inventory management: (ordering, receiving, monitoring par levels, end of month reconciliations, includes blood supply, reagents, supplies, TriBuy training and competency)
TriCore is New Mexico's largest laboratory, employing more than 1,400 individuals who serve in a broad range of positions. We are dedicated to improving the quality of care for our communities, and also our employees. We foster a culture of integrity, are dedicated to excellence, and are looking for passionate individuals with a desire to have an impact in patient care, the core of our strategy. We offer excellent benefits including, medical, dental, vision and life insurances, 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching, PTO, and paid holidays, as well as opportunities for continuous learning, education assistance, wellness programs, career advancement, and the ability to share in our genuine commitment to the health of our communities. We offer a variety of shifts at multiple locations.