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Lab Assistant Jobs in Rutherford, NJ (NOW HIRING)

Quest Diagnostics

Lab Assistant II

Hackensack, NJ · On-site

$16.60/hr

Lab Assistant II - Hackensack, NJ, Monday to Friday, 4:00 PM to 12:30 AM, with rotational weekends and holidays. Quest Diagnostics is hiring a Lab Assistant II in Hackensack, NJ. This role is a ...

Quest Diagnostics

Lab Assistant I

Clifton, NJ · On-site

$15.53/hr

Lab Assistant I - Clifton, NJ, Thursday to Monday, 4:00 AM to 12:30 PM Department: Clinical Laboratory - Molecular Diagnostic Main Are you intrigued by the science of the human body? Curious about ...

Quest Diagnostics

Lab Assistant I

Clifton, NJ · On-site

$15.53/hr

Lab Assistant I - Clifton, NJ, Tuesday to Saturday, 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM Department: Clinical Laboratory - Microbiology General Are you intrigued by the science of the human body? Curious about ...

Quest Diagnostics

Lab Assistant I

Clifton, NJ · On-site

$15.53/hr

Lab Assistant I - Clifton, NJ, Tuesday to Saturday, 1:00 AM to 9:30 AM Department: Auto Chem Tech Operations Support Are you intrigued by the science of the human body? Curious about state-of-the-art ...

CYNET SYSTEMS

Lab Assistant

Clifton, NJ · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Medical assistant training helpful. * Math and science courses preferred. * Ability to establish work priorities and handle several tasks for maximum workstation efficiency. * Ability to retain ...

CYNET SYSTEMS

Lab Assistant

Clifton, NJ · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Medical assistant training helpful. * Math and science courses preferred. * Ability to establish work priorities and handle several tasks for maximum workstation efficiency. * Ability to retain ...

All Medical Personnel

Lab - Lab Assistant

Clifton, NJ

$25/hr

Additional Skills & Requirements High school diploma or equivalent required; medical assistant training is helpful. Math and science coursework preferred. No prior work experience required. Ability ...

Atrium

Lab Technician

Morris Plains, NJ · On-site

$21/hr

Preferred Experience/Skills For The Chemistry Lab Assistant * Professional communication skills and a dependable, detail-oriented work style. * Experience using Microsoft Excel and Word for data ...

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Lab Assistant information

See Rutherford, NJ salary details

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How much do lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab assistant in Rutherford, NJ is $20.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.92 and $23.51 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.

More about Lab Assistant jobs
What job categories do people searching Lab Assistant jobs in Rutherford, NJ look for? The top searched job categories for Lab Assistant jobs in Rutherford, NJ are:
What cities near Rutherford, NJ are hiring for Lab Assistant jobs? Cities near Rutherford, NJ with the most Lab Assistant job openings:
Lab Assistant jobs near you
Lab Assistant, Laboratory

Lab Assistant, Laboratory

RWJBarnabas Health

Jersey City, NJ • On-site

$22.78/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

RWJBarnabas Health rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 323 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

188th of 877 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Job Title: Lab Assistant
Location: Jersey City Medical Center
Department Name: Lab JCMC
Req #: 0000253983
Status: Hourly
Shift: Evening
Pay Range: $22.78 - $22.78 per hour
Pay Transparency:
The above reflects the anticipated hourly wage range for this position if hired to work in New Jersey.
The compensation offered to the candidate selected for the position will depend on several factors, including the candidate's educational background, skills and professional experience.
Job Overview:
Receives and verifies specimens delivered to the Laboratory or sent in pneumatic tube, answers telephone, performs some clerical functions and other related duties as requested by the supervisor/director of the laboratory.
Qualifications:
Required:
  • Education: High School diploma/GED required
  • Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
  • Ability to organize and prioritize work for timely completion
  • Effective communication skills, both verbally and in writing
  • Able to easily understand complex instructions
  • Able and willing to maintain strict level of confidentiality regarding laboratory results and records
  • Excellent computer skills
  • Work Environment and Hazards
  • Handling biohazard specimens
  • Special Physical Demands
  • Work Contact Group / Additional Responsibilities
  • All patient related hospital departments, patients, families, visitors, nursing personnel and medical staff,

Scheduling Requirements:
  • Shift- 2:00pm-10:00pm
  • Monday-Friday with every other weekend and holiday
  • Part Time

Essential Functions:
  • Verifies and accepts specimens sent/delivered to the Lab from ED, nursing units, PAT and outside clinics
  • Distributes properly bar coded specimens to appropriate laboratory sections as soon as possible
  • critical care floors and STAT specimens must be delivered immediately
  • All specimens for Troponin are spun by the Lab
  • assistant before handling to Chemistry department
  • Answers all phone calls observing proper telephone manners
  • Refers phone calls to the appropriate section if the further assistance is needed
  • Prepares and results all PKU specimens to be sent out to New Jersey State Department of Health
  • Monitors all pending/collected specimens in the computer
  • Keep the processing area clean and in orderly condition
  • Monitor all the logs to comply with regulatory agencies
  • Print and sort all outpatients, inpatients and medical record cumulative as needed
  • Proper knowledge in handling specimens during computer downtime
  • Demonstrate professionalism at all times
  • Listens and communicates effectively
  • Makes decisions that are timely and consistent with department, objectives, policies and procedures

Other Duties:
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Benefits and Perks:
At RWJBarnabas Health, our employees are at the heart of everything we do. Driven by our Total Wellbeing promise, our market-competitive offerings include comprehensive benefits and resources to support our employees' physical, emotional, financial, personal, career, and community wellbeing.
These benefits and resources include, but are not limited to:
  • Paid Time Off including Vacation, Holidays, and Sick Time
  • Retirement Plans
  • Medical and Prescription Drug Insurance
  • Dental and Vision Insurance
  • Disability and Life Insurance
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Student Loan Planning Support
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Wellness Programs
  • Voluntary Benefits (e.g., Pet Insurance)
  • Community and Volunteer Opportunities
  • Discounts Through our Partners such as NJ Devils, NJ PAC, and Verizon ....and more!

Choosing RWJBarnabas Health!
RWJBarnabas Health is the premier health care destination providing patient-centered, high-quality academic medicine in a compassionate and equitable manner, while delivering a best-in-class work experience to every member of the team. We honor and appreciate the privilege of creating and sustaining healthier communities, one person and one community at a time. As the leading academic health system in New Jersey, we advance innovative strategies in high-quality patient care, education, and research to address both the clinical and social determinants of health.
RWJBarnabas Health aims to truly make a unique impact in local communities throughout New Jersey. From vastly improving the health of local residents to creating educational and career opportunities, this combination greatly benefits the state. We understand the growing and evolving needs of residents in New Jersey-whether that be enhancing the coordination for treating complex health conditions or improving community health through local programs and education.

What RWJBarnabas Health employees say

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About RWJBarnabas Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

RWJBarnabas Health is New Jersey’s largest integrated health care delivery system, providing treatment and services to more than three million patients each year. Throughout RWJBarnabas Health, our dedicated physicians, nurses, and health professionals are committed to providing the highest quality of patient care and health education to the community and region. We aim to truly make a unique impact in local communities throughout New Jersey. From vastly improving the health of local residents to creating educational and career opportunities, this combination greatly benefits the state. We understand the growing and evolving needs of residents in New Jersey - whether that be enhancing the coordination for treating complex health conditions or improving community health through local programs and education.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

West Orange, NJ, US

Year founded

2015

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