... lab coat, ear plugs etc.) When you are part of the team at Thermo Fisher Scientific, you'll do ... Must maintain Thermo Fisher Scientifics' Four-I Values. * Must possess knowledge of quality systems ...
... lab coat, ear plugs etc.) When you are part of the team at Thermo Fisher Scientific, you'll do ... Must maintain Thermo Fisher Scientifics' Four-I Values. * Must possess knowledge of quality systems ...
Lab Associate I information
See Ridgefield, WA salary details
$13.52 - $15.58
7% of jobs
$15.58 - $17.65
15% of jobs
$18.01 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$17.65 - $19.71
15% of jobs
The median wage is $21.26 / hr.
$19.71 - $21.77
17% of jobs
$21.77 - $23.84
16% of jobs
$24.87 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$23.84 - $25.90
10% of jobs
$25.90 - $27.96
4% of jobs
$27.96 - $30.03
5% of jobs
$30.03 - $32.09
5% of jobs
$32.09 - $34.16
3% of jobs
$34.16 - $36.22
2% of jobs
$13
$23
$36
How much do lab associate i jobs pay per hour?
As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab associate i in Ridgefield, WA is $23.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.12 and $26.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.
What are some common challenges faced by a Lab Associate I, and how can they be overcome?
Lab Associate I professionals often encounter challenges such as adapting to strict safety protocols, managing multiple sample tests simultaneously, and maintaining accurate records. To overcome these challenges, it's important to develop strong organizational skills, pay close attention to detail, and regularly communicate with team members and supervisors. Utilizing checklists and digital tracking systems can also help ensure consistency and accuracy in daily tasks, while ongoing training can keep you up-to-date with best practices and lab safety standards.
What is a Lab Associate I?
Lab Associate I jobs are entry-level positions in laboratories where individuals assist scientists and technicians with routine tasks such as preparing samples, operating basic laboratory equipment, and maintaining a clean and organized work environment. These roles often include responsibilities like recording data, labeling specimens, and following safety protocols. Lab Associates I typically work under the supervision of more experienced staff and help ensure that experiments and tests are conducted efficiently and accurately. This position is a great starting point for those interested in a career in laboratory science.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Lab Associate I, and why are they important?
To thrive as a Lab Associate I, you need a solid background in laboratory procedures, basic scientific knowledge, and at least a high school diploma or associate degree in a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, safety protocols, and data entry systems such as LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System) is typically required. Attention to detail, organizational skills, and effective communication set outstanding candidates apart. These skills ensure accurate results, maintain laboratory safety, and support efficient team collaboration in a regulated environment.
What is the difference between Lab Associate I vs Lab Technician?
| Criteria | Lab Associate I | Lab Technician |
|---|---|---|
| Required Credentials | High school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require an associate degree | High school diploma or equivalent; often an associate degree in a related field |
| Work Environment | Laboratory settings, assisting with basic tasks | Laboratory settings, performing more technical procedures |
| Employer & Industry Usage | Hospitals, research labs, biotech companies | Medical labs, research institutions, pharmaceutical companies |
| Common Search & Comparison Intent | Understanding entry-level lab roles and responsibilities | Clarifying technical duties and qualifications |
The main difference between a Lab Associate I and a Lab Technician lies in their responsibilities and qualifications. Lab Associate I roles typically involve basic lab support tasks and require minimal formal education, while Lab Technicians perform more technical procedures and often have additional certifications or degrees. Both roles are essential in laboratory environments across healthcare, research, and industry sectors.
Full-time
Re-posted 5 days ago
Thermo Fisher Scientific rating
7.7
Based on 423 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
200th of 538 rated manufacturers
Job description
Work Schedule
Standard (Mon-Fri)Environmental Conditions
Office, Some degree of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) required (safety glasses, gowning, gloves, lab coat, ear plugs etc.)Job Description
When you are part of the team at Thermo Fisher Scientific, you’ll do important work. And you’ll have the opportunity for continual growth and learning in a culture that empowers your development. With revenues of more than $40 billion and the largest investment in R&D in the industry, we give our people the resources and opportunities to make significant contributions to the world.
Location/Division
Our Materials and Structural Analysis business helps customers drive ground breaking research and discoveries by delivering innovative solutions, such as world-class scanning and transmission electron microscopes (EM), combined with advanced software suites. Our EM Certified team is responsible for generating a new revenue stream by actively trading-in, refurbishing and reselling previously owned systems.
The Mission
The Field Service Engineer EM Certified supports the day-to-day refurbishment activities in the Certified facility in Hillsboro. This is a wide range of tasks from receiving and inspecting systems, refurbishing systems to standard factory specifications and packaging and shipping out these systems.
The Position
In this role you will support the refurbishment activities in the Hillsboro Certified facility to ensure that Certified systems meet company standards and are delivered according to schedule. You will also support the developing of standards and procedures, and continuously work to improve these.
You will plan, schedule and monitor your activities versus the agreed schedules and proactively resolve technical issues. Expected travel to be less than 25% within the Hillsboro, OR.
Your main responsibilities will involve:
- Works closely together with the Lead operations Engineer and the operations manager to schedule refurbishment activities within materials and resources availability boundaries.
- Collaborating with the lead Operations Engineer to assess returned systems and making detailed refurbishment plans.
- Working with the lead Operations Engineer to manage quality of refurbishment activities and refurbished systems.
- Actively supports improvement programs.
- Ensuring timely delivery of refurbished systems and brings up any potential delays.
- Communicates with team members and collaborators throughout the company
The Requirements
This position is ideal for a candidate who is experienced with manufacturing, logistics and/or service support processes of very complex high-tech products.
-
Bachelor's degree and understanding and experience diagnosing and repairing ultra-high vacuum and high voltage systems such as SEM, TEM, FIB, or similar systems or Associates degree in a technical subject area and 3+ years proven experience in Electron Microscopy platforms (like SEM, TEM, SDB, LDB) demonstrating the required skills or similar systems, or a combination of education and experience.
- Has a can-do mentality and can think out of the box to resolve the complicated issues related to the Certified business in dealing with older and even obsolete technology
- Must maintain Thermo Fisher Scientifics’ Four-I Values.
- Must possess knowledge of quality systems and methods and a consistent track record to achieve significant improvements through the systematic application of
- Learn and practice Practical Process Improvement (PPI) thinking to continuously drive efficiency
- Demonstrated capability to collaborate effectively with teams from various functions and cultures to achieve business objectives.
- Excellent interpersonal skills to interact with other team members.
- Travel nationally if required to support customers and advise on deinstallations.
- Knowledge of working with PC, Windows, MS Office packages
The Competencies
The successful candidate will possess the following competencies:
- Can-do mentality!
- Open Communication
- Flexibility & Achieving Change!
- Relationship Building
- Collaboration & Partnership
Eeo/aap
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or on the basis of disability.
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Benefits
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About Thermo Fisher Scientific
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Industry
Biotechnology research and development
Company size
10,000+ Employees
Headquarters location
Waltham, MA, US
Year founded
1956