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Lab Associate Jobs in Durham, NC (NOW HIRING)

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Lab Associate information

See Durham, NC salary details

$12

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$32

How much do lab associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab associate in Durham, NC is $21.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.49 and $24.13 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Lab Associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lab Associate, you need a solid understanding of laboratory procedures, attention to detail, and typically a degree in a science-related field. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), standard lab equipment, and relevant safety certifications is often required. Strong organizational skills, teamwork, and effective communication set outstanding candidates apart in this role. These skills ensure accurate data collection, safe lab practices, and efficient support for scientific research or clinical testing.

How much does a lab assistant earn?

Lab assistants typically earn between $25,000 and $45,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the specific industry or laboratory setting. Entry-level positions may start lower, while those with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher salaries.

What are Lab Associates?

Lab Associates are professionals who assist in the daily operations of laboratories by performing tasks such as preparing samples, conducting basic experiments, maintaining equipment, and recording data. They typically work under the supervision of scientists or lab managers and help ensure that laboratory procedures are followed safely and accurately. Lab Associates play a crucial role in supporting research and development, quality control, or diagnostic testing in fields like healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and academia. Their responsibilities may vary depending on the specific lab setting and industry.

Do you need qualifications to be a lab assistant?

Lab associates typically need at least a high school diploma or equivalent, with some positions requiring postsecondary education or relevant certifications. Strong attention to detail, basic laboratory skills, and familiarity with lab equipment are also important for the role.

What is the difference between Lab Associate vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectLab AssociateLaboratory Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or associate degree; certifications varyAssociate degree or relevant certification; similar educational background
Work EnvironmentHospitals, research labs, clinicsMedical labs, research facilities, industrial labs
Job ResponsibilitiesSample collection, data entry, basic testingPerforming tests, maintaining equipment, recording results
Employer & Industry UsageHealthcare, research, biotechMedical, industrial, research sectors

Both Lab Associates and Laboratory Technicians work in similar environments and often share educational requirements. The main difference lies in specific job duties, with Laboratory Technicians typically performing more complex tests and equipment maintenance. Understanding these distinctions can help job seekers identify the right role for their skills and career goals.

What is the highest paid lab technician?

The highest paid lab technicians are often those with specialized skills, advanced certifications, or experience in high-demand fields such as pharmaceutical or clinical research laboratories. Salaries can reach over $70,000 annually, depending on location, industry, and level of expertise. Senior or supervisory roles typically offer higher compensation.

What are some typical challenges a Lab Associate might face during day-to-day work, and how can they be addressed?

Lab Associates often encounter challenges such as managing multiple experiments simultaneously, ensuring precise documentation, and maintaining equipment. Staying organized by keeping detailed lab notes and using lab management software can help streamline workflow. Clear communication with team members and supervisors is vital to address any issues promptly and maintain a safe, efficient laboratory environment. Regularly scheduled equipment checks and proactive troubleshooting also contribute to smoother operations.

What do lab associates do?

Lab associates perform tasks such as preparing samples, conducting experiments, recording data, and maintaining laboratory equipment. They often work under supervision in research or clinical labs and may need knowledge of safety protocols and laboratory techniques.
What are the most commonly searched types of Lab jobs in Durham, NC? The most popular types of Lab jobs in Durham, NC are:
What are popular job titles related to Lab Associate jobs in Durham, NC? For Lab Associate jobs in Durham, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Lab Associate jobs in Durham, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Lab Associate jobs in Durham, NC are:
What cities near Durham, NC are hiring for Lab Associate jobs? Cities near Durham, NC with the most Lab Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Lab Associate job openings in Durham, NC as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 38% Full Time, 53% Part Time, 7% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,958 per year, or $21.6 per hour.
PLS Entry-Level Lab Tech 1

$22 - $25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Pace Analytical rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 57 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

60th of 103 rated laboratories


Job description

Shift:

Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Are you ready to work making the world a safer, healthier place? Join our mission to continuously move science forward; to innovate and advance all aspects of our business to improve the health and safety of our communities and lives.

This is a full-time, onsite, Pharmaceutical Lab Technician 1 position located in Morrisville, NC, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Compensation: $22.00 - $25.00 per hour

The salary for this position reflects a variety of factors. Compensation will be determined based on the candidate’s geographic location, relevant experience, education, skills, and alignment with internal equity. Market conditions, budgetary considerations, and organizational compensation guidelines may also influence the final offer. 

Make an Impact. Build a Career.

Pace® Life Sciences delivers a comprehensive suite of contract CMC development, CTM manufacturing, regulatory compliance, consulting, and facility support services to the pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, and gene therapy industries. Operating across a network of CDMO sites, GMP analytical testing laboratories, and manufacturing support centers, we partner with clients to efficiently advance programs from early development through commercialization.

Our experienced industry experts and continued investment in state-of-the-art facilities reflect our commitment to quality, speed, and reliability. United by a shared purpose, we bring meaningful value to patients, healthcare professionals, and health businesses worldwide by delivering services that support a safer, healthier future.

SUMMARY  

Responsible for providing support to Scientists in maintaining all aspects of the lab, which involve knowledge on fundamental lab support policies, programs and practices while completing appropriate forms, documents, and databases. May include various forms of samples, such as environmental, biological, chemical, and related areas. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS  

  • Processes items in the shipping and receiving area to ensure proper disposition. 

  • Assists in the cleaning of laboratory glassware as needed. 

  • Maintains the general laboratory and facility supplies inventory for the site. 

  • Picks up, transports, and maintains samples, documents, materials, and other items as needed. 

  • Completes and processes documents, databases, and related materials and information according to established procedures. 

  • Provides fundamental support in the application and assistance to staff and management regarding lab support policies, programs, and practices. 

  • Assists with ensuring compliance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations; receives guidance and direction or escalates when required. 

  • Contributes to the efficiency and effectiveness of the department's service to its customers by offering suggestions and directing or participating as an active member of a work team. 

  • Promotes and supports the overall mission of Pace Analytical by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with customers and staff; acts in a manner that promotes a harmonious and effective workplace environment. 

QUALIFICATIONS  

Education and Experience  

Associate's degree or equivalent; experience in related work is preferred; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. One year of experience in a lab or environmental setting is preferred. 

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS 

Required Knowledge  

  • Fundamental principles, practices, and techniques of lab support. 

  • Customer service principles and practices. 

  • Understanding of the daily administration of lab support programs, policies, and procedures. 

  • Fundamental methods to resolve lab support or technical problems, questions, and concerns. 

  • Ability to learn standard applicable organizational policies and procedures on sample maintenance. 

  • Computer applications including Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint and systems related to the work. 

  • Principles and practices to serving as an effective project team member. 

  • Methods to communicate with staff, coworkers, and customers to ensure safe, effective, and appropriate operations. 

  • Correct business English, including spelling, grammar, and punctuation. 

Required Skills  

  • Performing fundamental lab support duties in assigned areas. 

  • Serving as a team member working with coworkers. 

  • Operating in both a team and individual contributor environment. 

  • Interpreting, applying, and explaining organizational policies and procedures. 

  • Maintaining databases, forms, documents and related information. 

  • Using initiative and judgment within established department policies and procedures. 

  • Using tact, discretion, and prudence in working with those contacted in the course of the work. 

  • Performing effective oral presentations to groups and peers and the department. 

  • Contributing effectively to the accomplishment of team or work unit goals, objectives and activities. 

  • Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with a variety of individuals contacted in the course of the work. 

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:
The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.


Mobility to work in a lab and office setting, use standard office and lab equipment and stamina to sit for extended periods of time; exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull or move objects; vision to read printed materials and computer screens; and hearing and speech to communicate in person or over the telephone.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

Work is performed in a lab and office setting. Work is subject to chemicals, fumes, gases, noxious odors, and related items in a lab and sample setting.

Find Your Place at Pace - We need you - your curiosity, your talents, and your drive - to help us advance this important work.

Benefits
When you join Pace®, you commit to work that makes a positive impact on our communities and our world. We commit to supporting you with benefits and perks that make a positive impact on your life. Full-time roles are eligible for our comprehensive benefits program which includes competitive salaries, medical, dental vision, 401K retirement savings plan (100% vested immediately in the employer match), life, disability and voluntary benefits, paid time off for holiday, sick and vacation days, HSA, wellness program, flexible spending accounts, tuition reimbursement, Employee Assistance program, parental leave, optional legal coverage and ID theft.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Pace® provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, creed, color, religion, genetics, protected veteran status, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.


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