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Lab Associate Jobs in Kannapolis, NC (NOW HIRING)

Quality Lab Technician

Belmont, NC · On-site

$18.25 - $23/hr

The Quality Lab Technician will utilize various laboratory equipment and testing methods, analyze ... High school diploma or equivalent; associate degree in a technical field preferred. * Experience in ...

Quality Lab Technician

Belmont, NC · On-site

$18.25 - $23/hr

The Quality Lab Technician will utilize various laboratory equipment and testing methods, analyze ... High school diploma or equivalent; associate degree in a technical field preferred. * Experience in ...

Quality Lab Technician

Belmont, NC · On-site

$18.25 - $23/hr

The Quality Lab Technician will utilize various laboratory equipment and testing methods, analyze ... High school diploma or equivalent; associate degree in a technical field preferred. * Experience in ...

Paint Quality Lab Technician

Gastonia, NC · On-site

$16.50 - $21/hr

The Paint Quality Lab Technician is responsible for performing laboratory inspections, tests, and ... High school diploma required; technical training or associate degree in Quality, Chemistry ...

Associate degree in chemistry, Material Science, or related field required * 1 year of experience working in a lab setting or equivalent educational experience * Must possess strong analytical ...

Associate degree in chemistry, Material Science, or related field required * 1 year of experience working in a lab setting or equivalent educational experience * Must possess strong analytical ...

Lab Specialist

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$23.75 - $26.83/hr

The Lab Specialist supports product quality, regulatory compliance, and customer satisfaction by ... Associate degree (A. A.) or equivalent from two-year college; or one to three years related ...

Lab Specialist

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$23.75 - $26.83/hr

The Lab Specialist supports product quality, regulatory compliance, and customer satisfaction by ... Associate degree (A. A.) or equivalent from two-year college; or one to three years related ...

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Lab Associate information

See Kannapolis, NC salary details

$12

$22

$33

How much do lab associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab associate in Kannapolis, NC is $22.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.78 and $24.62 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.

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.

How much does a lab assistant get paid?

Lab assistants typically earn between $12 and $20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of tasks. Entry-level positions may pay closer to the lower end, while those with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher wages. Salaries can also vary based on the industry and work environment.

Which lab job pays the most?

In laboratory settings, senior roles such as Laboratory Managers, Principal Investigators, or specialized research scientists tend to have the highest salaries. These positions often require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and leadership responsibilities, resulting in higher compensation compared to entry-level lab associate roles.

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 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 qualifications do I need to be a lab assistant?

To be a lab associate, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with some positions requiring an associate's degree or higher in a relevant field such as biology, chemistry, or laboratory technology. Relevant skills include attention to detail, familiarity with laboratory equipment, and the ability to follow safety protocols; certifications like OSHA training can also be beneficial.

What do lab associates do?

Lab associates perform tasks such as preparing samples, conducting experiments, recording data, and maintaining laboratory equipment. They work under supervision in laboratory environments, often using tools like microscopes and pipettes, and may need relevant certifications or training depending on the industry. Their role supports research, quality control, or diagnostic processes.
What are the most commonly searched types of Lab jobs in Kannapolis, NC? The most popular types of Lab jobs in Kannapolis, NC are:
What cities near Kannapolis, NC are hiring for Lab Associate jobs? Cities near Kannapolis, NC with the most Lab Associate job openings:
Postdoctoral Research Associate - Goode Lab

Postdoctoral Research Associate - Goode Lab

UNC-Chapel Hill

Kannapolis, NC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Vision

Posted 2 days ago


University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 48 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

273rd of 553 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Posting Details
Department Nutrition Research Institute - 633300 Posting Open Date 01/13/2026 Application Deadline 07/15/2026 Open Until Filled No Position Type Postdoctoral Scholar Position Title Postdoctoral Research Associate - Goode Lab Vacancy ID PDS004750 Full-time/Part-time Full-Time Temporary Hours per week 40 FTE 1 Work Location Kannapolis, NC Position Location North Carolina, US Hiring Range Dependent on qualifications in line with NIH scale Proposed Start Date Estimated Duration of Appointment 24 Months
Position Information
Be a Tar Heel!
The UNC Nutrition Research Institute (NRI) is a world-renowned center and a global leader in precision nutrition research. Our on-site facilities include multiple wet labs and clinical facilities as well as a vivarium and a metabolic chamber. Approximately two hours from UNC-Chapel Hill, the NRI is located on the beautiful North Carolina Research Campus (NCRC) in Kannapolis, NC, a mid-size city with a small-town feel. The institute is within walking distance of the city center which includes shops, restaurants, a minor-league ballpark, theater, and music hall of fame. We are also a short drive to Charlotte and Winston-Salem/Greensboro. The NRI offers programs that support a healthy work/life balance. We also offer professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development, and lifelong learning.
Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit
Learning how people can eat uniquely!
The UNC Nutrition Research Institute (NRI) is an internationally recognized center conducting innovative basic and translational science to establish how individual differences in nutrient requirements and responses to diet affect our nutritional needs. Our research contributes to the prevention and mitigation of chronic disease across the lifespan from periconception through aging.
Our Mission is to lead precision nutrition research through understanding how genetics and environment affect an individual's requirements for and responses to nutrients.
NRI principal investigators hold faculty appointments in the departments of Nutrition and Psychology at UNC Chapel Hill. Their research interrogates nutrient roles in disease prevention, disease risk factors, and the impact of gene-environment and gene-nutrient interactions.
The NRI promotes excellence in nutrition knowledge, teaching, and research. We seek and encourage a diversity of experiences and ideas and provide the tools and flexibility for all employees to achieve success and excellence within their chosen occupations and aspirations.
We are committed to open dialogue, careful listening, becoming educated about the systems that hinder or prevent success, and taking action to ensure that all are equally acknowledged for their contributions and equally reap the benefits of being part of our community.
Our Vision is to use scientific discovery to ensure optimal health through individualized nutrition.
Everyone who works at the NRI supports this hopeful vision. Working at the NRI means doing good for the world. Join us!
The NRI and this position are in Kannapolis, NC, in the Charlotte region.
Position Summary
NOTE: This position is located in Kannapolis, NC, appx. 2 hours from UNC's main campus.
A Postdoctoral Research Associate position is available within the UNC Nutrition Research Institute as an integral part of the Living F.R.E.E. (Research Focused on Reducing Excessive Eating) Lab under the leadership of principal investigator, Rachel W. Goode, PhD, MPH, LCSW.
This 2-year postdoctoral position provides a unique opportunity to be involved with the development and implementation of community-engaged behavioral interventions for those at the intersection of disordered eating and obesity.
We invite applications for a 2-year Postdoctoral Research Associate position at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC), focused on community-engaged behavioral health research addressing eating disorder disparities, chronic disease prevention and management, mHealth intervention development, and eating disorder screening and treatment disparities in primary care settings.
The associate will receive training to become an independent investigator with an emphasis on disordered eating, behavioral health interventions, community-based participatory research, mHealth approaches, and chronic disease disparities. The position offers ample opportunities in manuscript and grant writing, leadership development, innovative technology and methodology, and pilot study funding to develop the associate's line of research. The ideal candidate is analytical, organized, and detail-oriented, with a proactive, reliable, and adaptable approach, strong communication skills, and a collaborative, community-oriented mindset.
Responsibilities include mentoring research coordinators and students, developing intervention materials in obesity, binge eating, and type 2 diabetes management, and mHealth programs. Additional responsibilities include conducting statistical analyses and writing scientific manuscripts. The position is full-time, in-office, with the potential for a 12-month renewal (up to 24 months total). Estimated start date: Monday, August 17, 2026.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
- PhD in Public Health, Social Work, Nutrition, or Psychology or a PhD in a related field (e.g., sociology).
Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
- Knowledge of conducting all aspects of community-based research, public health intervention planning, implementation, and evaluation.
- Knowledge of health disparities, disparities in eating disorders, and obesity and diabetes prevention.
- Excellent research skills, including in the areas of developing qualitative research questions, conducting focus groups and in-depth interviews, and IRB applications.
- Ability to work with peers and supervisory staff in a professional manner and to interact effectively with a wide variety of people.
- Ability to provide guidance and leadership to undergraduate and graduate students.
Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
N/A
Special Physical/Mental Requirements Special Instructions
For information on UNC Postdoctoral Benefits and Services click here
Quick Link https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/311866
Posting Contact Information
Department Contact Name and Title Shena Cunningham Department Contact Telephone or Email 704-250-5000 Postdoctoral Affairs Contact Information
If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the University's Office of Postdoctoral Affairs at (919) 962-9982 or send an email to opahr@unc.edu.
Please note: The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

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About University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-Chapel Hill), located in Chapel Hill, NC, US, is renowned for being one of the leading research institutes in the world. Operating within the education industry, this public research university offers a broad range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various disciplines. UNC-Chapel Hill was chartered in 1789 and has maintained its legacy of academic excellence and innovative research for more than two centuries. The institution operates under the core values of excellence, innovation, engagement, accessibility, diversity, and inclusivity. Their mission is to serve the people of North Carolina and the United States by teaching a diverse community of students to become the next generation of leaders.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Chapel Hill, NC, US

Year founded

1789