ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Lab Associate Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Twist Bioscience

Manufacturing Associate

Portland, OR

Manufacture high quality custom products in a high throughput MFG lab according to established SOPs ... Associates or Bachelors degree in Biology, chemistry or related field is desirable. * Familiarity ...

Solomon Page

Travel Cath Lab RN

Portland, OR · On-site

Specialty: Cardiac Cath Lab * Discipline: RN * Start Date: 08/17/2026 * Duration: 13 weeks * 40 ... Associates can enroll in the 401K plan after they have worked 1000 hours. * ESOP Benefits: As an ...

Entegris

Senior Quality Lab Technician

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

Job Title: Senior Quality Lab Technician Here at Entegris, we use advanced science to enable ... Associate degree in a relevant field of study with 4+ years previous experience in an industrial ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsLab Associate JobsLab Associate Jobs in Portland, OR

Lab Associate information

See Portland, OR salary details

$13

$23

$36

How much do lab associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab associate in Portland, OR is $23.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.08 and $26.49 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 Portland, OR? The most popular types of Lab jobs in Portland, OR are:
What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Lab Associate jobs? Cities near Portland, OR with the most Lab Associate job openings:
Lab Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lab Associate job openings in Portland, OR as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,341 per year, or $23.7 per hour.
Manufacturing Associate

Manufacturing Associate

Twist Bioscience

Portland, OR

Other

Posted 20 days ago

Twist Bioscience rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

We are looking for motivated, enthusiastic individuals to join our Twist Bioscience Operations team in Wilsonville, OR. The Manufacturing Associate will produce various DNA and plasmid products, focusing on molecular and cellular biology, as well as running analytic techniques in the high-throughput/highly-automated lab according to established SOPs, along with working with sensitive equipment and following good manufacturing practices. Candidates must also be a team player, neat and highly organized, able to work in a cleanroom environment and foster safe work practices.

Please indicate shift preferences in your application.

Possible Shifts:

1A: Sunday-Tuesday, Alt Wednesday (7:00am-7:30pm)

1B: Alt Wednesday, Thursday-Saturday (7:00am-7:30pm)

2A: Alt Saturday, Sunday - Tuesday (7:00pm-7:30am)

2B: Wednesday - Friday, Alt Saturday (7:00pm-7:30am)

Days: Sunday-Wednesday (7:00am-5:30pm) 

Swing: Wednesday-Saturday (1:00pm-11:30pm) 

The Manufacturing Associate will perform basic reagent handling, chemistry and molecular biology workflows in a highly automated, high-throughput manner and will be responsible for the manufacture and analysis of a variety of custom DNA based intermediates and products across Twist Bioscience's proprietary process workflow to meet the Twist production forecast and timelines. The ideal candidate will be driven and will do what it takes to keep manufacturing on track in a fast paced start-up environment.  The Manufacturing Associate will be responsible for the production of custom gene based products and/or various intermediates according to established SOPs and complete manufacturing batch records to contribute to the daily production schedule.  

Roles and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Manufacture high quality custom products in a high throughput MFG lab according to established SOPs.
  • Operate laboratory equipment and liquid handling robots such as Hamilton Stars, bioanalyzers, centrifuges, sealers, thermocyclers, spectrometers, Illumina Next-Gen sequencers etc.)
  • Effectively use molecular and cell biology processes and techniques, especially PCR, DNA quantitation, purification and cloning. 
  • Maintain thorough, accurate and detailed documentation of all work performed using existing document templates and software applications.
  • Update and write work instructions and documentation.
  • Work independently and in a safe manner.
  • Pay great attention to details and perform consistent work without excessive supervision.
  • Help Leads and Supervisors with troubleshooting and the handling of process deviations.
  • Package and/or organize products for shipping.
  • Work according to Good Manufacturing and ISO practices. Learn, adopt and promote lean manufacturing concepts.
  • Complete all the daily assigned tasks to keep the manufacturing schedule on track and report back to Lead and Supervisor.

What You'll Bring to the Team

  • Relevant experience that can indicate success in a high throughput, fast paced laboratory manufacturing environment.
  • Associates or Bachelors degree in Biology, chemistry or related field is desirable.
  • Familiarity or prior experience in a manufacturing and/or a laboratory environment is highly desirable.
  • Good written and verbal skills are critical.
  • Good computer skills (Excel, Word, Atlassian etc) and the ability to quickly learn new software applications.
  • Ability to pay great attention to details.

Working Conditions

  • The work will be performed in a very dynamic laboratory team environment.
  • It is a controlled laboratory environment.
  • Must be able to stand for long periods of time while performing duties.
  • Must be able to work safely with chemicals and hazardous materials.
  • Must be able to lift up to 20 lbs.
  • Must be able to work outside of regular work hours/ work a flexible shift as needed

About Twist Bioscience

Twist Bioscience synthesizes genes from scratch, known as "writing" DNA. Just as children learn to both read and write, the next phase of development for the genomics revolution is the ability to write DNA.

At Twist Bioscience, we work in service of people who are changing the world for the better. In fields such as health care, agriculture, industrial chemicals and data storage, our unique silicon-based DNA Synthesis Platform provides precision at a scale that is otherwise unavailable to our customers.

Twist Bioscience Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Twist Bioscience Corporation provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic characteristics, or any other category protected by law.

#LI-MS1 

What Twist Bioscience employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply