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Lab Associate Jobs in Russellville, KY (NOW HIRING)

Cath Lab RN Clarksville, TN $2554/Weekly Gross**Estimated pay package. Does not include taxes ... Either an Associate of Science or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ASN or BSN) * Valid TN license A ...

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Lab Associate information

See Russellville, KY salary details

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How much do lab associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab associate in Russellville, KY is $20.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.43 and $22.60 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a lab associate?

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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lab associate?

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 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 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 the most commonly searched types of Lab jobs in Russellville, KY?

The most popular types of Lab jobs in Russellville, KY are:

What cities near Russellville, KY are hiring for Lab Associate jobs?

Cities near Russellville, KY with the most Lab Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Lab Associate job openings in Russellville, KY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,044 per year, or $20.2 per hour.

Clinical Lab Associate-2

Clarksville, TN • On-site

Vanderbilt Health
Health Care and Social Assistance • 10K+ employees

Other

Medical, Retirement

Posted 7 days ago


Vanderbilt University Medical Center rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 260 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Discover Vanderbilt Health: With eight hospitals and over 180 clinics, we are the region's largest comprehensive academic health system. Vanderbilt Health has a long tradition of providing world-class care to the people of the Mid-South, living out our mission of moving medicine forward through preeminent programs in patient care, education and research. Here you'll find a spirit of collaboration and a supportive community where your expertise is valued, your knowledge expanded and your uniqueness celebrated. We are committed to fostering an environment where talented, compassionate people are united in bringing the most advanced care to our neighbors throughout the region.
Organization:
VCH Laboratory Pathology
Job Summary:
Responsible for accessioning specimens or patient tissue materials for testing including packaging specimens or tissue materials to be sent out to referring laboratory with minimal guidance. Works closely with all laboratory staff, medical staff, and external customers. Performs customer service functions including telephone etiquette and basic troubleshooting and problem resolution.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Sorting, triaging, receiving, sending, processing and batching specimens
  • Processing samples pre-analytically for testing
  • Providing general clerical support
  • The responsibilities listed are a general overview of the position and additional duties may be assigned
Technical Capabilities:
  • Quality Assurance (Novice): Has provided continuous analysis and evaluation of assignment work processes, constantly striving for improvement in the way tasks and activities are accomplished by questioning their value to the process and contributing creative solutions. Has participated in the process of establishing, communicating and monitoring standards for quality and excellence. Demonstrates the ability to actually work on and improve a current business process, product or service.
  • Specimen Collection (Novice): Possesses sufficient fundamental proficiency to successfully demonstrate specimen collection in practical applications of moderate difficulty. Generally works under the direction of others while accomplishing assignments.
  • Pathology (Novice): Possesses sufficient fundamental proficiency to successfully demonstrate pathology in practical applications of moderate difficulty.
  • Laboratory Practices (Novice): Possesses sufficient fundamental proficiency to successfully demonstrate laboratory practices in practical applications of moderate difficulty. Generally works under the direction of others while accomplishing assignments.
  • Customer Service (Novice): Demonstrates the ability to influence customers. Knows how to verify and clarify the needs and expectations of customers. Responds quickly and efficiently to customer service requests. Participates in and conducts meetings with customers. Keeps customers informed of status via standard reporting techniques. Meets the continuing service needs of a customer group, including requests for changes in work content. Responds to customers with an appropriate level of urgency, energy, persistence and tenacity.
  • Equipment Maintenance (Novice): Possesses sufficient fundamental proficiency to successfully demonstrate the ability to maintain equipment, products, or systems in practical applications of moderate difficulty. Assures that parts inventory is sufficient.

Allied health is among the fastest growing occupations in healthcare today. This area can be defined as credentialed professionals who perform supportive, diagnostic, and therapeutic health care services to promote health and prevent disease in a variety of settings.
These areas are crucial to Vanderbilt Health's reputation for excellence in these areas that has made us a major center for patient referrals from throughout the Mid-South.
Each year, people throughout Tennessee and the southeast choose Vanderbilt Health for their health care because of our leadership in medical science and our dedication to treating patients with dignity and compassion.
Core Accountabilities:
Organizational Impact: Delivers job responsibilities that impact own job area/team with some guidance. Problem Solving/ Complexity of work: Uses existing procedures, research and analysis to solve standard job related problems that may require some judgement. Breadth of Knowledge: Requires subject matter knowledge within a professional area to meet job requirements. Team Interaction: Individually contributes to project/ work teams.
Core Capabilities :
Supporting Colleagues: - Develops Self and Others: Continuously improves own skills by identifying development opportunities.- Builds and Maintains Relationships: Seeks to understand colleagues priorities, working styles and develops relationships across areas. - Communicates Effectively: Openly shares information with others and communicates in a clear and courteous manner. Delivering Excellent Services: - Serves Others with Compassion: Invests time to understand the problems, needs of others and how to provide excellent service. - Solves Complex Problems: Seeks to understand issues, solves routine problems, and raises proper concerns to supervisors in a timely manner. - Offers Meaningful Advice and Support: Listens carefully to understand the issues and provides accurate information and support. Ensuring High Quality: - Performs Excellent Work: Checks work quality before delivery and asks relevant questions to meet quality standards.- Ensures Continuous Improvement: Shows eagerness to learn new knowledge, technologies, tools or systems and displays willingness to go above and beyond. - Fulfills Safety and Regulatory Requirements: Demonstrates basic knowledge of conditions that affect safety and reports unsafe conditions to the appropriate person or department. Managing Resources Effectively :- Demonstrates Accountability: Takes responsibility for completing assigned activities and thinks beyond standard approaches to provide high-quality work/service. - Stewards Organizational Resources: Displays understanding of how personal actions will impact departmental resources. - Makes Data Driven Decisions: Uses accurate information and good decision making to consistently achieve results on time and without error. Fostering Innovation: - Generates New Ideas: Willingly proposes/accepts ideas or initiatives that will impact day-to-day operations by offering suggestions to enhance them.- Applies Technology: Absorbs new technology quickly; understands when to utilize the appropriate tools and procedures to ensure proper course of action. - Adapts to Change: Embraces changes by keeping an open mind to changing plans and incorporates change instructions into own area of work.
Position Qualifications:
Responsibilities:
Certifications:
Work Experience:
Relevant Work Experience
Experience Level :
1 year
Education:
High School Diploma or GED
This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact within Vanderbilt Health, supported by a comprehensive benefits package which may include health, disability, retirement and/or wellness offerings to enhance your well-being and professional growth.
Vanderbilt Health is committed to fostering an environment where everyone has the chance to thrive and is committed to the principles of equal opportunity. EOE/Vets/Disabled.

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