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Lab Associate Jobs in State College, PA (NOW HIRING)

Medical Director

State College, PA · On-site

$130 - $150/hr

Manage associate veterinarians * Ensure regulatory compliance relating to the practice of ... In-house Lab (Full IDEXX VetLab) * Well‑equipped surgical suite (All sevoflurane anesthesia)

Showing results 41-59

Lab Associate information

See State College, PA salary details

$12

$21

$33

How much do lab associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab associate in State College, PA is $21.88, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.68 and $24.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Lab jobs in State College, PA?

The most popular types of Lab jobs in State College, PA are:

What cities near State College, PA are hiring for Lab Associate jobs?

Cities near State College, PA with the most Lab Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Lab Associate job openings in State College, PA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 91% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,502 per year, or $21.9 per hour.

Medical Laboratory Technician

Geisinger

Lewistown, PA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago


Geisinger Health rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 444 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

458th of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Location:

Geisinger Lewistown Hospital (GLH)

Shift:

Rotation (United States of America)

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Worker Type:

Regular

Exemption Status:

No

Job Summary:

Join our team at Geisinger Medical Laboratories. You can find your passion for caring and innovation as a team member in our state-of-the-art laboratories. Our mission is to provide exceptional patient care through innovative, efficient, and high-quality laboratory services.

Job Duties:

Performs and reports various analyses of multiple specimen sources. Performs duties to provide the highest level of patient care and maximize patient satisfaction. Meets the qualifications to provide care for patients in the specific age range on their assigned clinical area.

  • Demonstrates proficiency and competency in obtaining accurate results by following established procedures.
  • Maintains an expected level of productivity.
  • Manages multiple work processes efficiently.
  • Completes tasks in a timely manner.
  • Handles specimens properly.
  • Confirms identification and specimen suitability.
  • Uses appropriate accessioning procedures.
  • Recognizes discrepancies on patient orders.
  • Resolves and reports problems and solutions as appropriate.
  • Performs and records instrument maintenance, troubleshooting, and quality control.
  • Replenishes reagents and supplies according to established protocols.
  • Follows established reporting procedures, computerized, verbal, and manual as appropriate.
  • Records and reports problems and solutions as appropriate.
  • Navigates and accesses multiple computer applications as needed for job functionality.
  • Assists in the training and orientation of new employees.
  • Participates in educational activities to maintain current knowledge in the field.
  • Successful completion of initial and subsequent competency exams required.


Work is typically performed in a clinical environment. Accountable for satisfying all job specific obligations and complying with all organization policies and procedures. The specific statements in this profile are not intended to be all-inclusive. They represent typical elements considered necessary to successfully perform the job. Additional competencies and skills outlined in any department-specific orientation will be considered essential to the performance of the job related to that position.

Position Details:

This is a union position

Education Qualification and Details

Medical Laboratory Technician:

  • Associate degree in a laboratory science with certification (or eligible new graduate) from an accredited institution as a Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT)

MLT I = 0 - 1 YOE

MLT II = >1 YOE

Military experience will be considered and is welcomed. US Army 68K Medical Laboratory Specialist, 71E Clinical Laboratory Scientist, US Navy Medical Laboratory Technician, US Air Force Medical Laboratory Technician 4T0X1 and Biomedical Laboratory Officer (43TX) and related medical specialties.

  • Hiring Incentive: This position qualifies for a $12,500 SIGN ON BONUS for eligible candidates
  • Hours: Rotate
  • Geisinger Lewistown

Geisinger cares about not only its patients and members but also about you and your family. We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package to ensure that you and your loved ones can maintain good health, achieve financial stability, and excel both personally and professionally. We believe in creating a diverse and inclusive environment where all employees can be their authentic selves. To learn more: https://jobs.geisinger.org/diversity

Benefits of working at Geisinger:

  • Full benefits (health, dental and vision) starting on day one
  • Three medical plan choices, including an expanded network for out-of-area employees and dependents
  • Pre-tax savings plans with healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts (FSA) anda health savings account (HSA)
  • Company-paid life insurance, short-term disability, and long-term disability coverage
  • 401(k) plan that includes automatic Geisinger contributions
  • Generous paid time off (PTO) plan that allows you to accrue time quickly
  • Up to $5,000 in tuition reimbursement per calendar year
  • MyHealth Rewards wellness program to improve your health while earning a financial incentive
  • Family-friendly support including adoption and fertility assistance, parental leave pay, military leave pay and a free Care.com membership with discounted backup care for your loved ones
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Referrals for childcare, eldercare, & pet care; Access free legal guidance, mental health visits, work-life support, digital self-help tools and more

Education:

Associate's Degree-Medical Laboratory Technician (Required)

Experience:

Certification(s) and License(s):

Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) - American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)

Skills:

Communication, Laboratory Equipment Operation, Laboratory Results Reporting, Laboratory Services, Military experience as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist 71E, Medical Laboratory Specialist 68K, Medical Laboratory Specialist 92B, Medical Laboratory Technician Advanced HM-8506, Air Force Medical Laboratory Specialist (4T0X1)/ Biomedical Laboratory Officer (43TX), or other similar specialty will be considered., Organizing, Preceptor Skills, Time Management

OUR PURPOSE & VALUES: Everything we do is about caring for our patients, our members, our students, our Geisinger family and our communities.

  • KINDNESS: We strive to treat everyone as we would hope to be treated ourselves.
  • EXCELLENCE: We treasure colleagues who humbly strive for excellence.
  • LEARNING: We share our knowledge with the best and brightest to better prepare the caregivers for tomorrow.
  • INNOVATION: We constantly seek new and better ways to care for our patients, our members, our community, and the nation.
  • SAFETY: We provide a safe environment for our patients and members and the Geisinger family.

We offer healthcare benefits for full time and part time positions from day one, including vision, dental and domestic partners. Perhaps just as important, we encourage an atmosphere of collaboration, cooperation and collegiality.

We know that a diverse workforce with unique experiences and backgrounds makes our team stronger. Our patients, members and community come from a wide variety of backgrounds, and it takes a diverse workforce to make better health easier for all. We are proud to be an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.


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