1

Lab Associate Jobs in Union, SC (NOW HIRING)

Metals Lab Technician

Shelby, NC

$18 - $24/hr

Associate's Degree in Science or 4+ years of relevant experience. Language Ability: Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, work procedures, and lab equipment manuals. Ability ...

Metals Lab Technician

Shelby, NC · On-site

$15.75 - $20.75/hr

Associate's Degree in Science or 4+ years of relevant experience. Language Ability: Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, work procedures, and lab equipment manuals. Ability ...

Cath Lab Tech

Rock Hill, SC · On-site

$1.9K - $2.5K/wk

Associate degree in Radiology or equivalent, basic EKG course * Experience: 6 months in cath lab/cardiac intervention lab * Licensure/Certification: BLS, ACLS within 6 months of hire * Preferred:

Cath Lab RN Spartanburg, SC $2370/Weekly Gross** Estimated pay package. Does not include taxes ... Either an Associate of Science or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ASN or BSN) * Valid SC license A ...

Showing results 41-60

Lab Associate information

See Union, SC salary details

$11

$19

$30

How much do lab associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab associate in Union, SC is $19.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.19 and $22.31 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 Union, SC?

The most popular types of Lab jobs in Union, SC are:

What cities near Union, SC are hiring for Lab Associate jobs?

Cities near Union, SC with the most Lab Associate job openings:

R&D Lab Technician - Plastics Additives

Milliken

Spartanburg, SC

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Milliken & Company rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 62 rated fashion and textile manufacturers


Job description

Milliken & Company is a global manufacturing leader whose focus on materials science delivers tomorrow's breakthroughs today. From industry-leading molecules to sustainable innovations, Milliken creates products that enhance people's lives and deliver solutions for its customers and communities. Drawing on thousands of patents and a portfolio with applications across the textile, flooring, chemical and healthcare businesses, the company harnesses a shared sense of integrity and excellence to positively impact the world for generations. Discover more about Milliken's curious minds and inspired solutions at Milliken.com and on Facebook, Instagram and  LinkedIn.

POSITION TITLE 

R&D Lab Technician - Plastics Additives

 

POSITION OVERVIEW 

This hourly position is part of Milliken's Plastics Additives business, supporting new product and applications development within the R&D organization.  The role executes sample preparation, plastics processing, and analytical testing, and coordinates across R&D, analytical, regulatory, shipping, manufacturing, and commercial teams. The position is located at our corporate headquarters in Spartanburg, SC. Hours of work are typically Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, but may require work outside normal hours. 

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES 

  • Maintain a clean, safe, and organized lab environment and participate fully in the Milliken lab safety process 

  • Handle chemical additives safely; maintain accurate inventory records and shipping/regulatory compliance documents (SDS, COAs) within the digital lab management systems 

  • Prepare and organize incoming samples of plastic resins and other additives for testing and trials. 

  • Develop formulations and prototypes of plastic resins, additives, and colorants 

  • Operate plastics processing equipment (single/twin-screw extruders, injection molders, blending/mixing, pressure filtration) and support processing trials from material staging through sample collection and troubleshooting 

  • Conduct pigment/color evaluations (color spectrophotometers) and powder analyses (bulk density, particle size, flow properties) 

  • Measure plastic material properties (physical, thermal, optical) and execute analytical testing by GC, FTIR, DSC, MFR, and related techniques 

  • Execute non-standard tasks for exploratory R&D work and develop, validate, and transfer new test methods to the broader organization 

  • Maintain detailed, accurate data records across digital lab notebooks and work management systems (TSRs), ensuring accuracy and traceability 

  • Analyze data quantitatively and interpret results to draw sound technical conclusions 

  • Communicate results through reports; provide proactive updates, flag risks, and keep stakeholders informed across concurrent projects 

  • Collaborate with team members and coordinate across adjacent functions - Plastics Lab, Analytical, Regulatory, Shipping, Manufacturing, and Commercial - and cross-train with R&D peers to transfer knowledge and bridge role transitions 

QUALIFICATIONS - REQUIRED 

  • BS or MS in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, Material Science, or a related technical field - OR an Associate's degree/high school diploma with ~5 years of relevant work experience in lieu of a degree 

  • Hands-on chemical/laboratory experience - safely handling and mixing chemicals, documenting experiments, and operating lab equipment 

  • Proficiency in the scientific method, critical thinking, and problem solving, with strong math/formulation aptitude 

  • Ability to follow SOPs and work independently as well as in a team, with strong organization and attention to detail while prioritizing multiple assignments 

  • Strong verbal and written communication skills 

  • Working knowledge of Copilot, Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint 

QUALIFICATIONS - PREFERRED 

  • 2+ years hands-on lab experience in a polymer, plastics, or chemical environment; background in the plastics/polymer industry 

  • Experience with plastics processing/testing equipment - twin-screw extruders, injection molding, single-screw extruders, dry-blending/compounding 

  • Method development/validation and statistical analysis (DOE, JMP or Minitab) 

  • Familiarity with SAP or other ERP systems 

  • LIMS or electronic lab notebook experience 

#LI-AP1

Milliken is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition, including but not limited to lactation), sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression (including transgender status), ancestry, national origin, citizenship, age physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran or military status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

To request a reasonable accommodation to complete a job application, pre-employment testing, a job interview, or to otherwise participate in the hiring process, please contact TalentAcquisition@milliken.com.


What Milliken & Company employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom