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Lab Operations Associate Jobs in Worcester, MA (NOW HIRING)

Research Associate I

Worcester, MA ยท On-site

$43K/yr

Research Associate I Minimum Salary US-MA-Worcester Job Location 1 week ago(8/7/2026 1:56 PM ... drafting standard operation procedures in compliance to EHS regulation specific for the lab

Research Associate I

Worcester, MA ยท On-site

$43K/yr

Research Associate I Minimum Salary US-MA-Worcester Job Location 1 month ago(7/20/2026 10:27 AM ... drafting standard operation procedures in compliance to EHS regulation specific for the lab

Research Associate II Minimum Salary US-MA-Worcester Job Location 1 week ago(8/7/2026 1:58 PM ... lab personnel * Provide support with drafting standard operation procedures in compliance to EHS ...

Senior Research Technician

Waltham, MA ยท On-site

$19.50 - $27/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... lab operations and you will further develop your research career. Reports to (title): In Vivo ... Associates or bachelor's degree in medical technology, biology, chemistry or related field and 2-4 ...

Showing results 21-40

Lab Operations Associate information

See Worcester, MA salary details

$11

$26

$53

How much do lab operations associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab operations associate in Worcester, MA is $26.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.74 and $30.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a lab operations associate?

Lab Operations Associates are professionals who support the daily functioning of scientific laboratories. Their responsibilities often include managing lab supplies, maintaining equipment, ensuring compliance with safety regulations, and assisting with sample processing or data entry. They work closely with scientists and technicians to ensure experiments and research activities run smoothly. This role is essential for maintaining an organized and efficient laboratory environment.

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

To thrive as a Lab Operations Associate, you need a solid understanding of laboratory procedures, inventory management, and safety protocols, often supported by a bachelor's degree in a life science field. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), inventory tracking software, and standard lab equipment is typically required. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills in this position. These competencies ensure smooth laboratory operations, regulatory compliance, and reliable support for scientific research or testing.

What are some common challenges faced by lab operations associates, and how can they be managed effectively?

Lab Operations Associates often encounter challenges such as managing multiple tasks simultaneously, maintaining strict compliance with safety protocols, and ensuring timely supply inventory. Successfully meeting these challenges requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and clear communication with both lab technicians and management. Proactively prioritizing tasks and regularly reviewing inventory and safety procedures can help maintain smooth lab operations and contribute to a collaborative and efficient work environment.

What is the difference between Lab Operations Associate vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectLab Operations AssociateLaboratory Technician
CredentialsTypically requires a high school diploma or associate degree; certifications may enhance prospectsUsually requires an associate degree or relevant certification
Work EnvironmentSupports lab workflows, manages supplies, and maintains equipmentPerforms testing, sample analysis, and data recording
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in healthcare, biotech, and research labs for operational supportFound in clinical, pharmaceutical, and research labs for technical testing

The Lab Operations Associate primarily handles logistical and support tasks within the lab environment, ensuring smooth operations. In contrast, the Laboratory Technician focuses on performing technical tests and analyzing samples. Both roles are essential in lab settings but differ in responsibilities and skill requirements.

What cities near Worcester, MA are hiring for Lab Operations Associate jobs?

Cities near Worcester, MA with the most Lab Operations Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Lab Operations Associate job openings in Worcester, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,470 per year, or $26.2 per hour.

Research Associate - Open Rank

University of Massachusetts Medical School

Worcester, MA โ€ข On-site

$40K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

Overview
POSITION SUMMARY:
Under the direction of the Principal Investigator (PI) or designee, the Research Associate provides operational support to the laboratory. The Research Associate will perform research experiments as defined by the PI.
This is an open-rank posting (there are 4 levels of Research Associate) - candidates will be hired into the level commensurate with their experience.
Planning and execution of animal studies in accordance with IACUC protocols. SC, IP, retro-orbital injections, ICV stereotaxic injections, perfusion techniques, humane euthanasia, tissue harvesting, training of procedures to new personnel. Maintenance of all animal records.
Responsible for maintaining mouse colonies - able to restrain, tag/notch mice, breeding, weaning, genotyping by PCR, qPCR.
The Watts Lab is making a new generation of oligonucleotide tools and therapeutics by working at the interface of chemistry and biology, including gene silencing, gene activation, and genome editing.
Responsibilities
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Research Associate I:
  • Perform laboratory experiments and may be responsible for a single research project.
  • Utilize all software relevant to experiment and equipment used.
  • Interpret data, form conclusions and decide on next steps under the direction of the PI or designee.
  • Maintain accurate records, may modify protocols with the approval of the PI or designee.
  • Review literature, publications and grants relevant to assigned projects.
  • Record results according to established lab, sponsor & university protocol
  • Assist with performing data analysis and/or mathematical computations.
  • Maintain a detailed lab notebook according to lab practice.
  • Present findings at lab/group meetings
  • Monitor laboratory supply levels and order as noted.
  • Prepare and label buffers, media, solutions, etc.
  • Assist with and comply with all safety regulation and infection control standards.
  • Train on IACUC, IRB, EHS, Radiation safety protocols
  • Comply with all applicable state, federal university, and sponsor policies and agreements.
  • Provide support with identifying problems and challenges, propose resolutions, implement appropriate solutions.
  • Provide support with drafting standard operation procedures in compliance to EHS regulation specific for the lab.
  • Perform other duties as required.

Research Associate II:
Duties noted above plus:
  • May assist with the training of new lab personnel.
  • Provide support with drafting standard operation procedures in compliance to EHS regulation specific for the lab.
  • May assist with drafting manuscript sessions.

Research Associate III:
Duties noted above plus:
  • Perform complex laboratory experiments and may be responsible for one or more independent research projects.
  • Perform in-depth data analysis and/or mathematical computations.
  • Compile and analyze data and present it in a format suitable for publication according to PI specifications.
  • May oversee laboratory supply levels and order as needed; negotiate with suppliers to optimize available resources.
  • Monitor laboratory equipment service contracts and monitor maintenance on laboratory equipment.
  • May manage general operations of the laboratory, including lab personnel, procedures, and projects.
  • May create new protocols and/or modify defined protocols, as necessary, and with the approval of the PI.
  • Prioritize and perform several tasks or procedures simultaneously with attention to detail.
  • Perform duties and experiments with independence.
  • Provide training of new lab personnel.
  • May monitor laboratory spending in accordance with budget guidelines provided by PI or designee.
  • May assist with budget and/or operational aspects of grant and contract funding.

Research Associate IV:
Duties noted above plus:
  • This position will contribute significantly to the management of the research program and will be involved in multiple aspects of the research projects and lab maintenance activities.
  • Independently design and perform multiple complex laboratory experiments.
  • Interpret data, form conclusions, and decide on next steps with a high degree of independence.
  • Maintain laboratory supply levels and order as noted.
  • Manage laboratory equipment service contracts and coordinate maintenance on laboratory equipment.
  • Monitor and enforce all safety regulations and infection control standards.
  • Identify and write standard operation procedures in compliance to EHS regulation specific for the lab
  • Train on IACUC, EHS, Radiation safety protocols
  • Manage daily operations of the laboratory, including lab personnel, procedures, and projects.
  • Identify problems and challenges, propose resolutions, implement appropriate solutions.
  • Develop and implement new protocols and/or modify defined protocols, as necessary, and with the approval of the PI
  • Mentor and train lab personnel on proper lab conduct and techniques.
  • Manage laboratory spending in accordance with budget guidelines provided by PI or designee.
  • Assist with budget and/or operational aspects of grant and contract proposals.
  • Negotiate with vendors to optimize available resources.
  • Contribute independently to writing sections for manuscripts and grants.
  • Direct the activities of research support staff.
  • Perform other duties as required.

Qualifications
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Research Associate I
  • Bachelor's degree in Biological or Natural Science, or equivalent experience
  • Basic understanding of lab safety and protocols
  • Knowledge of Microsoft Office products
  • Ability to analyze data in a quantitative and objective manner.
  • Ability to work in a team environment.

Research Associate II
  • Requirements noted for RA I plus:
  • 18 months of relevant research experience with a Bachelor's Degree in Biological or Natural Science or 0 years with a related Master's Degree.

Research Associate III
  • Requirements noted for RA I plus:
  • 3+ years of relevant research experience with a Bachelor's Degree in Biological or Natural Science or 1 year relevant research experience with a related Master's Degree

Research Associate IV
  • Requirements noted for RA I plus:
  • 5+ years of relevant research experience with a Bachelor's Degree in Biological or Natural Science or 3+ years relevant research experience with a related Master's degree.

Additional Information
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