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Lab Operations Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Tempus

Process Manager, Lab Operations

Chicago, IL · On-site

$55K - $70K/yr

Develop a deep understanding of lab systems and workflows, utilized across the testing pipeline ... Collect and document business and technical needs for software tools and operational procedures.

Tempus

Process Manager, Lab Operations

Chicago, IL

$55K - $70K/yr

Develop a deep understanding of lab systems and workflows, utilized across the testing pipeline ... Collect and document business and technical needs for software tools and operational procedures.

Until

Lab Manager

Mundelein, IL

$100K - $130K/yr

What You'll Do Laboratory Operations * Ensure the laboratory remains clean, organized, and fully ... Lead recurring lab organization efforts and establish high standards for shared laboratory spaces.

Gillson Sciences

Lab Technician I

Wheeling, IL · On-site

$19.75 - $26.25/hr

About the Role As a Laboratory Standards Technician, you'll be at the heart of our lab operations, ensuring everything runs smoothly while directly contributing to innovations that save lives.

CYNET SYSTEMS

R&D Lab Technician II

Vernon Hills, IL · On-site

$24 - $27/hr

Support efforts to create tools for process simplification of testing lab operations. Founded in 2010 and headquartered in the Washington, DC metro area, Cynet Systems Inc. is a leading staffing and ...

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Lab Operations information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$9

$26

$46

How much do lab operations jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab operations in Chicago, IL is $26.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.81 and $28.70 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Lab Operations, and why are they important?

To thrive in Lab Operations, you need a solid background in laboratory techniques, quality control, and safety protocols, typically supported by a degree in a scientific field. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), instrumentation calibration, and regulatory standards like GLP or ISO is essential. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help ensure smooth workflow and collaboration within the lab. These competencies are crucial for maintaining accurate results, regulatory compliance, and efficient lab functioning.

What is the difference between Lab Operations vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectLab OperationsLaboratory Technician
Required CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in a science or related fieldOften requires an associate degree or certification in laboratory technology
Work EnvironmentInvolves overseeing lab workflows, managing staff, and ensuring complianceHands-on testing, sample preparation, and data recording in laboratory settings
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in research labs, clinical labs, and industrial settings for management rolesCommon in clinical, medical, and industrial laboratories for technical tasks

Lab Operations professionals focus on managing laboratory workflows, staff, and compliance, often requiring a bachelor's degree. Laboratory Technicians perform hands-on testing and sample analysis, typically with an associate degree or certification. While both roles are essential in laboratory settings, Lab Operations roles are more managerial and oversight-oriented, whereas Laboratory Technicians are more technical and operational.

What are Lab Operations?

Lab Operations refers to the processes, systems, and people responsible for ensuring that a laboratory runs smoothly and efficiently. This includes managing equipment, supplies, safety protocols, scheduling, and regulatory compliance. Those working in lab operations may coordinate experiments, maintain instruments, oversee inventory, and support researchers or scientists. The goal is to create a safe and organized environment that enables scientific work to be carried out effectively and in compliance with industry standards.

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

Professionals in lab operations often encounter challenges such as maintaining compliance with safety regulations, managing inventory and equipment calibration, and ensuring smooth workflow coordination among team members. Staying organized and implementing standardized protocols can help mitigate these issues. Additionally, strong communication skills and regular training support efficient collaboration between scientists, technicians, and support staff, which is crucial for minimizing errors and maintaining a productive lab environment.
What are the most commonly searched types of Lab Operations jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Lab Operations jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Lab Operations jobs in Chicago, IL? For Lab Operations jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Lab Operations jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Lab Operations jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Lab Operations jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lab Operations job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $54,099 per year, or $26 per hour.

Director Lab Operations - Americas

UL Solutions

Northbrook, IL • On-site

$176K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

UL Solutions rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 27 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

25th of 120 rated laboratories

Job description


The location is flexible to our labs in the Americas - Northbrook, RTP in Raleigh, NC, Querétaro, Mexico, Fremont, CA
The Director Lab Operations - Americas leads and drives integrated laboratories across United States and Latin America to deliver excellent and efficient service, meeting internal and external customer needs and expectations. The role focuses on achieving goals for cost, productivity, quality, safety, and customer/employee satisfaction. This position collaborates with segments, Customer Operating Units (COUs), and regional leadership on forecasting, prioritization, and planning for capacity and capability, ensuring stability and optimal utilization of regional lab operations. The Director is responsible for implementing productivity improvements, overseeing operating plans, lab footprint, goals, and budgets, and ensuring compliance with quality and accreditation standards.
Responsibilities
  • Execute operational strategy for workload balancing and project completion using resources across regional labs.
  • Develop and implement plans for future lab footprint and capabilities in collaboration with Strategic Development, Project Management, and other stakeholders.
  • Align laboratory goals with COUs to drive excellent customer experience.
  • Ensure optimal utilization of laboratory assets (people, equipment, space) to meet/exceed customer expectations.
  • Collaborate with TIC and regional leadership to support future strategies and ensure Lab Operations can deliver accordingly.
  • Lead operational consistency and best practice implementation for high performance and compliance.
  • Drive adoption of automation tools (Labware, Magnesis) and ensure their utilization at all lab levels.
  • Partner with Quality & Business Support, Process Excellence & Transformation, Innovation & Technology, and Business Alignment to improve lab quality and operations.
  • Maintain strong relationships across the organization to achieve high execution, throughput, and operational success.
  • Promote a high-performance environment and culture, managing performance and development of managers and team members.
  • Drive employee engagement and satisfaction throughout laboratory operations in the region.
  • Implement Lean Sigma initiatives to eliminate waste and improve cost-effectiveness.
  • Reduce operational costs annually through process efficiencies and resource utilization.
  • Support COUs in achieving revenue targets through timely, high-quality lab services.
  • Maintain lab operations within approved budget limits while ensuring service excellence.
  • Improve ROI on lab equipment and infrastructure investments.
  • Optimize lab footprint to reduce overhead and increase asset utilization.
  • Ensure ongoing quality compliance and improvements, maintaining lab accreditations.
  • Drive an integrated Lean Sigma culture for continuous improvement.
  • Partner with EHS and local teams to drive the highest level of safety standard compliance.
  • Develop and coach team members, provide training, career counseling, feedback, and guidance.
  • Provide updates to the board upon request.
  • Build relationships and credibility with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Report to VP Lab Operations.
  • Directly manages reports based on span of control requirements.
  • Performs other duties as directed.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree required; MBA preferred.
  • Minimum 10 years of professional experience, with 5+ years in a senior leadership role.
  • Experience working with diverse, global teams.
  • Experience managing and delivering impactful communications to internal and external stakeholders.
  • Strong interpersonal and influencing skills.
  • Strong collaboration and communication skills.
  • Ability to inspire, motivate, and influence behaviors to drive change.
  • Demonstrated adaptability to rapidly changing priorities.
  • Strong analytical mindset.
  • Ability to drive standardization and reduce variation in technical environments.
    Skills Required:
  • Leadership: Motivate and inspire teams to achieve common goals; manage performance and development.
  • Business Acumen: Understand industry trends, policies, and competition; align strategies with market needs.
  • Global Growth Mindset: Align enterprise-wide initiatives with local needs; leverage global team perspectives.
  • Analytical & Problem Solving: Use rigorous logic and methods to solve complex problems; drive standardization.
  • Project Management: Develop and implement plans for lab operations, including resource allocation and budgeting.
  • Communication & Collaboration: Build credible relationships across functions; communicate effectively with stakeholders.
  • Change Management: Drive change through strong communication, active listening, and strategic thinking.
  • Integrity & Trust: Demonstrate honesty, reliability, and ethical behavior.
    Total Rewards: We understand compensation is an important factor as you consider the next step in your career. The estimated salary range for this position is $176,000 to $235,000 and is based on multiple factors, including job-related knowledge/skills, experience, geographical location, as well as other factors. This position is eligible for annual bonus compensation with a target payout of 30% of the base salary and a 30% RSU grant. This position also provides health benefits such as medical, dental and vision; wellness benefits such as mental and financial health; and retirement savings (401K) commensurate with the standard rewards offered in each individual location or country. We also provide full-time employees with paid time off including vacation (20 days), holidays including 3 floating holidays (12 days) and sick time off (72 hours).

#LI-WM #LI-HYBRID
About Us
A global leader in applied safety science, UL Solutions (NYSE: ULS) transforms safety, security and sustainability challenges into opportunities for customers in more than 110 countries. UL Solutions delivers testing, inspection and certification services, together with software products and advisory offerings, that support our customers' product innovation and business growth. The UL Mark serves as a recognized symbol of trust in our customers' products and reflects an unwavering commitment to advancing our safety mission. We help our customers innovate, launch new products and services, navigate global markets and complex supply chains, and grow sustainably and responsibly into the future. Our science is your advantage.
About the Team
Our global network of 80+ laboratories is constantly evolving, because the world around us is always changing. We embrace this - we invest in improving our equipment and our skills so we're one step ahead of the market. One day we could be setting up a burn test and the next, simulating a tornado. And because we're always evolving, your career will evolve alongside us, whether you're working on brand new technology or connecting with experts around the globe. Join our team, drive the growth of our organization and deliver real change - in a changing world.

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