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Lab Operations Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

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.

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.

Coffee Lab Student Barista

Naperville, IL · On-site

$15.25 - $17.50/hr

... Operations Manager Description of Job Duties Provide barista service for events in conjunction with The Coffee Lab Assist in the development of various signature drinks for The Coffee Lab Assist in ...

Coffee Lab Student Barista

Naperville, IL · On-site

$15.25 - $17.50/hr

... Operations Manager Description of Job Duties • Provide barista service for events in conjunction with The Coffee Lab • Assist in the development of various signature drinks for The Coffee Lab • ...

R&D/QA Lab Technician

Chicago, IL · On-site

$19.50 - $26/hr

Contribute to improvements in lab operations and workflow efficiencies. * Participate in team meetings to share results, learnings, and recommendations. * Use software systems (e.g., Microsoft Excel ...

New

R&D/QA Lab Technician

Chicago, IL · On-site

$19.50 - $26/hr

Contribute to improvements in lab operations and workflow efficiencies.  * Participate in team meetings to share results, learnings, and recommendations.  * Use software systems (e.g ...

New

R&D/QA Lab Technician

Chicago, IL

$19.50 - $26/hr

Contribute to improvements in lab operations and workflowefficiencies. * Participate in team meetings to share results, learnings, and recommendations. * Use software systems (e.g.,Microsoft Excel ...

New

Build deep, trust-based relationships with Lab Leadership and operations teams to ensure software ... evolutions are co-designed and respect the unique physical realities of each lab location.

Product Director, Lab Systems

Chicago, IL · On-site

$170K - $220K/yr

Build deep, trust-based relationships with Lab Leadership and operations teams to ensure software evolutions are co-designed and respect the unique physical realities of each lab location.

Build deep, trust-based relationships with Lab Leadership and operations teams to ensure software evolutions are co-designed and respect the unique physical realities of each lab location.

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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 13, 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:
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.
Lab Manager, Roman Family Center for Decision Research

Lab Manager, Roman Family Center for Decision Research

University of Chicago Library

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


University Of Chicago rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

134th of 553 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Department

Booth CDR: Operations - White


About the Department

The University of Chicago Booth School of Business is the second-oldest business school in the U.S. and second to none when it comes to influencing business education and business practices. Since 1898, the school has produced ideas and leaders that shape the world of business. Their rigorous, discipline-based approach to business education transforms students into confident, effective, respected business leaders prepared to face the toughest challenges.
Chicago Booth has the finest set of facilities of any business school in the world. Each of the four campuses (two in Chicago, one in London, and one in Hong Kong) reflects the architectural traditions of its environs while offering a state-of-the-art learning environment.
Chicago Booth is proud to claim:
-an unmatched faculty.
-degree and open enrollment programs offered on three continents.
-a global body of nearly 56,000 accomplished alumni.
-strong and growing corporate relationships that provide a wealth of lifelong career opportunities.
As part of the world-renowned University of Chicago, Chicago Booth shares the University's core values that shape the distinctive intellectual culture. At Booth, they constantly question and test ideas, and seek proof. This extraordinarily effective approach to business leads to new ideas and innovative solutions. Seven of the Booth faculty members have won Nobel Prizes for these ideas - the first business school to achieve this accomplishment. For more information about the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, please visit: http://www.chicagobooth.edu/.


Job Summary

The Roman Family Center for Decision Research (RFCDR) is devoted to the study of how individuals form judgments and make decisions. Researchers at the RFCDR examine the processes by which intuition, reasoning, and social interaction produce beliefs, judgments, and choices. The Lab Manager provides managerial and administrative support within the RFCDR Labs' research operations.

Responsibilities

  • Manages recruiting, interviewing, hiring, training, approving hours, and overseeing RF-CDR Labs research assistants, providing ongoing oversight of research assistant interaction with Lab visitors and support of research assistant professional development activities. Coordinates with University partners including the Career Services office staff in recruiting and supporting student research assistant staff.
  • Oversees recruitment initiatives for visitors to Mindworks as well as in support of overall RF-CDR lab operations, including recruiting of Mindworks visitors into Club Mindworks, the RF-CDR Virtual Lab, and other RF-CDR programming initiatives. Coordinates with RF-CDR Communications team members in developing and delivering recruitment content.
  • Manages science communications, demonstrating expertise in providing educational information to Lab visitors and participants about the field of behavioral science, and training and overseeing research staff members' science communications, to support the Mindworks team's ability to serve as positive ambassadors for the RF-CDR. Coordinates with the Mindworks Chief Scientist in overseeing and enhancing science communications and visitor engagement carried out by the Mindworks staff.
  • Maintains current training in research ethics, including the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI Program), and assists in training and overseeing the RF-CDR Labs research assistants as they engage with participants, as well as maintaining documentation of RF-CDR team member's ethics training.
  • Manages the operational IRB protocol records in support of research lab operations, updating team member and ethics training records as needed.
  • Manages and analyzes operational datasets, providing descriptive and statistical analysis of operational and accounting records maintained for the Labs.
  • Optimizes lab operations in the RFCDR Labs, by maintaining and reviewing operational records for the Labs, supporting ongoing operational initiatives, and conducting and presenting data analysis as needed from these records, such as for quarterly meetings.
  • Oversees procurement and management of inventory. Maintains and tracks all materials, equipment, logs, and any other items required to conduct faculty research projects carried out in the CDR Labs. Manages procurement of study-related supplies and materials.
  • Manages and reconciles expenses using UChicago systems, including GEMS, etc. Assists in maintaining budget and accounting records related to participant payments, and assists with production of research chargeback records and reporting.
  • Attends and assists in managing RFCDR Center and Labs team meetings. Assists the RFCDR Administrative Office on projects and events as needed.
  • Maintains technical and administrative support for a research project.
  • Maintains recruiting and scheduling research subjects; assisting with developing or amending study protocols; assisting with developing data collection tools; assisting with building databases; and providing general administrative support. Has general awareness in research techniques or methods, regulatory policies and procedures, and relevant scientific field.
  • Performs other related work as needed.


Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.


Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through < 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline.


Certifications:

---

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

  • Bachelor's degree in the areas of psychology, organizational behavior, marketing, other behavioral science discipline.
  • Master's degree.

Experience:

  • Familiar with managing research assistants and research operations within in-person and/or online behavioral research labs.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

  • Demonstrated proficiency with MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook).
  • Demonstrated familiarity with social science research methods.

Preferred Competencies

  • Outstanding verbal, written, and presentation skills, as well as organizational skills.
  • Work independently with little supervision; possess a self-motivated disposition; identify opportunities for improvement and recommend effective changes, all while achieving key objectives resulting in desired outcomes.
  • Excellent strategic planning, critical thinking, attention to detail, analytical, and persuasion skills.
  • Handle multiple detailed tasks/projects simultaneously and meet strict deadlines with frequent interruptions.
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively and diplomatically with colleagues, as well as with students, faculty and corporate contacts in a multitude of communication methods, including in person, email, and phone.
  • Professional demeanor, including tact, discretion, and a customer service-oriented approach.

Working Conditions

  • This position is expected to work in the office.

Application Documents

  • Resume/CV (required)
  • Cover Letter (required)


The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.
When applying, the document(s) MUSTbe uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.


Job Family

Research


Role Impact

Individual Contributor


Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5


Drug Test Required

No


Health Screen Required

No


Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No


Pay Rate Type

Salary


FLSA Status

Exempt


Pay Range

$50,000.00 - $58,000.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University's good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.


Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.


Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at:http://securityreport.uchicago.edu.Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.


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