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Lab Rats Jobs in Philadelphia, PA (NOW HIRING)

Lab Rats information

See Philadelphia, PA salary details

$9

$25

$45

How much do lab rats jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab rats in Philadelphia, PA is $25.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.42 and $28.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Lab Rats vs Laboratory Technicians?

AspectLab RatsLaboratory Technicians
CredentialsTypically no formal credentials requiredAssociate's or Bachelor's degree in a related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, experimental settingsClinical, medical, or research laboratories
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, biotech startupsHospitals, diagnostic labs, research facilities
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for experimental rolesCompared for technical, diagnostic work

Lab Rats are typically used in experimental or research settings with minimal formal credentials, while Laboratory Technicians usually hold formal education and work in clinical or diagnostic labs. Both roles operate within laboratory environments but serve different functions and require different qualifications.

What are Lab Rats?

In the context of employment, 'Lab Rats' typically refers to individuals who work or volunteer in laboratories, often assisting with experiments, research, or testing. They may be students, technicians, or junior researchers gaining hands-on experience with scientific procedures and equipment. Sometimes, 'lab rat' is also used informally to describe someone who spends a great deal of time in a laboratory environment. Their responsibilities can range from preparing samples to recording data and maintaining lab equipment. This role is essential for supporting scientific discoveries and ensuring experiments are conducted accurately and safely.

What are some common challenges faced by laboratory technicians in a research environment?

Laboratory technicians often encounter challenges such as maintaining accuracy under tight deadlines, managing multiple experiments simultaneously, and adapting quickly to new protocols or technologies. Working in a research environment also requires strict adherence to safety and quality control standards, which can be demanding. Effective communication with researchers and team members is essential to ensure smooth workflow and reliable results.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Laboratory Technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Laboratory Technician, you need a solid understanding of laboratory procedures, scientific principles, and safety protocols, typically supported by a degree in biology, chemistry, or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, data analysis software, and adherence to regulatory standards such as GLP is essential. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective communication set top performers apart in this role. These skills ensure accurate experimental results, maintain safety, and support productive collaboration within scientific teams.
Research Specialist A

Research Specialist A

The University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA • On-site

$45K - $52K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 29 days ago


University Of Pennsylvania rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 81 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

134th of 544 rated colleges and universities


Job description

University Overview
The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn's distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America's Best Large Employers in 2023.
Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.
The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.
Posted Job Title
Research Specialist A
Job Profile Title
Research Specialist A
Job Description Summary
Under supervision, perform multiple research procedures and experiments in a lab focusing on manipulating and measuring NAD+, NADH and related metabolites in rodent and human blood, cells, or tissues. Perform molecular biology experiments such as generation of mutant DNAs. Perform biochemical experiments including expression, isolation, and purification of expressed proteins. Maintain cell lines. Perform heterologous expression of proteins and administration of metabolites in cell lines. Order and maintain laboratory supplies and equipment. Isolate tissues from mice and rats.
Job Description
Job Responsibilities:
  • Perform molecular biology experiments such as generation of mutant DNAs.
  • Perform biochemical experiments including assays for NAD and related metabolites in rodent or human samples.
  • Maintain cell lines.
  • Perform heterologous expression of proteins and administration of metabolites in cell lines.
  • Order and maintain laboratory supplies and equipment.
  • Isolate tissues from mice and rats.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry or molecular biology, or related field and 0-1 year lab experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience required.
Experience with cellular and molecular biology techniques is strongly preferred. Must have strong organizational skills, good written and oral communication skills, and must be reliable; ability to coordinate several projects concurrently is essential. Must be able to work with mouse and rat tissues.
Position contingent upon funding.
Job Location - City, State
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Department / School
Perelman School of Medicine
Pay Range
$45,278.00 - $52,000.00 Annual Rate
Salary offers are made based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job's level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered.
Equal Opportunity Statement
The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law.
Special Requirements
Background checks may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.
University Benefits
  • Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts: Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family's health and welfare. You can also use flexible spending accounts to pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.
  • Tuition: Take advantage of Penn's exceptional tuition benefits. You, your spouse, and your dependent children can get tuition assistance here at Penn. Your dependent children are also eligible for tuition assistance at other institutions.
  • Retirement: Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn's Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.
  • Time Away from Work: Penn provides you with a substantial amount of time away from work during the course of the year. This allows you to relax, take vacations, attend to personal affairs, recover from illness or injury, spend time with family-whatever your personal needs may be.
  • Long-Term Care Insurance: In partnership with Genworth Financial, Penn offers faculty and staff (and your eligible family members) long-term care insurance to help you cover some of the costs of long-term care services received at home, in the community or in a nursing facility. If you apply when you're newly hired, you won't have to provide proof of good health or be subject to underwriting requirements. Eligible family members must always provide proof of good health and are subject to underwriting.
  • Wellness and Work-life Resources: Penn is committed to supporting our faculty and staff as they balance the competing demands of work and personal life. That's why we offer a wide variety of programs and resources to help you care for your health, your family, and your work-life balance.
  • Professional and Personal Development: Penn provides an array of resources to help you advance yourself personally and professionally.
  • University Resources: As a member of the Penn community, you have access to a wide range of University resources as well as cultural and recreational activities. Take advantage of the University's libraries and athletic facilities, or visit our arboretum and art galleries. There's always something going on at Penn, whether it's a new exhibit at the Penn Museum, the latest music or theater presentation at the Annenberg Center, or the Penn Relays at Franklin Field to name just a few examples. As a member of the Penn community, you're right in the middle of the excitement-and you and your family can enjoy many of these activities for free.
  • Discounts and Special Services: From arts and entertainment to transportation and mortgages, you'll find great deals for University faculty and staff. Not only do Penn arts and cultural centers and museums offer free and discounted admission and memberships to faculty and staff. You can also enjoy substantial savings on other goods and services such as new cars from Ford and General Motors, cellular phone service plans, movie tickets, and admission to theme parks.
  • Flexible Work Hours: Flexible work options offer creative approaches for completing work while promoting balance between work and personal commitments. These approaches involve use of non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures.
  • Penn Home Ownership Services: Penn offers a forgivable loan for eligible employees interested in buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia, which can be used for closing costs or home improvements.
  • Adoption Assistance: Penn will reimburse eligible employees on qualified expenses in connection with the legal adoption of an eligible child, such as travel or court fees, for up to two adoptions in your household.

To learn more, please visit: https://www.hr.upenn.edu/PennHR/benefits-pay

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About University of Pennsylvania

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn's distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America's Best Employers By State in 2021.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Philadelphia, PA, US

Year founded

1740