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Lab Technical Assistant Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary The job provides basic technical support activities related to scientific research ... The Lab Assistant will provide routine operational and organizational support for a biomedical ...

Lab Assistant II - Welding

Elgin, IL · On-site

$34K - $39K/yr

... technical education, continuing education classes, and adult basic education. As a community, we ... The purpose of this position is to assist the welding program in maintaining a functional academic ...

Lab Technician

Elmhurst, IL · On-site

$24 - $29/hr

... assist in preparing technical test reports. The ideal candidate will have hands-on technical ... lab organization • Ensure safety and quality compliance • Collaborate with cross-functional ...

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Showing results 1-20

Lab Technical Assistant information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$19.6K

$45.6K

$78.8K

How much do lab technical assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for lab technical assistant in Chicago, IL is $45,601.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,600.00 and $45,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a lab technical assistant?

Lab Technical Assistants are professionals who support scientists, researchers, or medical staff by performing routine laboratory tasks. Their duties often include preparing and maintaining lab equipment, collecting and processing samples, conducting basic experiments, and recording data. They play a crucial role in ensuring laboratories run smoothly and that experiments and tests are conducted safely and efficiently. Lab Technical Assistants typically work in scientific, medical, or educational laboratory settings and may also be responsible for maintaining inventory and following strict safety protocols.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lab technical assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lab Technical Assistant, you need a background in laboratory sciences, attention to detail, and typically an associate degree or laboratory technician certification. Familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS), specimen processing equipment, and safety protocols is essential. Strong organizational skills, teamwork, and effective communication help you excel in this support role. These skills ensure accurate test results, efficient workflow, and compliance with health and safety standards in a laboratory environment.

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

Lab Technical Assistants often encounter challenges such as managing multiple tasks simultaneously, maintaining accurate records, and ensuring strict adherence to laboratory safety protocols. To effectively manage these challenges, it's important to stay organized, communicate clearly with team members, and regularly review standard operating procedures. Being proactive about equipment maintenance and staying updated on safety guidelines also helps prevent errors and ensures a smooth workflow.

What is the difference between Lab Technical Assistant vs Lab Technician?

AspectLab Technical AssistantLab Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certificationAssociate degree or certification in laboratory technology
Work EnvironmentAssists in labs, supports technical staff, handles basic tasksPerforms testing, prepares samples, operates lab equipment
Employer & Industry UsageHospitals, research labs, clinicsMedical labs, research institutions, industrial labs

Lab Technical Assistants typically support laboratory operations with basic tasks and require minimal formal education, while Lab Technicians perform more complex testing and usually hold specialized certifications or degrees. Both roles are essential in laboratory settings but differ in responsibilities and qualifications.

How to become a lab technical assistant?

To become a lab technical assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with relevant post-secondary education such as an associate degree or certification in laboratory technology or a related field. Practical skills in laboratory procedures, attention to detail, and familiarity with lab equipment are important, and some positions may require on-the-job training or specific certifications.
Infographic showing various Lab Technical Assistant job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,601 per year, or $21.9 per hour.

Research Technical Assistant

Chicago, IL • On-site

The University Of Chicago
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 10K+ employees

$250/hr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 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

171st of 631 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Department BSD BMD - Yang Lab

About the Department The University of Chicago is a global leader in biomedical research and offers unique opportunities for multidisciplinary collaboration. The Biological Sciences Division, the Physical Sciences Division, the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, and the University of Chicago Medical Center are all contained within one compact campus. The University and the Comprehensive Cancer Center operate a number of state-of-the-art core facilities including microscopic facility, genome sequencing facility, animal facility, Biostatistics Laboratory, Human Tissue Resource Center, cancer biobank, the Genomic Data Commons (https://gdc-portal.nci.nih.gov/) and many others.

Job Summary

The Yang Lab is seeking a self-motivated individual with strong background of molecular biology. The main goal of the lab is to explore the functional consequences of somatic alterations in cancer patients and to identify driver alterations. This position is expected to last for one year.

Responsibilities
  • This job provides technical and administrative support in a laboratory environment performing basic laboratory techniques, research and analysis under direction.
  • Provides routine or standardized laboratory duties by collecting data in support of research projects under direct supervision.
  • Collects and enters data.
  • Assists in analysis of data and with preparation of reports, manuscripts and other documents.
  • Complies with institution, state and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives, and mandates.
  • Performs other related work as needed.
Minimum Qualifications
  • Education: Minimum requirements include vocational training, apprenticeships or the equivalent experience in related field (not typically required to have a four-year degree).
  • Work Experience: Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through < 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
  • Certifications: ---
Preferred Qualifications
  • Education: BS in biology or related field.
  • Experience: Familiar with molecular biology and cell biology assays, such as cell culture, DNA/RNA/protein purification, PCR, western blot, etc.
Preferred Competencies
  • Excellent communication skills.
Application Documents
  • Resume/CV (required)
  • Cover Letter (preferred)

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) MUST be 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 40 Drug Test Required No Health Screen Required No Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required No Pay Rate Type Hourly FLSA Status Non-Exempt Pay Range $19.23 - $26.44 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.

The University of Chicago is an urban research university that has driven new ways of thinking since 1890. Our commitment to free and open inquiry draws inspired scholars to our global campuses, where ideas are born that challenge and change the world. We empower individuals to challenge conventional thinking in pursuit of original ideas. Students in the College develop critical, analytic, and writing skills in our rigorous, interdisciplinary core curriculum. Through graduate programs, students test their ideas with UChicago scholars, and become the next generation of leaders in academia, industry, nonprofits, and government. To learn more about the university click here http://www.uchicago.edu/.

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