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Lab Trainee Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Northwestern University

Core Technician

Evanston, IL · On-site

$12/hr

Ensures the smooth flow and quality of daily work within the lab and ensures compliance in regard ... May assist in the training of technicians and trainees including students Miscellaneous Performs ...

Tempus

Anatomic Pathologist

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$240K - $280K/yr

Participation in research projects as well as lab innovation projects, i.e. development of digital ... exceptional recent trainee graduates are also welcome to apply. Excellent managerial ...

New

University of Chicago Library

Research Technician

Chicago, IL

$18.50 - $25.50/hr

... trainees at various career stages. Consistently ranked as one of the top cancer programs in the ... Within the Section, the Rojek lab investigates how immune cell-based therapies can be used to treat ...

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Lab Trainee information

See Illinois salary details

$13

$20

$35

How much do lab trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab trainee in Illinois is $20.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $23.51 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Lab Trainees during their initial months, and how can they be addressed?

Lab Trainees often encounter challenges such as adapting to strict safety protocols, learning to use specialized equipment, and managing time efficiently amidst multiple tasks. It's normal to feel overwhelmed at first, but proactively seeking guidance from experienced team members and regularly reviewing standard operating procedures can ease the transition. Open communication with supervisors and participating in hands-on training sessions also help build confidence and competence in the lab environment.

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

To thrive as a Lab Trainee, you need a solid background in biological or chemical sciences, attention to detail, and often at least a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, basic data analysis software, and adherence to safety protocols are typically required. Strong organizational skills, effective communication, and eagerness to learn help Lab Trainees excel and contribute positively to team dynamics. These skills ensure experiments are conducted accurately, safely, and efficiently, supporting reliable research outcomes.

What is the difference between Lab Trainee vs Lab Technician?

AspectLab TraineeLab Technician
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing or recently completed relevant education; no formal certification requiredUsually holds a diploma or certification in laboratory technology or related field
Work EnvironmentTraining setting, supervised, learning-focusedOperational laboratory environment, performing routine tests and procedures
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions, research labs, hospitals during trainingHospitals, diagnostic labs, research facilities

In summary, a Lab Trainee is primarily in a learning phase, gaining hands-on experience under supervision, while a Lab Technician is a trained professional responsible for conducting laboratory tests independently.

What are Lab Trainees?

Lab Trainees are individuals who are undergoing training in a laboratory setting to gain practical experience and develop essential skills in scientific research or testing. Their responsibilities often include assisting with experiments, preparing samples, maintaining equipment, and learning laboratory safety protocols. Lab Trainees work under the supervision of experienced scientists or technicians and may be students, recent graduates, or new employees. This position provides foundational experience necessary for a career in science or laboratory technology.
What are the most commonly searched types of Lab jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Lab jobs in Illinois are:
What are popular job titles related to Lab Trainee jobs in Illinois? For Lab Trainee jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Lab Trainee jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Lab Trainee jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Lab Trainee jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Lab Trainee job openings:
Lab Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lab Trainee job openings in Illinois as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,628 per year, or $20.5 per hour.
Core Technician

Core Technician

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • On-site

$12/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

Northwestern University rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

183rd of 560 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Department: CRN - Ctr Regenerative Nanomed
Salary/Grade: NEX/12
Job Summary:
Performs the required standard operating procedures of the Core Research Facilities of the Center for Regenerative Nanomedicine (CRN). This includes the execution of research activities associated with established protocols and procedures; modifying them as needed. Operates or guides, and trains Core users in utilizing the facility's specialized equipment and services in support of user needs. Ensures the smooth flow and quality of daily work within the lab and ensures compliance in regard to University, sponsor, and federal rules and regulations.
This position provides laboratory support functions for CRN, Peptide Synthesis Core, research programs, and mission. Key responsibilities include design and execution of peptide synthesis, organic synthesis, HPLC purification and other related laboratory duties in a service-based environment. Independently conducts experiments, carries out procedures and processes and analyzes data. Troubleshoots and revises existing methodologies and may develop new experimental methodologies.
CRN promotes research convergence in basic science, engineering, and medicine to improve human health. The overarching goal is to foster effective research collaborations within Northwestern University and across the globe. CRN research concentrates on regenerative medicine with complementary activities in developing targeted nanotherapeutics, advanced materials, and electroactive biomaterials. The CRN Peptide Synthesis Core is located on the Chicago campus.
Please note : The candidate for this position will work in a chemistry laboratory environment. Occasionally a flexible work schedule may be required.
Specific Responsibilities:
Administration
  • May enter services for billing purposes in the Core Facility's automated service/ billing system.
  • Compiles information for billing with accuracy.
  • May assist in invoicing clients for services rendered.
  • Maintains laboratory inventories.
  • Documents all work accurately and completely.
Collaboration
  • Interacts with both Core Staff and users.
Compliance
  • Ensures compliance with University safety protocols, relative to the use of combustibles, toxic material, and/or carcinogenics.
  • Prepares reagents.
Scientific
  • Plans, conducts, and evaluates experiments of low-to-moderate complexities
  • Demonstrates an understanding of protocols and guiding principles, and applies the protocols to experiments.
  • Calculates, records, compiles, and reports data.
  • Analyzes and interprets data.
  • Engages in problem-solving, relative to daily lab activities.
Technical
  • Maintains instrumentation and equipment used in services provided by the Core Facility.
  • Understands and follows all equipment manuals.
  • Maintains and performs basic equipment repairs, in compliance with manufacturer and University guidelines
  • Troubleshoots instrumentation and equipment problems.
  • Cleans and performs general maintenance on equipment.
  • Executes and facilitates delivery of specialized.
  • Ensures compliance with all University, sponsor and federal rules and regulations.
Chemistry:
  • Analyze organic chemistry
  • Column chromatography
  • Chromatography
  • HPLC
  • NMR
  • Mass spectrometry
  • Solid phase extraction
Equipment Used:
  • Analytical balance
  • Centrifuge
  • pH meter
  • UV/Vis Spectrophotometer
  • pH meter, plate reader
  • automated peptide synthesizer
  • mass spectrometer/LCMS
  • rotary evaporator
  • lyophilizer
Training
  • May assist in the training of technicians and trainees including students
Miscellaneous
Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree in chemistry, biology, materials science or related field; OR appropriate combination of education and experience,
  • 2 years of technical or other relevant experience required.
Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)
  • Demonstrated ability to follow detailed instructions as required by research protocols;
  • Demonstrated computer skills, including spreadsheets and basic computations;
  • Attention to detail and accurate record-keeping;
  • Ability to work independently and in a team environment;
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with strong customer service orientation;
  • Excellent organizational skills.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • MS in Chemistry, Materials Science, Biochemistry, Chemical or Biomedical Engineering or related fields, and 1-2 years practical lab/bench experience
  • Previous experience with organic synthesis, solid phase peptide synthesis and HPLC;
  • Experience with general laboratory equipment maintenance and troubleshooting.
Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)
  • Ability to work effectively with a diverse group of faculty and student researchers;
  • Ability to train, assist, and oversee student researchers;
  • Ability to plan, execute, and track multiple projects simultaneously;
  • Ability to adapt in a changing environment toward efficiently completing goals;
  • May need to influence others without direct authority.
Target hiring range for this position will be between $24.00-$27.00 per hour. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data
Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful and competitive benefits. The available benefits package for this position will include health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; paid vacation and holidays; paid medical/sick and parental leave; tuition benefits for the employee and dependents; pre-tax and flex spending accounts for commuting and dependent care; generous retirement savings options; and wellness programs. For a comprehensive overview of available benefits, including eligibility details, visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.
Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.
Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more
Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement . Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process .
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