ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Laboratory Assistant Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM (NOW HIRING)

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsLaboratory JobsLaboratory Assistant JobsLaboratory Assistant Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM

Laboratory Assistant information

See Rio Rancho, NM salary details

$9

$19

$28

How much do laboratory assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for laboratory assistant in Rio Rancho, NM is $19.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.58 and $21.68 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a laboratory assistant?

Laboratory assistants are professionals who support scientists, researchers, and lab technicians by performing routine tasks in laboratories. Their duties often include preparing and cleaning lab equipment, collecting and labeling samples, conducting basic experiments, and maintaining accurate records of their work. They play a crucial role in ensuring that laboratories run smoothly and efficiently, and their work helps facilitate scientific research and development. Laboratory assistants may work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, research institutions, and educational facilities.

What are some common challenges laboratory assistants face in maintaining accuracy and safety in their daily tasks?

Laboratory Assistants often encounter challenges such as managing multiple samples simultaneously while adhering to strict protocols for accuracy and contamination prevention. Ensuring proper labeling, handling hazardous materials safely, and maintaining detailed records are essential responsibilities that require attention to detail and strong time management skills. Collaboration with scientists and technicians is also important, as clear communication helps prevent errors and promotes a safe, efficient work environment. Staying up-to-date on safety procedures and laboratory best practices is key to overcoming these challenges.

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

To thrive as a Laboratory Assistant, you need a solid understanding of laboratory procedures, sample handling, and safety protocols, usually supported by a relevant science degree or certification. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), basic laboratory equipment, and safety certifications such as OSHA are typically required. Attention to detail, organization, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for maintaining accuracy and collaborating with team members. These abilities ensure reliable results, uphold safety standards, and support the overall efficiency and integrity of laboratory operations.

What is the difference between Laboratory Assistant vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectLaboratory AssistantLaboratory Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certificationPost-secondary education, often a diploma or associate degree in laboratory technology
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, research labs, educational institutionsMedical labs, research facilities, industrial laboratories
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting with sample collection, preparing specimens, cleaning equipmentPerforming tests, analyzing samples, maintaining lab equipment
Common UsageOften entry-level, supporting technical staffMore technical, with independent testing responsibilities

Laboratory Assistants typically support laboratory operations with basic tasks and require minimal formal education. Laboratory Technicians perform more complex testing and analysis, often needing specialized training or certification. Both roles are essential in lab settings, but Laboratory Technicians usually have a higher level of technical responsibility.

Do you need qualifications to be a laboratory assistant?

Laboratory assistants typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, and some positions may require post-secondary education or certifications in laboratory techniques or related fields. Relevant skills include attention to detail, familiarity with laboratory equipment, and basic knowledge of safety procedures.

How do you become a laboratory assistant?

To become a laboratory assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with relevant laboratory or scientific coursework. Some positions require post-secondary education or certifications in laboratory techniques, and strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and familiarity with lab equipment are important for success.

How much does a laboratory assistant get paid?

The average salary for a laboratory assistant varies by location and experience but typically ranges from $25,000 to $45,000 per year. Entry-level positions may start lower, while those with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher wages, often working in clinical, research, or industrial labs.

What are the most commonly searched types of Laboratory jobs in Rio Rancho, NM?

The most popular types of Laboratory jobs in Rio Rancho, NM are:

What are popular job titles related to Laboratory Assistant jobs in Rio Rancho, NM?

For Laboratory Assistant jobs in Rio Rancho, NM, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Laboratory Assistant jobs in Rio Rancho, NM look for?

The top searched job categories for Laboratory Assistant jobs in Rio Rancho, NM are:

What cities near Rio Rancho, NM are hiring for Laboratory Assistant jobs?

Cities near Rio Rancho, NM with the most Laboratory Assistant job openings:

Laboratory Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Laboratory Assistant job openings in Rio Rancho, NM as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,612 per year, or $19 per hour.

Laboratory Scientist- Woodward/Coagulation, (1617)

TriCore Reference Laboratories

Albuquerque, NM • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Performs waived, moderate, or high complexity laboratory tests for diagnosis and treatment of disease.

  • Operates, maintains, troubleshoots, and repairs laboratory equipment, and evaluates quality control testing to ensure equipment functionality.

  • Assists with training staff and/or students, and may participate in waived point of care testing oversight and specimen collection.

Job description

Schedule: Monday - Friday 1430-2300 with weekends, holidays, on-call, and other shifts as needed.

Location: Woodward/Coagulation

Salary/Hourly: Hourly Position

Job Summary: Under general supervision, performs waived, moderate or high complexity laboratory tests for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment of disease. Performs maintenance, basic troubleshooting and repairs of laboratory equipment. Runs and evaluates quality control testing to ensure equipment is functional prior to patient testing. May assist with the implementation and oversight of waived point of care testing. Staff in this job description meet the qualifications for designation as “Testing Personnel” for moderate and high complexity testing under CLIA regulations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Performs/results and documents clinical laboratory testing exercising independent judgment and responsibility.

2. Notes abnormal patient results and informs supervisor, pathologist, or principal investigator as appropriate.

3. Operates laboratory equipment, interfaces and instruments, performs and documents basic maintenance procedures.

4. Performs routine logging for QC/QA purposes. Collects and compiles QA data as directed. Monitors QC for trends and takes and documents corrective action as needed or directed.

5. Performs troubleshooting procedures. Identifies testing problems and recommends appropriate solutions using defined guidelines.

6. Actively participates in regulatory inspections.

7. Takes inventory as needed or appropriate. Orders supplies for the Section/Department as directed.

8. Assists with training of new staff and/or students.

9. Serves as a liaison with internal and external customers/employees/clients.

10. Depending on the site or department, may participate in the POCT oversight program including but not limited to;

a) training lab and non-lab personnel in the use of waived testing.

b) Troubleshoot the performance of waived testing, including IT connectivity issues.

c) Review the quality performance of waived testing.

d) Participate in the implementation, including validation, if necessary, of waived testing.

11. Depending on the site or department, may collect specimens such as blood, urine, sputum and other body fluids and prepare for analysis.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this classification. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required of personnel so classified.

Minimum Qualifications:

Selected candidates for the TriCore Laboratory Scientist position will be placed into LS I, LS II, LS III, or LS IV based on education and experience as follows:

Laboratory Scientist I:

Must meet one of the following per CLIA regulations:
• Bachelor’s degree in biological, or chemical science from an accredited institution. Note- Candidate may qualify with a Bachelor’s degree in physical sciences through December 31, 2024, or
• Associate’s degree in laboratory science (biology or chemistry) or medical laboratory technology from an accredited institution, or
• Have education and training equivalent to an associate degree in a laboratory science, or medical laboratory technology from an accredited institution that includes -
At least 60 semester hours, or equivalent, from an accredited institution that, at a minimum, include either:
(1) 24 semester hours of medical laboratory technology courses; or
(2) 24 semester hours of science courses that include -
(i) Six semester hours of chemistry.
(ii) Six semester hours of biology; and
(iii) Twelve semester hours of chemistry, biology, or medical laboratory technology in any combination, or
• Have previously qualified or could have qualified as a technologist under CLIA regulations on or before February 28, 1992


No experience required.

Laboratory Scientist II:

Must meet one of the following:

• Bachelor’s degree in clinical laboratory science, medical laboratory science, or medical technology from an accredited Institution. No experience required, or

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, or chemistry science from an accredited institution AND two years’ direct clinical laboratory experience, Note: bachelor’s degree in physical science acceptable if completed prior to December 31, 2024, or

• Associate’s degree in laboratory science (biology or chemistry) or medical laboratory technology from an accredited institution AND two years’ direct clinical laboratory experience, or • Two years’ direct clinical laboratory experience AND have education and training equivalent to an associate degree in a laboratory science, or medical laboratory technology from an accredited institution that includes -

At least 60 semester hours, or equivalent, from an accredited institution that, at a minimum, include either -

(1) 24 semester hours of medical laboratory technology courses; or

(2) 24 semester hours of science courses that include -

(i) Six semester hours of chemistry.

(ii) Six semester hours of biology; and

(iii) Twelve semester hours of chemistry, biology, or medical laboratory technology in any combination, or

• Two years’ direct clinical laboratory experience AND have previously qualified or could have qualified as a technologist under CLIA regulations on or before February 28, 1992, or

• Successful completion of a U.S. military medical laboratory training course AND bachelor’s degree in biology or chemistry AND one year of direct clinical laboratory testing experience.

Laboratory Scientist III:

Must meet one of the following:

• Two years of Laboratory Scientist II at TriCore, or

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, or chemistry science from an accredited institution AND four years’ direct clinical laboratory experience, Note bachelor’s degree in physical science is acceptable if completed prior to December 31, 2024 or

• Bachelor’s degree in clinical laboratory science, medical laboratory science, or medical technology from an accredited Institution, AND two years’ direct clinical laboratory experience, or

• Successful completion of a U.S. military medical laboratory training course AND bachelor’s degree in biology or chemistry AND three years of direct clinical laboratory testing experience, or

• Associate’s degree in laboratory science (biology or chemistry) or medical laboratory technology from an accredited institution AND four years’ direct clinical laboratory experience, or •

Four year’s direct clinical laboratory experience AND have education and training equivalent to an associate degree in a laboratory science, or medical laboratory technology from an accredited institution that includes -

At least 60 semester hours, or equivalent, from an accredited institution that, at a minimum, include either -

(1) 24 semester hours of medical laboratory technology courses; or

(2) 24 semester hours of science courses that include -

(i) Six semester hours of chemistry.

(ii) Six semester hours of biology; and

(iii) Twelve semester hours of chemistry, biology, or medical laboratory technology in any combination, or

• Four years’ direct clinical laboratory experience AND have previously qualified or could have qualified as a technologist under CLIA regulations on or before February 28, 1992

Laboratory Scientist IV:

Must meet one of the following:

• Bachelor’s degree in clinical laboratory science, medical laboratory science, or medical technology from an accredited Institution, AND four years’ direct clinical laboratory experience, or

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, or chemistry science from an accredited institution AND four years’ direct clinical laboratory experience.


PREFERENCES*: ASCP or AMT certification as a BB, C, CG, H, M, MB, MLT, MLS, SBB, SC, SCYM, SH, SM, or SMB, or ADLM Certification in POCT, or ACHI certification as CHA,CHT or CHS, or NRCC Certification as a Toxicological Chemist or Toxicological Technologist

*Certification required for LS IV placement

IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS: Prove immunity to Hepatitis B or be immunized or sign a waiver refusing hepatitis immunization. Provide documentation of a tuberculosis (TB) test conducted not more than 90 days prior to date of hire or have a TB test conducted.

IN DEPARTMENTS/LOCATIONS WITH DIRECT PATIENT CONTACT: Prove immunity or be eligible to receive rubella, rubeola and varicella immunization.

TriCore is New Mexico’s largest laboratory, employing more than 1,400 individuals who serve in a broad range of positions. We are dedicated to improving the quality of care for our communities, and also our employees. We foster a culture of integrity, are dedicated to excellence, and are looking for passionate individuals with a desire to have an impact in patient care, the core of our strategy. We offer excellent benefits including, medical, dental, vision and life insurances, 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching, PTO, and paid holidays, as well as opportunities for continuous learning, education assistance, wellness programs, career advancement, and the ability to share in our genuine commitment to the health of our communities. We offer a variety of shifts at multiple locations.