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Laboratory Assistant Jobs in Worcester, MA (NOW HIRING)

Overview Pathology Lab Assistant will assist the Lab Manager with specimen processing, quality ... Accurately enters patient information into laboratory information system (LIS). * Communicate to ...

Overview Pathology Lab Assistant will assist the Lab Manager with specimen processing, quality ... Accurately enters patient information into laboratory information system (LIS). * Communicate to ...

Pathology Lab Assistant will assist the Lab Manager with specimen processing, quality assurance on ... Accurately enters patient information into laboratory information system (LIS). * Communicate to ...

Laboratory Services Shift: Evening Department: Primary Care-Lab Shift hours: 2 - 10:30pm Preferred ... Performs department specific duties to assist tech (i.e. blood bank, micro) * Prepares specimens to ...

Join our Laboratory Services team and play an important role in supporting patient care behind the ... Assistant provides essential support to the Pathology and Cytology departments. This role is ...

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Laboratory Assistant information

See Worcester, MA salary details

$10

$20

$29

How much do laboratory assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for laboratory assistant in Worcester, MA is $20.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.54 and $23.03 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 Worcester, MA?

The most popular types of Laboratory jobs in Worcester, MA are:

What cities near Worcester, MA are hiring for Laboratory Assistant jobs?

Cities near Worcester, MA with the most Laboratory Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Laboratory Assistant job openings in Worcester, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,022 per year, or $20.2 per hour.

$20 - $21/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago


Charles River Laboratories rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 95 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

25th of 86 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

For 75 years, Charles River employees have worked together to assist in the discovery, development and safe manufacture of new drug therapies. When you join our family, you will have a significant impact on the health and well-being of people across the globe. Whether your background is in life sciences, finance, IT, sales or another area, your skills will play an important role in the work we perform. In return, we’ll help you build a career that you can feel passionate about.

Job Overview

Perform basic laboratory support and record-keeping tasks. 

Job Description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  
Receive, monitor, and maintain inventory and stock levels of assigned areas.
Operate lab equipment and perform routine maintenance as needed. 
May be responsible for preparing lab solutions (e.g., buffers, media/common vehicles, and bleach solutions).
Wash and dry glassware and distribute to appropriate locations within the laboratory. Keep glass-washing area clean and organized. May sterilize glassware and other items using an autoclave.
Label tubes and perform laboratory set-up/clean-up.
Organize and perform inventory of department refrigerators or freezers.
Assist in the archiving of equipment/facility records.
Assist technical personnel with clerical duties (e.g., filing, making copies, shipments set-up etc.).
May record observations and measurements for basic lab/research task.
Perform limited troubleshooting and maintenance of instruments as appropriate for assigned area.
May generate forms, tables, and hand record data.
Perform all tasks in compliance with Good Laboratory Practice Regulations (GLPs) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). 
Ship, store, and document received supplies (e.g., test articles, bio-hazard boxes, dry ice, reagents, etc.)
Assist technical personnel with laboratory supplies expiry check and discard as needed.
Perform all other related duties as assigned.

The pay for this position is between $20.00 - $21.00/hour. Please note that salaries vary within the range based on factors including, but not limited to, experience, skills, education, certifications, and location.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Education:  High school diploma or General Education Degree (G.E.D.).
Experience:  None.
An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted as a satisfactory substitute for the specific education and experience listed above.
Certification/Licensure:  Must have valid, state-issued, driver’s license.
Other: Must be detail-oriented and have general familiarity with lab procedures. Good verbal communication skills required. Basic computer skills; familiarity with Microsoft Office software.

About Safety Assessment
Charles River is committed to helping our partners expedite their preclinical drug development with exceptional safety assessment services, state-of-the-art facilities and expert regulatory guidance. From individual specialty toxicology and IND enabling studies to tailored packages and total laboratory support, our deeply experienced team can design and execute programs that anticipate challenges and avoid roadblocks for a smooth, efficient journey to market.  Each year approximately 300 investigational new drug (IND) programs are conducted in our Safety Assessment facilities.


About Charles River
Charles River is an early-stage contract research organization (CRO). We have built upon our foundation of laboratory animal medicine and science to develop a diverse portfolio of discovery and safety assessment services, both Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and non-GLP, to support clients from target identification through preclinical development. Charles River also provides a suite of products and services to support our clients’ clinical laboratory testing needs and manufacturing activities. Utilizing this broad portfolio of products and services enables our clients to create a more flexible drug development model, which reduces their costs, enhances their productivity and effectiveness to increase speed to market.

With over 20,000 employees within 110 facilities in over 20 countries around the globe, we are strategically positioned to coordinate worldwide resources and apply multidisciplinary perspectives in resolving our client’s unique challenges. Our client base includes global pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies, government agencies and hospitals and academic institutions around the world.

At Charles River, we are passionate about our role in improving the quality of people’s lives. Our mission, our excellent science and our strong sense of purpose guide us in all that we do, and we approach each day with the knowledge that our work helps to improve the health and well-being of many across the globe. We have proudly worked on 80% of the drugs approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the past five years.

We’re committed to providing benefits that elevate your quality of life.  Based on your position these may include:  bonus/incentives based on performance, 401K, paid time off, stock purchase program, Health and wellness coverage, employee and family wellbeing support programs, and work life balance flexibility.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Charles River is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, mental or physical disability, family status, pregnancy, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

It is unlawful in some states (including Massachusetts) to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

If you are interested in applying to Charles River Laboratories and need special assistance or an accommodation due to a disability to complete any forms or to otherwise participate in the resume submission process, please contact a member of our Human Resources team by sending an e-mail message to crrecruitment_US@crl.com. This contact is for accommodation requests for individuals with disabilities only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

For more information, please visit www.criver.com.


What Charles River Laboratories employees say

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About Charles River

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Charles River is an early-stage contract research organization (CRO). We have built upon our foundation of laboratory animal medicine and science to develop a diverse portfolio of discovery and safety assessment services, both Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and non-GLP, to support clients from target identification through preclinical development. Charles River also provides a suite of products and services to support our clients' clinical laboratory testing needs and manufacturing activities. Utilizing this broad portfolio of products and services enables our clients to create a more flexible drug development model, which reduces their costs, enhances their productivity and effectiveness to increase speed to market. With over 20,000 employees within 110 facilities in 20 countries around the globe, we are strategically positioned to coordinate worldwide resources and apply multidisciplinary perspectives in resolving our client's unique challenges. Our client base includes global pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies, government agencies and hospitals and academic institutions around the world. At Charles River, we are passionate about our role in improving the quality of people's lives. Our mission, our excellent science and our strong sense of purpose guide us in all that we do, and we approach each day with the knowledge that our work helps to improve the health and well-being of many across the globe. We have proudly supported the development of 86% of the drugs approved by the FDA in 2021.

Industry

Scientific research and development services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Wilmington, MA, US

Year founded

1947