1

Laboratory Associate Jobs in Reading, PA (NOW HIRING)

Senior Associate Scientist

Reading, PA ยท On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Minimum 2-4 years of laboratory experience in biotechnology, pharmaceutical, biologics, or life ... Join our global team of 14,000+ associates whose passion for discovery and determination to ...

Participating in general laboratory operations including reagent preparation, material inventory ... associates can thrive. Join us to grow your skills and be part of a mission that matters.

Coordinator - Sample Management

Reading, PA ยท On-site

$22 - $24.88/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Familiarity with laboratory automation systems. * Hands-on experience with Hamilton Verso and ... Join our global team of 14,000+ associates whose passion for discovery and determination to ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Laboratory Associate information

See Reading, PA salary details

$12

$21

$32

How much do laboratory associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for laboratory associate in Reading, PA is $21.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.39 and $23.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a laboratory associate?

To thrive as a Laboratory Associate, you need a solid understanding of laboratory procedures, attention to detail, and a background in biological or chemical sciences, often supported by a relevant degree or certification. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), safety protocols, and specialized equipment such as spectrophotometers or centrifuges is typically required. Strong organizational skills, teamwork, and effective communication help Laboratory Associates excel in collaborative and fast-paced environments. These skills ensure accurate results, safety, and efficiency, which are vital for reliable scientific research and operations.

What is a laboratory associate?

Laboratory Associates are professionals who assist with various tasks in a laboratory setting, such as preparing samples, conducting basic experiments, maintaining equipment, and recording data. They often work under the supervision of scientists or laboratory managers and play a crucial role in supporting research and development activities. Their responsibilities can vary depending on the specific laboratory and industry, but attention to detail, organizational skills, and knowledge of lab safety protocols are essential for this role.

What are some typical challenges laboratory associates face when managing multiple experiments simultaneously?

Laboratory Associates often juggle several experiments at once, which requires strong organizational and time management skills. Balancing tasks such as sample preparation, data collection, and equipment maintenance can be challenging, especially when experiments have overlapping schedules or strict deadlines. Effective communication with team members and clear documentation are crucial to ensure that procedures are followed accurately and results remain reliable. Many labs use digital systems to track progress and share updates, which helps associates manage their workload efficiently.

What is the difference between Laboratory Associate vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectLaboratory AssociateLaboratory Technician
Required CredentialsAssociate degree or relevant certificationAssociate degree or certification, often similar
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, healthcare, pharmaceutical settingsResearch, clinical, industrial labs
Employer & Industry UsageHospitals, research institutions, biotech companiesHospitals, diagnostic labs, manufacturing
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Laboratory Associates and Laboratory Technicians often share similar educational backgrounds and work environments. Both roles support laboratory operations in healthcare, research, or industrial settings. The main differences are often related to specific job duties and employer terminology, but they are frequently used interchangeably depending on the organization.

What are the most commonly searched types of Laboratory jobs in Reading, PA?

The most popular types of Laboratory jobs in Reading, PA are:

What are popular job titles related to Laboratory Associate jobs in Reading, PA?

For Laboratory Associate jobs in Reading, PA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Reading, PA are hiring for Laboratory Associate jobs?

Cities near Reading, PA with the most Laboratory Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Laboratory Associate job openings in Reading, PA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,681 per year, or $21.5 per hour.

Analytical Laboratory Analyst

Custom Processing Services Inc.

Reading, PA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

Description

Summary:

The Analytical Laboratory Analyst is responsible for conducting routine and advanced quantitative analysis while ensuring strict compliance with ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standards. Reporting to the Business Unit Manager, the Laboratory Analyst plays a critical role in producing accurate, reliable results, managing sample workflows, and contributing to the lab's overall success. Operating in a lean small-lab environment, this role is ideal for a self-motivated, technically precise analyst who is ready to step up into an autonomous position. While maintaining day-to-day instrument workflows, the successful candidate will receive direct training to assist with, and eventually lead, analytical method development, validation, and advanced instrumentation troubleshooting across all laboratory platforms.ย 

Requirements

Accountable Functions and Responsibilities:

  • The lab analyst must uphold strict confidentiality concerning all laboratory operations, analytical data, client information, and proprietary methods. Adherence to ISO/IEC 17025:2017 confidentiality requirements is mandatory, and any breach may result in disciplinary action.
  • Maintain rigorous documentation and data logging in strict accordance with ISO-IEC 17025:2017 standards.
  • Participate in internal quality audits and contribute proactively to the root-cause investigation and resolution of non-conformance issues.
  • Efficiently run routine and advanced quantitative testing across all laboratory platforms, including HPLC, LC-QQQ/MS, GC-MS, and ICP-MS.
  • Execute precise sample preparation, extraction, and digestion protocols tailored to specific organic and inorganic matrices.
  • Perform accurate target analyte dilutions, internal standard additions, and multi-point calibration standards appropriate for each analytical technique.
  • Interpret data sets and perform first-line quality control reviews to identify calibration drift, matrix interferences, or out-of-specification (OOS) results.
  • Own the daily care, routine troubleshooting, and preventative maintenance of all analytical hardware to maximize instrument uptime and sensitivity.ย 
  • Under the initial guidance and supervision of the Business Unit Manager, perform development, modification, verification, and validation of analytical methods to meet client and regulatory requirements.ย 
  • Optimize existing testing methodologies to improve sample throughput, efficiency, and analytical accuracy.
  • Submit completed analyses, validation packages, and interpreted results to the Business Unit Manager for final review and approval.ย 
  • Manage laboratory logistics, including requisitioning chemical standards, gases, reagents, and necessary laboratory supplies.
  • Performs other job-related duties as assigned.


Required Qualifications:

  • Education & Experience: Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a closely related core scientific discipline with 5+ years of hands-on analytical laboratory experience. OR an Associate of Science (A.S.) degree in a related scientific discipline with 8+ years of extensive, hands-on analytical laboratory experience.
  • Active operational and extensive routine troubleshooting experience with at least two of the major laboratory platforms (HPLC, GC-MS, LC-QQQ/MS, or ICP-MS).
  • High level of self-reliance and the ability to work self-supervised in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. Strong analytical problem-solving abilities, forward-thinking flexibility, and an explicit, proven drive to learn advanced method development.


Location:

  • High security analytical laboratory located in a food grade facility in Reading, PA


Work Environment (estimated averages):

  • Office (10%)
  • Laboratory (90%)ย 
  • Ability to stand for extended periods and handle light to moderate lifting up to 50 lbs associated with reagents, gas cylinders, and laboratory waste.


Growth Opportunities:

  • Advancement potential within the CPS Analytical Laboratory and CPS Quality areas as method development capabilities increase.ย 


Travel Requirements:

Typically not required, but may occasionally be required to travel to customer or vendor sites for business support or problem resolution.