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Laboratory Operations Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Lab Manager ensures laboratory operations are conducted safely, efficiently, and in compliance ... Associate's Degree in Chemistry, Engineering, or a related technical field 5+ years of cement ...

The Lab Manager ensures laboratory operations are conducted safely, efficiently, and in compliance ... • Associate's Degree in Chemistry, Engineering, or a related technical field • 5+ years of ...

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Laboratory Operations Associate information

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How much do laboratory operations associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for laboratory operations associate in the United States is $26.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.79 and $30.29 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest paying job in a laboratory?

In a laboratory setting, the highest paying roles are often senior scientists, laboratory directors, or principal investigators, who typically hold advanced degrees and extensive experience. These positions involve overseeing research projects, managing teams, and ensuring compliance with regulations, and they can earn six-figure salaries depending on the industry and location.

What is the difference between Laboratory Operations Associate vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectLaboratory Operations AssociateLaboratory Technician
Required CredentialsAssociate degree or relevant certificationAssociate degree or technical certification
Work EnvironmentLab support, logistics, equipment managementPerforming tests, analyzing samples
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in biotech, pharma, research labsCommon in clinical, research, manufacturing labs
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for entry-level roles in lab supportCompared for technical testing roles

Laboratory Operations Associates focus on supporting lab functions, logistics, and equipment management, while Laboratory Technicians primarily perform testing and sample analysis. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and are essential in lab environments, but they differ in daily responsibilities and focus areas.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Laboratory Operations Associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Laboratory Operations Associate, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a background in laboratory sciences or related fields, often supported by a bachelor's degree. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), inventory tracking software, and safety protocols is typically required. Excellent communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities help you efficiently support lab workflows and collaborate with scientists and technicians. These skills are critical to maintaining laboratory efficiency, ensuring compliance, and supporting high-quality research outcomes.

What is a lab operations associate?

A lab operations associate is responsible for supporting laboratory functions such as equipment maintenance, inventory management, and sample processing. They often work with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and follow safety protocols to ensure efficient and compliant lab operations.

What jobs can I get with SLT?

A Laboratory Operations Associate typically qualifies for roles such as laboratory technician, research assistant, quality control analyst, or lab supervisor. These positions often require knowledge of lab equipment, safety protocols, and data management, and may involve certifications or training in laboratory procedures.

What does a typical day look like for a Laboratory Operations Associate, and how do they interact with other lab team members?

A typical day for a Laboratory Operations Associate involves preparing and maintaining laboratory equipment, managing inventory of supplies, and ensuring that safety protocols are followed. They often coordinate with scientists, lab technicians, and quality assurance teams to support ongoing experiments or production processes. Their role requires strong organizational skills and attention to detail, as well as the ability to adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment. Collaboration and clear communication are key, as they help facilitate smooth lab operations and minimize downtime.

What are Laboratory Operations Associates?

Laboratory Operations Associates are professionals who support the daily functioning of laboratories by managing supplies, maintaining equipment, overseeing safety protocols, and assisting with administrative tasks. They play a crucial role in ensuring that lab environments run efficiently and comply with all regulatory standards. Their responsibilities often include inventory management, equipment calibration, and coordinating with scientists and technicians. This position is essential for smooth laboratory workflow and helps enable scientific research and testing.

What are the duties of lab operations?

Laboratory Operations Associates are responsible for managing daily lab activities, including preparing and maintaining equipment, ensuring safety protocols are followed, and documenting experimental data accurately. They may also assist with inventory management, sample handling, and compliance with regulatory standards, often using laboratory information management systems (LIMS).
What cities are hiring for Laboratory Operations Associate jobs? Cities with the most Laboratory Operations Associate job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Laboratory Operations jobs? The most popular types of Laboratory Operations jobs are:
What states have the most Laboratory Operations Associate jobs? States with the most job openings for Laboratory Operations Associate jobs include:

Principal, NGS Laboratory Implementation & Operations

Exactsciences

Madison, WI • On-site

$106K - $188K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago


Job description

Help us change lives

At Exact Sciences, we're helpingchange how the world prevents, detects and guides treatment for cancer. We give patients and clinicians the clarity needed to make confident decisions when they matter most. Join our team to find a purpose-driven career, an inclusive culture, and robust benefits to support your life while you're working to help others.

Position Overview

The Principal, NGS Laboratory Implementation & Operations is responsible for ensuring operational readiness and successful implementation of NGS assays within the commercial laboratory environment. This role is embedded within Laboratory Operations and focuses on translating development outputs into scalable, reliable, and production-ready laboratory processes.

This individual represents the Laboratory Operations perspective across cross-functional programs to ensure assays, workflows, and technologies are deployable within a clinical production setting. The role emphasizes execution, consistency, and alignment of operational requirements during transition from development into the laboratory.

This role partners closely with R&D, laboratory operations, quality, and program leadership to enable efficient, standardized deployment of NGS workflows and support successful scale-up in the commercial laboratory.

Essential Duties

Include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Represent Laboratory Operations to define operational requirements and ensure NGS assays are designed for successful commercial implementation, including workflow compatibility with throughput, automation, staffing, cost, and infrastructure constraints.
  • Lead the transition of assays from development into clinical laboratory workflows, partnering with R&D and program teams to translate development outputs into scalable, production-ready processes.
  • Collaborate with laboratory operations leadership to define and drive integration of new assays into existing systems, workflows, and processes, ensuring alignment on timelines, requirements, and deployment readiness criteria.
  • Drive assay deployment and scale-up by identifying operational gaps, capacity constraints, risks, and process inefficiencies, and implementing solutions to ensure successful execution.
  • Provide operational oversight during early production to ensure assay performance, stability, and adherence to quality standards.
  • Drive continuous improvement by systematically incorporating operational learnings into future assay deployments.
  • Ensure implementation and scale-up activities comply with applicable regulatory and quality requirements (e.g., CAP/CLIA) , proactively addressing compliance risks.
  • Serve as a subject matter resource on NGS deployment and laboratory integration best practices, guiding cross-functional teams and influencing implementation strategy.
  • Support and comply with the company's Quality Management System policies and procedures.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree in a field related to essential duties; or Associates Degree and 2 years of relevant experience; or High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED) and 4 years of relevant experience.
  • 12 years of experience in molecular diagnostics, NGS, or clinical laboratory operations within regulated environments (e.g., CAP/CLIA).
  • Demonstrated experience operationalizing and scaling assays from development into clinical or commercial laboratory settings, including strong knowledge of NGS workflows.
  • Proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and deliver complex projects in a fast-paced environment.
  • Demonstrated ability to perform the Essential Duties of the position with or without accommodation.
  • Ability to travel up to 10%, as needed.
  • Ability to comply with laboratory safety and PPE requirements.
  • Authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, or a related field.
  • Advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in a relevant scientific or engineering field.
  • Direct experience with large-scale NGS assay deployment and commercialization.
  • Experience with process improvement methodologies and workflow optimization (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma).
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Salary Range:

$106,000.00 - $188,000.00

The annual base salary shown is for this position located in US - WI - Madison on a full-time basis. In addition, this position is bonus eligible.

Exact Sciences is proud to offer an employee experience that includes paid time off (including days for vacation, holidays, volunteering, and personal time), paid leave for parents and caregivers, a retirement savings plan, wellness support, and health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage. Learn more about our benefits.

Our success relies on the experiences and perspectives of a diverse team, and Exact Sciences fosters a culture where all employees can develop personally and professionally with a sense of respect and belonging. If you require an accommodation, please contact us here.

Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community to stay updated on the latest news and opportunities at Exact Sciences.

We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, protected veteran status, and any other status protected by applicable local, state, or federal law.

To view the Right to Work, E-Verify Employer, and Pay Transparency notices and Federal, Federal Contractor, and State employment law posters, visit our compliance hub. The documents summarize important details of the law and provide key points that you have a right to know.