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Laboratory Operator Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Develop, verify, validate as applicable, standardize, and continuously improve analytical methods and standard operating procedures. * Ensure laboratory methods, results, and records are accurate ...

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Laboratory Operator information

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$17

$34

$58

How much do laboratory operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for laboratory operator in Texas is $34.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.77 and $41.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Laboratory Operator, you need a solid understanding of laboratory procedures, safety protocols, and typically a background in chemistry, biology, or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, data recording systems, and sometimes certifications like OSHA or Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) are commonly required. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective communication help individuals excel in maintaining accurate records and supporting team operations. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring safe, precise, and efficient laboratory workflows, which support reliable results and regulatory compliance.

What are some common challenges laboratory operators face when working with complex equipment and how can they be managed?

Laboratory Operators often encounter challenges such as troubleshooting sensitive analytical instruments, maintaining calibration standards, and managing multiple tests simultaneously. Staying organized and following strict protocols helps minimize errors and equipment downtime. Regular training and open communication with senior technicians or engineers can also provide valuable support when addressing technical problems. Embracing continuous learning and asking questions when unsure are effective strategies for overcoming these challenges.

What is the difference between Laboratory Operator vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectLaboratory OperatorLaboratory Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certificationsHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, manufacturing plants, quality control labsResearch labs, clinical labs, industrial testing facilities
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, quality assurance, industrial testingHealthcare, research institutions, pharmaceutical companies
Common Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

Laboratory Operators and Laboratory Technicians often share similar roles in laboratory settings, focusing on sample testing and data collection. However, Laboratory Technicians typically have more specialized training and may perform more complex analyses. Both roles are essential in ensuring quality and accuracy in lab results, but Laboratory Technicians often work in more research or clinical environments, while Laboratory Operators may focus on manufacturing or quality control processes.

What is a laboratory operator?

Laboratory Operators are professionals responsible for running and maintaining equipment in scientific labs, assisting with experiments, and ensuring that tests and processes are carried out safely and accurately. They typically handle the preparation of samples, operate instruments, record data, and help maintain a clean and organized work environment. Laboratory Operators work under the supervision of scientists or lab managers and play a crucial role in supporting research, quality control, and product development in industries such as pharmaceuticals, healthcare, and manufacturing.
What cities in Texas are hiring for Laboratory Operator jobs? Cities in Texas with the most Laboratory Operator job openings:
Infographic showing various Laboratory Operator job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, and 9% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $72,019 per year, or $34.6 per hour.

Laboratory Manager Genitourinary Medical Oncology

MD Anderson

Houston, TX

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


MD Anderson Cancer Center rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 170 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

24th of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

UT MD Anderson is a leading institution focused on cancer care, research, education, and prevention. Within the Genitourinary (GU) Clinical Research Laboratory (Eckstein Tissue Acquisition Laboratory) and Tissue Bank, the Laboratory Manager plays a critical role in supporting translational research efforts by ensuring investigators have access to high-quality, well-annotated human biospecimens. The Laboratory Manager provides leadership for laboratory operations, biospecimen management, quality systems, and research collaborations that directly support scientific discovery and clinical research.

The Laboratory Manager oversees laboratory personnel, ensures compliance with research and regulatory requirements, and advances operational excellence. The Laboratory Manager also serves as a key liaison among research, clinical, and laboratory stakeholders throughout UT MD Anderson. The ideal candidate will have education and experience supporting clinical or translational research laboratories, biospecimen management, laboratory operations, personnel supervision, quality assurance programs, and regulatory compliance.

Experience working with human biospecimens, clinical research protocols, laboratory information systems, and collaborative multidisciplinary teams is highly desirable. Why Us. At UT MD Anderson, this role offers the opportunity to advance groundbreaking translational cancer research through leadership of a specialized biospecimen acquisition and tissue banking program.

The position collaborates with investigators, clinical teams, and industry partners while supporting research innovation, operational excellence, professional development, and meaningful contributions to the institution's mission of ending cancer. Employer-paid medical coverage starting day one for employees working 30+ hours/week, plus optional group dental, vision, life, AD&D, and disability insurance. Accruals for PTO and Extended Illness Bank, plus paid holidays, wellness, childcare, and other leave options.

Tuition Assistance Program after six months of service and access to extensive wellness, fitness, and employee resource groups. Defined-benefit pension through the Teachers Retirement System, voluntary retirement plans, and employer-paid life and reduced salary protection programs. Responsibilities Laboratory Leadership & Supervision Hire, onboard, train, supervise, and develop laboratory personnel.

Assign workloads and direct or assist staff to ensure efficient laboratory operations. Evaluate employee performance and manage disciplinary actions when necessary. Conduct regular staff meetings to communicate priorities and operational updates.

Provide professional and technical training on research protocols, laboratory techniques, and biospecimen sampling methods. Coordinate educational and competency-based training activities. Manage the quality and timeliness of all Eckstein Tissue Acquisition Laboratory operations.

Lead implementation of database systems and process automation initiatives. Laboratory Operations & Quality Management Manage overall functions of the GU Clinical Research Laboratory, including patient encounters, specimen collection and processing, equipment management, inventory reconciliation, and protocol administration. Maintain laboratory information systems by identifying operational needs, recommending improvements, establishing priorities, testing enhancements, developing user manuals, training users, and maintaining security and confidentiality.

Implement new programs, methods, instrumentation, procedures, and testing strategies through evaluation, validation, parallel testing, and performance monitoring. Provide oversight of all laboratory Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Train and supervise personnel on established laboratory methodologies and procedures.

Evaluate and revise SOPs as necessary to maintain quality and compliance. Design and implement a comprehensive laboratory quality assurance system. Ensure laboratory services meet the needs of investigators, sponsors, collaborators, and departmental stakeholders.

Perform biospecimen collections as operational needs require. Research Support & Regulatory Compliance Consult with investigators, collaborators, industry representatives, and vendors regarding specimen collection and processing procedures. Assist Principal Investigators with protocol-specific biospecimen collection and processing design and review.

Support development and implementation of protocol-specific laboratory workflows. Review clinical and laboratory research protocols to ensure biospecimen activities comply with applicable federal, institutional, and regulatory requirements. Maintain expertise in clinical trial procedures, CFR requirements, GCP guidelines, ICH requirements, FDA regulations, and institutional policies.

Maintain knowledge of Biospecimen Best Practices from NCI, OHRP, and ISBER. Ensure biospecimen requests comply with all applicable policies, procedures, and regulations. Resolve operational and technical issues through collaboration with pathologists, laboratory leadership, physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.

Collaboration & Stakeholder Management Serve as liaison among GU Medical Oncology, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Urology, Interventional Radiology, Institutional Tumor Bank, Clinical & Translational Research Center, Stanford Alexander Lab, Xenograft Core Lab, Bone Marrow Aspiration Clinic, Prostate Tissue Bank, and other collaborating groups. Provide oversight of tissue acquisition and biospecimen distribution activities. Develop processes that improve specimen tracking, documentation, protocol management, communication workflows, and project turnaround times.

Evaluate requirements for additional laboratory support resources, including Clinical & Translational Research Center services. Monitor support performance through protocol start-up meetings, conference calls, sponsor interactions, and study team communications. Develop and implement strategies to improve operational performance and troubleshoot project-related issues.

Communicate effectively with sponsoring agencies, pharmaceutical companies, external institutions, and collaborators through written, verbal, virtual, and in-person interactions. Professional Development & Continuous Improvement Attend departmental meetings and institutional continuing education programs. Develop and deliver educational presentations for Clinical Research Group meetings and educational sessions as requested.

Review industry-related products and services relevant to laboratory operations and biorepository activities. Evaluate opportunities for process improvement and expansion of biorepository services. Maintain professional knowledge through conferences, workshops, publications, networking activities, and professional society participation.

Perform additional duties as assigned. EDUCATION: Required: Bachelor's degree. Preferred: Master's degree.

EXPERIENCE: Required: Seven years experience in laboratory operations to include two years in a supervisory capacity. Successful completion of the LEADing Self Accelerate and/or LEADing Self Discover programs may substitute for one year of required supervisory or management experience. Completion of both programs can be substituted for a maximum of two years of supervisory or management experience.

OTHER Requirements: Must pass pre-employment skills test as required and administered by Human Resources. The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, paid time off, retirement, tuition benefits, educational opportunities, and individual and team recognition. This position may be responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, as defined in Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code and therefore may require routine reviews and screening

The ability to satisfy and maintain all requirements necessary to ensure the continued security and integrity of such infrastructure is a condition of hire and continued employment. It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state, or local laws unless such distinction is required by law.http://www.mdanderson.org/about-us/legal-and-policy/legal-statements/eeo-affirmative-action.html Additional Information Requisition ID: 182030 Employment Status: Full-Time Employee Status: Regular Work Week: Days Minimum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 83,000 Midpoint Salary: US Dollar (USD) 103,500 Maximum Salary : US Dollar (USD) 124,000 FLSA: exempt and not eligible for overtime pay Fund Type: Soft Work Location: Onsite Pivotal Position: Yes Referral Bonus Available?: Yes Relocation Assistance Available?: Yes #LI-Onsite Apply


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