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Library Trainee Jobs in Massachusetts (NOW HIRING)

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Lab Manager

Boston, MA · On-site

$88K - $110K/yr

... trainees. * Execute agreement deliverables and aid in the development of critical workflows and ... Ability to conduct a variety of library preparations for different sequencing workflows, western ...

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

... trainees. * Execute agreement deliverables and aid in the development of critical workflows and ... Ability to conduct a variety of library preparations for different sequencing workflows, western ...

Harvard University

Research Assistant I

Boston, MA · On-site

$21 - $28.75/hr

Trainees and staff in the department benefit from a vibrant scientific environment that includes ... DNA/amplicon library preparation for Illumina and/or Oxford Nanopore sequencing is also expected)

Harvard University

Research Assistant II

Boston, MA · On-site

$21 - $28.75/hr

... libraries; and high-throughput sequencing. * Optimize and execute molecular-biological reactions ... trainees. Additional Information * Term: This is a one-year term position from the date of hire ...

Harvard University

Research Assistant II

Boston, MA

$21 - $28.75/hr

... libraries; and high-throughput sequencing. * Optimize and execute molecular-biological reactions ... trainees. Additional Information * Term: This is a one-year term position from the date of hire ...

Harvard University

Research Assistant I

Boston, MA

$21 - $28.75/hr

Trainees and staff in the department benefit from a vibrant scientific environment that includes ... DNA/amplicon library preparation for Illumina and/or Oxford Nanopore sequencing is also expected)

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Library Trainee information

See Massachusetts salary details

$27.8K

$47.5K

$69.3K

How much do library trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for library trainee in Massachusetts is $47,541.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36,000.00 and $55,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a library trainee?

Library trainees are entry-level staff members who work in libraries to gain practical experience and develop foundational skills in library and information services. They often assist with daily tasks such as shelving books, cataloguing materials, helping patrons find resources, and supporting library programs. Library trainees typically work under the supervision of experienced librarians and may be enrolled in or considering formal library science education. The position helps individuals decide if they wish to pursue a career in librarianship and provides valuable hands-on training.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a library trainee?

To thrive as a Library Trainee, you need organizational skills, attention to detail, and a basic understanding of library systems, typically supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with library cataloging software, circulation systems, and digital databases is often required. Strong communication, customer service orientation, and a willingness to learn are valuable soft skills in this role. These abilities are essential for providing effective support to library staff and patrons, ensuring efficient library operations and a positive user experience.

What are common challenges faced by library trainees during their initial months, and how can they be overcome?

Library Trainees often encounter challenges such as mastering new cataloging systems, adapting to varied patron needs, and balancing multiple tasks like shelving, circulation, and reference assistance. It's common to feel overwhelmed by the breadth of information and the pace of library operations at first. To overcome these challenges, trainees should actively seek mentorship from experienced staff, utilize available training resources, and regularly communicate with their supervisors. Participating in team meetings and asking questions can also help build confidence and proficiency in daily responsibilities.

What is the difference between Library Trainee vs Library Assistant?

AspectLibrary TraineeLibrary Assistant
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some positions may prefer relevant courseworkHigh school diploma; some roles may require additional certifications or experience
Work EnvironmentTraining setting, often supervised, learning on the jobPublic or academic library, performing routine tasks
Employer & Industry UsageInternship or entry-level training program within librariesFull-time or part-time staff in libraries, assisting with daily operations
Search & Comparison IntentLearning role, entry-level position, training opportunityOperational support, routine library tasks

The main difference is that a Library Trainee is typically an entry-level position focused on training and gaining experience, often within a structured program. A Library Assistant is a more permanent role responsible for routine library tasks, requiring less training but more experience. Both roles are essential in library operations, but they differ in responsibilities and career progression opportunities.

Can you get a job at a library with no experience?

Library trainee positions often do not require prior experience, as they are designed to provide on-the-job training. Candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, and strong organizational and communication skills are helpful. Some libraries may prefer or require familiarity with library systems or basic computer skills, but many entry-level roles are open to beginners.

How to become a library trainee?

To become a library trainee, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, and some positions may require or prefer a college degree in library science, information management, or a related field. Relevant skills include organization, attention to detail, and familiarity with library management software; internships or volunteer work can also improve prospects. Application processes usually involve submitting a resume and cover letter, and some roles may require passing an interview or background check.

What are the most commonly searched types of Library jobs in Massachusetts?

The most popular types of Library jobs in Massachusetts are:

What are popular job titles related to Library Trainee jobs in Massachusetts?

For Library Trainee jobs in Massachusetts, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Library Trainee jobs in Massachusetts look for?

The top searched job categories for Library Trainee jobs in Massachusetts are:

What cities in Massachusetts are hiring for Library Trainee jobs?

Cities in Massachusetts with the most Library Trainee job openings:

Library Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Library Trainee job openings in Massachusetts as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 33% In-person, 34% Hybrid, and 33% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,541 per year, or $22.9 per hour.

Research Scientist, ECE Administration

Boston, MA • On-site

Boston University
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 10K+ employees
Learn more about Boston Universityexternal

$72K - $82K/yr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Boston University rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 51 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description


The Research Scientist will utilize and contribute to the development of cloud lab software to execute, track, and document experiments in accordance with established lab workflows, and will design, execute, and troubleshoot complex biological experiments independently, including mammalian tissue culture, DNA cloning, sequencing library preparation, and flow cytometry workflows. This role involves maintaining rigorous records of experimental data, reagent inventory, and equipment logs in compliance with lab and institutional standards, as well as CLIA-compliant records, SOPs, testing logs, QC data, and equipment calibration. The Research Scientist will collaborate with cross-functional, multi-institutional, and industry team members to plan experimental strategy, interpret results, and contribute to publications and grant materials, including producing preliminary data and technical write-ups for grant proposals and progress reports. This position also serves as a technical resource for junior staff and trainees, providing hands-on mentorship and troubleshooting support to build lab-wide capability.
Essential Functions:
  • Independently design, execute, and troubleshoot complex biological experiments, including mammalian tissue culture, DNA cloning, sequencing library preparation, and flow cytometry workflows. Determine appropriate experimental design, controls, and analytical approaches for assigned projects, and optimize or develop new protocols when existing methods do not meet project requirements or produce inconsistent results. Maintain rigorous records of experimental data, reagent inventory, and equipment logs in compliance with lab and institutional standards so that all work is reproducible, traceable, and available to internal and external collaborators.
  • Utilize and contribute to the development of cloud lab software to execute, track, and document experiments in accordance with established lab workflows. Translate bench protocols into structured, machine-readable workflows that can be reliably executed by remote users, automated instrumentation, and software agents, and validate software-directed runs against manually performed results. Provide structured feedback to the software development team on usability, data capture, and error handling, and participate in testing new features and workflow releases before they are deployed to users.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional, multi-institutional, and industry team members to plan experimental strategy, interpret results, and contribute to publications and grant materials. Serve as a scientific point of contact for assigned collaborations, coordinating experimental timelines, sample logistics, and data sharing across partner sites and sponsors. Present findings at internal meetings, sponsor reviews, and scientific conferences, and contribute to peer-reviewed manuscripts and other scholarly output.
  • Produce preliminary data and prepare technical write-ups, methods descriptions, and figures for grant proposals, progress reports, and sponsor deliverables. Work with the Principal Investigator and research administration staff to ensure that scientific content is accurate, complete, and responsive to sponsor guidelines and submission deadlines. Compile supporting documentation that clearly communicates experimental design, results, and their significance to both technical and non-technical reviewers.
  • Serve as a technical resource for junior staff, students, and trainees, providing hands-on mentorship and troubleshooting support to build lab-wide capability. Train new personnel on core laboratory techniques, instrumentation, and safety practices, and confirm competency before independent work is assigned. Review the work of less experienced staff and provide guidance that improves technique, data quality, and adherence to established protocols.
  • Maintain SOPs, CLIA-compliant records, testing logs, QC data, and equipment calibration documentation. Draft and revise written procedures as methods and instrumentation change, ensuring that documentation remains current, accurate, and audit ready. Monitor instrument performance and preventive maintenance schedules and coordinate service, repair, and recalibration as needed to keep the facility in compliance with regulatory and institutional requirements.

Required Skills
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, natural or protective hairstyle, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

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About Boston University

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Boston University is an international, comprehensive, private research university, committed to educating students to be reflective, resourceful individuals ready to live, adapt, and lead in an interconnected world. Boston University is committed to generating new knowledge to benefit society. We remain dedicated to our founding principles: that higher education should be accessible to all and that research, scholarship, artistic creation, and professional practice should be conducted in the service of the wider community—local and international. These principles endure in the University’s insistence on the value of diversity, in its tradition and standards of excellence, and in its dynamic engagement with the City of Boston and the world. Boston University comprises a remarkable range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs built on a strong foundation of the liberal arts and sciences. With the support and oversight of the Board of Trustees, the University, through our faculty, continually innovates in education and research to ensure that we meet the needs of students and an ever-changing world.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Boston, MA, US

Year founded

1839

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