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Overnight Lab Assistant Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Certified Group

Micro Lab Assistant

Aurora, IL · On-site

Job Summary The Lab Assistant within the Media Department is responsible for preparing, sterilizing ... Overnight travel may be required at the discretion of management. * Must wear appropriate ...

Certified Group

Micro Lab Assistant

Aurora, IL · On-site

Job Summary The Lab Assistant within the Media Department is responsible for preparing, sterilizing ... Overnight travel may be required at the discretion of management. * Must wear appropriate ...

Certified Group

Micro Lab Assistant

Aurora, IL · On-site

Job Summary The Lab Assistant within the Media Department is responsible for preparing, sterilizing ... Overnight travel may be required at the discretion of management. * Must wear appropriate ...

Certified Group

Lab Analyst

Aurora, IL · On-site

... * Assist in quality duties to by taking incubator temperatures, inoculating control organisms ... Overnight Travel is required at the discretion of management * Occasionally lift and/or move up to ...

Certified Group

Lab Analyst

Aurora, IL · On-site

... * Assist in quality duties to by taking incubator temperatures, inoculating control organisms ... Overnight Travel is required at the discretion of management * Occasionally lift and/or move up to ...

Certified Group

Lab Analyst

Aurora, IL · On-site

... * Assist in quality duties to by taking incubator temperatures, inoculating control organisms ... Overnight Travel is required at the discretion of management * Occasionally lift and/or move up to ...

University of Utah

Program Assistants

Campus, IL · On-site

$36K - $46K/yr

The Critical Action Lab aims to provide teens with meaningful and fun opportunities to build skills ... The Assistant is part of the Museum's Education and Community Engagement team, helping to deliver ...

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Overnight Lab Assistant information

What is an overnight lab assistant?

Overnight Lab Assistants are support staff who work during nighttime hours in laboratories, often in medical, research, or educational settings. Their primary responsibilities include preparing and processing samples, running routine tests, maintaining lab equipment, and ensuring that the lab operates smoothly outside of regular business hours. They may also assist with data entry, inventory management, and reporting results to supervisors. Working overnight requires attention to detail, the ability to work independently, and adherence to safety protocols. This role is essential for labs that operate 24/7 or require continuous monitoring of experiments or specimens.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an overnight lab assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Overnight Lab Assistant, you need a basic understanding of laboratory procedures, attention to detail, and typically a high school diploma or associate degree in a science-related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, safety protocols, and lab information management systems (LIMS) is often required. Strong organizational skills, reliability, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure accurate sample processing, maintain lab safety standards, and support seamless operations during overnight shifts.

What are some common challenges faced by overnight lab assistants and how can they be addressed?

Overnight Lab Assistants often face challenges such as working independently with limited supervision, managing fatigue during late hours, and troubleshooting unexpected equipment issues. To address these, it's important to develop strong time management skills, maintain open communication with daytime staff through detailed shift reports, and familiarize yourself thoroughly with lab protocols and emergency procedures. Taking regular, scheduled breaks and staying organized can also help you stay alert and productive throughout your shift.

What is the difference between Overnight Lab Assistant vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectOvernight Lab AssistantLaboratory Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certificationAssociate's degree or certification in laboratory sciences
Work EnvironmentLaboratories operating overnight, often in healthcare, research, or industrial settingsLaboratories during regular hours, involved in testing, analysis, and data recording
Employer & IndustryHospitals, research facilities, industrial labsMedical labs, research institutions, manufacturing companies
Search & Comparison IntentPeople comparing overnight roles with lab support positionsIndividuals seeking detailed lab technician roles

Overnight Lab Assistants typically work during night shifts with minimal certifications, focusing on basic lab support tasks. Laboratory Technicians usually hold formal education and work during daytime hours, performing detailed testing and analysis. Both roles are essential in lab operations but differ mainly in shift timing and qualification requirements.

What are popular job titles related to Overnight Lab Assistant jobs in Illinois?

For Overnight Lab Assistant jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Overnight Lab Assistant jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Overnight Lab Assistant jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Overnight Lab Assistant jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Overnight Lab Assistant job openings:

Overnight Lab Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Overnight Lab Assistant job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Micro Lab Assistant

Certified Group

Aurora, IL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

Job Summary

The Lab Assistant within the Media Department is responsible for preparing, sterilizing, and organizing media and reagents essential to analytical and microbiological testing of food products, ingredients, and environmental samples. This role ensures the availability of accurate, sterile materials to support testing operations while maintaining laboratory safety and compliance standards.

Essential Responsibilities

  1. Prepare and maintain bacteriological media and chemical solutions.
  2. Safely operate an autoclave to sterilize media, reagents, and supplies.
  3. Label, handle, store, use, and dispose of media and solutions in accordance with safety guidelines.
  4. Maintain an accurate inventory of prepared media and supplies.
  5. Collaborate with other departments to prepare required media in a timely manner.
  6. Perform work in a neat, safe, hygienic, and efficient manner; maintain cleanliness and equipment within the department.
  7. Follow established processes, procedures, and techniques in accordance with FSNS policies/procedures, customer requirements, and the media operations manual.
  8. Maintain laboratory conditions, equipment, supplies, quality assurance programs, and accurate records throughout all procedures.
  9. Share information in an open and timely manner to support team collaboration.
  10. Complete required training and comply with safety and quality programs.

Education & Experience

  • High School Diploma or GED required.
  • Familiarity with aseptic sampling techniques.
  • Experience operating autoclaves and sterile dispensing equipment preferred.
  • Basic knowledge of testing laboratory practices and general laboratory procedures.
  • One or more years of experience in a commercial food-testing laboratory preferred.
  • Competency with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) a plus.
  • Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Skills & Competencies

  • Strong organizational skills and ability to complete detailed manual tasks.
  • Ability to work under deadlines, manage interruptions, and multitask effectively.
  • Logical thinking and accuracy in task completion.
  • Basic math skills: add, subtract, multiply, divide, and work with fractions and decimals.
  • Ability to follow written and oral instructions and problem-solve within standardized situations.
  • Working knowledge of ISO 17025 quality procedures and general OSHA laboratory safety guidelines preferred.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

  • Frequent standing, walking, sitting, reaching, and handling of materials.
  • Occasional stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling.
  • Regular use of hands and fingers to operate laboratory equipment and computers.
  • Ability to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
  • Potential exposure to odors, fumes, airborne particles, hazardous chemicals, and microbiological pathogens.
  • Varying noise levels and temperatures (hot to cold).
  • Fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
  • Overnight travel may be required at the discretion of management.
  • Must wear appropriate protective clothing and equipment.

General Requirements

  • Flexible schedule availability.
  • Ability to perform opening and closing procedures in the media laboratory.
  • Commitment to workplace safety for self and others.
  • Willingness to work as part of a collaborative, team-driven environment.

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