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Quality Lab Assistant Jobs in Plainfield, IL (NOW HIRING)

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Quality Lab Assistant information

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How much do quality lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for quality lab assistant in Plainfield, IL is $19.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.15 and $22.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a quality lab assistant?

Quality Lab Assistants are professionals who support laboratory operations by conducting tests, preparing samples, and ensuring that products meet quality and safety standards. They work under the supervision of laboratory managers or scientists, following strict protocols to collect, analyze, and record data. Their role is crucial in industries like pharmaceuticals, food production, and manufacturing, where product consistency and compliance are essential. Quality Lab Assistants help maintain lab equipment, document results, and assist with audits to uphold quality assurance processes.

What are some common challenges quality lab assistants face when ensuring accurate test results?

Quality Lab Assistants often encounter challenges such as maintaining strict adherence to testing protocols, managing multiple samples simultaneously, and preventing cross-contamination. Attention to detail is crucial, as even small errors can impact data integrity. Additionally, working under time constraints while ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards requires effective organization and communication skills.

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

To thrive as a Quality Lab Assistant, you need a solid understanding of laboratory procedures, attention to detail, and at least a high school diploma or associate degree in a science-related field. Familiarity with lab equipment, data entry systems, and sometimes certifications like Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) are commonly required. Strong organizational skills, teamwork, and effective communication set top performers apart in this role. These abilities ensure accurate testing, reliable results, and compliance with safety and quality standards in laboratory environments.

What is the difference between Quality Lab Assistant vs Quality Control Technician?

AspectQuality Lab AssistantQuality Control Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certifications in lab proceduresHigh school diploma; certifications in quality control or lab techniques often preferred
Work EnvironmentLaboratory settings, assisting with testing and sample preparationManufacturing or production facilities, performing inspections and testing
Employer & IndustryPharmaceutical, food, manufacturing industriesManufacturing, automotive, electronics industries

While both roles support quality assurance, a Quality Lab Assistant primarily assists with sample preparation and testing in labs, whereas a Quality Control Technician conducts inspections and tests directly on products or materials in manufacturing environments. The roles often overlap in industry and required certifications, but the technician typically has more hands-on testing responsibilities.

What qualifications do I need to be a quality lab assistant?

A quality lab assistant typically needs a high school diploma or equivalent, with some positions requiring post-secondary education or technical training in laboratory procedures or quality control. Strong attention to detail, good communication skills, and familiarity with laboratory equipment and safety protocols are also important qualifications.

What cities near Plainfield, IL are hiring for Quality Lab Assistant jobs?

Cities near Plainfield, IL with the most Quality Lab Assistant job openings:

Clinical Lab Assistant II-Full-time Days

Northwestern Memorial Healthcare

Oak Brook, IL • On-site

$20.80/hr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 19 days ago


Northwestern Medicine rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 392 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

128th of 891 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Company Description
At Northwestern Medicine, every patient interaction makes a difference in cultivating a positive workplace. This patient-first approach is what sets us apart as a leader in the healthcare industry. As an integral part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to join our quest for better health care, no matter where you work within the Northwestern Medicine system. We pride ourselves on providing competitive benefits: from tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness to 401(k) matching and lifecycle benefits, our goal is to take care of our employees. Ready to join our quest for better?
Job Description
This is a full-time, 40 hours per week, position located at the Northwestern Medicine Cancer Center in Oakbrook.
The CLA II reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization's Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.
Responsibilities:
  • Collaborate with the main lab staff, other ancillary departments, departments, nurses and providers to ensure excellent patient care.
  • Receives specimens into the laboratory information system.
  • Inputs and retrieves lab results in laboratory or hospital computer system.
  • Register specimen dropoffs (e.g. Home health) in LIS assuring accurate data entry.
  • Properly processes specimens for transport to reference laboratories.
  • Distributes specimens to the appropriate testing area.
  • Identifies and solves problems utilizing appropriate resources with the assistance of a supervisor, manager, pathologist and/or coworkers when appropriate.
  • Verifies the accuracy of all instruments and test kits; responsible for quality control, maintenance, troubleshoots
  • Operate and maintain laboratory automation systems as appropriate.
  • Performs diagnostic/analytic testing of specimens, interprets, documents and report results to provider.
  • Accurately performs waived and/or moderate complexity testing under the direction of CLS
  • Ensures appropriate testing is ordered and properly identifies the correct reference laboratory for referred specimens
  • Communicates specimen rejections, critical/notifiable results to appropriate clinical personnel and completes required documentation.
  • May review/record refrigerator temperature(s) and QC/QA records. Areas of concern are recorded through the Corrective Action Log and reported to maintenance for repair.
  • Adheres to lab procedures with following up on outstanding orders including time-sensitive draws/charges
  • Answers phone calls to the laboratory and triages appropriate
  • Coordinates courier pickups as needed.

Department Specific duties
  • Performs phlebotomy and other lab specimen collections per age related standards as required.
  • Completes biological transport training as required and maintain competency.
  • Recognizes temperature dependent transport conditions and select correct packing list destination.
  • Monitors and maintains specialty supplies, including kits, swab and collection containers and disperse to units
  • Ensures supplies are available and stored at the appropriate temperatures
  • Performs microbiology setups or other testing preparation duties.
  • May assist with bone marrow and other biopsy processing.
  • Pull AP slides for second opinion requests and log material back into Epic when material is returned.

Qualifications
Required:
  • High School Diploma
  • Minimum of 1 year of work experience in a general lab, specimen processing or phlebotomy area or enrolled in lab related education program.

Preferred:
  • Phlebotomy Certification or training from an accredited School or Institution

Additional Information
Northwestern Medicine is an equal opportunity employer (disability, VETS) and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.
Background Check
Northwestern Medicine conducts a background check that includes criminal history on newly hired team members and, at times, internal transfers. If you are offered a position with us, you will be required to complete an authorization and disclosure form that gives Northwestern Medicine permission to run the background check. Results are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and we follow all local, state, and federal laws, including the Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act.
Artificial Intelligence Disclosure
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.
Benefits
We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section to learn more.
Sign-on Bonus Eligibility (if sign-on bonus offered for position): Internal employees and rehires who left Northwestern Medicine within 1 year are not eligible for the sign on bonus. Exception: New graduate internal employees seeking their first licensed clinical position at NM may be eligible depending upon the job family.

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