1

Research Lab Assistant Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

... unique research and powerful solutions illuminate the path toward greater innovations for the ... Position Summary The Lab Assistant/phlebotomist- Outreach Operations position plays a critical role ...

Educational Aide, Chemistry Laboratory

Campus, IL · On-site

$14.75 - $20.50/hr

As a lab assistant, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of laboratory ... Assists with special projects and research initiatives within the lab as assigned. * Provides ...

Showing results 41-60

Research Lab Assistant information

See Illinois salary details

$10

$19

$28

How much do research lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for research lab assistant in Illinois is $19.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.06 and $22.36 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a research lab assistant do?

A Research Lab Assistant supports scientists and researchers by preparing and maintaining laboratory equipment, conducting experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and ensuring the lab is clean and organized. They may also be responsible for documenting results, ordering supplies, and following safety protocols. Their role is essential for the smooth functioning of research projects and helps advance scientific studies efficiently.

What are some common challenges faced by research lab assistants, and how can they be effectively managed?

Research Lab Assistants often encounter challenges such as managing multiple tasks simultaneously, maintaining accuracy in data collection, and adhering to strict safety protocols. Balancing administrative duties with hands-on lab work can be demanding, especially during busy project phases. Effective time management, clear communication with the research team, and organization skills are essential to successfully navigate these challenges. Proactively seeking clarification and regular training on lab procedures can also help minimize errors and improve efficiency.

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

To thrive as a Research Lab Assistant, you need a background in laboratory sciences, attention to detail, and knowledge of standard lab procedures, often supported by a relevant degree or coursework. Familiarity with lab equipment, safety protocols, and data management systems such as LIMS is typically expected. Strong organizational skills, effective communication, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively set standout candidates apart. These skills are crucial for ensuring accurate experimental results, maintaining laboratory safety, and supporting research productivity.

What is the difference between Research Lab Assistant vs Research Technician?

AspectResearch Lab AssistantResearch Technician
Required CredentialsAssociate's degree or relevant certificationAssociate's degree or specialized training
Work EnvironmentLaboratory settings, assisting with experimentsLaboratory, often more hands-on with equipment
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutes, biotech firmsResearch institutions, healthcare, biotech companies
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level research rolesClarifying technical support roles in labs

The main difference between a Research Lab Assistant and a Research Technician lies in their responsibilities and qualifications. Research Lab Assistants typically support experiments and perform basic lab tasks, often requiring an associate's degree. Research Technicians usually have more technical duties, including operating equipment and data collection, often with similar or additional certifications. Both roles are vital in research environments, but the Research Technician generally has more technical responsibilities.

How much is a research lab assistant paid?

Research lab assistants typically earn between $12 and $20 per hour, depending on experience, education, and the location of the lab. Entry-level positions may pay closer to minimum wage, while those with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher wages, often working part-time or full-time schedules in academic or research institutions.

How to become a research lab assistant?

To become a research lab assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with some positions preferring or requiring postsecondary education in a related field such as biology, chemistry, or physics. Relevant skills include attention to detail, familiarity with laboratory equipment, and the ability to follow safety protocols. Gaining experience through internships or volunteering can also improve job prospects.

What are the most commonly searched types of Research Lab jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Research Lab jobs in Illinois are:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Research Lab Assistant job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,809 per year, or $19.6 per hour.

Campus/Virtual/Pop-up Lab Manager

University of Chicago Library

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 hours ago


University Of Chicago rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

168th of 622 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Department

Booth CDR: Operations - White


About the Department

The University of Chicago Booth School of Business is the second-oldest business school in the U.S. and second to none when it comes to influencing business education and business practices. Since 1898, the school has produced ideas and leaders that shape the world of business. Their rigorous, discipline-based approach to business education transforms students into confident, effective, respected business leaders prepared to face the toughest challenges.
Chicago Booth has the finest set of facilities of any business school in the world. Each of the four campuses (two in Chicago, one in London, and one in Hong Kong) reflects the architectural traditions of its environs while offering a state-of-the-art learning environment.
Chicago Booth is proud to claim:
-an unmatched faculty.
-degree and open enrollment programs offered on three continents.
-a global body of nearly 56,000 accomplished alumni.
-strong and growing corporate relationships that provide a wealth of lifelong career opportunities.
As part of the world-renowned University of Chicago, Chicago Booth shares the University's core values that shape the distinctive intellectual culture. At Booth, they constantly question and test ideas, and seek proof. This extraordinarily effective approach to business leads to new ideas and innovative solutions. Seven of the Booth faculty members have won Nobel Prizes for these ideas - the first business school to achieve this accomplishment. For more information about the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, please visit: http://www.chicagobooth.edu/.


Job Summary

The Roman Family Center for Decision Research (RFCDR) is devoted to the study of how individuals form judgments and make decisions. Researchers at the RFCDR examine the processes by which intuition, reasoning, and social interaction produce beliefs, judgments, and choices. The Lab Manager provides managerial and administrative support within the RFCDR Labs' research operations.
This position is not eligible for employer-sponsored employment authorization.

Responsibilities

  • Manages recruiting, interviewing, hiring, training, approving hours, and overseeing RF-CDR Labs research assistants, providing ongoing oversight of research assistant interaction with Lab visitors and support of research assistant professional development activities. Coordinates with University partners including the Career Services office staff in recruiting and supporting student research assistant staff.
  • Oversees recruitment initiatives for visitors to the Campus, Virtual and Pop-Up Labs as well as in support of overall RF-CDR lab operations, including recruiting of Mindworks visitors and for other RF-CDR programming initiatives. Coordinates with RF-CDR Communications team members in developing and delivering recruitment content and strategy.
  • Provides oversight and project management for research conducted in the RFCDR Labs by affiliated faculty and graduate students, overseeing the full life-cycle of each research study from research request submission through final delivery of collected data, across RFCDR Lab sites (Campus Lab, Virtual Lab, and Pop-up Lab locations).
  • Maintains current training in research ethics, including the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI Program), and assists in training and overseeing the RF-CDR Labs research assistants as they engage with participants, as well as maintaining documentation of RF-CDR team member's ethics training.
  • Manages the operational IRB protocol records in support of research lab operations, updating team member and ethics training records as needed.
  • Manages and analyzes operational datasets, providing descriptive and statistical analysis of operational and accounting records maintained for the Labs.
  • Optimizes lab operations in the RFCDR Labs, by maintaining and reviewing operational records for the Labs, supporting ongoing operational initiatives, and conducting and presenting data analysis as needed from these records, such as for quarterly meetings).
  • Oversees procurement and management of inventory. Maintains and tracks all materials, equipment, logs, and any other items required to conduct faculty research projects carried out in the CDR Labs. Manages procurement of study-related supplies and materials.
  • Manages and reconciles expenses using UChicago systems (GEMS, etc). Assists in maintaining budget and accounting regards related to participant payments, and assists with production of research chargeback records and reporting.
  • Attends and assists in managing RFCDR Center and Labs team meetings. Assists the RFCDR Administrative Office on projects and events as needed.
  • Maintains technical and administrative support for a research project.
  • Maintains recruiting and scheduling research subjects; assisting with developing or amending study protocols; assisting with developing data collection tools; assisting with building databases; and providing general administrative support. Has general awareness in research techniques or methods, regulatory policies and procedures, and relevant scientific field
  • Performs other related work as needed.


Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.


Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through < 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline.


Certifications:

---

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

  • Bachelor's degree in the areas of psychology, organizational behavior, marketing, other behavioral science discipline.
  • Master's degree.

Experience:

  • Background managing research assistants and research operations within in-person and/or online behavioral research labs.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

  • Demonstrated proficiency with MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook).

Preferred Competencies

  • Demonstrated familiarity with social science research methods.
  • Outstanding verbal, written, and presentation skills, as well as organizational skills.
  • Work independently with little supervision; possess a self-motivated disposition; identify opportunities for improvement and recommend effective changes, all while achieving key objectives resulting in desired outcomes.
  • Excellent strategic planning, critical thinking, attention to detail, analytical, and persuasion skills.
  • Handle multiple detailed tasks/projects simultaneously and meet strict deadlines with frequent interruptions.
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively and diplomatically with colleagues, as well as with students, faculty and corporate contacts in a multitude of communication methods, including in person, email, and phone.
  • Professional demeanor, including tact, discretion, and a customer service-oriented approach.

Working Conditions

  • This position is expected to work in the office.

Application Documents

  • Resume/CV (required)
  • Cover Letter (required)


The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.
When applying, the document(s) MUSTbe uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.


Job Family

Research


Role Impact

Individual Contributor


Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5


Drug Test Required

No


Health Screen Required

No


Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No


Pay Rate Type

Salary


FLSA Status

Exempt


Pay Range

$50,000.00 - $58,000.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University's good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.


Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.


Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at:http://securityreport.uchicago.edu.Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.


What University Of Chicago employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom