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Research Lab Assistant Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Wet Lab Carbon Technician

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$19 - $25/hr

FWI is looking for a Wet Lab Carbon Technician to join the team supporting NOAA's Great Lakes ... * Assist research scientists and engineers with field data and sample collection on NOAA small ...

FWI is looking for a Wet Lab Carbon Technician to join the team supporting NOAA's Great Lakes ... * Assist research scientists and engineers with field data and sample collection on NOAA small ...

Research Assistant

Royal Oak, MI · On-site

$18 - $24.75/hr

Data entry and maintaining research data base. Consenting, scheduling, and accompanying patients ... Lab 1 - Diversified East WB Mkt Employment Type Full time Shift Day (United States of America ...

Basic/Translational research lab and support Required Qualifications* * MD or DO degree. * Board ... Job Detail Job Opening ID 282210 Working Title CLINICAL ASST PROF Job Title CLINICAL ASST PROF Work ...

Wet Lab Carbon Technician

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$19 - $25/hr

FWI is looking for a Wet Lab Carbon Technician to join the team supporting NOAA's Great Lakes ... * Assist research scientists and engineers with field data and sample collection on NOAA small ...

Battery Lab Technician

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$18.50 - $24.75/hr

Battery Lab Technician Location: Ann Arbor, MI Full-time | On-site | Research & Development About ... • R&D and prototype support: Assist engineers with experiments, material evaluations, and ...

Wet Lab Lead Technician

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$19 - $25/hr

You know a nutrient/limnology lab inside and out -- the instrumentation, the calibration curves ... * Assist research scientists and engineers with field data and sample collection on NOAA small ...

Showing results 41-60

Research Lab Assistant information

See Michigan salary details

$9

$17

$25

How much do research lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for research lab assistant in Michigan is $17.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.47 and $20.10 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 Michigan?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Research Lab Assistant job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,706 per year, or $17.6 per hour.

Research Assistant - Department of Oncology

Wayne State University

Detroit, MI • On-site

$19 - $26.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago


Wayne State University rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

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Job description

Research Assistant - Department of Oncology
Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Research Assistant - Department of Oncology at its Detroit campus location.
Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.
Essential functions (job duties):
Perform laboratory based scientific techniques or clinical/population science (human subjects) research. Design and perform experiments, recruit participants for studies by developing surveys and interviewing candidates. Participate in implementing research objectives, ensuring compliance with all legal, regulatory and protocol guidelines. Assist staff with experiments/research protocols as required. Communicate with principal investigator and Postdoctoral scholars/fellows on the status of research.
Collect and log laboratory results, clinical outcomes and/or survey data. Evaluate and perform data analysis using graphs, charts or tables to highlight the key points of the research results collected in accordance with the research protocols as stipulated. Proofread and edit research data and documents to ensure accuracy.
Assist principal investigator with writing methods and summarizing/organizing data to be used in preparing and presenting presentations for professional, scientific and academic conferences and submittal to academic and scholarly peer-reviewed journals.
Maintain the laboratory work areas including routine maintenance on laboratory equipment as required. Order and organize required research supplies and records. Maintain cleanliness and organization of work station.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Unique duties:
Provide scientific and technical support for clinical and population science research focused on improving care and resources for cancer survivors and their loved ones. - Participate in pilot testing and preparation for a larger trial of FOCUS On Us, an adapted psychoeducational intervention designed to support LGBTQ+ cancer survivors and their caregivers. - Participant recruitment and tracking, managing regulatory and IRB processes, coordinating study activities, assisting with data analysis, and contributing to the communication of research findings. - focuses on adapting educational resources from the MI-COST website (mi-cost.org) into an interactive online digital curriculum. - Participant recruitment and tracking as well as assisting with drafting and revising curriculum content in collaboration with the research team, helping develop and manage website content, coordinating and facilitating qualitative focus groups to test adapted materials, and supporting study communications such as newsletters. - Coordinate community advisory board meetings, maintain communication with community partners and participants, and support the broader research mission of the team. - Additional responsibilities may include literature reviews, protocol development, data management, manuscript preparation, and assistance with the development of new research initiatives. This position offers opportunities to gain experience in community-engaged research, mixed-methods data collection and analysis, and scientific writing. - managing day-to-day operations of human subjects research studies. Responsibilities include recruiting and consenting participants; scheduling interviews and focus groups; tracking participation; maintaining study correspondence; coordinating community advisory board meetings; managing participant and community advisory board compensation; developing and maintaining study instruments and research materials; assisting with regulatory documentation and IRB submissions; and communicating regularly with the principal investigator, lab manager, and other team members regarding study progress and issues that arise.
Qualifications:
Education: Bachelor's degree
Bachelor'sdegree in a related field of study, preferred. Requires advanced knowledge predominantlyintellectual in character in a field of science or learning acquired by aprolonged course of specialized intellectual instruction.
Experience: Entry level (less that a year of job-related experience)
Experience performing basic research techniques or interacting with humansubjects, preferred.
Knowledge,Skills and Abilities:
Abilityto work independently. Ability toanalyze, summarize and interpret research findings and data in reports and spreadsheetsand communicate results. Knowledgeof scientific integrity principles. Excellent timemanagement and organization skills. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills anddemonstrated ability to work with others in a collaborative environment. Microsoft office software skills.
Preferred qualifications:
Applicable experience in the conduct of public health, behavioral, or medical research is preferred. Relevant experience may include some combination of Participant recruitment and data collection in human subjects research; Managing or supporting IRB and regulatory compliance; Literature reviews, including searching, organizing, and synthesizing research evidence; Qualitative and/or quantitative data analysis; Developing and testing research hypotheses; Communicating research findings through peer-reviewed manuscripts, writing for a general audience, and/or conference or other presentations. Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and email. Experience using internet search engines and citation/reference management software (e.g., Zotero). Experience with survey and data collection programs (e.g., REDCap, Qualtrics) preferred. Experience with OnCore preferred.Experience with qualitative analysis software (e.g., Dedoose) and/or statistical software (e.g., Stata, R, SAS) desirable. Familiarity with website management (e.g. WordPress) and email newsletter platforms (e.g. MailChimp) desirable.
School/College/Division:
H06 - School of Medicine
Primary department:
H0632 - Oncology
Employment type:
  • Regular Employee
  • Job type: Full Time
  • Job category: Research
Funding/salary information:
  • Compensation type: Annual Salary
  • Hourly rate:
  • Salary minimum:
  • Salary hire maximum:
Working conditions:
Typical work environment may include a laboratory and/ or office environment. May require working non-standard business hours including evenings and weekends. May be required to travel to scientific conferences.
Job openings:
  • Number of openings: 1
  • Reposted position: No
  • Reposted reason: None (New Requisition)
  • Prior posting/requisition number:
Background check requirements:
University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required.

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