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Research Lab Assistant Jobs in Rhode Island (NOW HIRING)

Sr. Research Scientist

Providence, RI · On-site

$100K - $400K/yr

Supervises postdoctoral fellows, research assistants, and other lab personnel including hiring, training, assigning work to complete, providing feedback, evaluating performance, and when necessary ...

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Research Lab Assistant information

See Rhode Island salary details

$10

$19

$29

How much do research lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for research lab assistant in Rhode Island is $19.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.25 and $22.60 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

How much does a research lab assistant get paid?

Research lab assistants typically earn an hourly wage that ranges from $12 to $20, depending on experience, education level, and the location of the laboratory. Some positions may offer additional benefits or stipends for working in specialized environments or during certain hours.

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 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Research Lab jobs in Rhode Island? The most popular types of Research Lab jobs in Rhode Island are:
What are popular job titles related to Research Lab Assistant jobs in Rhode Island? For Research Lab Assistant jobs in Rhode Island, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Research Lab Assistant jobs in Rhode Island look for? The top searched job categories for Research Lab Assistant jobs in Rhode Island are:
What cities in Rhode Island are hiring for Research Lab Assistant jobs? Cities in Rhode Island with the most Research Lab Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Research Lab Assistant job openings in Rhode Island as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,242 per year, or $19.8 per hour.

$18 - $25.82/hr

Per diem

Re-posted 23 days ago


Brown University Health rating

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Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

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Job description

SUMMARY Summer Student Research Assistants ELIGIBILITY Undergraduate students with strong interest in behavioral sciences research and who demonstrate enthusiasm for, commitment to, and availability for the full program are encouraged to apply. Previous courses or lab work in sleep or circadian rhythms are helpful but not required. Students from local institutions are asked to maintain participation in sleep lab activities beyond the summer by working on the lab's sleep studies during the school year.

Apprentices must reside in or near Providence for the summer. Graduate students are accepted under special circumstances. Students may apply for a repeat summer experience as a Senior Research Apprentice, with a slightly higher stipend.

Successful applicants are required to apply for student membership ($45 Fee) in the Sleep Research Society. Brown University Health employees are expected to successfully role model the organization's values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence as these values guide our everyday actions with patients, customers, and one another. In addition to our values, all employees are expected to demonstrate the core Success Factors which tell us how we work together and how we get things done.

The core Success Factors include: Instill Trust and Value Differences Patient and Community Focus and Collaborate RESPONSIBILITIES What Research Apprentices Learn: Formal Training Program Introduction to normal human sleep and circadian rhythms Central nervous system and neurophysiological basis of electroencephalography (EEG) and EEG spectral analysis Polysomnographic (PSG) recording techniques, including EEG, EMG, EOG, EKG, respiratory plethysmography, oxygen saturation, electrode hookup Operation and calibration of PSG monitoring equipment Multiple Sleep Latency Test procedures, performance testing, identification of sleep stages, saliva collection for melatonin and cortisol Introduction to radioimmunoassay and gene association analyses Basic lab procedures, including working with human child and adolescent participants Ethical conduct of research Experimental hypotheses, rationale, and methods for laboratory's summer research project Presentation skills, including effective creation of PowerPoint slide presentation Skills in preparing for attending a scientific meeting What Research Apprentices Do The major research project during the summer assesses the circadian rhythms and sleep homeostatic process in children and adolescents. This project includes lengthy in-lab sessions that involve assessments on non-24-hour days, thus necessitating staff involvement at times that circle the clock. Research Apprentices carry out multiple facets of data collection (electrode application, one-to-one work with research participants, forms and tests administration), data reduction, and data entry.

During the research phases of the program, apprentices are assigned to teams and work 5 or 6 days each week - not always Monday through Friday, often Saturday and Sunday - in research protocols that involve working unusual schedules. Although we attempt to assign teams to hours that correspond to team members' circadian phase preferences, applicants must be able and willing to work on any of the following types of schedules for all or part of the program: Owl shifts may begin as early as 2 pm or as late as 9:45 pm and end as early as 10:30 pm or as late as 5:45 am Lark shifts may begin as early as 3:00 am or as late as noon and may end as early as 8:45 am or as late as 5:15 pm Neither shifts may begin as early as 6:45 am or as late as 3:45 pm and end as early as 11:00 am or as late as 10:15 pm Sleep planning assistance is provided to facilitate your adaptation to work schedules. PAY RANGE $18.00-$25.82 LOCATION Rhode Island Hospital - 593 Eddy Street Providence, Rhode Island 02903 WORK TYPE TBD WORK SHIFT Day DAILY HOURS Per Diem - As required DRIVING REQUIRED No Brown University Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and maintaining a work environment free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment

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