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Research Lab Assistant Jobs in Charleston, SC (NOW HIRING)

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Research Lab Assistant information

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How much do research lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for research lab assistant in Charleston, SC is $18.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.53 and $21.59 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 Charleston, SC?

The most popular types of Research Lab jobs in Charleston, SC are:

What cities near Charleston, SC are hiring for Research Lab Assistant jobs?

Cities near Charleston, SC with the most Research Lab Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Research Lab Assistant job openings in Charleston, SC as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,410 per year, or $18.9 per hour.

UNIV - Research Specialist II - The de Cubas Lab - Pharmacology & Immunology

Charleston, SC • On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Other

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Job Description Summary

The de Cubas Laboratory at the Hollings Cancer Center at Medical University of South Carolina is recruiting a Research Specialist I to contribute to cutting-edge research at the intersection of cancer biology and immunology. Our work focuses on understanding how genetic alterations such as SETD2 loss influence tumor immunogenicity and therapeutic response. By combining molecular biology, cell-based systems, and mouse models, we seek to translate mechanistic discoveries into strategies that improve cancer treatment.

The selected candidate will be responsible for the maintenance and logistical organization of a basic science laboratory, with particular emphasis on performing cell and molecular biology techniques, and ordering and maintaining lab supplies. We seek a highly motivated individual with previous experience in western blotting, RT-qPCR, and cell culture.

Entity

Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC - Univ)

Worker Type

Employee

Worker Sub-Type

Research Grant

Cost Center

CC001032 COM PHARM Administration CC

Pay Rate Type

Hourly

Pay Grade

University-GEN08

Pay Range

45,300.00 - 61,100.00 - 77,000.000

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Job Description

This Research Specialist II position will involve providing technical assistance to the Principal Investigator in cancer research studies, as well as assist in lab operations. Specific tasks will be as follows:

Job Duties

Cell culture and in vitro functional assays (30%). Maintaining cell lines; viability, migration, etc assay; transfection and infection.

Perform routine maintenance of and experimentation in mice (25%). These responsibilities include breeding and weaning, genotyping, and treatment with various agents. Assist with managing mouse colonies. Assists PI in ensuring that lab personnel adhere to IACUC animal protocol. Aid in IACUC inspections.

Assist with daily lab operations (20%). The selected candidate will assist with daily lab operations including stocking consumable items and reagents, making buffers, and aliquoting reagents. Facilitate general maintenance of the research space by working with MUSC to ensure that the laboratory area is maintained and that repairs, waste disposal, and cleaning needs are addressed in a timely manner.

Perform a number of molecular biology procedures (20%). Molecular biology experimentation employing various techniques, including isolation and purification of nucleic acids and proteins, PCR, Western blot, and plasmid cloning. Proteins will be further analyzed by immunoprecipitation followed by western blot or mass-spectroscopy. Chromatin or RNA immunoprecipitation reactions will be additionally prepared from isolated for downstream analyses.

Additional duties assigned by the Principal Investigator (5%). This will include helping prepare lab protocols, figures, and others.

MUSC Minimum Training and Experience Requirements

A bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology, or other natural, life or health care science and one year work experience directly related to the assigned research area.

Preferred Education and Experience

A bachelor's degree in biology or other life or health care science with biology research experience.

Must have previous experience in a laboratory.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Strong organizational, record keeping, interpersonal and communication skills required. Must be able to perform complex calculations, to follow complicated experimental procedures and methods and develop independence with tasks and experiments. Preference will be given to candidates with experience with animal husbandry, and colony management. Prior experience working with mice is valued, and recombinant DNA work, RNA and protein analysis are required. Some weekend, holidays and/or evenings may be required.

Must be organized and have attention to detail. All personnel are expected to maintain laboratory notebook.

Additional Job Description

Minimum Requirements: A bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology, or other natural, life or health care science and one year work experience directly related to the assigned research area.

Physical Requirements: (Note: The following descriptions are applicable to this section: Continuous - 6-8 hours per shift; Frequent - 2-6 hours per shift; Infrequent - 0-2 hours per shift) Ability to perform job functions in an upright position. (Frequent) Ability to perform job functions in a seated position. (Continuous) Ability to perform job functions while walking/mobile. (Frequent) Ability to climb, using step stool. (Infrequent) Ability to work in temperature extremes (32 F to 100 F) when required due to assignments in cold rooms and/or foreign countries. (Infrequent) Ability to work in confined/cramped spaces. (Continuous) Ability to bend at the waist. (Frequent) Ability to twist at the waist. (Frequent) Ability to fully use both hands/arms. (Continuous) Ability to perform repetitive motions with hands/wrists/elbows and shoulders. (Frequent) Ability to fully use both legs. (Frequent) Ability to reach in all directions, stretch, bend, while moving items/materials from both sitting and standing positions. (Frequent) Ability to maintain good olfactory sensory function/distinction. (Continuous) Ability to lift materials up to 20 lbs., unassisted. (Infrequent) Ability to lift and carry 4 liter waste material bottles a distance of 30 feet, unassisted. (Frequent) Ability to lift and carry 25-30 lbs. jugs of liquid a distance of 100 feet, unassisted. (Infrequent) Ability to lift file boxes, from floor level to counter tops, unassisted. (Frequent) Ability to push/ Ability to lift 40 lbs. centrifuge rotors from floor level to height of 40 inches, then down 20 inches into centrifuge drum, unassisted. (Infrequent) Ability to lift 25 lbs. boxes, from floor level to maximum height of 72 inches, unassisted. (Infrequent) Ability to push/pull file boxes from one location to another at floor level. (Frequent) Ability to maneuver heavy equipment on bench tops, 50 lbs. or greater, unassisted. (Frequent) Ability to perform gross motor functions with frequent fine motor movements. (Continuous) Ability to maintain 20/40 vision, corrected, in one eye or with both eyes. (Continuous) Ability to match or discriminate between colors, normally. (Continuous) Ability to hear and recognize various alarms emitting from work area systems. (Continuous) Ability to hear and/or understand conversations. (Continuous) Ability to work in a darkroom for processing film, etc. (Continuous) Ability to be qualified physically for respirator use, initially and annually. (Continuous) Additional New Requirements: Ability to work rotating shifts as required. Ability to work overtime as required. Ability to learn and use new processes, tools and equipment as required.

If you like working with energetic enthusiastic individuals, you will enjoy your career with us!

The Medical University of South Carolina is an Equal Opportunity Employer. MUSC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, age, sex, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status, family or parental status, or any other status protected by state laws and/or federal regulations. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment based upon applicable qualifications, merit and business need.

Medical University of South Carolina participates in the federal E-Verify program to confirm the identity and employment authorization of all newly hired employees. For further information about the E-Verify program, please click here: http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify/employees

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