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Research Lab Assistant Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Research Lab Manager 1

Chicago, IL · On-site

$56K - $73K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

At first this will include learning the day-to-day procedures of the lab, and eventually will include managing a growing team of research assistants. This will also involve assisting the Principal ...

Sr Res Technologist (Meeks Lab)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$27.06 - $34.88/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... * Assist in IACUC and laboratory research safety protocols, reviews technical operations ensuring that all processes, protocols & procedures are quality controlled & functioning up to standards The ...

Clinical Lab Assistant

Chicago, IL · On-site

$21 - $32.55/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Clinical Lab Assistant Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago provides superior ... research and family-friendly design. As the largest pediatric provider in the region with a 140 ...

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Research Lab Assistant information

See Chicago, IL salary details

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How much do research lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for research lab assistant in Chicago, IL is $20.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.12 and $23.80 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 Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Research Lab jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What job categories do people searching Research Lab Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Research Lab Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Research Lab Assistant jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Research Lab Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Research Lab Assistant job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,417 per year, or $20.9 per hour.

Research Lab Manager 1

Northwestern University

Chicago, IL • On-site

$56K - $73K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago


Northwestern University rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 48 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

229th of 618 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Apply for Job Job ID 54035
Location Chicago, Illinois
Add to Favorite Jobs Email this Job

Department: MED-Psych & Behavioral Science
Salary/Grade: EXS/6

Job Summary:

Manages daily operations of a new academic neurotechnology lab focused on targeting brain stimulation technologies using functional neuroimaging for therapeutics in mental health. At first this will include learning the day-to-day procedures of the lab, and eventually will include managing a growing team of research assistants. This will also involve assisting the Principal Investigator (PI) with organizational/regulatory tasks, including IRB proposals, funding applications, project management, staff management, and time management.

Tasks include recruiting participants for research studies, administering transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) treatments in clinical trials, administering behavioral phenotyping to participants with intracranial implants, processing neuroimaging data using computational pipelines on high-performance computing infrastructure, and maintaining regulatory compliance.

The lab manager additionally monitors lab performance, analyzes and reviews results, and supervises development and implementation of new protocols. Assigns work and supervises lab personnel and reviews technical operations ensuring that all processes, protocols and procedures are quality controlled and functioning up to standards.

Develops implements and administers budgets, grant and administrative procedures. Co-authors scientific papers for presentation and publication and coordinates writing, submission and administration of grants.

Specific Responsibilities:

Other:

  • Transcranial magnetic stimulation
  • Behavioral phenotyping
  • Neuroimaging analysis

Miscellaneous

Perform other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications: (Education, experience, and any other certifications or clearances)

  • Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree in a scientific major or related; OR appropriate combination of education and experience and 6 years' lab/bench or other relevant experience required; OR
  • Successful completion of a full course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a master's or higher degree in a scientific major or related; OR appropriate combination of education and experience and 4 years' lab/bench or other relevant experience.
  • Supervisory or project management experience required.
  • Experience with clinical research

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

  • Project management skills
  • Strong interpersonal skills, comfortable interacting with patients with neuropsychiatric disorders
  • Knowledge of fundamental principles of neuroscience and/or psychology
  • Proficiency in data analysis

Preferred Qualifications: (Education and experience)

  • Prior experience in clinical trial management, with knowledge of IRB, patient recruitment, budgets, treatment delivery, and related issues.
  • Prior experience with administering transcranial magnetic stimulation or other clinical therapeutic technologies
  • Prior experience with computational neuroimaging, particularly resting-state functional MRI analysis

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

  • Proficiency in principles of clinical research
  • Delivery of neuronavigated TMS treatments
  • Data analysis in MATLAB and/or Python

Target hiring range for this position will be between $56,780 - $73,200 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

Benefits:

At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful and competitive benefits. The available benefits package for this position will include health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; paid vacation and holidays; paid medical/sick and parental leave; tuition benefits for the employee and dependents; pre-tax and flex spending accounts for commuting and dependent care; generous retirement savings options; and wellness programs. For a comprehensive overview of available benefits, including eligibility details, visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.


Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.

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