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Research Lab Assistant Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

We are seeking an enthusiastic and highly motivated individual to assist with the day-to-day operations of our lab with research focused on host-pathogen interactions during Staphylococcus aureus ...

... assistants as well as contributing to their learning about cognitive neuroscience research ... School of Medicine and Public Health, Department of Psychiatry, Postle Lab The Department of ...

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Research Lab Assistant information

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How much do research lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for research lab assistant in Madison, WI is $20.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.73 and $23.27 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 qualifications do I need to be a research assistant?

Research lab assistants typically need a high school diploma or equivalent; many positions prefer or require a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as biology, chemistry, or psychology. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and familiarity with laboratory equipment or data analysis software are also important qualifications.

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.

Is it hard to get a job as a research assistant?

Securing a research lab assistant position can be competitive and often requires relevant coursework, strong organizational skills, and sometimes prior research experience. Candidates with good academic records, familiarity with laboratory tools, and the ability to follow protocols tend to have better chances of obtaining such roles.

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 does a research assistant do in a lab?

A research lab assistant supports scientific experiments and data collection by preparing materials, maintaining equipment, and recording results. They often follow protocols, assist with analysis, and ensure the smooth operation of laboratory activities, typically requiring attention to detail and familiarity with lab tools and safety procedures.

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.

Do research lab assistants get paid?

Research lab assistants typically receive compensation for their work, which can include hourly wages or stipends, depending on the institution or organization. Payment rates vary based on experience, education level, and the specific lab or project, and some positions may require prior training or certifications. Many research labs also offer opportunities for skill development and hands-on experience in scientific methods and equipment.
What are popular job titles related to Research Lab Assistant jobs in Madison, WI? For Research Lab Assistant jobs in Madison, WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Madison, WI are hiring for Research Lab Assistant jobs? Cities near Madison, WI with the most Research Lab Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Research Lab Assistant job openings in Madison, WI as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,441 per year, or $20.4 per hour.
Research Specialist

$45K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago


University Of Wisconsin-Madison rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 56 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

108th of 555 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process.
Job Category:
Academic Staff
Employment Type:
Terminal (Fixed Term)
Job Profile:
Research Specialist
Job Summary:
The Waisman Center is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge about human development, developmental disabilities, and neurodegenerative diseases throughout the lifespan. One of 15 centers of its kind in the United States, the Waisman Center encompasses laboratories for biomedical and behavioral research, several scientific research cores, and a clinical biomanufacturing facility for the production of pharmaceuticals for early stage human clinical trials. In addition to its research efforts, the Center provides an array of services to people with developmental disabilities, offers numerous educational and outreach programs to young children and their families, and trains scientists and clinicians who will serve our nation in the future.
The Research Specialist will work within the Binaural Hearing and Speech Lab. This research project is funded by NIH grants, and relies on multidisciplinary team approach, bringing together faculty, students and staff with multiple areas of expertise and with appointments in several different Waisman Center labs. Research focuses on hearing, cognition, language and brain imaging in individuals with hearing loss, typical development and with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities such as Down syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder. The Research Specialist will support recruitment of participants, collaboration with community partners, outreach to families, working with a team to conduct testing of participants, and analyses of data.
This position is part-time to full-time position with a full-time equivalency (FTE) of 80%-100% (an estimated 32 - 40 hours per week).
Key Job Responsibilities:
  • Provides operational guidance on day-to-day activities of unit or program staff and/or student workers
  • Schedule participants and communicate about expectations during research participation
  • Participates in the development, interpretation, and implementation of research methodology and materials
  • Assist the lab in preparing recruitment materials and building relationships with community partners to recruit participants
  • Performs literature reviews and writes reports
  • Conducts research experiments according to established research protocols with moderate impact to the project(s). Collects data and monitors test results
  • Operates, cleans, and maintains organization of research equipment and research area. Tracks inventory levels and places replenishment orders
  • Reviews, analyzes, and interprets data and/or documents results for presentations and/or reporting to internal and external audiences

Department:
Waisman Center
Compensation:
$45,879 minimum; Salary is negotiable and will be based on education, experience and skills. Employees in this position can expect to receive benefits such as generous vacation, holidays, and paid time off; competitive insurances and savings accounts and retirement benefits.
Required Qualifications:
  • Experience working in a lab that conducts human subjects' research. Undergraduate experience will be considered.
  • Experience with and/or coursework in subjects related to the following areas: communication disorders, human development, disabilities, psychology, and/or education.
  • Experience with and/or coursework related to EEG.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Hands-on experience working with children.
  • Hands-on experience working with individuals with special needs.
  • Experience in or coursework related to medical or allied-health professions.
  • Experience or coursework related to MRI.
  • Experience working as part of a team.
  • Experience with project management or organizing teams.
  • Experience with building community partnerships or communicating with community partners.

Education:
A Bachelor's Degree is preferred.
Additional Information:
  • The successful applicant will be responsible for ensuring eligibility for employment in the United States on or before the effective date of the appointment. University sponsorship is not available for this position.
  • A Criminal Background Check will be performed.
  • The successful applicant will be required to complete HIPAA training and receive certification upon hire and annually thereafter.

How to Apply:
Please click the Apply Now box to start the application process. Please upload the following documents:
  • A current resume or CV highlighting your experience, training, and/or credentials relevant to the position.
  • A cover letter describing your interest in the position, summarizing your relevant experience, and explaining how your background aligns with the requirements of the role.

Please note, there will only be one attachment field. You must upload all of your documents in the attachment field. Applications submitted without both documents may still be considered, but both a cover letter and resume are required to guarantee consideration.
Professional references will be requested of all final candidates.
Contact Information:
For questions regarding this position or posting, please contact Jessica Soper, HR Generalist, at jdsoper@wisc.edu or (608)262-9613.
Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information.
Institutional Statement on Diversity:
Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence by acknowledging skills and expertise from all backgrounds and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. For more information regarding applicant and employee rights and to view federal and state required postings, visit the Human Resources Workplace Poster website.
To request a disability or pregnancy-related accommodation for any step in the hiring process (e.g., application, interview, pre-employment testing, etc.), please contact the Divisional Disability Representative (DDR) in the division you are applying to. Please make your request as soon as possible to help the university respond most effectively to you.
Employment may require a criminal background check. It may also require your references to answer questions regarding misconduct, including sexual violence and sexual harassment.
The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7).
The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report contains current campus safety and disciplinary policies, crime statistics for the previous 3 calendar years, and on-campus student housing fire safety policies and fire statistics for the previous 3 calendar years. UW-Madison will provide a paper copy upon request; please contact the University of Wisconsin Police Department.

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About University of Wisconsin

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The University of Wisconsin, based in Madison, WI, US, functions in the educational industry and is a renowned and respected institution for higher education. Its official website is wisc.edu. Established in 1848, this public research university is recognized globally for its innovative approach to education, research, creativity, and public service. It embodies a strong commitment to academic freedom and academic excellence. As a major contributor to the Wisconsin Idea, it aims to accomplish its mission of generating well-rounded individuals who will contribute substantially to society, the local community, and the global economy.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Madison, WI, US

Year founded

2005