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Research Lab Assistant Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM (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 Jun 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for research lab assistant in Rio Rancho, NM is $19.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.58 and $21.68 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 at least 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 tools are also important qualifications.

How much is a research assistant paid?

Research lab assistants typically earn between $12 and $20 per hour, depending on experience, education level, and the complexity of the research. Salaries can vary based on the institution, location, and whether the position is part-time or full-time.

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 do lab assistants get paid?

Research lab assistants typically earn an hourly wage that ranges from $12 to $20, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of tasks. Full-time positions may offer annual salaries between $25,000 and $45,000, often with opportunities for skill development and certification in laboratory techniques.

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 by preparing materials, collecting and analyzing data, maintaining lab equipment, and ensuring safety protocols are followed. They often work under the supervision of lead researchers and may use tools like microscopes, lab software, and data recording systems. Attention to detail and basic knowledge of scientific methods are important for this role.

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 job categories do people searching Research Lab Assistant jobs in Rio Rancho, NM look for? The top searched job categories for Research Lab Assistant jobs in Rio Rancho, NM are:
What cities near Rio Rancho, NM are hiring for Research Lab Assistant jobs? Cities near Rio Rancho, NM with the most Research Lab Assistant job openings:
Clinical Lab Assistant - Phlebotomist/ Rust, (1380)

Clinical Lab Assistant - Phlebotomist/ Rust, (1380)

TriCore Reference Laboratories

Rio Rancho, NM • On-site

$16 - $20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Schedule: Saturday-Sunday 0800-1830 with weekends, rotating holidays, on-call, and other shifts as needed.

Location: Rust Hospital

Salary/Hourly: Hourly Position

JOB SUMMARY:
The Clinical Lab Assistant Phlebotomist is able to work independently and with minimal supervision and/or oversight. Successful candidates have the experience and skillset to perform one or more identified modalities. Compensation is dependent on the number of modalities performed. Candidates without experience may be considered for a paid apprenticeship level. Regular in-person attendance during scheduled work hours is essential.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTION:
The following items are requirements for all individuals.
1. Performs duties in a professional and courteous manner.
2. Maintains supplies and inventory necessary to perform departmental functions.
3. Observe students and\or new staff as needed.
4. Exhibit basic problem solving skills to ensure exceptional customer and patient care service levels.
5. Responsible for hospital communication responsibilities as assigned, including on-call responsibilities during scheduled hours (cell phone) by location.
6. Demonstrates effective telephone and verbal communication skills
7. Actively demonstrates professional judgment when dealing with clients, patients and co-workers.
8. Perform clerical functions as needed by the department, including, but not limited to documenting critical communication such as call-ins in the absence of a supervisor.
9. Responsible for maintaining levels of confidentiality associated with position and access to personal and confidential information.
10. Participate in and maintain coverage levels for on call as needed/required to meet service levels.
11. Participate in coverage for holidays, evenings, and weekends as needed or required.
12. Basic P.C. skills.

Minimum Qualifications:

MINIMUM EDUCATION:
• H.S. diploma or equivalent.
PREFERRED:
• PBT (ASCP) or equivalent certification.
• Completion of a relevant Clinical Lab Assistant or comparable program

IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS:
Prove Immunity to Hepatitis B, or be immunized, or sign a waiver refusing Hepatitis immunization. Provide documentation of a PPD test conducted not more than 90 days prior to date of hire, or have a PPD test conducted through TriCore.
IN DEPARTMENTS/LOCATIONS WITH DIRECT PATIENT CONTACT: Prove immunity or be eligible to receive rubella, rubeola and varicella immunization.
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:
1. Valid driver's license. Good driving record. Must be insurable by lab insurance carrier as required by location.
2. Eligible to work in a health care facility as provided by the New Mexico Caregivers Criminal History Screening Act or other applicable law.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE:
• Candidates with no training or experience may be considered for an apprenticeship.
• Selected Candidates will be placed into CLA Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, or Level 4 based on the number of modalities (listed below) completed on a regular basis. Assigned modalities are determined by the department leadership.

Modalities:
1. Check-in and Order Entry\Reconciliation- (Modality per system- Clinical, Anatomic, Research, Referral Testing) Including, but not limited to:
a. Identifying patient in system
b. Reconciling electronic orders
c. Manual Entry when necessary
d. Insurance\payment when necessary
2. General Phlebotomy (ages 10 and above) includes vacutainer , butterfly and syringe collections.
3. Special Collections and/or external shipping certification. Special Collections include but are not limited to arterial blood gas, pediatric and infant draws, sweat collection, breath collections, occ health/drug screen collections, MRSA and Covid collections, therapeutic phlebotomies)
4. Assisting provider performed procedures, including but not limited to FNA, Bone Marrow, EBUS, Bronchial lavage.
5. Specimen Processing (includes Specimen receipt, specimen sorting , specimen delivery\loading, decanting and retrieval for send out testing and surgical sample triage, Specimen storage and disposal functions)
6. Non-conformity investigation\Problem Resolution (examples Problem Desk aka Portal, TLC, NCE responses, client service) includes proper documentation.
7. Lab Equipment Maintenance and\or support (superuser), to include chemical and biohazard waste management for non-testing instrumentation (cryostats and stainline)
8. Sample Testing (waived to moderate) including appropriate instrument maintenance, including biohazard disposal, and QC.
a. Reviews results to see if they are within defined parameters. Identifies and resolves technical specimen problems. Report out results.
b. Identifies, researches and resolves specimen, QC, or instrument problems.
9. Consistent training and\or assisting in competency assessments of modalities to employee and\or students with completing initial training documentation. This may include N95 FIT Testing,
10. Department specific skilled technical assistance:
a. BB-Product prep: irradiating units, thaw cryo and plasma, splitting plasma and platelets
b. Infectious Disease- Planting patient specimens that includes: Tissue and Bone processing (grinding and cutting), Plate Inoculation, Knowledge of anaerobic versus aerobic incubation requirements
c. Genetics and Cytometry – Nucleic acid extraction, cell culture and harvesting, renal transplant kit oversight and patient testing scheduling and monitoring
d. Histology and Cytology – Cytology specimen processing, slide preparation and staining, Histology specimen processing, including bone marrow grossing and knowledge of processing for each tissue type.
e. TRI Honest Broker
11. Department specific clerical or support functions
a. Organization of AP/HP cases and slide distribution
b. FFPE Block and slide filing and material retrieval
c. Consult Case management (ordering, material retrieval, billing, Client on the Fly, report upload)
d. Client Material return
e. Unit allocation & issue: cryo, plasma, platelet, bone and tissue
12. Skilled Inventory management: (ordering, receiving, monitoring par levels, end of month reconciliations, includes blood supply, reagents, supplies, TriBuy training and competency)

TriCore is New Mexico’s largest laboratory, employing more than 1,400 individuals who serve in a broad range of positions. We are dedicated to improving the quality of care for our communities, and also our employees. We foster a culture of integrity, are dedicated to excellence, and are looking for passionate individuals with a desire to have an impact in patient care, the core of our strategy. We offer excellent benefits including, medical, dental, vision and life insurances, 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching, PTO, and paid holidays, as well as opportunities for continuous learning, education assistance, wellness programs, career advancement, and the ability to share in our genuine commitment to the health of our communities. We offer a variety of shifts at multiple locations.