1

Research Lab Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Research Lab Specialist

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

Job Summary The Paulos Lab in the Department of Epidemiology at the University of Michigan School of Public Health is seeking a full-time Research Laboratory Specialist to support research on ...

New

next page

Showing results 1-20

Research Lab Specialist information

See salary details

$30K

$58.7K

$95K

How much do research lab specialist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for research lab specialist in the United States is $58,746.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,000.00 and $70,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a research lab specialist?

Research Lab Specialists are professionals who manage and conduct experiments in scientific laboratories. They are responsible for operating specialized equipment, maintaining lab safety protocols, and assisting with data collection and analysis. Their work supports scientific research in fields such as biology, chemistry, medicine, and engineering. Research Lab Specialists often collaborate with scientists, students, and other staff to ensure experiments are carried out accurately and efficiently.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a research lab specialist?

To thrive as a Research Lab Specialist, you need strong analytical skills, a solid background in biological or chemical sciences, and a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Experience with laboratory equipment, data analysis software, and knowledge of protocols such as PCR, chromatography, or microscopy are typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication help specialists excel in team-based research environments. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring accurate data collection, maintaining safety standards, and supporting successful research outcomes.

What are some common challenges faced by research lab specialists when managing multiple projects simultaneously?

Research Lab Specialists often juggle several projects at once, which can be challenging due to differing timelines, resource availability, and project requirements. Effective time management and prioritization skills are essential to ensure experiments are conducted accurately and deadlines are met. Collaborating closely with principal investigators, technicians, and other team members helps streamline workflows and prevent bottlenecks. Regular communication and documentation are key to maintaining project continuity and ensuring data integrity across all assignments.

What is the difference between Research Lab Specialist vs Research Technician?

AspectResearch Lab SpecialistResearch Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in science or related field; some roles may require certificationsAssociate's or Bachelor's degree in science or related field
Work EnvironmentLaboratory settings, often involved in experimental procedures and data analysisLaboratory or field settings, assisting with experiments and sample processing
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, universities, biotech companiesResearch labs, healthcare facilities, academic institutions
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for roles involving research support and lab workTypically viewed as entry-level or support role in research environments

The main difference between a Research Lab Specialist and a Research Technician lies in their responsibilities and qualifications. Research Lab Specialists usually have more advanced education and handle complex experiments and data analysis, while Research Technicians focus on supporting laboratory operations and sample handling. Both roles are essential in research settings but differ in scope and expertise.

More about Research Lab Specialist jobs

What are popular job titles related to Research Lab Specialist jobs?

For Research Lab Specialist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Research Lab Specialist job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,746 per year, or $28.2 per hour.

Research Lab Specialist

Philadelphia, PA

Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Hospitals • 10K+ employees

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago


Children's Hospital Of Philadelphia rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 96 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

71st of 1,066 rated hospitals


Job description

SHIFT:

Day (United States of America)

Seeking Breakthrough Makers
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) offers countless ways to change lives. Our diverse community of more than 20,000 Breakthrough Makers will inspire you to pursue passions, develop expertise, and drive innovation.
At CHOP, your experience is valued; your voice is heard; and your contributions make a difference for patients and families. Join us as we build on our promise to advance pediatric care—and your career.
CHOP’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
CHOP is committed to building an inclusive culture where employees feel a sense of belonging, connection, and community within their workplace. We are a team dedicated to fostering an environment that allows for all to be their authentic selves. We are focused on attracting, cultivating, and retaining diverse talent who can help us deliver on our mission to be a world leader in the advancement of healthcare for children.
We strongly encourage all candidates of diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply.
A Brief Overview

A Research Lab Specialist position is available within the research teams of Prof. Struan Grant and Dr. Shaon Sengupta at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute, an interdisciplinary institution dedicated to conducting basic, clinical and translational research on conditions and diseases that affect children. Visit http://www.research.chop.edu for more information about The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute and its related programs. Opportunities for long term professional growth and promotion would be available.

The Grant lab’s overarching aim is to elucidate the genetic basis of complex traits, principally in pediatrics – focusing principally on sleep and obesity-related traits. These studies will build on the already seminal work that has emerged from genome wide studies conducted at CHOP and at other peer institutions. The Sengupta lab studies the effect of circadian rhythms in protecting against lung injury from viral infections, using animal models, cell culture and organoid systems. The circadian focus on lung biology and immunology provides several unique and exciting research opportunities for scientific inquiry.

The Research Lab Specialist will undertake coordination of various lab personnel, liaise with external collaborators and facilitate fund raising. We are looking for a candidate with experience in various molecular biology techniques, animal models, flowcytometry, utilization of bioinformatics tools, application of statistical methods and supervision of research scientists. Experience or knowledge of lung biology and circadian biology will be viewed favorably but not essential


What you will do

  • To manage the day-to-day operation of the Grant and Sengupta laboratories (includes regulatory needs, purchasing, tracking orders and core expenditure, overview of mouse colony management).
  • In coordination with the respective PIs, ensure projects are conducted by the team in a timely and efficient manner.
  • Have projects in each of the labs which they are driving to ensure continued scientific development.
  • Liaise with external collaborators on an as needed basis.
  • Coordinate fund raising efforts, including assisting in the raising of NIH funds.

Education Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree Required

Experience Qualifications

  • At least three (3) years of directly relevant post grad scientific lab experience Required
  • At least five (5) years of directly relevant post grad scientific lab experience Preferred

Skills and Abilities

  • Multiparameter flow cytometry (including data analyses on FlowJo), functional assays for innate and adaptive lymphocytes.
  • Solid understanding of basic statistical methods and Prism software.
  • Proficient in basic molecular biology and other skills- cell culture work, western blotting, qPCR, and ELISAs. We can train in some of these processes if needed. Experience with flowcytometry and immune functional assay is highest priority.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Basic to intermediate scientific writing skills.
  • Excellent organizational skills.
  • Excellent critical thinking / problem-solving skills


To carry out its mission, CHOP is committed to supporting the health of our patients, families, workforce, and global community. As a condition of employment, CHOP employees who work in patient care buildings or who have patient facing responsibilities must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and receive an annual influenza vaccine. Learn more.
Employees may request exemptions for valid religious and medical reasons. Start dates may be delayed until candidates are immunized or exemption requests are reviewed.
EEO / VEVRAA Federal Contractor | Tobacco Statement


What Children's Hospital Of Philadelphia employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Children's Hospital of Philadelphia logo

About Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) is a renowned healthcare institution dedicated to the welfare of children. Established in 1855 and situated in the heart of Philadelphia, PA, US, it's known primarily for pediatric healthcare services, pioneering new treatments, and conducting notable research in child-related medical disciplines. As an industry trailblazer, CHOP has a well-established reputation in the pediatric healthcare sector and is recognized globally for its innovative approach towards advancing children's healthcare.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Philadelphia, PA, US

Year founded

1855