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Science Lab Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Sr. Data Scientist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$114K - $194K/yr

Provide some guidance to other software development teams as Data Science Lab prototypes are engineered for full production environmentsWork across multiple projects in a fluid environment where work ...

Lab/ Production Technician

Vernon Hills, IL · On-site

$18.50 - $24.50/hr

Associates of Science degree in science, math or engineering preferred. · Experience working in a laboratory with knowledge of GMP, GDP and GLP, and an ability to operate lab equipment with ...

Lab Technician

Tinley Park, IL

$18.50 - $24.50/hr

Lab Technician The Lab Technician will support a high-throughput laboratory by receiving ... Degree in the sciences (such as microbiology, biology, or a related scientific discipline)

Lab Technician I

Wheeling, IL · On-site

$19.75 - $26.25/hr

Whether you're preparing lab glassware, working with microscopes, or maintaining safety standards ... life sciences. Your work will directly contribute to the success of our clients and their ...

You'll collaborate closely with scientists and technicians to ensure accurate testing, troubleshoot challenges, and contribute to a safe, organized, and high-performing lab environment. How You'll ...

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Showing results 1-20

Science Lab information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$33.5K

$48.8K

$72.1K

How much do science lab jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for science lab in Chicago, IL is $48,753.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,600.00 and $53,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs can you do working in a lab?

Jobs in a science lab include roles such as laboratory technician, research scientist, lab assistant, and quality control analyst. These positions typically require knowledge of scientific methods, laboratory equipment, and safety protocols, and may involve tasks like conducting experiments, analyzing data, and maintaining lab equipment.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in a science laboratory, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in science labs often encounter challenges such as maintaining rigorous safety standards, managing time effectively to balance experiments and documentation, and troubleshooting unexpected results or equipment malfunctions. Collaboration with colleagues and clear communication are essential for resolving technical issues and ensuring experiments run smoothly. Regular training, adherence to protocols, and staying up-to-date with the latest scientific methods can help address these challenges and support career growth within the lab environment.

What can I do with a lab science degree?

A lab science degree prepares individuals for careers as laboratory technicians, research assistants, quality control analysts, or scientific researchers. These roles typically require skills in laboratory techniques, data analysis, and familiarity with scientific tools and safety protocols. Graduates may work in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, environmental testing, or academic research settings.

What is the highest paying laboratory job?

The highest paying laboratory jobs are often senior roles such as laboratory directors, research managers, or specialized scientists like pharmacologists and biochemists, with salaries exceeding $100,000 annually. These positions typically require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and strong leadership or technical skills in fields like pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, or medical research.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Science Lab Technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Science Lab Technician, you need a solid understanding of laboratory procedures, safety protocols, and scientific principles, usually backed by a degree in a science field. Proficiency in using lab equipment, data analysis software, and familiarity with inventory management systems are typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and strong organizational skills help set outstanding lab technicians apart. These skills are essential for maintaining accurate results, ensuring lab safety, and supporting efficient scientific research operations.

How to get a job in a science lab?

To get a job in a science lab, candidates typically need relevant education such as a degree in biology, chemistry, or a related field, along with laboratory skills and experience. Certifications in laboratory safety or specific techniques can enhance prospects, and familiarity with lab equipment and protocols is often required. Applying through job boards, internships, or directly contacting labs can also improve chances of employment.

What are science labs and what do people do in them?

Science labs are specialized spaces equipped for scientific research, experiments, and instruction. In these labs, scientists, students, or technicians use various tools and materials to conduct experiments, analyze data, and test hypotheses. The work often involves following strict safety protocols, documenting results, and collaborating with others to advance scientific understanding. Science labs can be found in schools, universities, research institutions, and industries, each tailored to specific fields like chemistry, biology, or physics.

What is the difference between Science Lab vs Science Technician?

AspectScience LabScience Technician
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in science or related fieldOften requires an associate degree or certification in laboratory techniques
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research facilities, educational institutionsLaboratories, industrial settings, educational institutions
Job RoleConducts experiments, research, and analysisPrepares lab equipment, assists with experiments, maintains lab safety
Industry UsageResearch, education, healthcareManufacturing, education, research support

Science Lab professionals focus on conducting experiments and research, often requiring higher education. Science Technicians support laboratory operations, handling equipment and safety. Both roles are essential in scientific environments but differ in responsibilities and qualifications.

What are the most commonly searched types of Science Lab jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Science Lab jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Science Lab jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Science Lab job openings:
Infographic showing various Science Lab job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,753 per year, or $23.4 per hour.
Sr. Data Scientist

Sr. Data Scientist

Northern Trust

Chicago, IL • On-site

$114K - $194K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago


Northern Trust rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 26 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

About Northern Trust:

Northern Trust, a Fortune 500 company, is a globally recognized, award-winning financial institution that has been in continuous operation since 1889.

Northern Trust is proud to provide innovative financial services and guidance to the world's most successful individuals, families, and institutions by remaining true to our enduring principles of service, expertise, and integrity. With more than 130 years of financial experience and over 22,000 partners, we serve the world's most sophisticated clients using leading technology and exceptional service.

Major Duties :Develop software, typically in Python, to independently acquire data from disparate sources (databases, files, APIs, etc.) and combine them into appropriate training , validation and testing datasetsAnalyze raw datasets using descriptive statistics, working directly with domain experts to understand the meaning of data fieldsBuild unit tests, data quality checks and data pipelines to ensure that algorithms use trusted dataDevelop and maintain an understanding of many algorithms across supervised learning, unsupervised learning and time series analysis Propose and develop machine learning ensemble methods that exhibit the best out-of-sample characteristics possible given the input datasetUtilize expertise in machine learning algorithms to tune algorithms using available hyper-parameters and carefully select feature subsetsDiscover biases or leakage in datasets and ensure that train/test splits reflect realistic expectations of real world performanceRun large scale (either in parallel and/or distributed) training and inference jobs on private or public cloud infrastructureMay present findings to internal and external customers using both data science language (F1 scores, regression error, statistical significance, etc.) as well as business domain specific language gained from experience analyzing the data in scope.Provide some guidance to other software development teams as Data Science Lab prototypes are engineered for full production environmentsWork across multiple projects in a fluid environment where work is required across the full research lifecycle from forming a hypothesis, acquiring data, and developing ETL-style software to presenting findings.Plan and execute data science training sessions and hackathonsWork with external parties (vendors, universities, etc.) to incorporate new techniques and tools into the data science labSolves complex problemsTakes a new perspective on existing solutionsExercises judgment based on the analysis of multiple sources of informationImpacts a range of customer, operational, project or service activities within own team and other related teamsWorks within broad guidelines and policiesKnowledge :Python, Common Python libraries (numpy ,pandas, sklearn, etc.), Linux based operating systems, and basic development tools (Python IDEs, source control, etc.) requiredAdvanced distributed machine learning frameworks (e.g. Keras, TF, etc.), Azure cloud infrastructure preferredRequires in-depth conceptual and practical knowledge in own job discipline and basic knowledge of related job disciplinesApplies best practices and how own area integrates with othersExplains difficult or sensitive information; works to build consensusExperience :Computer Science degree (undergraduate or graduate level) and strong statistical background. Data Science specific graduate work, Finance sector experience or coursework preferredActs as a resource for colleagues with less experience;May lead small projects with manageable risks and resource requirements

Salary Range:

$114,500 - 194,700 USD

Salary range is a good faith estimate of base pay. Northern Trust provides a comprehensive benefits package including retirement benefits (401k and pension), health and welfare benefits (medical, dental, vision, spending accounts and disability), paid time off, parental and caregiver leave, life & accident insurance, and other voluntary and well-being benefits. Northern Trust also provides a discretionary bonus program that may include an equity component.

Working with Us:

As a Northern Trust partner, greater achievements await. You will be part of a flexible and collaborative work culture in an organization where financial strength and stability is an asset that emboldens us to explore new ideas.

Movement within the organization is encouraged, senior leaders are accessible, and you can take pride in working for a company committed to assisting the communities we serve!Join a workplace with a greater purpose.

We'd love to learn more about how your interests and experience could be a fit with one of the world's most admired and sustainable companies! Build your career with us andapply today.#MadeForGreater

Reasonable accommodation

Northern Trust is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please email our HR Service Center at MyHRHelp@ntrs.com.


We hope you're excited about the role and the opportunity to work with us. We value an inclusive workplace and understand flexibility means different things to different people.

Apply today and talk to us about your flexible working requirements and together we can achieve greater.


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