1

Stem Cell Lab Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

... and Stem Cell Transplantation. In addition to patient care, clinical and translational research, including laboratory-based wet lab and dry lab studies, are conducted by faculty members in the ...

Research Specialist 1

Chicago, IL · On-site

$19.23 - $26.44/hr

... and Stem Cell Transplantation. In addition to patient care, clinical and translational research, including laboratory-based wet lab and dry lab studies, are conducted by faculty members in the ...

Research Technician

Chicago, IL · On-site

$19.23 - $26.44/hr

Department BSD PED - Hematology, Oncology, and Stem Cell Transplantation - Applebaum Lab About the Department The Section of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology provides care for patients and families with ...

Stem Cell Lab information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$9

$26

$46

How much do stem cell lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for stem cell lab in Chicago, IL is $26.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.81 and $28.70 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a stem cell lab?

A Stem Cell Lab is a specialized laboratory where scientists and medical professionals study, culture, and manipulate stem cells for research or therapeutic purposes. These labs are equipped to handle sensitive cell cultures and perform experiments that may contribute to advancements in regenerative medicine, disease modeling, and drug testing. Stem Cell Labs follow strict safety and ethical guidelines to ensure the integrity of their work and the safety of their personnel. They play a crucial role in both basic biological research and clinical applications, including the development of stem cell therapies for various diseases.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a stem cell lab technician?

To thrive as a Stem Cell Lab Technician, you need a solid background in cell biology, aseptic technique, and laboratory procedures, typically supported by a degree in biology or a related field. Familiarity with cell culture equipment, flow cytometry, PCR, and laboratory information management systems (LIMS) is highly valuable. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork distinguish top performers in this role. These skills are critical for maintaining cell line integrity, ensuring accurate experimental results, and supporting advancements in regenerative medicine.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in a stem cell lab, and how can they be managed?

Professionals in a stem cell lab often encounter challenges such as maintaining cell line purity, preventing contamination, and ensuring consistent experimental results. Attention to detail and adherence to strict standard operating procedures are crucial to managing these issues. Collaboration with team members and regular training on new protocols can also help overcome technical difficulties and keep up with evolving methodologies. Staying organized and documenting all processes thoroughly are key practices for success in this dynamic environment.

What is the difference between Stem Cell Lab vs Stem Cell Technician?

AspectStem Cell LabStem Cell Technician
Required CredentialsMaster's or Bachelor's in biology, biotechnology, or related fieldAssociate's or Bachelor's in biology or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch laboratories, academic institutions, biotech companiesLaboratories, clinical research facilities, biotech companies
Employer & Industry UsageResearch-focused, experimental work, development of therapiesAssisting with experiments, sample preparation, data collection

While both roles involve working with stem cells, a Stem Cell Lab typically refers to the research environment conducting experiments and developing therapies, requiring higher education. A Stem Cell Technician supports these activities through sample handling and data collection, often with less advanced credentials.

How much do stem cell scientists make?

Stem cell scientists typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $50,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while those with advanced degrees or specialized skills can earn higher salaries, especially in research or clinical settings.

Is stem cell lab a good career?

A career in a stem cell lab involves working in biomedical research or clinical applications, requiring knowledge of cell culture, laboratory techniques, and often a relevant degree such as a biology or biomedical science. It can be a rewarding field for those interested in regenerative medicine and scientific innovation, with opportunities in research institutions, biotech companies, and healthcare settings. Job prospects depend on education, experience, and ongoing advancements in stem cell technology.

What job categories do people searching Stem Cell Lab jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Stem Cell Lab jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Infographic showing various Stem Cell Lab job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $54,099 per year, or $26 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago


University Of Chicago rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

169th of 627 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Department

BSD PED - Hematology, Oncology, and Stem Cell Transplantation - LaBelle Lab


About the Department

The Section of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology provides care for pediatric, adolescent, and young adult patients with cancer and other hematologic diseases, requiring the specialty knowledge and skills of Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation. In addition to patient care, clinical and translational research, including laboratory-based wet lab and dry lab studies, are conducted by faculty members in the section.


Job Summary

The University of Chicago's Department of Pediatrics Section of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, and Stem Cell Transplantation in the Biological Sciences Division seeks a full-time Research Manager. The incumbent's primary activity will be academic research in association with a faculty contributing to research projects focused on the LaBelle Lab.
The incumbent's primary responsibility will be to advance the research mission of the LaBelle Lab by designing and conducting experiments, analyzing data, coordinating collaborations, and contributing to manuscript and grant preparation. The research combines in vivo mouse models, immunologic profiling, and molecular techniques to study immune modulation of different immune cell populations, tumor-immune interactions, and immune-based mechanisms of therapeutic resistance in pediatric malignancies. Under the direction of Dr. LaBelle, the incumbent will lead and support multiple research projects, helping to drive forward both basic and translational investigations. This role includes opportunities for independent scientific contributions and leadership within a dynamic, collaborative research environment.
This position offers incumbent career opportunities in advancing biomedical data analytics and project management skills. Under the guidance of a Principal Investigator, the incumbent is expected to design and plan projects, oversee collaborations, source data, coordinate the lab, and carry out research activities of an assigned project through completion. Oversee all aspects of management, scientific technological development, and operations for major research projects or research facilities. Ensures compliance of research activities with institutional, state, and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives and mandates.

Responsibilities

  • Utilizes in vivo mouse models, immunologic profiling, and molecular techniques to study immune modulation, tumor-immune interactions, and therapeutic resistance mechanisms in cancers. Provides recommendations on research design and action plans, present data and findings at labs and scientific meetings, seminars, etc., prepare manuscripts, and contribute preliminary data for grant proposals.
  • Creates and administers initiatives to promote research projects while ensuring adherence to institutional, state, and federal regulatory requirements.
  • Uses subject matter and best practices knowledge to perform lab and/or research-related duties and tasks. Works independently to assist with project design.
  • Solves complex problems relating to the administration of projects, including planning new procedures, adapting existing procedures to the needs of the project, and making significant contributions to methodology.
  • Guides data collection, evaluation and analysis. Designs and manages databases. Writes reports, articles and manuscripts.
  • Presents research findings at meetings and conferences, as well as to funding agencies. Conducts literature reviews. Develop and maintain liaisons and effective working relations with groups and individuals, agencies, and the public to encourage cooperative management strategies or to develop information and interpret findings.
  • Performs other related work as needed.


Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.


Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.


Certifications:

---

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

  • Advanced degree in immunology, cellular immunotherapy, cancer biology, molecular biology, or a related field.

Experience:

  • Prior experience in tumor immunology, in vivo cancer models, and data analysis tools, such as FlowJo, GraphPad Prism, and R.
  • Completed postdoctoral training with a strong publication record in relevant areas.

Preferred Competencies

  • Demonstrate proficiency in techniques including flow cytometry, mouse handling, and molecular biology methods.
  • Possess strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
  • Work independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.

Working Conditions

  • Laboratory setting.
  • Weekend/evening hours would be dictated by experiments that necessitate them.

Application Documents

  • Resume/CV (required)


The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.
When applying, the document(s) MUSTbe uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.


Job Family

Research


Role Impact

Individual Contributor


Scheduled Weekly Hours

40


Drug Test Required

No


Health Screen Required

Yes


Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No


Pay Rate Type

Salary


FLSA Status

Exempt


Pay Range

$70,000.00 - $90,000.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University's good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.


Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.


Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at:http://securityreport.uchicago.edu.Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.


What University Of Chicago employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom