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Summer Lab Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Summer Lab Internship - Wood Dale, IL Schedule is flexible/variable $19.50/hr The Summer Lab Internship Program at Quest Diagnostics offers students the opportunity to gain experience in the clinical ...

Summer Lab Internship - Lenexa, KS, Monday - Friday 2pm - 10:30pm 10% Evening Shift Differential Pay range: $19.50 / hour; employee may be eligible to receive shift differential of 10% for some or ...

ARC Summer Lab Assistant Provide information, answer questions, and direct visitors to the appropriate staff member or Academic Resource Center service. Also serve as receptionist for students ...

Summer student in Danial Lab

Boston, MA · On-site

$31.20K - $41.20K/yr

Summer student in Danial Lab Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care. We are ...

Wu Lab - Summer Student

Boston, MA · On-site

$31.20K - $41.20K/yr

Wu Lab summer student Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care. We are united in ...

Summer Student - Parry Lab

Boston, MA · On-site

$31.20K - $41.20K/yr

Summer student - Parry Lab Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care. We are ...

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Summer Lab information

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How much do summer lab jobs pay per hour?

As of May 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for summer lab in the United States is $25.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $27.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Summer Lab Assistant, you typically need a background in science coursework, attention to detail, and basic laboratory skills, often supported by current enrollment in a relevant degree program. Familiarity with lab equipment, safety protocols, and data recording software is important for daily tasks. Strong communication, reliability, and the ability to work collaboratively help you stand out in this position. These skills ensure accurate data collection, safe lab practices, and effective teamwork in a research environment.

What types of projects or experiments might I work on as a Summer Lab assistant, and how hands-on is the experience?

As a Summer Lab assistant, you'll typically engage in a variety of hands-on scientific projects, such as preparing samples, conducting experiments, collecting data, and assisting with equipment setup. The exact nature of your tasks can vary depending on the lab’s focus—ranging from biology and chemistry to engineering or environmental science. Most programs are designed to offer a practical, immersive experience, allowing you to work directly alongside experienced researchers or graduate students. This role provides an excellent opportunity to develop lab techniques, gain exposure to real-world research, and build connections with professionals in your field.

What are summer lab positions?

Summer lab positions are temporary research or assistant roles offered during the summer, typically at universities, research institutes, or private laboratories. These positions are often geared toward students or recent graduates who want hands-on experience in a scientific setting. Participants may assist with experiments, data analysis, lab maintenance, or other research-related tasks. Summer lab jobs provide an opportunity to gain practical skills, work with experienced researchers, and explore potential career paths in science. They can also enhance resumes and help with networking in the scientific community.

What is the difference between Summer Lab vs Summer Internship?

AspectSummer LabSummer Internship
CredentialsTypically requires enrollment in a relevant academic programOften requires enrollment or recent graduation in a related field
Work EnvironmentResearch-focused, often in labs or academic settingsPractical, industry-focused, may include office or fieldwork
Employer & Industry UsageUsed mainly in academic and research institutionsCommon in corporate, nonprofit, and government sectors
Search & Comparison IntentInterested in research opportunities and academic projectsLooking for industry experience and professional development

Summer Labs are primarily research-based programs in academic or research settings, focusing on scientific or technical projects for students enrolled in relevant programs. Summer Internships are industry-oriented, providing practical work experience in corporate or organizational environments. Both offer valuable experience but serve different career development paths.

More about Summer Lab jobs
What cities are hiring for Summer Lab jobs? Cities with the most Summer Lab job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Lab jobs? The most popular types of Lab jobs are:
What states have the most Summer Lab jobs? States with the most job openings for Summer Lab jobs include:
Infographic showing various Summer Lab job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 54% Full Time, 37% Part Time, 7% Contract, and 2% Summer. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,516 per year, or $25.2 per hour.
Summer Lab Internship

Summer Lab Internship

Quest Diagnostics

Wood Dale, IL • On-site

$19.50/hr

Part-time

Posted 11 days ago


ExamOne rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

89th of 103 rated laboratories


Job description

Job Description
Summer Lab Internship - Wood Dale, IL
Schedule is flexible/variable
$19.50/hr
The Summer Lab Internship Program at Quest Diagnostics offers students the opportunity to gain experience in the clinical and toxicology laboratory environments while working at the world's leading provider of diagnostic testing, services, and information that patients and doctors rely on to make better healthcare decisions. Summer Lab Interns work with whole laboratory specimens to perform a wide range of tests ranging from simple to complex, applying a combination of manual lab procedures/ techniques and state-of-the-art instruments. Interns will also have the opportunity to apply their background and skills gained in education to various process improvement projects.
The intern's laboratory experience may include exposure in one or more of the following areas:
Responsibilities
Microbiology - Microbiology will familiarize interns with clinical bacteriology, including culture methods, microscopy, EIA, automated identification and susceptibility systems such as the Vitek II, Vitek Mass Spectrometry Maldi-tof, and Microscan systems. Interns can expect experience with the Virtuo blood culture detection system and gain skills in processing various specimen types using sterile techniques, following safety protocols, and staining smears. Interns will be introduced to the latest in AI technology that enhance screening techniques and diagnostic testing for microbiology samples.
Qualifications
Program Eligibility & Qualifications:
To be eligible to participate in the Summer Lab Internship Program, students must meet the following qualifications by the start date of the program:
Completed Sophomore or Junior year in a four-year baccalaureate program in medical laboratory science, chemistry, human biology, microbiology, molecular biology, molecular genetics or another human biomedical science-related field
A minimum of a 3.0 or better overall from an accredited institution
Completed course work in the following:
Biology
Chemistry
Math
Required documentation to upload when applying:
Resume
Cover Letter, including the reason for applying and what the candidate is expecting to learn from the internship
Transcripts from Registrar's office
A Reference Letter from a college professor may be requested
About the Team
Quest Diagnostics honors our service members and encourages veterans to apply.
While we appreciate and value our staffing partners, we do not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies. Quest will not be responsible for paying agency fees for any individual as to whom an agency has sent an unsolicited resume.
Equal Opportunity Employer: Race/Color/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Vets or any other legally protected status.