1

Summer Lab Assistant Jobs in Rhode Island (NOW HIRING)

Research Assistant

Providence, RI · On-site

$19.50 - $26.75/hr

Further details include managing the lab web page and calendar, training and supervising ... Brown University offers flexible work/life balance ; summer hours, winter break, and a ...

Research Assistant

Providence, RI · On-site

$19.50 - $26.75/hr

Further details include managing the lab web page and calendar, training and supervising ... Brown University offers flexible work/life balance; summer hours, winter break, and a comprehensive ...

Brown University offers a flexible work/life balance; summer hours, winter break and a ... lab's cavity ringdown spectrometers and provide assistance to student research assistants and ...

Brown University offers a flexible work/life balance; summer hours, winter break and a ... lab's cavity ringdown spectrometers and provide assistance to student research assistants and ...

Summer Lab Assistant information

See Rhode Island salary details

$10

$19

$29

How much do summer lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for summer lab assistant in Rhode Island is $19.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.25 and $22.60 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a summer lab assistant?

Summer Lab Assistants are temporary staff, often students, who work in laboratories during the summer months to support ongoing research and routine lab operations. Their duties typically include preparing materials, assisting with experiments, collecting and recording data, and maintaining lab equipment. This role offers hands-on experience in a scientific environment, making it valuable for those interested in careers in science or research. Summer Lab Assistants work under the supervision of senior researchers or laboratory managers and must follow safety protocols at all times.

What does a summer lab assistant do?

As a Summer Lab Assistant, you’ll typically spend your days preparing lab materials, maintaining equipment, recording data, and assisting with experiments under the supervision of senior researchers. Your attention to detail ensures that experiments run smoothly and data is accurate, which is crucial for the research team’s progress. You may also help with sample collection, inventory management, and organizing lab spaces. By taking on these essential tasks, you enable scientists to focus on complex analyses and contribute directly to the success of the lab’s projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a summer lab assistant?

To excel as a Summer Lab Assistant, you generally need a basic understanding of laboratory procedures, attention to detail, and coursework in biology, chemistry, or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, safety protocols, and data recording systems is often required. Strong organizational skills, reliability, and effective communication help you work well in a team and follow instructions precisely. These competencies are essential to maintain lab safety, ensure accurate results, and support ongoing research projects efficiently.

What are summer jobs for a lab assistant?

As a summer lab assistant, you assist a team in conducting research through various experiments. Your responsibilities for this role include recording test results, preparing lab materials, and keeping highly detailed logs. These positions are often internships or entry-level jobs for students that allow you to gain research or laboratory experience and learn new skills as you pursue an advanced degree. This position is particularly helpful to those seeking a career in medical, scientific, pharmaceutical, or biological fields. Regardless of your area of study, the duties of a summer lab assistant are often to help a lab technician prepare or carry out an experiment, prepare a sample for testing, or record findings as they happen.

What is the difference between Summer Lab Assistant vs Summer Research Intern?

AspectSummer Lab AssistantSummer Research Intern
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or current student, some labs prefer relevant courseworkUndergraduate or graduate student, often with related coursework or research experience
Work EnvironmentLaboratory settings, assisting with experiments and data collectionResearch projects, data analysis, and possibly lab work, often more independent
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutions, biotech companiesUniversities, research labs, scientific organizations

While both roles involve supporting research activities in laboratory settings, Summer Lab Assistants typically assist with routine tasks and data collection, often requiring less experience. Summer Research Interns usually engage in more in-depth research activities, data analysis, and may have more academic prerequisites. Both positions provide valuable experience in scientific research environments.

What are popular job titles related to Summer Lab Assistant jobs in Rhode Island?

For Summer Lab Assistant jobs in Rhode Island, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Summer Lab Assistant jobs in Rhode Island look for?

The top searched job categories for Summer Lab Assistant jobs in Rhode Island are:

What cities in Rhode Island are hiring for Summer Lab Assistant jobs?

Cities in Rhode Island with the most Summer Lab Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Summer Lab Assistant job openings in Rhode Island as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,242 per year, or $19.8 per hour.

Research Assistant

Brown University

Providence, RI • On-site

$19.50 - $26.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 25 days ago


Brown University rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 27 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

168th of 627 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Job Description:

This position will manage and contribute to Dave Sobel's research on children's causal reasoning developing social cognition, parent-child interaction and learning. The Research Assistant will participate in all facets of the research program.

The incumbent will develop and implement study materials, help in design of online and lab experiments, recruit and research participants, schedule and test participants, monitor human subject compliance, program and manage on-line experiments through Qualtrics, and other software environments, operate and manage the lab's computer systems and apparatus for reach tracking. Further details include managing the lab web page and calendar, training and supervising undergraduate research assistants, and supporting graduate and honors students in data collection and analysis.

This is a 100% fixed-term position, renewable annually dependent on grant funding/research and satisfactory work performance.

Education and Experience

  • Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, Cognitive Science, Education or a related field is required

  • 1-2 years of related research experience working with children (an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered)

  • Familiarity with Qualtrics and statistical programming such as SPSS, R is necessary. Familiarity with Matlab or other programming languages (e.g., Python, C++) is a plus.

  • Previous experience with developing experimental stimuli, design, planning and execution of empirical studies

  • Expertise in data analysis, presentation, and reporting.

  • Knowledge of research in cognitive development broadly construed.

Applicants must submit a cover letter and CV/resume.

Why Brown?

Brown University is a leading research university that is distinct for its student-centered learning and deep sense of purpose. Our students, faculty, and staff are driven by the idea that their work will impact the world.

Brown University offers flexible work/life balance; summer hours, winter break, and a comprehensive Benefits package including time off, annual paid holidays; benefits offerings including health, dental, vision, tuition assistance, retirement, wellness, employee discounts, and more. Read more about the benefits of working at Brown here.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a criminal background check and education verification satisfactory to Brown University.

Benefits of Working at Brown:

Please review additional information on the Benefits of Working at Brown.

Recruiting Start Date:

2026-08-03

Job Posting Title:

Research Assistant

Department:

Department of Cognitive and Psychological Sciences

Grade:

Grade 8

Worker Type:

Employee

Worker Sub-Type:

Fixed Term (Fixed Term)

Time Type:

Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

37.5

Position Work Location:

Onsite


Submission Guidelines:

The designated Position Work Location for each position determines the approved modality of work. Positions are classified based on the operational and business needs of the department and may be designated as on-site, hybrid, or remote.


Employees with a designated position work location as remote must reside and perform their work in a state where Brown University is registered to do business. Brown University is a registered employer in the following states: Rhode Island, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, Washington, D.C.


Please note that to be considered for a staff position at Brown University, you must submit a separate application for each position you wish to be considered for. Applications are reviewed only for the specific position to which they are submitted and are not automatically considered for future openings.


This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Still Have Questions?

If you have any questions you may contact employment@brown.edu.

Brown is an E-Verify Employer.

EEO Statement:

Brown University provides equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination, harassment and retaliation based upon a person's race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law, in the administration of its policies, programs, and activities. The University recognizes and rewards individuals on the basis of qualifications and performance. The University maintains certain affirmative action programs in compliance with applicable law.


What Brown University employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom