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Summer Lab Assistant Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Harper College

Student Aide - Fashion Design

Palatine, IL

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

... summer semester). Experience Requirements: The student aide should be proficient in the use of ... Job Duties: Assist the Fashion program and its students with various duties in the lab and ...

Harper College

Student Aide - Fashion Design

Palatine, IL

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

... summer semester). Experience Requirements: The student aide should be proficient in the use of ... Job Duties: Assist the Fashion program and its students with various duties in the lab and ...

Stability Healthcare

Travel Cath Lab RN

Evanston, IL · On-site

Nurses who work in the cardiac catheterization lab (CCL) will assist the doctor in performing ... Summer in the Mid-West, experience the change of seasons in Boston and New York, and hit the ...

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All JobsSummer Lab JobsSummer Lab Assistant JobsSummer Lab Assistant Jobs in Chicago, IL

Summer Lab Assistant information

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How much do summer lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for summer lab assistant in Chicago, IL is $20.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $23.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can you get a summer lab assistant job with no experience?

Summer lab assistant positions often do not require prior experience, as they may focus on training and supervision. Candidates typically need a high school diploma or current student status, along with basic skills such as attention to detail and willingness to learn. Some roles may require familiarity with laboratory tools or safety protocols, but many employers provide on-the-job training.

What qualifications do I need to be a summer lab assistant?

To be a summer lab assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, and some positions may require coursework or experience in science or related fields. Strong attention to detail, good organizational skills, and the ability to follow safety protocols are also important qualifications.

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 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 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.

How much does a summer lab assistant get paid?

Summer lab assistants typically earn between $10 and $15 per hour, depending on the location, level of experience, and the specific institution or organization. Some positions may offer stipends or hourly wages, and roles often require basic laboratory skills or coursework in science or related fields.

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.

Are summer lab assistants in high demand?

Summer lab assistant positions are often in moderate demand, especially in research institutions, universities, and biotech companies. Availability depends on the region, industry needs, and the level of competition, but these roles can be competitive due to their valuable experience for students and entry-level job seekers.

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.
More about Summer Lab Assistant jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Summer Lab jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Summer Lab jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Summer Lab Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL? For Summer Lab Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Summer Lab Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Summer Lab Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Summer Lab Assistant jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Summer Lab Assistant job openings:
Summer Lab Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Summer Lab Assistant 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 $43,383 per year, or $20.9 per hour.

Summer Research Assistant - Energy & Environment Lab (2026)

UChicago Energy & Environment Lab

Chicago, IL

Temporary

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Summer Research Assistant, Energy & Environment Lab 

Location:Chicago, IL 

Who We Are 

The University of Chicago Energy & Environment Lab (E&E Lab) partners with agencies at the local, state and federal level to identify, rigorously evaluate, and help scale programs and policies that reduce pollution and improve environmental outcomes, while ensuring access to reliable and affordable energy. The E&E Lab uses natural experiments, randomized controlled trials, behavioral economics, and machine learning to help policymakers identify and generate evidence around innovative approaches to their most pressing environmental and energy-related challenges. 

The E&E Lab is part of the University of Chicago's new Institute for Climate and Sustainable Growth. The Lab's mission is to partner with government agencies to identify and rigorously evaluate policies with the greatest potential to improve human lives at scale; the Lab's evidence-based approach gives policymakers and practitioners the knowledge they need to effectively achieve the greatest social good per dollar spent. 

Job Summary 

The E&E Lab is seeking Summer Research Assistants (RAs) with strong research, methodological, and programming skills to support large-scale environmental policy research projects. The RAs will work on a portfolio of economics projects, designed to evaluate the impact of promising energy and environmental interventions. Typical research projects involve the analysis of environmental and energy data, utilizing quasi-experimental and experimental methods to provide government partners with guidance on key policy questions. 

Responsibilities: 

  • Coding, review, and cleaning of data. 
  • Data analytics, statistical analysis, and building econometric and/or machine learning models. 
  • Project development and coordination. 
  • Literature reviews. 
  • Presentation of results of analysis (e.g., graphs and tables). 
  • Assisting in writing, formatting, and editing reports and works for publication and for dissemination to partners. 

Job Requirements 

Competencies: 

  • Interest in and aptitude for developing advanced programming and analytic skills. 
  • Experience with at least one statistical analysis language required; R, or Python strongly preferred. 
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to synthesize multiple sources. 
  • Strong initiative and a resourceful approach to problem-solving and learning. 
  • Ability to work both independently and as part of a team. 
  • High attention to detail and organizational skills. 
  • Knowledge of environment and/or energy policy issues preferred. 

Education: 

  • Significant progress towards an undergraduate or graduate degree in economics, computer science or related discipline. 
  • Coursework in economics, applied math, computer science, statistics. 
  • Research experience in an academic setting preferred. 

Documents Required: 

  • Resume 
  • Cover Letter 
  • Academic transcript(s) 

The internship duration is ten weeks, with a flexible start date. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, with decisions made on a rolling basis. Due to the high volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. 

The E&E Lab main office is in Chicago; some research staff are based in the offices of our federal and state government partners. 

To apply, please complete the form and upload your resume, cover letter, and transcript below. Questions and inquiries about the summer position should be directed to eelabhiring@uchicago.edu. 

All applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. 

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination. 

Staff 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. 

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. 

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