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Summer Lab Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS The Department of Biology, in the Eberly College of Science, has part-time openings for Summer Research Lab Assistants to work in the Anderson research lab within the ...

... Lab Assistants to work in the Buanafina research lab within the department this summer. The Research Lab Assistant performs a variety of tasks associated with designing and conducting research ...

AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS The Department of Biology, in the Eberly College of Science, has part-time Summer openings for Research Lab Assistants to work in the Sipe research lab within the department ...

The Tooker Lab in the Department of Entomology at Penn State, University Park is now accepting applications for summer research assistant positions to work 40 hours per week for up to 16 weeks over ...

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Summer Lab Assistant information

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How much do summer lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for summer lab assistant in the United States is $20.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $23.08 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 cities are hiring for Summer Lab Assistant jobs?

Cities with the most Summer Lab Assistant job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Summer Lab jobs?

The most popular types of Summer Lab jobs are:

What states have the most Summer Lab Assistant jobs?

States with the most job openings for Summer Lab Assistant jobs include:

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

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

Infographic showing various Summer Lab Assistant job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,113 per year, or $20.2 per hour.

Part-Time Summer Research Assistant - Anderson Lab

The Pennsylvania State University

On-site, Remote

Part-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Assist in designing, conducting, and supporting research projects and experiments in the Anderson lab.

  • Collect, process, analyze, summarize, and report research data in accordance with established protocols.

  • Contribute to the development, execution, and documentation of research activities under the guidance of senior research personnel.


Job description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
  • CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS

The Department of Biology, in the Eberly College of Science, has part-time openings for Summer Research Lab Assistants to work in the Anderson research lab within the department. The Research Lab Assistant performs a variety of tasks associated with designing and conducting research projects/experiments; collects, correlates, analyzes, summarizes, and reports on data; informs PI of research information in accordance with established protocols. This individual will assist in the development, design, and execution of research projects, under general direction of senior research personnel and according to standard protocols or research plans; contribute to experiments/tests in the laboratory/field to test, prove, or modify theoretical propositions; collect, process, and present data as well as providing support for a research project such as gathering, summarizing, interpreting, information on laws, policies, industry standards, emerging trends in a field of study.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.

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About Pennsylvania State University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Pennsylvania State University, often referred to as Penn State, is a major, public, research-intensive university located in University Park, PA, US. This esteemed institution serves as an important player within the education industry, offering a plethora of academic programs across various disciplines. The university was founded in 1855 with the mission to provide quality education, advanced research, and service to society. Penn State holds firmly to values of integrity, respect, and excellence, fostering a diverse and inclusive community. The university is renowned for its research productivity and its high-ranking programs in areas like engineering, business, and education. One notable achievement of the institution is its designation as a "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity," demonstrating its commitment to scholarship and discovery.

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Education

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

University Park, PA, US

Year founded

1855

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