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Summer Lab Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Pennsylvania State University

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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How much do summer lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 19, 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 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, and why are they important?

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.

What are some typical daily responsibilities for a Summer Lab Assistant, and how do they contribute to the overall success of the research team?

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 Summer Lab Assistants?

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.
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Summer Lab Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Summer Lab Assistant job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 57% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 14% 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.
Summer Part-Time Research Assistant-Tooker Lab

Summer Part-Time Research Assistant-Tooker Lab

The Pennsylvania State University

On-site, Remote

Part-time

Posted 20 days ago

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 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 the summer. The position is set to begin in early May 2024 and continue into August, but start and end dates are negotiable. Our research group studies ecology of plants, plant-feeding insects and slugs, and spiders and predatory insects in agricultural and natural systems. Our projects this summer will focus on:
1. Ecologically-based management (e.g., biological control) of crop pests
2. The role of cover crops in pest control
3. Plants that can "smell" their attackers and then defend themselves
4. The influence of agrochemicals on aquatic insect communities
This position is based in State College over the summer. Successful applicants will be paid a competitive hourly wage and will help graduate students and faculty with their new and ongoing research projects. We conduct greenhouse, lab, and field experiments and assistants will gain experience in different types of research techniques and systems. As assistants gain experience, they will gain more independence in their responsibilities. Interest in animals, plants, and agriculture are welcome but not required. We are looking for a diverse group of summer assistants who are curious and motivated with desire to learn new details about the world around us!

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability in all of its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusion that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity in society and nature, and engage all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusion as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission.

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.

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

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action 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.

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About Pennsylvania State University

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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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11 - 50 Employees

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University Park, PA, US

Year founded

1855

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