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Summer Lab Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

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Summer Lab information

See Illinois salary details

$9

$24

$43

How much do summer lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for summer lab in Illinois is $24.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.65 and $27.02 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a summer lab?

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.

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 the most commonly searched types of Lab jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Lab jobs in Illinois are:
What are popular job titles related to Summer Lab jobs in Illinois? For Summer Lab jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Summer Lab jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Summer Lab jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Summer Lab jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Summer Lab job openings:
Summer Lab jobs near you
Infographic showing various Summer Lab job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,890 per year, or $24.5 per hour.

Summer Research Assistant - Energy & Environment Lab (2026)

UChicago Energy & Environment Lab

Chicago, IL

Temporary

Re-posted 3 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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