Laboratory Jobs in Illinois
Laboratory jobs in Illinois are concentrated in healthcare, pharmaceutical manufacturing, biotechnology, and academic research, with demand across technician, scientist, and supervisory levels. Chicago, Rockford, and Peoria are the state's primary hiring hubs, home to major employers like Abbott Laboratories, Northwestern Medicine, and Baxter International. The most active specialties are clinical laboratory science, quality control, and analytical chemistry. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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As a Medical Laboratory Technologist at IDEXX, you perform laboratory testing that helps veterinarians diagnose and treat pets. You will be a key contributor at one of the largest veterinary diagnostic companies in the world, joining a fast-paced work environment that encourages teamwork, quality, and offers opportunities for personal growth.
(This is a full-time position with excellent day-one benefits.)
If you’d like more information about laboratory jobs at IDEXX before applying, you can explore our Laboratory Careers web page: https://careers.idexx.com/us/en/referencelaboratories
Why this role matters:
IDEXX reference laboratories is a global network united by a shared commitment to enhancing pet care where the true strength in our name is the people behind it, including this role. Our reference laboratories make it possible for our customers to discover more with our unrelenting commitment to innovation, personalized support, guidance, and expertise, while providing the most complete and advanced menu of diagnostic tests along with technology and tools. The focus on enhancing the lives of people and pets, starts with our own employees and empowering them to achieve their goals, focusing on continuous improvement, and supporting the strong collaboration and inclusiveness that exist in our team.
In this role:
- You will use automated analyzers, microscopes and other laboratory diagnostic tools to perform analyses and tests that diagnose animal illnesses, injuries and diseases in support of veterinarian animal treatment.
- You will perform diagnostic tests on blood, urine, fecal or pet biopsy samples that we receive in our lab by the thousands, every day.
- You will set up and run lab tests, then read and release results according to SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures).
- You can expect to specialize in an assigned department; explore more about those here: https://careers.idexx.com/us/en/referencelaboratories
What you need to succeed:
- Ideally, as a Medical Laboratory Technologist, you will have an Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Medical Laboratory Science (MLS), Clinical Laboratory Science (CLS), Medical Technology (MT), Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT), or a related biological, biomedical, or chemical science field.
- It is not required to work in our lab, but ASCP, ASCP-BOC, AMT, AAB, or equivalent professional certification is highly preferred. Prior experience in a reference laboratory, hospital laboratory, veterinary diagnostic laboratory, research laboratory, or high-volume clinical testing environment.
- Qualified applicants must have comprehensive academic training and hands-on clinical experience in: Hematology, Chemistry, Microbiology, Immunology/Serology, Urinalysis and Cytology. Ideally, you will have a strong skillset in two or more of these departments (Cross-Trained Technologist).
- You have a skillset utilizing the following analyzers: Beckman, Sysmex, Novus, Immulite, Hamilton, Cellavision, etc. This would include maintenance as well as daily start up and troubleshooting.
- Ideally, you will have experience setting up, running, reading lab tests, operating laboratory equipment using microscopes, pipetting and / or clinical diagnostic analyzers. You are able to run and maintain various analyzers and have a skillset in calibration, troubleshooting and performing quality control on automated laboratory analyzers and instrumentation.
- You have a positive attitude and love to bring that energy into the lab every day to support your colleagues and look forward to working in a team.
- You concentrate on details and can work reliably, precisely and take pride in your attention to detail. You are aware that each specimen in our labs is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact by contributing accurate diagnostics that support patient and animal health outcomes.
- Able to meet the physical requirements that go with working in a lab – standing and sitting for extended periods of time, phone & computer use, extended reach, lifting up to 50lb, and specific vision ability – close, color, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
- This is a laboratory, so there is potential exposure to biohazards, agents known to cause zoonotic diseases, and hazardous chemicals.
What you can expect from us:
- Hourly rates targeting: $30 / hr (will be skillset based)
- Employees who work the majority of their shift during 3rd shift hours are eligible for hourly shift differential
- Opportunity for annual cash bonus and merit pay increase consideration
- Health / Dental / Vision benefits from day one
- 5% matching 401k
- On-the-job training and career advancement opportunities
- Additional benefits including but not limited to financial support, pet insurance, mental health resources, volunteer paid days off, employee stock program, foundation donation matching, and more
- The opportunity to do meaningful work where you positively impact the lives of people and pets all over the world
Schedule:
- This position is available during 1st & 3rd Shifts
- The hours could vary and will be based on the needs of the lab
- Highly qualified candidates can work with the hiring team on a schedule that suits you as well as our laboratory team
- This is a full time, 40/hr per week, benefitted position
- Reliable and dependable attendance is an essential function of the position.
Why IDEXX:
We’re proud of the work we do, because our work matters. An innovation leader in every industry we serve since 1983, our team members help pet owners worldwide keep their companion animals healthy and happy, ensure safe drinking water for billions, and help farmers protect livestock and poultry from disease.
We have customers in over 175 countries and a collaborative global workforce. Our culture is one that embraces challenges and encourages learning and discovery. At IDEXX, you’ll be supported by competitive compensation, incentives, and benefits while enjoying purposeful work that drives improvement.
Knowing our work makes a meaningful impact on the health and well-being of pets and people is what motivates us every day. If meaningful work and a sense of purpose are at the top of your list, you’ll find it here.
Let’s pursue what matters together.
IDEXX values a diverse workforce and workplace and strongly encourages women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply.
IDEXX is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, or any protected category prohibited by local, state, or federal laws.
Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa for this role.
As a Laboratory Technician, you will work on site in our ELMHURST, IL lab.
Does this sound like the opportunity for you? Apply today!
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See All 116+ Laboratory Jobs in Illinois
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Find Laboratory JobsLaboratory Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Laboratory Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in laboratory jobs across Illinois.
- Active Illinois clinical laboratory technician or scientist license issued by IDFPR where required
- Associate or bachelor's degree in medical laboratory science, biology, or chemistry
- Certification from ASCP, AMT, or equivalent national credentialing organization
- Proficiency with laboratory instruments such as analyzers, centrifuges, and PCR equipment
- Experience following OSHA, CLIA, and CAP compliance and safety protocols
- Strong documentation skills and familiarity with laboratory information systems
Laboratory Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a laboratory professional in Illinois?
Illinois requires clinical laboratory technicians and scientists to hold a state license issued by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Applicants must complete an accredited medical laboratory science or clinical laboratory technician program, pass a national certification exam through ASCP or an equivalent body, and submit a licensure application to IDFPR. Research and quality control laboratory roles outside clinical settings may not require state licensure but typically expect a relevant degree and national certification.
Which companies hire laboratory professionals in Illinois?
Companies currently hiring laboratory professionals in Illinois include Endeavor Health, Rush University Medical Center, and UL Solutions, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Illinois's deep pharmaceutical and healthcare base means large anchor employers continuously post openings across clinical, research, and quality roles.
Which Illinois cities have the most laboratory jobs?
Chicago, Evanston, and Northbrook have the most laboratory openings in Illinois. Chicago dominates due to its concentration of academic medical centers, biotech firms, and pharmaceutical headquarters, while Rockford and Peoria draw demand from regional hospital systems and manufacturing facilities with in-house quality and environmental labs.
Are there remote laboratory jobs in Illinois?
Yes, but they're rare. Most laboratory work is hands-on and requires physical presence at a bench, clinic, or facility. About 6% of laboratory openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, and those positions tend to involve data analysis, laboratory informatics, regulatory affairs, or scientific writing rather than direct bench work.
How can I get hired as a laboratory professional in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a laboratory assistant or specimen processing technician role, which large Illinois health systems like Rush University Medical Center, Advocate Health, and OSF HealthCare regularly hire for without requiring prior laboratory experience. Community college MLT programs with clinical rotation components at Illinois hospitals provide hands-on hours that satisfy most entry-level requirements. Earning ASCP phlebotomy or MLT certification before applying gives candidates a clear edge, and lateral moves from medical assistant or patient care technician roles are common.
Where can I find and apply to laboratory jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to laboratory jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings across clinical, research, pharmaceutical, and quality laboratory roles. Find a role that fits and apply directly.
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