Laboratory Research Assistant Jobs
Laboratory Research Assistant jobs are open across academic research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, and clinical laboratories, with specializations in cell biology, analytical chemistry, and molecular biology, at levels from entry-level to senior research associate. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Showing 5 of 132+ Laboratory Research Assistant jobs
Responsibilities:
FUNCTION OF POSITION
Performs mechanical-related technical effort on test laboratory, facility and/or research hardware and mechanical systems. Assists in the preparation and operation of the laboratory test apparatus or test facilities.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. May operate facility overhead crane, bucket trucks, man-lifts, forklifts, and portable cranes. Provides rigging for lifting equipment and material, including lifting straps, chain hoists, and come-alongs.
2. May weld horizontally, overhead, and vertically using oxy-acetylene, AC-DC electric arc, M.I.G., and T.I.G. using a variety of material including stainless steel, carbon steel, aluminum, copper, brass, etc.
3. May operate large mechanical tools such as a drill press, power hacksaw, band saw, shears, pipe threaders, brakes, rollers, lathes, and grinders. Operates small power tools including air wenches, drills, grinders, etc.
4. May lay out and build complex tubing systems using flaring machines and tubing benders.
5. May disassemble repairs, reassembles and verifies various types of valves, valve operators, and pressure regulators. Must be familiar with the operating environment to ensure hardware materials are compatible with flow media properties including pressure and temperature.
6. May operate hydraulic systems, high-pressure gas systems including gas tubers, pressure reduction stations, pressure pumps, and seals, etc.
7. May work with and have a basic understanding of environmental test chambers, mass spectrometer leak detectors, and vacuum systems.
8. Assists in the installation and operation of intricate research test packages in various test facilities.
9. May fabricate, install, operate, and maintain mechanical control test panels, and special test equipment. May operate, maintain, and calibrate leak detection systems.
10. May perform general maintenance on mechanical vacuum pumping equipment, diffusion pumps, cryo-pumps, steam ejector systems, heat exchangers,and cryogenic vaporizers
11. May perform inspection and evaluation of mechanical equipment and facility operating systems. Make recommendations related to maintenance and repair of same.
12. May fabricate, install, and operate cryogenic systems including liquid hydrogen, liquid oxygen, liquid nitrogen, or liquid helium.
2. Working knowledge of the operation and maintenance of research test facilities and associated equipment.
3. Ability to follow verbal and written instructions from engineering or supervision.
4. Ability to use own judgment and decisions to allow continuity of work flow.
5. Must be self-motivated and a "Team Player" with good interpersonal and communication skills.
6. Must be able to organize time and assignments to properly prioritize efforts for maximum effectiveness.
Responsibilities:
FUNCTION OF POSITION
Performs mechanical-related technical effort on test laboratory, facility and/or research hardware and mechanical systems. Assists in the preparation and operation of the laboratory test apparatus or test facilities.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. May operate facility overhead crane, bucket trucks, man-lifts, forklifts, and portable cranes. Provides rigging for lifting equipment and material, including lifting straps, chain hoists, and come-alongs.
2. May weld horizontally, overhead, and vertically using oxy-acetylene, AC-DC electric arc, M.I.G., and T.I.G. using a variety of material including stainless steel, carbon steel, aluminum, copper, brass, etc.
3. May operate large mechanical tools such as a drill press, power hacksaw, band saw, shears, pipe threaders, brakes, rollers, lathes, and grinders. Operates small power tools including air wenches, drills, grinders, etc.
4. May lay out and build complex tubing systems using flaring machines and tubing benders.
5. May disassemble repairs, reassembles and verifies various types of valves, valve operators, and pressure regulators. Must be familiar with the operating environment to ensure hardware materials are compatible with flow media properties including pressure and temperature.
6. May operate hydraulic systems, high-pressure gas systems including gas tubers, pressure reduction stations, pressure pumps, and seals, etc.
7. May work with and have a basic understanding of environmental test chambers, mass spectrometer leak detectors, and vacuum systems.
8. Assists in the installation and operation of intricate research test packages in various test facilities.
9. May fabricate, install, operate, and maintain mechanical control test panels, and special test equipment. May operate, maintain, and calibrate leak detection systems.
10. May perform general maintenance on mechanical vacuum pumping equipment, diffusion pumps, cryo-pumps, steam ejector systems, heat exchangers,and cryogenic vaporizers
11. May perform inspection and evaluation of mechanical equipment and facility operating systems. Make recommendations related to maintenance and repair of same.
12. May fabricate, install, and operate cryogenic systems including liquid hydrogen, liquid oxygen, liquid nitrogen, or liquid helium.
2. Working knowledge of the operation and maintenance of research test facilities and associated equipment.
3. Ability to follow verbal and written instructions from engineering or supervision.
4. Ability to use own judgment and decisions to allow continuity of work flow.
5. Must be self-motivated and a "Team Player" with good interpersonal and communication skills.
6. Must be able to organize time and assignments to properly prioritize efforts for maximum effectiveness.
See All 132+ Laboratory Research Assistant Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsLaboratory Research Assistant Job Market
Who's Hiring
- University of Pittsburgh15
- Creighton University6
- University of Colorado6
- University of Miami5
- William & Mary4
Top Industries Hiring
- Education15
- Healthcare & Medical Services4
- Science & Research1
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in laboratory research assistant jobs.
- Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, or a related life science field
- Hands-on experience with standard laboratory techniques such as PCR, cell culture, or gel electrophoresis
- Proficiency with laboratory information management systems or electronic lab notebooks
- Ability to follow and document standard operating procedures and GLP or GMP guidelines
- Experience handling and disposing of hazardous materials in compliance with safety protocols
- Familiarity with basic data analysis tools such as Excel, GraphPad Prism, or R
Tips for Your Laboratory Research Assistant Job Search
Tailor your resume to each lab's focus
Hiring managers in research settings scan for specific techniques, not just job titles. List the exact instruments and protocols you've used, like PCR, flow cytometry, or HPLC, so your resume mirrors the language in each posting.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists laboratory research assistant openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Highlight lab notebooks and documentation habits
Many candidates overlook this, but research teams care deeply about data integrity. Mention your experience maintaining GLP-compliant lab notebooks or ELN systems, since sloppy record-keeping is a common reason candidates are screened out early.
Target postings by technique, not just title
Search for terms like 'aseptic technique,' 'Western blot,' or 'cell culture' alongside the role title. Many research assistant openings are written around a specific method, and matching that language gets your application in front of the right PI or hiring manager.
Prepare to discuss a protocol you troubleshot
Lab interviews almost always include a scenario question about a failed experiment or unexpected result. Have a specific example ready that shows how you identified the variable, adjusted your approach, and documented the outcome.
Follow up with the lab coordinator, not HR
In academic and research hospital settings, the lab manager or principal investigator often drives hiring decisions. After submitting, a brief, professional follow-up email directed to the lab contact named in the posting can move your application up the queue.
Laboratory Research Assistant Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most laboratory research assistants?
The most active employers for laboratory research assistants right now are University of Pittsburgh, Creighton University, and University of Colorado, and the most openings are in Pennsylvania, California, and Florida, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Academic medical centers and pharmaceutical companies tend to post the highest volume of these roles year-round.
How many laboratory research assistant jobs are remote?
About 18% of laboratory research assistant openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the hands-on nature of most bench science roles. The sub-areas most compatible with remote or hybrid arrangements include bioinformatics, data coordination, and regulatory documentation work rather than wet lab positions.
How do you become a laboratory research assistant?
Most laboratory research assistant roles require a bachelor's degree in a life science, so completing coursework in biology, chemistry, or biochemistry is the first step. Build hands-on experience through undergraduate research programs, internships, or volunteer positions in a campus or hospital lab. Earning familiarity with core techniques like pipetting, cell culture, and PCR, then documenting that experience clearly on your resume, positions you for entry-level openings.
Can you get a laboratory research assistant job with little or no experience?
Yes, many entry-level laboratory research assistant postings are designed for candidates who have completed coursework but have limited professional lab time. Undergraduate lab courses, senior thesis projects, and volunteer research positions all count as relevant experience. Emphasizing your familiarity with safety protocols, your attention to detail in documentation, and any technique-specific coursework can offset a short work history when applying.
What does the laboratory research assistant interview process look like?
Most laboratory research assistant interviews involve an initial phone or video screen with HR or a lab coordinator, followed by a technical interview with the principal investigator or lab manager. You can expect questions about specific techniques you've used, how you handle protocol deviations, and your approach to lab safety. Some positions include a brief practical assessment or a lab tour where you discuss your experience in person.
Where can I find and apply to laboratory research assistant jobs?
You can find and apply to laboratory research assistant jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States. Search for roles that fit your experience and specialization, then apply directly to each listing that matches what you're looking for.
See All 132+ Laboratory Research Assistant Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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