I’m interested in …
Working in a lab to discover new medical treatments
Careers in lab research offer opportunities to explore scientific questions, conduct experiments, and contribute to advancements in fields like medicine, biotechnology, and environmental science.
People who work in Research and Laboratory Careers
- Design and carry out tests in a scientific laboratory using special equipment and cells or animals.
- Are involved in designing, executing, and interpreting experiments, and maintaining scientific equipment. Often this work is part of research and development (R&D).
- Require a science background, good laboratory skills and an analytical mind.
- May work at a University, Research Hospital, Contract Research Organization (CRO), Biotech or Biopharma Company
Insights from Lab Research
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“I like that my job is not routine work. Every day I come into the lab and we have to work on making experiments that work for our programs. I also enjoy using the robots and automation we have, to speed up our process and make discovery more efficient. I also love reading papers and discovering new things about Biology and drug discovery.”
Dany Bassous
Associate Scientist, Biologics in vitro Pharmacology, Global Biologics at Takeda Pharmaceuticals
Highlighted Careers
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Animal Care Technician
Animal Care Technicians take care of animals used in scientific studies.
Kennel Technician, Laboratory Animal Technician
High school diploma/GED with training, apprenticeship, certificate, associate degree, or higher
$47K – $59K/yr; $52K/yr Median total pay
- Make sure the animals have the right food and fresh water every day.
- Clean the animals’ cages or enclosures regularly to keep them healthy and comfortable.
- Watch the animals closely for any signs of sickness or stress. If something seems wrong, report it to the veterinarian or researchers.
- Keep detailed records of each animal’s health, diet, behavior, and any treatments given.
- Make sure that all work follows the guidelines and regulations about animal research.
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Lab Operations Assistant
Lab Operations Assistants help keep a laboratory running smoothly. They do a variety of tasks to support scientists and researchers.
Lab Operations Associate, Lab Assistant, Lab Operations Technician, Lab Support Specialist
Apprenticeship, certificate, associate degree, or higher
$51K – $71K/yr; $60K/yr Median total pay
- Manage the inventory and ordering of supplies such as chemicals, equipment, and safety gear to make sure the lab has all the necessary materials.
- Keep the lab clean and organized by washing equipment, cleaning workspaces, and making sure that all tools and machines are working properly.
- Work with researchers to set up experiments, prepare samples, or collect data.
- Enter data into computers, which helps track experimental results, and keep records organized.
- Follow strict safety procedures to make sure everyone stays safe.
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Lab Technician
Lab technicians help scientists conduct experiments and analyze data related to biological products, such as drugs and therapies.
Laboratory Research Assistant
Apprenticeship, certificate, associate degree, or higher
$47K – $64K/yr; $54K/yr Median total pay
- Prepare samples for experiments by measuring, mixing, and labeling different substances.
- Help run experiments according to specific instructions. This can include techniques like DNA extraction, protein analysis, or cell culture.
- Operate and maintain various machines and tools used in experiments, like centrifuges or micropipettes.
- Document all experimental procedures, results, and any unexpected variations.
- Follow safety procedures to protect themselves and others in the lab.
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Quality Control Associate
Quality Control Associates make sure that products being developed, like medicines or medical devices, meet safety and quality standards.
Quality Assurance Specialist
Bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or higher in a related field
$53K – $75K/yr; $63K/yr Median total pay
- Test raw materials, products, or samples from experiments to make sure they are safe and work as intended.
- Look for any defects or contamination in materials and products to ensure they meet the necessary standards and are safe for use.
- Record test results and inspections to keep track of whether the samples and products pass or fail quality checks.
- Work closely with scientists, engineers, and other team members to resolve problems and improve the quality of the product.
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Lab Manager
Lab Managers oversee the operations of the laboratory to make sure that experiments and research are carried out efficiently and safely.
Bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or higher in a related field
$95K – $148K/yr; $118K/yr Median total pay
- Supervise and coordinate the work of lab technicians, scientists, and other staff.
- Make sure the lab has the necessary supplies, such as chemicals, tools, and equipment.
- Make sure that the lab follows safety regulations and company policies.
- Manage the lab’s budget to make sure resources are used efficiently and costs are kept within limits.
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Research Associate
Research Associates help conduct experiments and studies to discover new information or solve problems in a specific field, such as biology, chemistry, or medicine.
Research Scientist
Bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or higher in a related field
$68K – $102K/yr; $83K/yr Median total pay
- Gather information from experiments, surveys, or other sources to support research studies.
- Help set up and carry out experiments to explore new ideas or answer research questions.
- Record and analyze data from experiments to find patterns, trends, or important results.
- Help write reports or summaries of the research findings to share with other researchers
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Microbiologist
Microbiologists are scientists who study microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. They want to understand how microorganisms (microbes) live, grow, and affect other living things.
Research Scientist
Bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in a related field of study
$64K – $97K/yr; $78K/yr Median total pay
- Plan and conduct research projects, such as improving sterilization procedures or developing medical treatments (like insulin or vaccines).
- Collect and maintain cultures of microorganisms for study.
- Apply for grants to fund their research and prepare reports and presentations about their research.
- Help plan clinical trials to evaluate new products or tests.
Navigate your Pathway
Depending on your background, you may need to gain specific knowledge in life sciences. Explore degree programs or job training opportunities that will provide you with a deeper understanding of your chosen field.