Jobs › University of Chicago

This position has closed. University of Chicago removed this listing from their careers page on Sep 25, 2026. The interview prep below is still useful, and there are similar open roles at the bottom of this page.

Lab Assistant

University of Chicago · Chicago, IL · $19.23–$26.44 an hour · Full time

Posted Sep 3, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Sep 22, 2026

Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

This role gives routine operational support to a biomedical imaging and radiation oncology laboratory. What laboratory or research support work have you done?

What they are checking: Direct experience against an entry-level support role

You'd coordinate lab meetings and prepare materials. How do you make a recurring meeting run well?

What they are checking: A small duty done properly

What would you do

The posting names discretion and confidentiality with sensitive information. What kinds of information would you be careful with here?

What they are checking: Confidentiality awareness in a clinical research setting

You'd be told what to do by several researchers. How do you decide what to do first?

What they are checking: Prioritization from a junior seat with multiple bosses

The posting prefers experience following standard operating procedures and radiation safety procedures. What is your comfort with working in a lab with strict safety controls?

What they are checking: The stated working conditions, raised plainly

The posting asks for vocational training or equivalent experience with under two years in a related discipline, and prefers a bachelor's degree. Where do you sit, and what do you want this to lead to?

What they are checking: The stated level plus a real direction

About the work

You'd assist with data organization, file formatting, transfer and de-identification under established protocols. What does de-identification mean, and why does it matter here?

What they are checking: The named duty, understood rather than performed blindly

You'd maintain laboratory records and documentation. How do you organize files so someone else can find things a year later?

What they are checking: Records discipline, the substance of this job

You'd coordinate laboratory access, onboarding and required training to support review board compliance. How would you track who has completed what?

What they are checking: Compliance tracking as a practical system

You'd maintain equipment and supply records and assist with purchasing and inventory. How do you keep a lab from running out of something?

What they are checking: Inventory practice, a named duty

Practice this interview out loud.

Offer builds a real interview for this exact role at University of Chicago from your resume and this job description, asks the questions one at a time, and tells you what landed. The first one is free.

Practice this out loud

The full job description

As published by University of Chicago.

Department BSD RAO - Department of Radiation and Cellular Oncology About the Department The University of Chicago Department of Radiation and Cellular Oncology stands out as a nationally recognized academic program that integrates cutting-edge clinical care, translational research, and robust education. The department is known for pioneering advances in radiation therapy and maintaining strong collaborations across multidisciplinary cancer teams, enabling highly personalized, evidence-based treatment approaches. With access to advanced technologies such as TrueBeam and early adoption of novel techniques, it offers a clinically sophisticated environment that values innovation and continuous improvement. UChicago Medicine also emphasizes academic growth through well-structured residency and research programs, providing meaningful opportunities for teaching, clinical trials, and scientific discovery. For applicants, it represents a high-acuity, research-driven setting with strong institutional reputation and opportunities to contribute to both patient care excellence and the future of oncology. Job Summary The job provides basic technical support activities related to scientific research projects. Complies with institutional, state, and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives and mandates. Assists in drafting presentations on research findings. The Lab Assistant will provide routine operational and organizational support for a biomedical imaging and radiation oncology laboratory. The primary responsibilities will focus on day-to-day laboratory support. Responsibilities • Assists with organizing laboratory files and materials, maintaining laboratory records and documentation. • Coordinates routine lab meetings and schedules, and prepares meeting materials. • Maintains shared folders • Assists with routine data organization, file formatting, data transfer, and de-identification procedures according to established laboratory protocols and under the direct supervision of faculty or research staff. • Maintains equipment and supply records and assists with purchasing and inventory tracking. • Coordinates laboratory access, onboarding, and required training to support IRB compliance and processing. • Organizes shared computational resources and documentation, and provides other routine operational support as needed. • This job provides technical and administrative support in a laboratory environment performing basic laboratory techniques, research and analysis under direction. • Provides routine or standardized laboratory duties by collecting data in support of research projects under direct supervision. • Collects and enters data. Assists in analysis of data and with preparation of reports, manuscripts and other documents. • Performs other related work as needed. Minimum Qualifications Education: Minimum requirements include vocational training, apprenticeships or the equivalent experience in related field (not typically required to have a four-year degree). Work Experience: Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through < 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline. Certifications: --- Preferred Qualifications Education: • A bachelor’s degree in a related field. Experience: • Familiarity with biomedical, statistical, or academic laboratory environments is helpful but not required. • Experience following SOPs and radiation safety procedures. • Experience with basic laboratory techniques, such as handling samples, specimens, and images. Preferred Competencies • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team. • Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously, set priorities, and meet deadlines. • Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills and strong analytical skills. • Requires discretion and confidentiality when working on sensitive information. • Proficient in Microsoft 365, including PowerPoint, Word, and Excel. Working Conditions • A high-tech laboratory environment with strict safety controls and regular daytime hours. • Office-based environment with regular use of computers and standard office equipment. • Frequent interactions with faculty, students, and staff. • May require occasional attendance at meetings, events, and other activities. • Work is performed independently and collaboratively. • Workload may fluctuate during periods of high operational activities. Application Documents • Resume (required) • Cover letter (preferred) The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions. When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application. Job Family Research Role Impact Individual Contributor Scheduled Weekly Hours 40 Drug Test Required No Health Screen Required No Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required No Pay Rate Type Hourly ​ FLSA Status Non-Exempt ​ Pay Range $19.23 - $26.44 The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting. Benefits Eligible Yes The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook . Posting Statement The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination. 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. All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position. 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.