1. Duke University
Durham, NC • Private
In-State Tuition
$55,695
Enrollment
6,596
Biology laboratory assistants work within laboratories and assist scientists with experiments, equipment maintenance, and research. They may also work with college professors, assisting with lectures, assignments, or evaluation of student projects.
Some of the functions that they perform in this capacity include setting up laboratory equipment, logging experiment details and results, assisting scientists or professors, cleaning up the lab and equipment, and writing laboratory reports. Essential skills required to excel in this position include analytical, logical thinking, organizational, and attention to detail. A high level of education is necessary before gaining employment. The minimum requirement to be successful at this profession is a bachelor's degree in a science-related discipline, but employers usually prefer candidates with a master's degree. Biology laboratory assistants receive comprehensive on-the-job training that includes learning how to use specific equipment and getting up to speed about ongoing or future experiments.
The average hourly pay for the position is $25.53, which amounts to $53,099 annually. The career is expected to grow in the following years and create new opportunities across the United States.
