Lab Assistant

Manpower; Wood Dale (IL); On-site; USD 25,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Shift differential

Potential pathway to hire

Full-time schedule

Job summary

Manpower, Inc. is seeking a Laboratory Assistant for a nighttime shift in Wood Dale, IL. The role involves processing specimens, maintaining records, and ensuring accurate test preparation to support patient care.

This contingent position offers a clear path toward permanent employment based on performance. The role requires attention to detail, ability to work with laboratory systems, and good communication within a team.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Medical assistant training helpful.
• Math and science coursework preferred.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow procedures.

Responsibilities

• Sort, receive, and process incoming specimens.
• Centrifuge specimens, print labels, record data, and maintain temperature logs.
• Prepare specimens for testing and build worklists.
• Prepare reagents and media as needed.
• Perform routine instrument maintenance and quality control activities.
• Investigate and resolve pending specimen issues and locate missing samples.
• Maintain departmental records and specimen storage systems.
• Decontaminate work areas and dispose of biohazardous materials.

Skills

Attention to detail

Multitasking

Communication

Team collaboration

Computer literacy

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Medical assistant training (helpful)

Tools

Laboratory information system

Job description

If you're looking to build a career in healthcare and enjoy working in a fast-paced laboratory environment, this is an excellent opportunity to play a vital role behind the scenes of patient testing. As a Laboratory Assistant, you'll help ensure specimens are processed accurately and efficiently, supporting critical diagnostic services that impact patient care every day.
Location: Wood Dale, IL
Pay Rate: $18.00 per hour, plus shift differential ($1.50 per hour for 3rd shift)
Employment Type: Contingent with potential pathway for hire
Schedule: Tuesday through Saturday, 7:00 PM - 3:30 AM

Why This Role Matters

This position supports laboratory operations by ensuring specimens are accurately received, processed, prepared, and maintained for testing. Your attention to detail and commitment to quality will help facilitate timely and accurate diagnostic results.

What You'll Do

• Sort, receive, and process incoming specimens
• Centrifuge specimens, print labels, record data, and maintain temperature logs
• Prepare specimens for testing, including aliquoting samples, building worklists, and checking specimen integrity
• Prepare reagents and media as needed
• Perform routine instrument maintenance and quality assurance/quality control activities
• Investigate and resolve pending specimen issues, including locating missing samples
• Maintain departmental records and specimen storage systems
• Decontaminate work areas and properly dispose of biohazardous materials
• Change gas cylinders and perform weekly radioactive wipe tests
• Operate laboratory computer systems and other departmental equipment
• Follow all PPE requirements and laboratory safety procedures

What We’re Looking For

• A current, up-to-date resume
• Ability to meet compliance requirements
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Medical assistant training is helpful
• Math and science coursework preferred
• Ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple responsibilities efficiently
• Strong attention to detail and ability to retain learned procedures
• Ability to communicate professionally and work collaboratively with coworkers and customers
• Basic computer skills and comfort working with laboratory systems
• Must be eligible and provide proof of eligibility to work in the US

What’s In It For You

• Gain valuable experience in a clinical laboratory environment
• Opportunity to develop healthcare and laboratory operations skills
• Steady full-time schedule with consistent hours
• Competitive pay plus shift differential
• Potential pathway to long-term employment
• Work as part of a collaborative team supporting patient care

Benefits for Manpower Associates (Upon Eligibility)

• Medical and Prescription Drug Plans
• Dental Plan
• Supplemental Life Insurance
• Short Term Disability Insurance
• 401(k)