<p>It might be hard to get a lab assistant spot at a research university because priority will go to the college students, and if it is paid, to those that have work-study. I would think you would need a personal connection to find something, and even so, a professor may still want a college student if they have the time and resources to train someone. It is sort-of their obligation to teach the students attending that university. But maybe I am being too pessimistic.</p>
<p>I would not count out liberal arts colleges. Professors there have research labs too, and may be more short-handed.</p>