Lab Assistant Jobs in California
Lab assistant jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in clinical laboratories, pharmaceutical research, academic institutions, and biotechnology firms across the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, and San Diego. Major employers with a long-standing presence in California include Kaiser Permanente, UCLA Health, and Roche, all of which hire lab assistants at entry through senior levels. The most in-demand specialties are clinical chemistry, microbiology, and histology support. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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The Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine is seeking a full-time Clinical Lab Assistant to support technical laboratory personnel in day-to-day operations of the Dermatopathology, Histology, Immunohistochemistry, and Translational Pathology Core Laboratories.
The incumbent will:
- Prepare simple and complex reagents or media under direct supervision.
- Receive, accession and triage patient specimens, blocks and slides.
- Monitor incoming phone inquiries and requests.
- Establish and maintain courteous, cooperative relations with clients and other personnel.
- Identify and separate specimens to be referred to outside laboratories or analyzed by other USC laboratories.
- Handle and dispose of hazardous and non-hazardous materials in accordance with safety protocols.
- Maintain and organize laboratory supplies. Monitor inventory levels and order supplies as needed.
The Keck School of Medicine Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine is one of the largest pathology departments in the United States. The Department aims to shape the future of pathology as it will be practiced in community hospitals, academic medical centers, and clinical laboratories throughout the country. The Department is growing very rapidly, and there is great opportunity for advancement in the Anatomic Pathology Laboratories.
The University offers a competitive salary package.
Hourly range:
The hourly rate range for this position is $21.64 - $26.50. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.
Minimum Education: Related undergraduate study, Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education Minimum Experience: 0 - 6 months Minimum Field of Expertise: Experience as a laboratory assistant in a clinical lab.
The Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine is seeking a full-time Clinical Lab Assistant to support technical laboratory personnel in day-to-day operations of the Dermatopathology, Histology, Immunohistochemistry, and Translational Pathology Core Laboratories.
The incumbent will:
- Prepare simple and complex reagents or media under direct supervision.
- Receive, accession and triage patient specimens, blocks and slides.
- Monitor incoming phone inquiries and requests.
- Establish and maintain courteous, cooperative relations with clients and other personnel.
- Identify and separate specimens to be referred to outside laboratories or analyzed by other USC laboratories.
- Handle and dispose of hazardous and non-hazardous materials in accordance with safety protocols.
- Maintain and organize laboratory supplies. Monitor inventory levels and order supplies as needed.
The Keck School of Medicine Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine is one of the largest pathology departments in the United States. The Department aims to shape the future of pathology as it will be practiced in community hospitals, academic medical centers, and clinical laboratories throughout the country. The Department is growing very rapidly, and there is great opportunity for advancement in the Anatomic Pathology Laboratories.
The University offers a competitive salary package.
Hourly range:
The hourly rate range for this position is $21.64 - $26.50. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.
Minimum Education: Related undergraduate study, Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education Minimum Experience: 0 - 6 months Minimum Field of Expertise: Experience as a laboratory assistant in a clinical lab.
See All 98 Lab Assistant Jobs in California
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Find Lab Assistant JobsLab Assistant Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Lab Assistant Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- UC Davis13
- UC San Francisco Academic10
- Sutter Health7
- Scripps Research6
- Emanate Health4
Top Industries Hiring
- Science & Research
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in lab assistant jobs across California.
- Current California Laboratory Field Services registration or eligibility as a laboratory assistant
- High school diploma or equivalent required, associate degree in a science field preferred
- Experience with specimen collection, processing, and centrifugation in a clinical or research setting
- Proficiency with laboratory information systems and electronic health record platforms
- Knowledge of OSHA safety protocols, infection control standards, and hazardous material handling
- Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accuracy under high-volume workload conditions
Lab Assistant Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a lab assistant in California?
To become a lab assistant in California, you need to register with the California Department of Public Health Laboratory Field Services as a laboratory assistant, which requires a high school diploma and on-the-job training hours completed under a licensed clinical laboratory scientist. Some positions in research or pharmaceutical settings do not require state registration but expect coursework in biology or chemistry. Community colleges throughout California offer certificate programs that meet the education component.
Which companies hire lab assistants in California?
Employers hiring lab assistants in California right now include UC Davis, UC San Francisco Academic, and Sutter Health, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. California's large integrated health systems, university medical centers, and biotech firms create consistent demand for lab assistants across both clinical and research environments throughout the state.
Which California cities have the most lab assistant jobs?
San Diego, San Francisco, and Davis have the most lab assistant openings in California. The concentration reflects the density of large hospital systems and academic medical centers in those metros, while San Diego's established biotech and pharmaceutical corridor drives strong demand in that region even relative to its smaller overall population compared to Los Angeles.
Are there remote lab assistant jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. Lab assistant work is largely hands-on, requiring physical handling of specimens, operation of lab equipment, and direct support of clinical or research teams on site. About 0% of lab assistant openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, and those positions tend to involve data entry, lab coordination, or administrative support functions rather than bench work.
How can I get hired as a lab assistant in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for a laboratory assistant trainee or phlebotomy technician role at a large California hospital system such as Kaiser Permanente, Dignity Health, or a University of California medical center, many of which run new-hire training programs that do not require prior lab experience. Completing a phlebotomy certificate at a California community college gives candidates a strong edge, as does any coursework in medical terminology, anatomy, or clinical science. Lateral moves from patient care technician or medical assistant roles are also a common bridge into lab work.
Where can I find and apply to lab assistant jobs in California?
You can find and apply to lab assistant jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings updated in real time. Search the listings for roles that match your specialty, experience level, and preferred location, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 98 Lab Assistant Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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