Lab Associate Jobs in California
Lab associate jobs in California concentrate heavily in biotechnology, pharmaceutical research, clinical diagnostics, and academic research, with demand at every level from entry-level specimen processor to experienced research associate. The largest hiring hubs are San Diego, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Los Angeles, where employers such as Genentech, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and Kaiser Permanente maintain deep, ongoing lab associate workforces. The most in-demand specialties right now are molecular biology support, clinical chemistry, and quality control in GMP environments. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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We are so glad you are interested in joining Sutter Health!
Organization:
SSL-Sutter Shared Lab-BayPosition Overview:
Performs duties related to receiving, handling and processing specimens for Laboratory testing. Receives, sorts and accessions specimens, assigning to appropriate pre-analytic and analytic workflow. Performs basic post-analytic tasks, including distributing reports, storing and/or retrieving specimens. Completes quality-related tasks such as documentation of work, maintaining a clean, stocked and safe work area, and monitoring pending work, as well as escalating priority work. Operates and/or uses basic pre-analytic lab equipment. Adheres to all local/state/federal regulations, codes, policies and procedures to ensure privacy and safety while delivering optimal patient care.Job Description:
EDUCATION:
High School Diploma or General Education Diploma (GED)
TYPICAL EXPERIENCE:
1 year recent relevant experience
SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE:
Advanced knowledge and practices of standard principles, processes, procedures, and equipment related to: 1) ordering Laboratory testing and 2) handling and processing biological specimens routinely submitted to the Laboratory for analysis.
Ability to accurately, precisely, and reliably perform job duties and assigned tasks.
Ability to organize and prioritize job duties and assigned tasks for completion within expected timeframes.
Workflow Management Ability to appropriately respond to:1) fluctuations in volume. 2) unexpected situations or problems such as equipment or information systems failure; 3) shift-to-shift hand-offs; 4) STAT test orders; 5) specimen integrity issues and 6) regular review of pending logs, priority assignments, etc.
Ability to follow standard practices, processes, and procedures in sequence.
Solid critical thinking in applying knowledge and decision-making.
Effective verbal and written communication skills.
Knowledge of applicable local/state/federal regulations, codes, policies, and procedures aimed at ensuring the privacy and safety of patients.
Ability to work in a collaborative setting where the communication of current, factual, and relevant work information is required.
Knowledge of and ability to recognize and appropriately escalate complex and unusual deviations, problems, unusual occurrences and unexpected outcomes.
These Principal Accountabilities, Requirements and Qualifications are not exhaustive, but are merely the most descriptive of the current job. Management reserves the right to revise the job description or require that other tasks be performed when the circumstances of the job change (for example, emergencies, staff changes, workload, or technical development).
Job Shift:
EveningsSchedule:
Full TimeShift Hours:
8Days of the Week:
Monday - FridayWeekend Requirements:
Rotating WeekendsBenefits:
YesUnions:
NoPosition Status:
Non-ExemptWeekly Hours:
40Employee Status:
RegularSutter Health is an equal opportunity employer EOE/M/F/Disability/Veterans.
Pay Range is $35.59 to $49.82 / hour
The posted pay range is based on the position's primary work location. Candidates who reside and work outside of that location may be subject to a different pay range based on their work location. Candidate starting salaries consider multiple factors, including, but not limited to a candidate’s experience, education, skills, licensure, certifications, departmental equity, training, and organizational needs. Base pay is only one component of Sutter Health’s comprehensive total rewards program. Eligible positions also include a comprehensive benefits package.
We are so glad you are interested in joining Sutter Health!
Organization:
SSL-Sutter Shared Lab-BayPosition Overview:
Performs duties related to receiving, handling and processing specimens for Laboratory testing. Receives, sorts and accessions specimens, assigning to appropriate pre-analytic and analytic workflow. Performs basic post-analytic tasks, including distributing reports, storing and/or retrieving specimens. Completes quality-related tasks such as documentation of work, maintaining a clean, stocked and safe work area, and monitoring pending work, as well as escalating priority work. Operates and/or uses basic pre-analytic lab equipment. Adheres to all local/state/federal regulations, codes, policies and procedures to ensure privacy and safety while delivering optimal patient care.Job Description:
EDUCATION:
High School Diploma or General Education Diploma (GED)
TYPICAL EXPERIENCE:
1 year recent relevant experience
SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE:
Advanced knowledge and practices of standard principles, processes, procedures, and equipment related to: 1) ordering Laboratory testing and 2) handling and processing biological specimens routinely submitted to the Laboratory for analysis.
Ability to accurately, precisely, and reliably perform job duties and assigned tasks.
Ability to organize and prioritize job duties and assigned tasks for completion within expected timeframes.
Workflow Management Ability to appropriately respond to:1) fluctuations in volume. 2) unexpected situations or problems such as equipment or information systems failure; 3) shift-to-shift hand-offs; 4) STAT test orders; 5) specimen integrity issues and 6) regular review of pending logs, priority assignments, etc.
Ability to follow standard practices, processes, and procedures in sequence.
Solid critical thinking in applying knowledge and decision-making.
Effective verbal and written communication skills.
Knowledge of applicable local/state/federal regulations, codes, policies, and procedures aimed at ensuring the privacy and safety of patients.
Ability to work in a collaborative setting where the communication of current, factual, and relevant work information is required.
Knowledge of and ability to recognize and appropriately escalate complex and unusual deviations, problems, unusual occurrences and unexpected outcomes.
These Principal Accountabilities, Requirements and Qualifications are not exhaustive, but are merely the most descriptive of the current job. Management reserves the right to revise the job description or require that other tasks be performed when the circumstances of the job change (for example, emergencies, staff changes, workload, or technical development).
Job Shift:
EveningsSchedule:
Full TimeShift Hours:
8Days of the Week:
Monday - FridayWeekend Requirements:
Rotating WeekendsBenefits:
YesUnions:
NoPosition Status:
Non-ExemptWeekly Hours:
40Employee Status:
RegularSutter Health is an equal opportunity employer EOE/M/F/Disability/Veterans.
Pay Range is $35.59 to $49.82 / hour
The posted pay range is based on the position's primary work location. Candidates who reside and work outside of that location may be subject to a different pay range based on their work location. Candidate starting salaries consider multiple factors, including, but not limited to a candidate’s experience, education, skills, licensure, certifications, departmental equity, training, and organizational needs. Base pay is only one component of Sutter Health’s comprehensive total rewards program. Eligible positions also include a comprehensive benefits package.
See All 47 Lab Associate Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Lab Associate JobsLab Associate Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Lab Associate Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software
- Healthcare & Medical Services
- Science & Research
- Electronics & Hardware
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in lab associate jobs across California.
- Associate or bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, or a related life science field
- Hands-on experience with standard laboratory techniques such as PCR, pipetting, and microscopy
- Familiarity with laboratory information management systems and accurate data documentation practices
- Knowledge of California laboratory safety regulations and OSHA hazardous materials handling requirements
- Experience working in a regulated environment such as GMP, GLP, or CAP-accredited clinical laboratory
- Strong attention to detail with demonstrated ability to follow standard operating procedures precisely
Lab Associate Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a lab associate in California?
Most lab associate positions in California require at minimum an associate degree in a life science or clinical laboratory science field, though a bachelor's degree is increasingly preferred. For roles in clinical or medical laboratory settings, California requires licensure through the California Department of Public Health's Laboratory Field Services. The standard entry credential is a Clinical Laboratory Scientist or Limited Phlebotomy Technician license, depending on the duties performed. Research and biotech lab associate roles outside clinical settings typically rely on academic credentials and hands-on laboratory coursework rather than state licensure.
Which companies hire lab associates in California?
Companies currently hiring lab associates in California include Scripps Research, UC San Francisco Academic, and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. California's concentration of biotech headquarters, large hospital systems, and university research institutions makes it one of the most consistently active states for lab associate hiring nationwide.
Which California cities have the most lab associate jobs?
San Francisco, San Diego, and Los Angeles lead California for lab associate openings. San Diego's large biotech and pharmaceutical cluster, the Bay Area's concentration of life sciences headquarters and academic medical centers, and Los Angeles's network of hospital systems and research universities each sustain steady year-round demand for lab associates across clinical and research settings.
Are there remote lab associate jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. Lab associate work is fundamentally hands-on, and most roles require physical presence to handle specimens, operate instruments, or maintain samples. About 0% of lab associate openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, and those positions tend to be concentrated in data entry, laboratory coordination, or scientific writing support functions rather than bench work.
How can I get hired as a lab associate in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a phlebotomy technician or lab assistant role in a California hospital or outpatient clinic, which requires only a short certificate program and a California Department of Public Health Limited Phlebotomy Technician license. Large California health systems such as Kaiser Permanente and Dignity Health regularly hire new graduates directly into entry-level lab aide and specimen processing positions. Community college laboratory science programs in California often include clinical externship placements that convert to offers. Holding a California Clinical Laboratory Scientist trainee license while completing required supervised hours also gives candidates a competitive edge for research-adjacent roles.
Where can I find and apply to lab associate jobs in California?
You can find and apply to lab associate jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across clinical laboratories, biotechnology companies, hospital systems, and research institutions. Search the listings, find roles that match your background and location, and apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 47 Lab Associate Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Lab Associate Jobs