Lab Specialist Jobs

Lab Specialist jobs are open across healthcare, biotech, pharmaceuticals, environmental science, and clinical research, from entry-level technician roles to senior and principal positions, with specializations in molecular biology, analytical chemistry, and quality control. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.

Find Lab Specialist JobsLooking for remote work? View remote lab specialist jobs →

Overview

Open roles195+
Top stateCalifornia
Top employerUC San Francisco Academic
Top citySan Francisco, CA
Work type64% On-site
Top industryEducation

Showing 5 of 195+ Lab Specialist jobs

Clinical Lab Specialist
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New 15h ago
Clinical Lab Specialist
Vitalant
Allendale, New Jersey
Allied Health
Healthcare Administration
Clinical Support
Laboratory Science
$29 - $38/hr
On-Site
Bachelor's
1,001-5,000

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Patient Service Specialist-Neurology Sleep Lab
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New 15h ago
Patient Service Specialist-Neurology Sleep Lab
MaineHealth
Portland, Maine
Biotech & Life Sciences
Clinical Support
Laboratory Science
$20.27 - $24.36/hr
High school diploma or GED
10,000+

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Research Specialist II – Picking Lab
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Added 2d ago
Research Specialist II – Picking Lab
University of Missouri
Columbia, Missouri
Biotech & Life Sciences
Laboratory Research
Research & Academia
$19.25 - $24.05/hr
Bachelor's degree
10,000+

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Research Laboratory Specialist, Dick Lab
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Added 2d ago
Research Laboratory Specialist, Dick Lab
The University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Administrative & Office Support
Business Operations
Project Management
$54k - $79k/yr
On-Site
Bachelor of Science
10,000+

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Dzeng Lab - Junior, Assistant, Associate, or Full Specialist
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Added 3d ago
Dzeng Lab - Junior, Assistant, Associate, or Full Specialist
UC San Francisco Academic
San Francisco, California
Biotech & Life Sciences
Clinical Support
Laboratory Science
$57k - $202k/yr
Doctoral degree

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Lab Specialist Job Market

Who's Hiring

  • UC San Francisco Academic22
  • UC Davis12
  • Advocate Aurora Health8
  • The University of Michigan7
  • University of Virginia6

Top Industries Hiring

  • Education
  • News & Publishing
  • Healthcare & Medical Services
  • Food & Beverage
  • Chemicals & Materials

What Employers Look For

The qualifications that appear most often in lab specialist jobs.

  • Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, or a closely related science field
  • Hands-on experience operating laboratory instruments such as HPLC, PCR systems, or spectrophotometers
  • Proficiency in maintaining accurate lab records and following standard operating procedures
  • ASCP, AMT, or equivalent certification preferred or required depending on the clinical setting
  • Experience working under Good Laboratory Practice or ISO-accredited quality management systems
  • Ability to analyze and interpret experimental data using statistical or laboratory information software

Tips for Your Lab Specialist Job Search

Tailor your resume to instrument proficiency

Lab specialist job listings call out specific equipment, so list every instrument you've operated by exact model and manufacturer where possible. Hiring managers scan for HPLC, PCR, mass spectrometry, or flow cytometry by name, not by category.

Highlight your documentation and GLP compliance

Many lab specialist roles require strict recordkeeping under Good Laboratory Practice standards. Call out your experience maintaining lab notebooks, writing SOPs, or working under ISO or CAP-accredited environments directly in your work history section.

Apply early to roles that fit

Migrate Mate lists lab specialist openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match your specialization and apply directly to each listing without jumping between sites.

Filter openings by your certification level

Roles that require ASCP, AMT, or NCA certification are distinct from those that only prefer it. When searching, read the requirements carefully and prioritize applying to listings where you meet the stated credential threshold rather than the preferred one.

Prepare for a practical skills assessment

Many lab specialist interviews include a bench assessment or case-based scenario testing your pipetting technique, sample handling, or troubleshooting process. Practice walking an interviewer through your decision-making when an assay fails or a QC flag appears.

Negotiate start date around any required onboarding training

Lab specialist roles often require department-specific safety training or instrument qualification before you can work independently. When you receive an offer, ask whether that training period is paid and factor it into your start-date discussion.

Lab Specialist Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions

Which companies are hiring the most lab specialists?

The most active employers for lab specialists right now are UC San Francisco Academic, UC Davis, and Advocate Aurora Health, and the most openings are in California, Florida, and Michigan, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Demand is especially high in clinical diagnostics and pharmaceutical manufacturing.

How many lab specialist jobs are remote?

About 36% of lab specialist openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, with most remote-eligible roles concentrated in data analysis, lab informatics, and regulatory documentation rather than hands-on bench work. Roles requiring direct specimen handling or instrument operation are almost always on-site.

How do you become a lab specialist?

Start with a bachelor's degree in a life or physical science such as biology, chemistry, or biochemistry. Gain hands-on experience through undergraduate research, internships, or entry-level technician roles that give you direct instrument time. Pursue a relevant certification such as ASCP or AMT if you're targeting clinical or diagnostics environments, then build a resume that leads with specific equipment experience and documentation skills.

Can you get a lab specialist job with little or no experience?

Yes, some entry-level lab specialist roles are open to candidates with a relevant degree and limited formal work history. Undergraduate research, coursework-based lab hours, and internships all count as demonstrated bench experience. Applying to contract or temporary lab positions at CROs or hospital systems is a common way to build the hands-on record that moves you into permanent roles.

What does the lab specialist interview process look like?

Most lab specialist interviews begin with a phone or video screen focused on your background and familiarity with specific techniques or instruments. A hiring manager or lead scientist typically conducts a technical interview covering your troubleshooting process, QC experience, and documentation practices. Some employers, particularly in clinical and pharmaceutical settings, follow up with an in-person bench assessment or a scenario-based problem-solving exercise before extending an offer.

Where can I find and apply to lab specialist jobs?

You can find and apply to lab specialist jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States in one place. Find roles that match your specialization, experience level, and location, then apply directly to each listing from the page.

See All 195+ Lab Specialist Jobs

Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.

Find Lab Specialist Jobs