Laboratory Assistant Jobs in California
Laboratory assistant jobs in California represent one of the most active markets in the country, concentrated in biotechnology and pharmaceutical research, clinical diagnostics, academic research institutions, and public health laboratories, with openings at every level from entry-level technician through senior research associate. The largest hiring centers are the San Francisco Bay Area, San Diego, and Los Angeles, where employers such as Kaiser Permanente, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and UC Health systems maintain a steady and lasting demand. The most sought-after specializations include clinical chemistry, microbiology, and molecular biology. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Description
Incumbent will perform duties of a full time Laboratory Assistant 1 in a cutting-edge benign Urology research laboratory focusing on urogynecology and pelvic floor dysfunction. Under the mentorship of Dr. A. Lenore Ackerman, the candidate will contribute to ongoing research into the impact of tamoxifen and other therapeutic agents on lower urinary tract structure and function. Specific tasks of the Lab Assistant 1 will be to complete a variety of routine and basic laboratory procedures including, but not limited to, bacterial and tissue culture, western blotting, immunohistochemistry, qPCR and fluorescent microscopy. Laboratory support duties include helping lab manager with inventory control, ordering of supplies and preparation of laboratory materials and reagents in line with all safety and regulatory requirements as needs dictate. Other duties as assigned.
Hourly salary range: $25.75 - $30.17. The department's target hourly salary is $25.75.
This is a full time, limited, 1 year appointment. May convert to career.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Required:
- Cell culture experience including aseptic technique and primary cell culture
- Ability to perform general laboratory techniques such as weighing, sterilizing, titration, glassware washing, filtering, reagent and buffer prep, maintaining sterile technique
- Knowledge and understanding of molecular techniques
- Skill in keeping accurate and complete research records
- Ability to recognize irregularities and invalid results
- Ability to make sound measurements and observations
- Ability to work as part of a research team and establish cooperative working relationships with researchers, residents, students, and other support personnel
- Ability to communicate in oral and written form, for the purpose of providing information to others in the laboratory. This includes the ability to record findings and methods in a laboratory journal in an accurate, complete, and timely way
- Ability to read and understand experimental protocols as guidelines
- Mathematical skills to calculate chemical and biological concentrations in solutions
- Organized, detail oriented, and able to quickly adapt to the addition of novel tasks
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Ability to conduct multiple experiments in close temporal proximity
- Knowledge of how to use and maintain modern laboratory equipment including incubators, tissue culture hoods, centrifuges, balances, and pH meter
Description
Incumbent will perform duties of a full time Laboratory Assistant 1 in a cutting-edge benign Urology research laboratory focusing on urogynecology and pelvic floor dysfunction. Under the mentorship of Dr. A. Lenore Ackerman, the candidate will contribute to ongoing research into the impact of tamoxifen and other therapeutic agents on lower urinary tract structure and function. Specific tasks of the Lab Assistant 1 will be to complete a variety of routine and basic laboratory procedures including, but not limited to, bacterial and tissue culture, western blotting, immunohistochemistry, qPCR and fluorescent microscopy. Laboratory support duties include helping lab manager with inventory control, ordering of supplies and preparation of laboratory materials and reagents in line with all safety and regulatory requirements as needs dictate. Other duties as assigned.
Hourly salary range: $25.75 - $30.17. The department's target hourly salary is $25.75.
This is a full time, limited, 1 year appointment. May convert to career.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Required:
- Cell culture experience including aseptic technique and primary cell culture
- Ability to perform general laboratory techniques such as weighing, sterilizing, titration, glassware washing, filtering, reagent and buffer prep, maintaining sterile technique
- Knowledge and understanding of molecular techniques
- Skill in keeping accurate and complete research records
- Ability to recognize irregularities and invalid results
- Ability to make sound measurements and observations
- Ability to work as part of a research team and establish cooperative working relationships with researchers, residents, students, and other support personnel
- Ability to communicate in oral and written form, for the purpose of providing information to others in the laboratory. This includes the ability to record findings and methods in a laboratory journal in an accurate, complete, and timely way
- Ability to read and understand experimental protocols as guidelines
- Mathematical skills to calculate chemical and biological concentrations in solutions
- Organized, detail oriented, and able to quickly adapt to the addition of novel tasks
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Ability to conduct multiple experiments in close temporal proximity
- Knowledge of how to use and maintain modern laboratory equipment including incubators, tissue culture hoods, centrifuges, balances, and pH meter
See All 102+ Laboratory Assistant Jobs in California
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Find Laboratory Assistant JobsLaboratory Assistant Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Laboratory Assistant Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- University of California, San Francisco30
- University of California - San Francisco10
- Stanford Health Care9
- Scripps Research8
- City of Hope4
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services51
- Education50
- Science & Research14
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals12
- Consulting & Professional Services6
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in laboratory assistant jobs across California.
- High school diploma or GED required, associate or bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, or related science preferred
- California Laboratory Field Services registration or eligibility required for clinical laboratory work under CDPH oversight
- Experience with standard laboratory equipment including pipettes, centrifuges, spectrophotometers, and automated analyzers
- Familiarity with laboratory information systems and accurate data entry and record-keeping practices
- Knowledge of safety protocols including CAL/OSHA standards, CLIA regulations, and proper handling of biohazardous materials
- Strong attention to detail and ability to follow standardized procedures and document results with precision
Laboratory Assistant Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a laboratory assistant in California?
Becoming a laboratory assistant in California typically starts with a high school diploma and coursework in biology or chemistry, though many employers prefer candidates with an associate or bachelor's degree in a life science. For clinical laboratory roles, the California Department of Public Health Laboratory Field Services oversees registration and licensure, and some positions require working under a licensed Clinical Laboratory Scientist. Completing a phlebotomy certification approved by CDPH also strengthens applications significantly.
Which companies hire laboratory assistants in California?
Employers hiring laboratory assistants in California right now include University of California, San Francisco, University of California - San Francisco, and Stanford Health Care, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's dense concentration of biotech firms, hospital networks, and university research centers means consistent demand across both the private and public sectors.
Which California cities have the most laboratory assistant jobs?
The cities with the most laboratory assistant openings in California are San Francisco, San Diego, and Palo Alto. The Bay Area and San Diego lead because of their established biotech and pharmaceutical clusters, while Los Angeles draws high volume through its large hospital networks and research universities, and smaller cities often reflect the presence of regional health systems or UC and CSU campuses.
Are there remote laboratory assistant jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. Laboratory assistant work is fundamentally hands-on, requiring physical access to specimens, reagents, and instrumentation, so most positions are on-site. About 0% of laboratory assistant openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, and those tend to be in data entry, results review, or laboratory coordination roles rather than bench work.
How can I get hired as a laboratory assistant in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for a laboratory aide, specimen processor, or phlebotomy trainee role at a California hospital or reference laboratory, where on-the-job training is standard. Large California health systems such as UC Health and Kaiser Permanente run new-employee orientation programs that bring in candidates from adjacent roles like medical assistant or pharmacy technician. Completing a CDPH-approved phlebotomy course and earning your California phlebotomy technician certification gives candidates with no lab background a clear, verifiable credential that opens doors quickly.
Where can I find and apply to laboratory assistant jobs in California?
You can find and apply to laboratory assistant jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers actively hiring across the state. Find the roles that match your experience and location, then apply directly to each one.
See All 102+ Laboratory Assistant Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Laboratory Assistant Jobs