Laboratory Assistant Jobs in California
Laboratory Assistant jobs in California are concentrated in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, where major research hospitals, biotech firms, and university medical centers maintain large laboratory operations across clinical, pharmaceutical, and environmental testing specialties. Employers such as Kaiser Permanente, UC San Diego Health, and Genentech have a sustained hiring presence in the state, with openings at every level from entry-level sample processing to experienced clinical laboratory roles. California is one of the most active markets in the country for laboratory talent, reflecting its deep life sciences and healthcare infrastructure. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Showing 5 of 79+ Laboratory Assistant jobs
Under the direction and oversight of the Laboratory Director and Laboratory Manager, or designee, within the scope of Unlicensed Laboratory Personnel as described in B&PC 1269, receives and processes specimens, performs clerical tasks and performs phlebotomy. May operate automated or semi-automated test equipment, or plate and process microbiology specimens under the direct and constant supervision of a licensed person, as authorized by the California lab law.
Essential Responsibilities:
- Draws blood from patients finger, heal, or vein, observing principles of asepsis to obtain blood samples.
- Obtains the correct amount and type of specimen.
- Documents all requests and released results of lab work accurately.
- Informs physicians of released lab results.
- Completes appropriate routing, handling, and processing of various medical specimens.
- Orders, distributes and stocks supplies as needed.
- Trains and reports on the work performance of other Laboratory Assistants.
- Perform other related duties as necessary.
- Supervisory Responsibilities:This job has no supervisory responsibilities.
- Compliance Accountability:
Grade 365
Basic Qualifications:
- N/A
- High School Diploma/GED.
- Phlebotomy Technician II Certificate (California) OR Phlebotomy Technician I Certificate (California)
- Ability to perform all Laboratory Assistant I duties.
- Must be able to perform all Laboratory Assistant I duties.
- Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos.
- Ability to write simple correspondence.
- Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization.
- Must be willing to work in a Labor Management Partnership environment.
- Also refer to Position Specifications outlined in the appropriate collective bargaining agreement.
- N/A
PrimaryLocation : California,Redwood City,Redwood City Hospital
HoursPerWeek : 40
Shift : Evening
Workdays : Sun, Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat *1 day off before and after given wkend schedule. Required to work hol at least 1 major 1 minor per ops needs.
WorkingHoursStart : 03:00 PM
WorkingHoursEnd : 11:30 PM
Job Schedule : Full-time
Job Type : Standard
Employee Status : Regular
Employee Group/Union Affiliation : A01|SEIU|United Healthcare Workers West
Job Level : Individual Contributor
Job Category : Laboratory
Department : Redwood City Hospital - Pathology/Lab-Clinical Lab - 0206
Travel : No
Kaiser Permanente is an equal opportunity employer committed to fair, respectful, and inclusive workplaces. Applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic or status.
Under the direction and oversight of the Laboratory Director and Laboratory Manager, or designee, within the scope of Unlicensed Laboratory Personnel as described in B&PC 1269, receives and processes specimens, performs clerical tasks and performs phlebotomy. May operate automated or semi-automated test equipment, or plate and process microbiology specimens under the direct and constant supervision of a licensed person, as authorized by the California lab law.
Essential Responsibilities:
- Draws blood from patients finger, heal, or vein, observing principles of asepsis to obtain blood samples.
- Obtains the correct amount and type of specimen.
- Documents all requests and released results of lab work accurately.
- Informs physicians of released lab results.
- Completes appropriate routing, handling, and processing of various medical specimens.
- Orders, distributes and stocks supplies as needed.
- Trains and reports on the work performance of other Laboratory Assistants.
- Perform other related duties as necessary.
- Supervisory Responsibilities:This job has no supervisory responsibilities.
- Compliance Accountability:
Grade 365
Basic Qualifications:
- N/A
- High School Diploma/GED.
- Phlebotomy Technician II Certificate (California) OR Phlebotomy Technician I Certificate (California)
- Ability to perform all Laboratory Assistant I duties.
- Must be able to perform all Laboratory Assistant I duties.
- Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos.
- Ability to write simple correspondence.
- Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization.
- Must be willing to work in a Labor Management Partnership environment.
- Also refer to Position Specifications outlined in the appropriate collective bargaining agreement.
- N/A
PrimaryLocation : California,Redwood City,Redwood City Hospital
HoursPerWeek : 40
Shift : Evening
Workdays : Sun, Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat *1 day off before and after given wkend schedule. Required to work hol at least 1 major 1 minor per ops needs.
WorkingHoursStart : 03:00 PM
WorkingHoursEnd : 11:30 PM
Job Schedule : Full-time
Job Type : Standard
Employee Status : Regular
Employee Group/Union Affiliation : A01|SEIU|United Healthcare Workers West
Job Level : Individual Contributor
Job Category : Laboratory
Department : Redwood City Hospital - Pathology/Lab-Clinical Lab - 0206
Travel : No
Kaiser Permanente is an equal opportunity employer committed to fair, respectful, and inclusive workplaces. Applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic or status.
See All 79 Laboratory Assistant Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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
- Providence12
- Kaiser Permanente8
- Emanate Health6
- Sutter Health5
- Adventist Health5
Top Industries Hiring
- Science & Research
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in laboratory assistant jobs across California.
- California Department of Public Health laboratory assistant registration or applicable CDPH certification
- High school diploma or equivalent with college-level biology or chemistry coursework preferred
- Experience collecting, labeling, and processing biological specimens accurately under established protocols
- Familiarity with laboratory information systems and electronic health record documentation
- Knowledge of OSHA bloodborne pathogen standards and California laboratory safety regulations
- Strong attention to detail with the ability to manage a high volume of samples in a fast-paced setting
Laboratory Assistant Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a laboratory assistant in California?
Most laboratory assistant positions in California require at minimum a high school diploma and completion of a phlebotomy training program or clinical laboratory aide course. California requires phlebotomists to hold a license issued by the California Department of Public Health Laboratory Field Services, which involves completing an approved training program and passing a competency examination. For broader clinical laboratory work, many employers prefer candidates who have completed a medical assistant or clinical laboratory technician program at a California community college.
Which companies hire laboratory assistants in California?
Companies currently hiring laboratory assistants in California include Providence, Kaiser Permanente, and Emanate Health, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. California's dense concentration of academic medical centers, biotechnology companies, and large integrated health systems means there are consistent openings across both the public and private sectors throughout the state.
Which California cities have the most laboratory assistant jobs?
Los Angeles, Downey, and Orange have the most laboratory assistant openings in California. Los Angeles draws the largest volume due to its size and the presence of major hospital networks and research institutions, while San Diego's established biotech corridor and San Francisco's academic medical centers and life sciences companies sustain strong demand in those metros as well.
Are there remote laboratory assistant jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. About 13% of laboratory assistant openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the hands-on nature of most laboratory roles. The positions most likely to include any remote component involve data entry, laboratory result review, or coordination tasks rather than specimen handling or equipment operation.
How can I get hired as a laboratory assistant in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is completing a phlebotomy or clinical laboratory aide program at a California community college, which provides the hands-on hours many employers require for an entry-level hire. Large California health systems such as Dignity Health and Kaiser Permanente operate new-employee training and volunteer-to-hire pathways at their facilities. Candidates coming from adjacent roles such as medical receptionist, sterile processing technician, or pharmacy technician often find it easier to move into laboratory assistant positions because those backgrounds demonstrate familiarity with clinical environments and patient safety standards.
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 California openings updated regularly. Search the available positions, find the roles that fit your background and location, and apply directly to the ones that match your experience and availability.
See All 79 Laboratory Assistant Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Laboratory Assistant Jobs