Laboratory Jobs in California
Laboratory jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in biotechnology, pharmaceutical research, clinical diagnostics, and environmental testing across a workforce that ranges from entry-level lab assistants to senior research scientists and principal investigators. The largest hiring markets are San Diego, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Los Angeles, where anchor employers such as Roche, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and Kaiser Permanente maintain major operations. The most in-demand specialties right now include molecular biology, clinical laboratory science, and quality control. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find Laboratory JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 362+ Laboratory jobs
As a Medical Laboratory Technologist at IDEXX, you perform laboratory testing that helps veterinarians diagnose and treat pets. You will be a key contributor at one of the largest veterinary diagnostic companies in the world, joining a fast-paced work environment that encourages teamwork, quality, and offers opportunities for personal growth.
(This is a full-time position with excellent day-one benefits.)
If you’d like more information about laboratory jobs at IDEXX before applying, you can explore our Laboratory Careers web page: https://careers.idexx.com/us/en/referencelaboratories
Why this role matters:
IDEXX reference laboratories is a global network united by a shared commitment to enhancing pet care where the true strength in our name is the people behind it, including this role. Our reference laboratories make it possible for our customers to discover more with our unrelenting commitment to innovation, personalized support, guidance, and expertise, while providing the most complete and advanced menu of diagnostic tests along with technology and tools. The focus on enhancing the lives of people and pets, starts with our own employees and empowering them to achieve their goals, focusing on continuous improvement, and supporting the strong collaboration and inclusiveness that exist in our team.
In this role:
- You will use automated analyzers, microscopes and other laboratory diagnostic tools to perform analyses and tests that diagnose animal illnesses, injuries and diseases in support of veterinarian animal treatment.
- You will perform diagnostic tests on blood, urine, fecal or pet biopsy samples that we receive in our lab by the thousands, every day.
- You will set up and run lab tests, then read and release results according to SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures).
- You can expect to specialize in an assigned department; explore more about those here: https://careers.idexx.com/us/en/referencelaboratories
What you need to succeed:
- Ideally, as a Medical Laboratory Technologist, you will have an Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Medical Laboratory Science (MLS), Clinical Laboratory Science (CLS), Medical Technology (MT), Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT), or a related biological, biomedical, or chemical science field.
- It is not required to work in our lab, but ASCP, ASCP-BOC, AMT, AAB, or equivalent professional certification is highly preferred. Prior experience in a reference laboratory, hospital laboratory, veterinary diagnostic laboratory, research laboratory, or high-volume clinical testing environment.
- Qualified applicants must have comprehensive academic training and hands-on clinical experience in: Hematology, Chemistry, Microbiology, Immunology/Serology, Urinalysis and Cytology. Ideally, you will have a strong skillset in two or more of these departments (Cross-Trained Technologist).
- You have a skillset utilizing the following analyzers: Beckman, Sysmex, Novus, Immulite, Hamilton, Cellavision, etc. This would include maintenance as well as daily start up and troubleshooting.
- Ideally, you will have experience setting up, running, reading lab tests, operating laboratory equipment using microscopes, pipetting and / or clinical diagnostic analyzers. You are able to run and maintain various analyzers and have a skillset in calibration, troubleshooting and performing quality control on automated laboratory analyzers and instrumentation.
- You have a positive attitude and love to bring that energy into the lab every day to support your colleagues and look forward to working in a team.
- You concentrate on details and can work reliably, precisely and take pride in your attention to detail. You are aware that each specimen in our labs is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact by contributing accurate diagnostics that support patient and animal health outcomes.
- Able to meet the physical requirements that go with working in a lab – standing and sitting for extended periods of time, phone & computer use, extended reach, lifting up to 50lb, and specific vision ability – close, color, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
- This is a laboratory, so there is potential exposure to biohazards, agents known to cause zoonotic diseases, and hazardous chemicals.
What you can expect from us:
- Hourly rates targeting: $30 / hr (will be skillset based)
- Employees who work the majority of their shift during 3rd shift hours are eligible for hourly shift differential
- Opportunity for annual cash bonus and merit pay increase consideration
- Health / Dental / Vision benefits from day one
- 5% matching 401k
- On-the-job training and career advancement opportunities
- Additional benefits including but not limited to financial support, pet insurance, mental health resources, volunteer paid days off, employee stock program, foundation donation matching, and more
- The opportunity to do meaningful work where you positively impact the lives of people and pets all over the world
Schedule:
- This position is available during 1st & 3rd Shifts
- The hours could vary and will be based on the needs of the lab
- Highly qualified candidates can work with the hiring team on a schedule that suits you as well as our laboratory team
- This is a full time, 40/hr per week, benefitted position
- Reliable and dependable attendance is an essential function of the position.
Why IDEXX:
We’re proud of the work we do, because our work matters. An innovation leader in every industry we serve since 1983, our team members help pet owners worldwide keep their companion animals healthy and happy, ensure safe drinking water for billions, and help farmers protect livestock and poultry from disease.
We have customers in over 175 countries and a collaborative global workforce. Our culture is one that embraces challenges and encourages learning and discovery. At IDEXX, you’ll be supported by competitive compensation, incentives, and benefits while enjoying purposeful work that drives improvement.
Knowing our work makes a meaningful impact on the health and well-being of pets and people is what motivates us every day. If meaningful work and a sense of purpose are at the top of your list, you’ll find it here.
Let’s pursue what matters together.
IDEXX values a diverse workforce and workplace and strongly encourages women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply.
IDEXX is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, or any protected category prohibited by local, state, or federal laws.
Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa for this role.
As a Laboratory Technician, you will work on site in our IRVINE, CA lab.
Does this sound like the opportunity for you? Apply today!
#LI-JO1
As a Medical Laboratory Technologist at IDEXX, you perform laboratory testing that helps veterinarians diagnose and treat pets. You will be a key contributor at one of the largest veterinary diagnostic companies in the world, joining a fast-paced work environment that encourages teamwork, quality, and offers opportunities for personal growth.
(This is a full-time position with excellent day-one benefits.)
If you’d like more information about laboratory jobs at IDEXX before applying, you can explore our Laboratory Careers web page: https://careers.idexx.com/us/en/referencelaboratories
Why this role matters:
IDEXX reference laboratories is a global network united by a shared commitment to enhancing pet care where the true strength in our name is the people behind it, including this role. Our reference laboratories make it possible for our customers to discover more with our unrelenting commitment to innovation, personalized support, guidance, and expertise, while providing the most complete and advanced menu of diagnostic tests along with technology and tools. The focus on enhancing the lives of people and pets, starts with our own employees and empowering them to achieve their goals, focusing on continuous improvement, and supporting the strong collaboration and inclusiveness that exist in our team.
In this role:
- You will use automated analyzers, microscopes and other laboratory diagnostic tools to perform analyses and tests that diagnose animal illnesses, injuries and diseases in support of veterinarian animal treatment.
- You will perform diagnostic tests on blood, urine, fecal or pet biopsy samples that we receive in our lab by the thousands, every day.
- You will set up and run lab tests, then read and release results according to SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures).
- You can expect to specialize in an assigned department; explore more about those here: https://careers.idexx.com/us/en/referencelaboratories
What you need to succeed:
- Ideally, as a Medical Laboratory Technologist, you will have an Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Medical Laboratory Science (MLS), Clinical Laboratory Science (CLS), Medical Technology (MT), Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT), or a related biological, biomedical, or chemical science field.
- It is not required to work in our lab, but ASCP, ASCP-BOC, AMT, AAB, or equivalent professional certification is highly preferred. Prior experience in a reference laboratory, hospital laboratory, veterinary diagnostic laboratory, research laboratory, or high-volume clinical testing environment.
- Qualified applicants must have comprehensive academic training and hands-on clinical experience in: Hematology, Chemistry, Microbiology, Immunology/Serology, Urinalysis and Cytology. Ideally, you will have a strong skillset in two or more of these departments (Cross-Trained Technologist).
- You have a skillset utilizing the following analyzers: Beckman, Sysmex, Novus, Immulite, Hamilton, Cellavision, etc. This would include maintenance as well as daily start up and troubleshooting.
- Ideally, you will have experience setting up, running, reading lab tests, operating laboratory equipment using microscopes, pipetting and / or clinical diagnostic analyzers. You are able to run and maintain various analyzers and have a skillset in calibration, troubleshooting and performing quality control on automated laboratory analyzers and instrumentation.
- You have a positive attitude and love to bring that energy into the lab every day to support your colleagues and look forward to working in a team.
- You concentrate on details and can work reliably, precisely and take pride in your attention to detail. You are aware that each specimen in our labs is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact by contributing accurate diagnostics that support patient and animal health outcomes.
- Able to meet the physical requirements that go with working in a lab – standing and sitting for extended periods of time, phone & computer use, extended reach, lifting up to 50lb, and specific vision ability – close, color, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
- This is a laboratory, so there is potential exposure to biohazards, agents known to cause zoonotic diseases, and hazardous chemicals.
What you can expect from us:
- Hourly rates targeting: $30 / hr (will be skillset based)
- Employees who work the majority of their shift during 3rd shift hours are eligible for hourly shift differential
- Opportunity for annual cash bonus and merit pay increase consideration
- Health / Dental / Vision benefits from day one
- 5% matching 401k
- On-the-job training and career advancement opportunities
- Additional benefits including but not limited to financial support, pet insurance, mental health resources, volunteer paid days off, employee stock program, foundation donation matching, and more
- The opportunity to do meaningful work where you positively impact the lives of people and pets all over the world
Schedule:
- This position is available during 1st & 3rd Shifts
- The hours could vary and will be based on the needs of the lab
- Highly qualified candidates can work with the hiring team on a schedule that suits you as well as our laboratory team
- This is a full time, 40/hr per week, benefitted position
- Reliable and dependable attendance is an essential function of the position.
Why IDEXX:
We’re proud of the work we do, because our work matters. An innovation leader in every industry we serve since 1983, our team members help pet owners worldwide keep their companion animals healthy and happy, ensure safe drinking water for billions, and help farmers protect livestock and poultry from disease.
We have customers in over 175 countries and a collaborative global workforce. Our culture is one that embraces challenges and encourages learning and discovery. At IDEXX, you’ll be supported by competitive compensation, incentives, and benefits while enjoying purposeful work that drives improvement.
Knowing our work makes a meaningful impact on the health and well-being of pets and people is what motivates us every day. If meaningful work and a sense of purpose are at the top of your list, you’ll find it here.
Let’s pursue what matters together.
IDEXX values a diverse workforce and workplace and strongly encourages women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply.
IDEXX is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, or any protected category prohibited by local, state, or federal laws.
Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa for this role.
As a Laboratory Technician, you will work on site in our IRVINE, CA lab.
Does this sound like the opportunity for you? Apply today!
#LI-JO1
See All 362+ Laboratory Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Laboratory JobsLaboratory Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Laboratory Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Kaiser Permanente23
- Providence21
- Sutter Health16
- UCLA Health9
- Adventist Health9
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
- Technology & Software
- Medical Devices
- Education
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in laboratory jobs across California.
- California Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) license issued by CDPH for clinical roles
- Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, or a closely related science
- Proficiency with laboratory instrumentation such as PCR, HPLC, flow cytometry, or mass spectrometry
- Experience following Good Laboratory Practice or Good Manufacturing Practice guidelines
- Strong documentation skills and familiarity with laboratory information management systems
- Ability to work in a regulated environment and adhere to California and federal safety protocols
Laboratory Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a laboratory in California?
The path depends on the type of laboratory work you pursue. For clinical laboratory roles, California requires a Clinical Laboratory Scientist license issued by the California Department of Public Health, which requires a bachelor's degree in a biological or chemical science plus a supervised training program and passing the required exam. Research and industrial lab positions typically require at minimum a bachelor's degree in a relevant science, with no state license required but relevant certifications strengthening candidacy.
Which companies hire laboratorys in California?
Employers hiring laboratorys in California right now include Kaiser Permanente, Providence, and Sutter Health, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. California's deep biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry means many of these employers are concentrated in San Diego's Torrey Pines corridor, the Bay Area, and the greater Los Angeles area.
Which California cities have the most laboratory jobs?
Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco lead California in laboratory job openings. San Diego and the Bay Area drive the concentration through their established biotech and pharmaceutical clusters, while Los Angeles adds volume through its large hospital networks, environmental testing firms, and university research institutions that generate consistent hiring across specialties.
Are there remote laboratory jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. Most laboratory work requires hands-on instrument use, sample handling, or regulated facility access that cannot be done remotely. About 9% of laboratory openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, and those positions tend to be in data analysis, bioinformatics, regulatory affairs, or laboratory management rather than bench science.
How can I get hired as a laboratory in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry point is applying for a laboratory assistant or lab technician role, which typically requires only an associate's or bachelor's degree and no prior work history. Large California health systems such as Dignity Health and UCLA Health run new-graduate programs and phlebotomy-to-CLS training pathways. Completing a California CDPH-approved clinical training program while enrolled strengthens any application significantly, and moving laterally from a related role such as a pharmacy technician or specimen processor is a well-worn path into the field.
Where can I find and apply to laboratory jobs in California?
You can find and apply to laboratory jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers hiring in the state right now. Search the listings, find roles that match your background and target location, and apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 362+ Laboratory Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Laboratory Jobs