Laboratory Jobs in New Mexico
Laboratory jobs in New Mexico are concentrated in Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Las Cruces, where demand runs from entry-level lab technicians to senior research scientists. Major employers with a lasting presence include Sandia National Laboratories, Los Alamos National Laboratory, and Presbyterian Healthcare Services, each maintaining active laboratory hiring across clinical, research, and environmental disciplines. The most in-demand specialties are clinical chemistry, environmental testing, and nuclear and radiological analysis, reflecting the state's unique mix of federal research missions and healthcare infrastructure. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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Schedule: Tuesday-Friday 0730-1800 and other shifts as needed.
Location: UNM Cancer Center
Salary/Hourly: Hourly Position
Job Summary: Under general supervision, performs waived, moderate or high complexity laboratory tests for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment of disease. Performs maintenance, basic troubleshooting and repairs of laboratory equipment. Runs and evaluates quality control testing to ensure equipment is functional prior to patient testing. May assist with the implementation and oversight of waived point of care testing. Staff in this job description meet the qualifications for designation as “Testing Personnel” for moderate and high complexity testing under CLIA regulations.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
1. Performs/results and documents clinical laboratory testing exercising independent judgment and responsibility.
2. Notes abnormal patient results and informs supervisor, pathologist, or principal investigator as appropriate.
3. Operates laboratory equipment, interfaces and instruments, performs and documents basic maintenance procedures.
4. Performs routine logging for QC/QA purposes. Collects and compiles QA data as directed. Monitors QC for trends and takes and documents corrective action as needed or directed.
5. Performs troubleshooting procedures. Identifies testing problems and recommends appropriate solutions using defined guidelines.
6. Actively participates in regulatory inspections.
7. Takes inventory as needed or appropriate. Orders supplies for the Section/Department as directed.
8. Assists with training of new staff and/or students.
9. Serves as a liaison with internal and external customers/employees/clients.
10. Depending on the site or department, may participate in the POCT oversight program including but not limited to;
a) training lab and non-lab personnel in the use of waived testing.
b) Troubleshoot the performance of waived testing, including IT connectivity issues.
c) Review the quality performance of waived testing.
d) Participate in the implementation, including validation, if necessary, of waived testing.
11. Depending on the site or department, may collect specimens such as blood, urine, sputum and other body fluids and prepare for analysis.
The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this classification. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required of personnel so classified.
Minimum Qualifications:
Selected candidates for the TriCore Laboratory Scientist position will be placed into LS I, LS II, LS III, or LS IV based on education and experience as follows:
Laboratory Scientist I:
- Bachelor’s degree in biological, or chemical science from an accredited institution. Note- Candidate may qualify with a Bachelor’s degree in physical sciences through December 31, 2024, or
- Associate’s degree in laboratory science (biology or chemistry) or medical laboratory technology from an accredited institution, or
- Have education and training equivalent to an associate degree in a laboratory science, or medical laboratory technology from an accredited institution that includes -
(1) 24 semester hours of medical laboratory technology courses; or
(2) 24 semester hours of science courses that include -
(i) Six semester hours of chemistry.
(ii) Six semester hours of biology; and
(iii) Twelve semester hours of chemistry, biology, or medical laboratory technology in any combination, or
- Have previously qualified or could have qualified as a technologist under CLIA regulations on or before February 28, 1992
No experience required.
Laboratory Scientist II:
Must meet one of the following:
- Bachelor’s degree in clinical laboratory science, medical laboratory science, or medical technology from an accredited Institution. No experience required, or
- Bachelor’s degree in biology, or chemistry science from an accredited institution AND two years’ direct clinical laboratory experience, Note: bachelor’s degree in physical science acceptable if completed prior to December 31, 2024, or
• Associate’s degree in laboratory science (biology or chemistry) or medical laboratory technology from an accredited institution AND two years’ direct clinical laboratory experience, or • Two years’ direct clinical laboratory experience AND have education and training equivalent to an associate degree in a laboratory science, or medical laboratory technology from an accredited institution that includes -
At least 60 semester hours, or equivalent, from an accredited institution that, at a minimum, include either -
(1) 24 semester hours of medical laboratory technology courses; or
(2) 24 semester hours of science courses that include -
(i) Six semester hours of chemistry.
(ii) Six semester hours of biology; and
(iii) Twelve semester hours of chemistry, biology, or medical laboratory technology in any combination, or
- Two years’ direct clinical laboratory experience AND have previously qualified or could have qualified as a technologist under CLIA regulations on or before February 28, 1992, or
- Successful completion of a U.S. military medical laboratory training course AND bachelor’s degree in biology or chemistry AND one year of direct clinical laboratory testing experience.
Laboratory Scientist III:
Must meet one of the following:
- Two years of Laboratory Scientist II at TriCore, or
- Bachelor’s degree in biology, or chemistry science from an accredited institution AND four years’ direct clinical laboratory experience, Note bachelor’s degree in physical science is acceptable if completed prior to December 31, 2024 or
- Bachelor’s degree in clinical laboratory science, medical laboratory science, or medical technology from an accredited Institution, AND two years’ direct clinical laboratory experience, or
- Successful completion of a U.S. military medical laboratory training course AND bachelor’s degree in biology or chemistry AND three years of direct clinical laboratory testing experience, or
• Associate’s degree in laboratory science (biology or chemistry) or medical laboratory technology from an accredited institution AND four years’ direct clinical laboratory experience, or •
Four year’s direct clinical laboratory experience AND have education and training equivalent to an associate degree in a laboratory science, or medical laboratory technology from an accredited institution that includes -
At least 60 semester hours, or equivalent, from an accredited institution that, at a minimum, include either -
(1) 24 semester hours of medical laboratory technology courses; or
(2) 24 semester hours of science courses that include -
(i) Six semester hours of chemistry.
(ii) Six semester hours of biology; and
(iii) Twelve semester hours of chemistry, biology, or medical laboratory technology in any combination, or
- Four years’ direct clinical laboratory experience AND have previously qualified or could have qualified as a technologist under CLIA regulations on or before February 28, 1992
Laboratory Scientist IV:
Must meet one of the following:
- Bachelor’s degree in clinical laboratory science, medical laboratory science, or medical technology from an accredited Institution, AND four years’ direct clinical laboratory experience, or
- Bachelor’s degree in biology, or chemistry science from an accredited institution AND four years’ direct clinical laboratory experience.
PREFERENCES*: ASCP or AMT certification as a BB, C, CG, H, M, MB, MLT, MLS, SBB, SC, SCYM, SH, SM, or SMB, or ADLM Certification in POCT, or ACHI certification as CHA,CHT or CHS, or NRCC Certification as a Toxicological Chemist or Toxicological Technologist
- Certification required for LS IV placement
IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS: Prove immunity to Hepatitis B or be immunized or sign a waiver refusing hepatitis immunization. Provide documentation of a tuberculosis (TB) test conducted not more than 90 days prior to date of hire or have a TB test conducted.
IN DEPARTMENTS/LOCATIONS WITH DIRECT PATIENT CONTACT: Prove immunity or be eligible to receive rubella, rubeola and varicella immunization.
TriCore is New Mexico’s largest laboratory, employing more than 1,400 individuals who serve in a broad range of positions. We are dedicated to improving the quality of care for our communities, and also our employees. We foster a culture of integrity, are dedicated to excellence, and are looking for passionate individuals with a desire to have an impact in patient care, the core of our strategy. We offer excellent benefits including, medical, dental, vision and life insurances, 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching, PTO, and paid holidays, as well as opportunities for continuous learning, education assistance, wellness programs, career advancement, and the ability to share in our genuine commitment to the health of our communities. We offer a variety of shifts at multiple locations.
Schedule: Tuesday-Friday 0730-1800 and other shifts as needed.
Location: UNM Cancer Center
Salary/Hourly: Hourly Position
Job Summary: Under general supervision, performs waived, moderate or high complexity laboratory tests for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment of disease. Performs maintenance, basic troubleshooting and repairs of laboratory equipment. Runs and evaluates quality control testing to ensure equipment is functional prior to patient testing. May assist with the implementation and oversight of waived point of care testing. Staff in this job description meet the qualifications for designation as “Testing Personnel” for moderate and high complexity testing under CLIA regulations.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
1. Performs/results and documents clinical laboratory testing exercising independent judgment and responsibility.
2. Notes abnormal patient results and informs supervisor, pathologist, or principal investigator as appropriate.
3. Operates laboratory equipment, interfaces and instruments, performs and documents basic maintenance procedures.
4. Performs routine logging for QC/QA purposes. Collects and compiles QA data as directed. Monitors QC for trends and takes and documents corrective action as needed or directed.
5. Performs troubleshooting procedures. Identifies testing problems and recommends appropriate solutions using defined guidelines.
6. Actively participates in regulatory inspections.
7. Takes inventory as needed or appropriate. Orders supplies for the Section/Department as directed.
8. Assists with training of new staff and/or students.
9. Serves as a liaison with internal and external customers/employees/clients.
10. Depending on the site or department, may participate in the POCT oversight program including but not limited to;
a) training lab and non-lab personnel in the use of waived testing.
b) Troubleshoot the performance of waived testing, including IT connectivity issues.
c) Review the quality performance of waived testing.
d) Participate in the implementation, including validation, if necessary, of waived testing.
11. Depending on the site or department, may collect specimens such as blood, urine, sputum and other body fluids and prepare for analysis.
The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this classification. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required of personnel so classified.
Minimum Qualifications:
Selected candidates for the TriCore Laboratory Scientist position will be placed into LS I, LS II, LS III, or LS IV based on education and experience as follows:
Laboratory Scientist I:
- Bachelor’s degree in biological, or chemical science from an accredited institution. Note- Candidate may qualify with a Bachelor’s degree in physical sciences through December 31, 2024, or
- Associate’s degree in laboratory science (biology or chemistry) or medical laboratory technology from an accredited institution, or
- Have education and training equivalent to an associate degree in a laboratory science, or medical laboratory technology from an accredited institution that includes -
(1) 24 semester hours of medical laboratory technology courses; or
(2) 24 semester hours of science courses that include -
(i) Six semester hours of chemistry.
(ii) Six semester hours of biology; and
(iii) Twelve semester hours of chemistry, biology, or medical laboratory technology in any combination, or
- Have previously qualified or could have qualified as a technologist under CLIA regulations on or before February 28, 1992
No experience required.
Laboratory Scientist II:
Must meet one of the following:
- Bachelor’s degree in clinical laboratory science, medical laboratory science, or medical technology from an accredited Institution. No experience required, or
- Bachelor’s degree in biology, or chemistry science from an accredited institution AND two years’ direct clinical laboratory experience, Note: bachelor’s degree in physical science acceptable if completed prior to December 31, 2024, or
• Associate’s degree in laboratory science (biology or chemistry) or medical laboratory technology from an accredited institution AND two years’ direct clinical laboratory experience, or • Two years’ direct clinical laboratory experience AND have education and training equivalent to an associate degree in a laboratory science, or medical laboratory technology from an accredited institution that includes -
At least 60 semester hours, or equivalent, from an accredited institution that, at a minimum, include either -
(1) 24 semester hours of medical laboratory technology courses; or
(2) 24 semester hours of science courses that include -
(i) Six semester hours of chemistry.
(ii) Six semester hours of biology; and
(iii) Twelve semester hours of chemistry, biology, or medical laboratory technology in any combination, or
- Two years’ direct clinical laboratory experience AND have previously qualified or could have qualified as a technologist under CLIA regulations on or before February 28, 1992, or
- Successful completion of a U.S. military medical laboratory training course AND bachelor’s degree in biology or chemistry AND one year of direct clinical laboratory testing experience.
Laboratory Scientist III:
Must meet one of the following:
- Two years of Laboratory Scientist II at TriCore, or
- Bachelor’s degree in biology, or chemistry science from an accredited institution AND four years’ direct clinical laboratory experience, Note bachelor’s degree in physical science is acceptable if completed prior to December 31, 2024 or
- Bachelor’s degree in clinical laboratory science, medical laboratory science, or medical technology from an accredited Institution, AND two years’ direct clinical laboratory experience, or
- Successful completion of a U.S. military medical laboratory training course AND bachelor’s degree in biology or chemistry AND three years of direct clinical laboratory testing experience, or
• Associate’s degree in laboratory science (biology or chemistry) or medical laboratory technology from an accredited institution AND four years’ direct clinical laboratory experience, or •
Four year’s direct clinical laboratory experience AND have education and training equivalent to an associate degree in a laboratory science, or medical laboratory technology from an accredited institution that includes -
At least 60 semester hours, or equivalent, from an accredited institution that, at a minimum, include either -
(1) 24 semester hours of medical laboratory technology courses; or
(2) 24 semester hours of science courses that include -
(i) Six semester hours of chemistry.
(ii) Six semester hours of biology; and
(iii) Twelve semester hours of chemistry, biology, or medical laboratory technology in any combination, or
- Four years’ direct clinical laboratory experience AND have previously qualified or could have qualified as a technologist under CLIA regulations on or before February 28, 1992
Laboratory Scientist IV:
Must meet one of the following:
- Bachelor’s degree in clinical laboratory science, medical laboratory science, or medical technology from an accredited Institution, AND four years’ direct clinical laboratory experience, or
- Bachelor’s degree in biology, or chemistry science from an accredited institution AND four years’ direct clinical laboratory experience.
PREFERENCES*: ASCP or AMT certification as a BB, C, CG, H, M, MB, MLT, MLS, SBB, SC, SCYM, SH, SM, or SMB, or ADLM Certification in POCT, or ACHI certification as CHA,CHT or CHS, or NRCC Certification as a Toxicological Chemist or Toxicological Technologist
- Certification required for LS IV placement
IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS: Prove immunity to Hepatitis B or be immunized or sign a waiver refusing hepatitis immunization. Provide documentation of a tuberculosis (TB) test conducted not more than 90 days prior to date of hire or have a TB test conducted.
IN DEPARTMENTS/LOCATIONS WITH DIRECT PATIENT CONTACT: Prove immunity or be eligible to receive rubella, rubeola and varicella immunization.
TriCore is New Mexico’s largest laboratory, employing more than 1,400 individuals who serve in a broad range of positions. We are dedicated to improving the quality of care for our communities, and also our employees. We foster a culture of integrity, are dedicated to excellence, and are looking for passionate individuals with a desire to have an impact in patient care, the core of our strategy. We offer excellent benefits including, medical, dental, vision and life insurances, 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching, PTO, and paid holidays, as well as opportunities for continuous learning, education assistance, wellness programs, career advancement, and the ability to share in our genuine commitment to the health of our communities. We offer a variety of shifts at multiple locations.
See All 55 Laboratory Jobs in New Mexico
Find roles in New Mexico that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Laboratory JobsLaboratory Jobs by City in New Mexico
Where New Mexico roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Laboratory Job Market in New Mexico
A snapshot from current New Mexico openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- TriCore Reference Laboratories15
- TRICORE12
- CHRISTUS Health7
- Covenant Health2
- State of New Mexico2
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
- Government & Public Sector
- Education
What New Mexico Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in laboratory jobs across New Mexico.
- Active New Mexico Medical Laboratory Scientist license or ASCP certification recognized in New Mexico
- Bachelor's degree in medical laboratory science, chemistry, biology, or a closely related field
- Hands-on experience operating analytical instruments such as mass spectrometers or automated analyzers
- Familiarity with laboratory information systems and quality control documentation procedures
- Knowledge of federal and state safety regulations including OSHA bloodborne pathogen standards
- Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate chain-of-custody records
Laboratory Jobs in New Mexico: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a laboratory in New Mexico?
To work as a clinical laboratory scientist in New Mexico, you must hold a license issued by the New Mexico Department of Health Clinical Laboratory Program. Licensure requires a bachelor's degree in medical laboratory science or a related field and passing a nationally recognized exam such as the ASCP Board of Certification. Environmental and research laboratory roles may not require state licensure but typically require relevant coursework and employer-specific certifications before hire.
Which companies hire laboratorys in New Mexico?
Employers hiring laboratorys in New Mexico right now include TriCore Reference Laboratories, TRICORE, and CHRISTUS Health, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. New Mexico's federal research sector, anchored by national laboratories and defense contractors, means a meaningful share of openings are with government-affiliated institutions alongside hospital systems and environmental testing firms.
Which New Mexico cities have the most laboratory jobs?
Albuquerque, Los Lunas, and Santa Fe have the most laboratory openings in New Mexico. Albuquerque drives the largest share due to Presbyterian Healthcare Services, University of New Mexico Health Sciences, and a cluster of environmental and commercial labs, while Los Alamos and surrounding areas reflect consistent demand from Los Alamos National Laboratory and its network of research contractors.
Are there remote laboratory jobs in New Mexico?
Yes, but they are rare. Most laboratory work requires physical presence to operate instruments, handle specimens, or maintain chain-of-custody protocols. About 17% of laboratory openings tied to New Mexico are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, and those positions tend to be in data review, laboratory information systems administration, or quality assurance roles that do not require direct bench work.
How can I get hired as a laboratory in New Mexico with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for a laboratory assistant or specimen processing technician role at a New Mexico hospital or reference lab, which typically requires no licensure and provides supervised on-the-job training. Presbyterian Healthcare Services and University of New Mexico Hospitals run new-graduate and student extern programs that transition into full technician roles. Completing a phlebotomy or medical assistant certification from a New Mexico community college strengthens applications significantly at these institutions.
Where can I find and apply to laboratory jobs in New Mexico?
You can find and apply to laboratory jobs in New Mexico on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers across the state. Search the listings to find roles that match your specialty, experience level, and preferred location, then apply directly to the ones that fit your background.
See All 55 Laboratory Jobs in New Mexico
Find roles in New Mexico that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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