Medical Laboratory Technician Jobs in California
Medical laboratory technician jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in hospital systems, large reference laboratories, and public health agencies, with openings from entry-level positions through senior and lead technician roles. Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego are the largest hiring metros, anchored by institutions like Kaiser Permanente, Cedars-Sinai, and Quest Diagnostics. The most in-demand specialties are clinical chemistry, hematology, and microbiology. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 10+ Medical Laboratory Technician jobs
INTRODUCTION
The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) advances the discovery and sharing of scientific knowledge to benefit us all. As a biomedical research organization and philanthropy, HHMI supports a vibrant community of academic researchers, educators, students, and professionals. Together, we’re unlocking the fundamentals of biology and building an open, inclusive future for science.
We have an outstanding opportunity for a Research Technician to join the lab team of Dr. Li Ye at the Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla, CA. The lab focuses on combining neuroscience, molecular metabolism, and chemical biology to understand the nervous systems and somatic tissues as an integrated network while focusing on the energetics as a fundamental mechanism underlying their relationship and interactions, in normal physiology and disease conditions. More information about the lab and their work can be found by visiting https://www.ye-lab.org/
ABOUT THE RESEARCH TECHNICIAN ROLE
As the Research Technician, you will work closely with a postdoctoral scientist and others on the team in the execution of research projects. You will be responsible for behavioral assays, live brain imaging experiments with mice, mouse surgery support, and other relevant tasks. This would be an ideal position for a highly motivated candidate who is seeking a robust career experience for a minimum of 2 years before moving on to the next chapter of their educational or professional journey.
The lab has flexibility to hire at a variety of experience levels. Salary will be commensurate with the chosen candidate’s level of education, skills, and experience.
WHAT WE PROVIDE:
- An interdisciplinary, collegial lab that values innovation, intellectual curiosity, learning, and cross-functional collaboration.
- Opportunities for authorship/co-authorship on research publications.
- Direct mentorship and support from Dr. Ye and other members of the team.
- The opportunity to learn state-of-the-art brain imaging techniques.
- Access to scientific talks and seminars at Scripps Research Institute.
- A competitive compensation package with comprehensive health and wellness benefits.
WHAT YOU’LL DO:
- Under the direction of a postdoctoral scientist, perform experimental procedures including behavioral assays, live brain imaging with mice, and mouse surgery support.
- Contribute to general lab duties including cleanliness, organization, safety, and compliance with institutional policies.
- Participate in departmental and other relevant seminar series, lab sub-groups, and other pertinent activities.
WHAT YOU BRING:
- A bachelor’s degree in the biological sciences is required. A focus on neuroscience or a closely related discipline is strongly preferred.
- Previous hands-on experience in laboratory research is required. Experience in a neuroscience lab is strongly preferred.
- Experience with handling mice in a laboratory environment is required.
- Experience with sterile technique, histology, animal surgery, and/or animal drug injection is preferred.
- Outstanding organizational skills and documentation capabilities.
- Strong interpersonal and decision-making skills.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Experience with laboratory safety and ability to adhere to EH&S hazardous biological and chemical safety requirements.
- A commitment to follow all laboratory standard operating procedures, proactively identify and address issues and/or troubleshoot with other laboratory personnel when necessary.
- Positive attitude with a strategic, adaptive, and resourceful approach to problem-solving.
- Strong commitment to research integrity.
- Ability and willingness to learn to perform new techniques.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Please make sure to include a cover letter detailing your interest in this role as part of your application.
COMPENSATION
- Research Technician II (hourly) – $22.00 (minimum) – $27.50 (midpoint) – $35.75 (maximum)
- Research Technician III (salary) – $54,230 (minimum) – $67,800 (midpoint) – $88,110 (maximum)
Physical Requirements
Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about workspace. The position requires mobility, including the ability to move materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet). Work may involve possible exposure to malodorous vapors, low dose radiation, contamination by toxic chemicals and acids and presence of carcinogenic substances or other hazardous materials.
Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.
PLEASE NOTE:
This job description sets forth the job’s principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however. Unless they begin with the word “may,” the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are “essential functions” of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act. #LI-NG1
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
Our employees are compensated from a total rewards perspective in many ways for their contributions to our mission, including competitive pay, exceptional health benefits, retirement plans, time off, and a range of recognition and wellness programs. Visit our Benefits at HHMI site to learn more.
HHMI IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
We use E-Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires.
INTRODUCTION
The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) advances the discovery and sharing of scientific knowledge to benefit us all. As a biomedical research organization and philanthropy, HHMI supports a vibrant community of academic researchers, educators, students, and professionals. Together, we’re unlocking the fundamentals of biology and building an open, inclusive future for science.
We have an outstanding opportunity for a Research Technician to join the lab team of Dr. Li Ye at the Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla, CA. The lab focuses on combining neuroscience, molecular metabolism, and chemical biology to understand the nervous systems and somatic tissues as an integrated network while focusing on the energetics as a fundamental mechanism underlying their relationship and interactions, in normal physiology and disease conditions. More information about the lab and their work can be found by visiting https://www.ye-lab.org/
ABOUT THE RESEARCH TECHNICIAN ROLE
As the Research Technician, you will work closely with a postdoctoral scientist and others on the team in the execution of research projects. You will be responsible for behavioral assays, live brain imaging experiments with mice, mouse surgery support, and other relevant tasks. This would be an ideal position for a highly motivated candidate who is seeking a robust career experience for a minimum of 2 years before moving on to the next chapter of their educational or professional journey.
The lab has flexibility to hire at a variety of experience levels. Salary will be commensurate with the chosen candidate’s level of education, skills, and experience.
WHAT WE PROVIDE:
- An interdisciplinary, collegial lab that values innovation, intellectual curiosity, learning, and cross-functional collaboration.
- Opportunities for authorship/co-authorship on research publications.
- Direct mentorship and support from Dr. Ye and other members of the team.
- The opportunity to learn state-of-the-art brain imaging techniques.
- Access to scientific talks and seminars at Scripps Research Institute.
- A competitive compensation package with comprehensive health and wellness benefits.
WHAT YOU’LL DO:
- Under the direction of a postdoctoral scientist, perform experimental procedures including behavioral assays, live brain imaging with mice, and mouse surgery support.
- Contribute to general lab duties including cleanliness, organization, safety, and compliance with institutional policies.
- Participate in departmental and other relevant seminar series, lab sub-groups, and other pertinent activities.
WHAT YOU BRING:
- A bachelor’s degree in the biological sciences is required. A focus on neuroscience or a closely related discipline is strongly preferred.
- Previous hands-on experience in laboratory research is required. Experience in a neuroscience lab is strongly preferred.
- Experience with handling mice in a laboratory environment is required.
- Experience with sterile technique, histology, animal surgery, and/or animal drug injection is preferred.
- Outstanding organizational skills and documentation capabilities.
- Strong interpersonal and decision-making skills.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Experience with laboratory safety and ability to adhere to EH&S hazardous biological and chemical safety requirements.
- A commitment to follow all laboratory standard operating procedures, proactively identify and address issues and/or troubleshoot with other laboratory personnel when necessary.
- Positive attitude with a strategic, adaptive, and resourceful approach to problem-solving.
- Strong commitment to research integrity.
- Ability and willingness to learn to perform new techniques.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Please make sure to include a cover letter detailing your interest in this role as part of your application.
COMPENSATION
- Research Technician II (hourly) – $22.00 (minimum) – $27.50 (midpoint) – $35.75 (maximum)
- Research Technician III (salary) – $54,230 (minimum) – $67,800 (midpoint) – $88,110 (maximum)
Physical Requirements
Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about workspace. The position requires mobility, including the ability to move materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet). Work may involve possible exposure to malodorous vapors, low dose radiation, contamination by toxic chemicals and acids and presence of carcinogenic substances or other hazardous materials.
Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.
PLEASE NOTE:
This job description sets forth the job’s principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however. Unless they begin with the word “may,” the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are “essential functions” of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act. #LI-NG1
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
Our employees are compensated from a total rewards perspective in many ways for their contributions to our mission, including competitive pay, exceptional health benefits, retirement plans, time off, and a range of recognition and wellness programs. Visit our Benefits at HHMI site to learn more.
HHMI IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
We use E-Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires.
See All 10 Medical Laboratory Technician Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsMedical Laboratory Technician Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Medical Laboratory Technician Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Genentech2
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute2
- Scripps Research2
- California Institute of Technology1
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI)1
Top Industries Hiring
- Science & Research5
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals4
- Education1
- Healthcare & Medical Services1
- Medical Devices1
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in medical laboratory technician jobs across California.
- California Laboratory Field Services license or eligibility under the California Department of Public Health
- Associate degree or higher in clinical laboratory science or a closely related field
- ASCP Board of Certification as a Medical Laboratory Technician preferred or required
- Hands-on experience with hematology, clinical chemistry, and microbiology analyzers
- Proficiency with laboratory information systems such as Epic Beaker or Cerner PathNet
- Ability to work rotating shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays in a clinical setting
Medical Laboratory Technician Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a medical laboratory technician in California?
To work as a medical laboratory technician in California, you must obtain a state license issued by the California Department of Public Health Laboratory Field Services. The standard path is completing an accredited associate degree in clinical laboratory science or a closely related program, then passing a qualifying examination such as the ASCP MLT certification exam. California's licensing requirement sets it apart from many other states and applies to nearly all clinical laboratory settings.
Which companies hire medical laboratory technicians in California?
Employers hiring medical laboratory technicians in California right now include Genentech, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, and Scripps Research, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's dense network of integrated health systems and large commercial reference laboratories means consistent openings across both hospital-based and outpatient laboratory settings throughout the state.
Which California cities have the most medical laboratory technician jobs?
San Diego, San Francisco, and Berkeley have the most medical laboratory technician openings in California. Los Angeles and San Diego drive volume through their large academic medical centers and health system campuses, while San Francisco's concentration of teaching hospitals and research institutions anchors the Bay Area market and draws consistent demand for laboratory staff.
Are there remote medical laboratory technician jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. Medical laboratory technician work is fundamentally hands-on, requiring direct operation of analyzers and handling of patient specimens on-site. About 0% of medical laboratory technician openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, and those positions typically cover administrative, quality assurance, or laboratory information system support functions rather than bench work.
How can I get hired as a medical laboratory technician in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a laboratory assistant or phlebotomist role at a California hospital system or reference laboratory, which puts you on the floor while you complete your licensing requirements. Kaiser Permanente and large academic health systems in Los Angeles and the Bay Area run new-graduate training programs and offer internal advancement from phlebotomy and specimen processing into technician roles. Holding your California Department of Public Health license application in progress and an ASCP student membership gives your application a clear edge over candidates without either.
Where can I find and apply to medical laboratory technician jobs in California?
You can find and apply to medical laboratory technician jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings. Find roles that fit your experience and location, then apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 10 Medical Laboratory Technician Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Jobs