Laboratory Specialist Visa Sponsorship Jobs in California
Laboratory specialist visa sponsorship jobs in California span the state's leading biotech corridors in San Diego, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Los Angeles. Major employers include Genentech, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Bio-Rad Laboratories, and university-affiliated research centers. California's dense concentration of pharmaceutical and life sciences companies makes it one of the most active states for laboratory specialist hiring.
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Job Summary
The Clinical Laboratory Scientist Specialist in Transfusion Services will be responsible for performing all aspects of test method validation; writing SOPs for validated methods and revising SOPs for existing method; troubleshooting Transfusion Services analyzers and manual method tests; and providing and monitoring training and competency assessment for all Transfusion Services staff. Incumbent will also serve as the Teaching Coordinator for CLS/MLT students and Pathology residents.
Apply By Date: 11/15/2026 at 11:59pm PST: Interviews may occur at any time. We will consider applications as they arrive, until the position is filled.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- California State License for Clinical Laboratory Science or equivalent specialty license as defined in Division 2, Chapter 3 of the California Business and Professional Code, such as a Clinical Microbiologist Scientist, Clinical Chemistry Scientist, Clinical Hematology Scientist, or Clinical Immuno Hematology Scientist, if working only in those subspecialties.
- Must possess California State Issued Clinical Laboratory Science license. California State License for Clinical Laboratory Technology, or equivalent specialty license or certificate such as a Public Health Microbiologist, Clinical Chemistry Scientist, Clinical Hematology Scientist, or Clinical ImmunoHematology Scientist, if working only in those subspecialties, must be current and renewed as required. The incumbent is also required to acquire 24 units of continuing education biannually as required to maintain license.
- Bachelor's Degree.
- Possess at least 2 years of experience and technical knowledge in Transfusion Services laboratory testing.
- Knowledge of hospital and laboratory regulations and requirements (e.g. CDPH, CAP, TJC, AABB, FDA, NAACLS, FACT, OSHA) for testing and laboratory safety.
- Ability to recognize processes that could lead to failures; ability to resolve and report errors and aberrant results appropriately.
- Possess technical knowledge to troubleshoot instrument/equipment problems and utilize appropriate resources to resolve problems.
- Knowledge of quality assurance, quality system essentials, continuous quality improvement, metrics, data analysis and audit processes.
- Experience performing method validations.
- Experience writing clear technical reports and/or policies and procedures.
- Knowledge of personal computer, word processing, data management, spreadsheet software, Laboratory Information System (LIS) and Electronic Medical Record (EMR).
- Outstanding communication skills, including the ability to lead discussions, articulate test procedures and to interact with medical providers and staff.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience working with principles of quality control and quality assurance; ability to recognize processes that could lead to test failures.
- Knowledge of personal computer, word processing, data management, spreadsheet software, Laboratory Information System (LIS) and Electronic Medical Record (EMR).
- Experience with regulatory requirements pertaining to the clinical laboratory.
- Organizational and time management skills to independently manage an extensive and varied workload to meet multiple deadlines; achieve timely progress on multiple simultaneous projects.
- Ability to work well under pressure and remain flexible in changing work environment.
- Ability to utilize effective listening and questioning techniques to educate trainees, residents and physicians in clear and concise manner.
- Excellent data collection, data analysis/interpretation, and presentation skills.
- Ability to maintain the security of confidential information, exercise judgment, tact and discretion in handling sensitive or confidential information and situations.
- Ability to function and work in a diverse work environment.
Key Responsibilities
- 30% - TECHNICAL RESPONSIBILITIES
- 25% - EDUCATION
- 20% - QUALITY MANAGEMENT
- 15% - RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND EDUCATION
- 10% - DOCUMENT CONTROL
Department Overview
The Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine is a large, diverse, multi-site department whose mission is to create a healthier world through bold innovation in public health, education, technology and research. UC Davis is leading the way in diagnosing, treating, and ultimately preventing disease. Pathology brings these efforts together with education and patient care to transform the field. This position sets the highest standards for professionalism and competency in providing high quality customer service, diagnostic and therapeutic care to patients within UCDHS and its affiliates. Our laboratories are licensed by the State of California, certified by CLIA, accredited by College of American Pathologists (CAP), AABB, and Foundation for Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT), and located in three distinct facilities: 1) Surgery and Emergency Services Pavilion (SESP); 2) Pathology Building; and 3) Specialty Testing Center (STC). The department is one of UCDMC's largest ancillary services with annual gross revenues of over $415M, expenses of approximately $65M, and more than 350 overall employees in the department's clinical and academic sections. The Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine's mission is to provide high quality patient/physician services, to maintain excellence of the educational programs, and to perform scholarly research and development when appropriate. These objectives are to be met within the limits of resources available with emphasis on cost effectiveness and innovation.
POSITION INFORMATION
- Salary or Pay Range: $68.06-$89.76
- Salary Frequency: Hourly
- Salary Grade: 123
- UC Job Title: CLIN LAB SCI SPEC
- UC Job Code: 008939
- Number of Positions: 1
- Appointment Type: Staff: Career
- Percentage of Time: 100
- Shift (Work Schedule): Day shift
- Location: Surgery & Emergency Serv PAV (HSP010)
- Union Representation: HX-Healthcare Professionals
- Benefits Eligible: Yes
- This position is 100% on-site
Benefits
Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility by visiting UCnet Benefits Page or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees.
- High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs.
- UC pays for dental and vision coverage for you and your family.
- Retirement plans for eligible employees including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans.
- Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance, legal coverage, accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity.
- Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave, Adoption Assistance and Pay for Family Care and Bonding for eligible employees.
- Lactation Support Program and Family Care discounts and resources.
- Employee Well-being resources and programming to support thriving in all aspects of employee’s lives.
- On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services.
- Generous amount of paid Holidays annually as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements.
- Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements.
- Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Staff Education Reimbursement Program for eligible employees.
- Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer and Student Loan Debt Counseling Program for eligible employees.
Physical Demands
- Standing - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Walking - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Sitting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Lifting/Carrying over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
Environmental Demands
- Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Loud noise levels - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Microwave/Radiation - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Extreme Temperatures - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
Mental Demands
- Sustained attention and concentration - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Complex problem solving/reasoning - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Ability to organize & prioritize - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Communication skills - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Numerical skills - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Customer/Patient Contact - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
- Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
Work Environment
UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.
Incumbent must be willing to work variable shifts, take call as needed on days, evenings, nights, weekends, holidays and to work overtime within UCDMC Policy and Procedures; adhere to no smoking, dress code, tardiness, telephone, and safety policies and protocols. Incumbent will be occasionally assigned to serve as Lead CLS on duty.
Special Requirements – Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position
- This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment.
- This position is designated as a mandated reporter under CANRA and UC policy, and employment is contingent on compliance with applicable policies, procedures and training requirements.
Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.
A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging
At UC Davis, we’re committed to solving life’s most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.
As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.
To view the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination
Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role - or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere
To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks
Laboratory Specialist Job Roles in California
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Search Laboratory Specialist Jobs in CaliforniaLaboratory Specialist Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies sponsor visas for laboratory specialists in California?
California's biotech and pharmaceutical sector produces consistent H-1B visa and EB-2/EB-3 sponsorship activity for laboratory specialists. Companies with documented sponsorship history include Genentech, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Bio-Rad Laboratories, Illumina, Gilead Sciences, and Abbott. University-affiliated research institutions such as UCSF and UCLA also sponsor laboratory staff through academic employment pipelines. Sponsorship is most common at mid-size to large employers with established HR and immigration compliance infrastructure.
Which visa types realistically fit laboratory specialist roles in California?
Laboratory specialist roles that require a bachelor's degree in a directly related scientific field can qualify as a specialty occupation under the H-1B visa. Workers already in H-1B status can transfer to a new California employer once the new petition is filed. Chilean and Singaporean nationals may qualify under the H-1B1 visa. For longer-term paths, EB-2 requires an advanced degree or exceptional ability, while EB-3 covers skilled workers with two or more years of relevant experience, both using PERM labor certification. F-1 students may use OPT or, if their degree is STEM-designated, the 24-month STEM OPT extension.
How to find laboratory specialist visa sponsorship jobs in California?
Migrate Mate lists California employers with verified visa sponsorship history for laboratory specialist roles, searchable by city and specialty. Because sponsorship history is drawn from DOL Labor Condition Application filings, you can identify which employers in San Diego, the Bay Area, and Los Angeles have actively sponsored workers in science and research roles. Filtering by verified sponsors saves significant time compared to applying broadly and discovering sponsorship availability only late in the hiring process.
Which cities in California have the most laboratory specialist sponsorship jobs?
San Diego is California's most concentrated hub for laboratory specialist sponsorship, driven by its density of biotech and genomics companies including Illumina and Qiagen. The San Francisco Bay Area, particularly South San Francisco and the broader East Bay, is home to Genentech, Bio-Rad, and numerous clinical research organizations. Los Angeles supports laboratory roles across medical device, diagnostics, and academic medical center employers. Sacramento and the Central Valley have a smaller but active presence in agricultural and environmental laboratory sectors.
Are there state-specific factors that affect laboratory specialist sponsorship in California?
California's size and industry concentration create meaningful regional variation in sponsorship patterns. The state's strong university research ecosystem, including UC San Diego, UC San Francisco, UC Berkeley, and Caltech, generates a consistent pipeline of laboratory roles that progress from academic postings to industry positions with sponsorship. California also enforces its own wage and labor regulations that employers must satisfy alongside federal prevailing wage requirements under any sponsored visa category, so employers in the state are generally experienced with the full compliance process.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored laboratory specialist jobs in California?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.