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Biotechnology Lab Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Lab Robotics Engineer

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$175K - $235K/yr

Every team member at Plasmidsaurus plays a crucial role in driving the future of biotech research ... As a Lab Robotics Engineer at Plasmidsaurus, you will play a crucial role in automating and ...

Lab Robotics Engineer

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$85 - $120/hr

Every team member at Plasmidsaurus plays a crucial role in driving the future of biotech research ... As a Lab Robotics Engineer at Plasmidsaurus, you will play a crucial role in automating and ...

Lab Technician

San Diego, CA

$25 - $27.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Lab Technician - Flow Cell ManufacturingAbout the Opportunity Join an innovative biotechnology company at the forefront of advanced consumable manufacturing. As a Lab Technician - Flow Cell ...

This client is a German multinational Pharmaceutical and biotechnology company and one of the ... Job Title: US- Lab Assistant (Entry) Location: Berkeley,CA, 94710 Duration: 12 Months Work Type:

Director, Bioanalytics

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$203K - $284K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Vir Biotechnology, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on powering the ... Train senior scientists and associate scientists in lab techniques, data analysis, project ...

Lab Technician

Alameda, CA ยท On-site

$26 - $28/hr

Title: Lab Technician/ Complaint Investigations Tech Location: Alameda, CA- 94502 Duration: 6 ... Experience in Medical Device / Biotech Industry with a Technical Background is preferred.

Director, Bioanalytics

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$203K - $284K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

THE OPPORTUNITY Vir Biotechnology is seeking an experienced Director, Bioanalytical Science to ... Train senior scientists and associate scientists in lab techniques, data analysis, project ...

Lab Technician

Hayward, CA

$32 - $35/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... biotech, pharma, food safety, and more. With three specialized sites across California and Delaware ... The Lab Technician plays a key role in ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant sample processing ...

Lab Planner

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$110K - $150K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We're looking for a natural leader who thrives in the life science, biotech, high-tech laboratory ... As a lab planner and architect at DGA, you will: * Demonstrate creativity, passion and interest in ...

Lab Planner

San Diego, CA

$110K - $150K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We're looking for a natural leader who thrives in the life science, biotech, high-tech laboratory ... As a lab planner and architect at DGA, you will: * Demonstrate creativity, passion and interest in ...

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Showing results 1-20

Biotechnology Lab information

See California salary details

$9

$24

$44

How much do biotechnology lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for biotechnology lab in California is $24.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.99 and $27.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a biotechnology lab?

A biotechnology lab is a specialized facility where scientists and technicians conduct experiments and research involving biological systems, organisms, or derivatives to develop new products or technologies. These labs often focus on areas such as genetics, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and environmental science. Biotechnology labs are equipped with advanced tools and equipment to analyze DNA, manipulate cells, and produce biologically-based materials. The work done in these labs contributes to innovations in medicine, food production, and sustainable solutions for industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a biotechnology lab, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Biotechnology Lab, you need a strong background in biology, chemistry, and laboratory techniques, usually supported by a relevant degree in biotechnology or a related field. Familiarity with technical tools such as PCR machines, spectrophotometers, and data analysis software, along with safety certifications, is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are vital soft skills for success in this role. These competencies ensure accurate experimental results, maintain safety standards, and support innovative research in a collaborative environment.

What are some common challenges faced when working in a biotechnology lab, and how can they be managed?

Professionals in biotechnology labs often encounter challenges such as troubleshooting experimental protocols, maintaining strict contamination control, and adapting to rapidly changing technology. Managing these challenges requires strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication with teammates. Staying current with new laboratory methods and being proactive in seeking guidance from more experienced colleagues can also help overcome obstacles and ensure the success of projects.

What is the difference between Biotechnology Lab vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectBiotechnology LabLaboratory Technician
Required CredentialsBiotech degree or related certificationAssociate degree or certification in lab techniques
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, biotech companies, pharmaceutical firmsHospitals, research facilities, industrial labs
Employer & Industry UsageBiotech firms, research institutionsHealthcare, manufacturing, research institutions
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding biotech research rolesLab work in various industries

Biotechnology Lab roles focus on conducting research and experiments in biotech settings, often requiring specialized degrees. Laboratory Technicians perform routine lab tasks across various industries, including healthcare and manufacturing, with generally less specialized education. Both roles involve lab work but differ in scope, environment, and credentials.

Do biotechnology lab jobs require lab work?

Yes, biotechnology lab jobs typically require hands-on lab work involving techniques such as pipetting, culturing cells, and analyzing samples. Employees often use laboratory equipment and follow safety protocols as part of their daily responsibilities.

Is biotechnology lab a high paying career?

A career in a biotechnology lab can offer competitive salaries, especially for roles requiring advanced degrees, specialized skills, or experience with laboratory techniques and equipment. Salaries vary based on location, education, and level of responsibility, but many positions in biotechnology are considered well-paying within the scientific field.

What careers can you get with a biotechnology lab?

A biotechnology lab can lead to careers such as research scientist, laboratory technician, quality control analyst, bioprocess engineer, and regulatory affairs specialist. These roles typically require knowledge of laboratory techniques, scientific principles, and sometimes specialized certifications or degrees in biology, biochemistry, or related fields.

What are the most commonly searched types of Biotechnology Lab jobs in California?

The most popular types of Biotechnology Lab jobs in California are:

What job categories do people searching Biotechnology Lab jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Biotechnology Lab jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Biotechnology Lab job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,829 per year, or $24.9 per hour.

Lab Robotics Engineer

Plasmidsaurus Inc

San Francisco, CA โ€ข On-site

$175K - $235K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

About Plasmidsaurus
Plasmidsaurus is on a mission to accelerate new cures and promote a healthier planet by unlocking a new level of productivity for scientists. Our sequencing services are used daily by thousands of innovators, including Nobel laureates, Fortune 100 pharma, and over 70,000 scientists.
We began by revolutionizing plasmid sequencing, making it exponentially cheaper and faster, with innovative sequencing technologies and a global network of laboratories that turn samples into answers in hours, not weeks.
Now we are expanding that same disruptive model across all of genomics. With the launch of our new RNA-seq service, we are taking a bold step toward our vision to sequence everything, providing scientists everywhere with faster, simpler, and more affordable access to the data that powers discovery.
Every team member at Plasmidsaurus plays a crucial role in driving the future of biotech research. Together, we are building the world's most efficient sequencing engine that operates overnight, scales globally, and helps scientists make breakthroughs faster than ever before.
As a Lab Robotics Engineer at Plasmidsaurus, you will play a crucial role in automating and optimizing our sample processing pipeline. You'll be directly responsible for developing, deploying, and maintaining automation processes across our global network of labs.
Your responsibilities will span:
  • Writing production-quality Python code to control our robotic platforms, integrating with various lab instruments
  • Designing robotic systems using various hardware components and embedded systems, including Raspberry Pis, Arduinos, and custom-designed electronic & mechanical parts
  • Collaborating with our world-class scientists to productionize new lab protocols, leveraging your expertise in automation to scale and refine these processes
  • Building and managing a fleet of robots and monitoring systems to proactively identify and address issues with robots in the field

Culture
You are someone who:
  • Enjoys high agency and high ownership work
  • Is curious about learning from other people's expertise in scientific/biological domains
  • Is excited to make an impact on the scientific community, enabling the next generation of medicines, biotechnology, and even plant-based-meats!
  • Can lead projects from idea to production independently
  • Is a life-long learner
  • Is excited to work in a tight-knit fast-paced environment with a motivated team
  • Values clear communication and helping others learn new skills

Qualifications
  • BS, MS, or PhD in Computer Science, Robotics, Biology, or relevant work experience
  • 3+ years of experience programming in Python (web frameworks like Flask/Django a plus!)
  • Familiarity with molecular biology protocols with 1+ yrs lab experience
  • 1+ years of experience automating, optimizing and scaling lab procedures using liquid handling systems (OpenTrons, Hamilton, etc.) and lab robotics
  • Experience with orchestration and deploying software to multiple devices in the field (e.g. Docker, Ansible)
  • Experience with cloud platforms and infrastructure-as-code (e.g., AWS, Terraform)
  • Experience writing software for Raspberry Pi
  • Experience with building & maintaining QA, telemetry, and monitoring systems to ensure device stability
  • Experience working with Linux servers
  • Experience with 3D printing (e.g., Fusion 360) and basic CAD modeling
  • Some experience with simple computer vision (e.g., OpenCV)
  • (Preferred) Some experience with C# and .NET frameworks for scripting automation equipment
  • (Preferred) interest in learning about biotechnology and DNA sequence analysis

Why Plasmidsaurus?
  • IMPACT: Your work will directly contribute to accelerating biotech research. This research is one of humanity's most powerful tools for stopping climate change and developing novel therapies.
  • INNOVATION: Work on the cutting edge of biotech and software, introducing indispensable tools to top-tier researchers.
  • COMMUNITY: Join a passionate, resourceful team that values close, interactive relationships with our customers and each other.

We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't perfectly align with the job description as we seek out diverse and creative perspectives. Team members who love to learn and collaborate in an inclusive environment will thrive with us. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. If you need additional accommodations to feel comfortable during your interview process, please let us know at careers@plasmidsaurus.com.