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Chemistry Lab Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

At the Analytical Chemistry lab level, investigates and troubleshoots unexpected results from complex quantitative and qualitative chemical analyses. * Independently identify when analytical methods ...

At the Analytical Chemistry lab level, investigates and troubleshoots unexpected results from complex quantitative and qualitative chemical analyses. * Independently identify when analytical methods ...

Bring the rigor of a professional analytical chemistry lab to our R&D facility. Our machine learning and hardware teams rely entirely on your results as their ground truth. You must implement ...

Responsibilities: ● Operate basic chemistry lab equipment and a rotary ball mill (training provided). ● Conduct micro powder metal alloying to produce a specific alloy. ● Keep detailed lab ...

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Chemistry Lab information

See California salary details

$17

$32

$51

How much do chemistry lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for chemistry lab in California is $32.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.62 and $37.98 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a chemistry lab?

Chemistry lab jobs involve working in laboratory settings to conduct experiments, analyze substances, and support scientific research. Professionals in these roles may prepare chemical solutions, operate laboratory equipment, and record and interpret data. They often work as lab technicians, research assistants, or chemists in academic, industrial, or government labs. Safety procedures and proper handling of chemicals are crucial aspects of these jobs. Chemistry lab positions typically require at least a bachelor's degree in chemistry or a related field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a chemistry lab technician?

To thrive as a Chemistry Lab Technician, you need a solid understanding of chemical principles, laboratory techniques, and safety protocols, typically supported by a degree in chemistry or a related field. Familiarity with analytical instruments such as HPLC, GC, spectrophotometers, and laboratory information management systems (LIMS) is essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for maintaining accuracy and efficiency in the lab. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure reliable experimental results, safe laboratory practices, and successful collaboration on research or quality control projects.

What are some common challenges faced when working in a chemistry lab, and how can I prepare for them?

Working in a chemistry lab often involves handling hazardous materials, maintaining strict safety protocols, and troubleshooting complex experiments. One common challenge is ensuring accurate measurements and avoiding contamination, which requires attention to detail and diligent cleaning practices. Additionally, collaborating with team members to share equipment and communicate results is essential. Preparing by familiarizing yourself with lab safety procedures, practicing precise technique, and developing strong teamwork skills will help you succeed in this environment.

What is the difference between Chemistry Lab vs Chemical Technician?

AspectChemistry LabChemical Technician
Required CredentialsTypically a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or related fieldAssociate's degree or diploma in Chemistry or Chemical Technology
Work EnvironmentResearch laboratories, academic institutions, industrial labsManufacturing plants, quality control labs, industrial settings
Job FocusConducting experiments, analyzing samples, developing new compoundsAssisting with production, testing raw materials, maintaining equipment
Industry UsageResearch, academia, industrial R&DManufacturing, quality assurance, process support

While both roles involve working with chemicals and laboratory equipment, a Chemistry Lab typically focuses on research and development with a higher level of education, whereas a Chemical Technician supports manufacturing and quality control processes with more technical training. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify the right career path in the chemistry industry.

How much does a chemistry lab make?

A chemistry lab itself does not generate income; however, professionals working in chemistry labs, such as chemists or lab technicians, typically earn salaries ranging from $40,000 to $80,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Advanced roles or specialized skills can lead to higher compensation, especially in industrial or research settings.

What are 5 jobs you can get with a chemistry lab?

With a background in a chemistry lab, common jobs include chemical technician, research scientist, quality control analyst, laboratory manager, and pharmaceutical sales representative. These roles often require knowledge of laboratory techniques, safety protocols, and analytical tools. They are typically found in industries such as pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, environmental testing, and research institutions.

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Chemistry Lab jobs?

Cities in California with the most Chemistry Lab job openings:

Infographic showing various Chemistry 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 $67,136 per year, or $32.3 per hour.

QC Analytical Chemist

Avantor Inc.

Carpinteria, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Independently perform complex quantitative and qualitative chemical analyses on raw materials, in-process samples, and final products using techniques such as ICP-OES, GC/FID, GC/MS, HPLC, UV/Vis, FTIR, rheology, thermal analysis, and tensile testing.

  • Analyze raw data, interpret results, report findings, and maintain strict documentation for compliance purposes.

  • Operate, calibrate, troubleshoot, and maintain complex laboratory equipment, escalating issues when necessary.


Avantor rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 60 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

31st of 104 rated chemical manufacturers


Job description

The Opportunity:

At Avantor, people are the most important part of our success because they drive our global performance. That's why our Operations, Lab Services, Sales, and many other Avantor teams rely on our talent acquisition initiatives to attract, engage and hire the right talent. Avantor's Quality control & Validation vertical is a crucial part of this mix, enabling all our internal teams worldwide to grow beyond their limits.

The QC Analytical Chemist provides analytical chemistry technical expertise for analytical testing on silicone products. Independently executes and troubleshoots analytical testing methods including physical chemical analysis, chromatography, spectroscopy and spectrometry, besides wet chemistry techniques.

What we're looking for:

  • Education: AS in Chemistry or related program required. BS in Chemistry or related program preferred
  • Experience: 3+ years of analytical laboratory experience working with ICP and GC if AS Obtained OR 1+ year of analytical laboratory hands-on experience if BS obtained

EXPERIENCE:

  • Experience in silicone chemistry and polymer analysis preferred.
  • Experience with polymer, silicone, elastomer, or materials characterization testing preferred.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of analytical techniques (e.g., ICP, GC-FID, GC/MS, HPLC, UV/Vis, FTIR, rheology, thermal analysis, tensile testing).
  • Practical application of physical chemistry parameters (pH, pressure, temperature, viscosity, rheometry, etc.).
  • Demonstrated experience using calibrated instruments for analytical chemistry purposes.
  • Experience executing calibrations independently. More specifically, analytical standard preparation, calibration curve verification, report generation, designing new calibration curves specific to instrument response and testing requirements.
  • Experience with Minitab, JMP, or other statistical analysis software preferred.
  • Proper use of PPE and chemical safety.
  • Experience providing training to others on lab procedures (preferred).
  • Experience with technical writing (preferred).

Who you are:

  • Shall be comfortable working with hazardous substances like hydrofluoric acid, nitric acid, and hydrochloric acid with the ability to follow all associated safety procedures.
  • Computer Skills (Teams, Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerBI).
  • Science-based intermediate math and statistics.
  • Good communication skills. Time-management skills. Critical thinking. Attention to detail. Team-player: ability to work effectively in a team environment.
  • Ability to read, understand, and follow procedures. Able to work independently and set own priorities to reliably achieve deadlines.
  • Knowledge of Good Documentation Practices (GDP).
  • Knowledge of silicone chemistry (preferred).
  • Practical application of internal software like Product Lifecycle Management software (Oracle Agile PLM) and ERP (SAP) preferred.

How you will thrive and create and ompact:

  • Independently performs complex quantitative and qualitative chemical analyses on raw materials, in-process samples, and final products. This includes ICP-OES, GC/FID, GC/MS, HPLC, UV/Vis, FTIR, rheology, thermal analysis, and tensile testing among others.
  • Analyzes raw data, interprets and reports results, and maintains strict documentation (Good Documentation Practices) for compliance purposes.
  • Handles the lifecycle of experimental samples, from submittal to disposal.
  • Regularly operates and calibrates complex laboratory equipment, including spectrophotometers, chromatographs, and spectrometers. Autonomously determines and troubleshoots issues, escalating to external suppliers when solutions are not within the scope of the Analytical Chemistry lab personnel.
  • Independently performs standardized Analytical Chemistry Methods for non-routine purposes, both on commercial and under-development products. This includes validations, nonconformances, complaints, and opportunity analysis.
  • Peer-reviews work of other analytical chemists to ensure that it is technically accurate and in conformance with established test method procedures.
  • Provides training to other associates on QC Test Methods and Equipment Operating Procedures. Supports internal and external audits.
  • At the Analytical Chemistry lab level, investigates and troubleshoots unexpected results from complex quantitative and qualitative chemical analyses.
  • Independently identify when analytical methods are inadequate and/or subject to improvement, gathering and organizing data to inform management. Upon direction, develop proposals for appropriate action that ensures compliance and efficiency. Hands-on support for validation approved changes to test methods.
  • Provides analytical chemistry subject matter expertise in cross-functional teams on behalf of QC in project-based work. This includes opportunity analysis and product development, qualification & validation, investigative testing for defects and complaints, continuous improvement. Leads the analytical workload execution of projects with time scales <1 year, effectively prioritizing testing.
  • Works closely with other functional teams and provides Quality technical SME feedback for internal challenges (Ex. Production or development issues).
  • Ensure compliance with company quality standards and industry regulations to maintain quality within the scope of the job description. This includes documentation and reporting.
  • Support safety culture in analytical spaces and follow applicable safety procedures.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Job Conditions

  • Majority of time indoors in either office conditions in a climate-controlled setting with fluorescent & natural light or in a production/laboratory environment.
  • Works with exceptionally dangerous, highly corrosive, and toxic substances.
  • Periodic excursions to production floor
  • Frequent time in laboratory conditions requiring the use of PPE.
Disclaimer:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees assigned to this position. Avantor is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

Why Avantor?

Dare to go further in your career. Join our global team of 14,000+ associates whose passion for discovery and determination to overcome challenges relentlessly advances life-changing science.
The work we do changes people's lives for the better. It brings new patient treatments and therapies to market, giving a cancer survivor the chance to walk his daughter down the aisle. It enables medical devices that help a little boy hear his mom's voice for the first time. Outcomes such as these create unlimited opportunities for you to contribute your talents, learn new skills and grow your career at Avantor.
We are committed to helping you on this journey through our diverse, equitable and inclusive culture which includes learning experiences to support your career growth and success. At Avantor, dare to go further and see how the impact of your contributions set science in motion to create a better world. Apply today!

Pay Transparency:

The expected pre-tax pay for this position is

Actual pay may differ depending on relevant factors such as prior experience and geographic location.

EEO Statement:

We are an Equal Employment/Affirmative Action employer and VEVRAA Federal Contractor. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/province, or local law.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at recruiting@avantorsciences.comand let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.

For more information about equal employment opportunity protections, please view the Know Your Rights poster.

Privacy Policy:

We will use the personal information that you have submitted to us in order to consider your application for the relevant role.

Your privacy is important to us. Please click here for our Privacy Policy which explains the purposes for which we will use your personal information and the ways in which we will handle and retain your information. It also explains the rights you have in relation to your information, and how to contact us with any queries or requests.

3rd Party Non-Solicitation Policy:

By submitting candidates without having been formally assigned on and contracted for a specific job requisition by Avantor, or by failing to comply with the Avantor recruitment process, you forfeit any fee on the submitted candidates, regardless of your usual terms and conditions. Avantor works with a preferred supplier list and will take the initiative to engage with recruitment agencies based on its needs and will not be accepting any form of solicitation.


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About Avantor

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Avantor, our ICARE Values are our core set of principles that guide and focus the Company's strategy.: Innovation; customer centric; accountability; respect; excellence! Avantor is committed to creating a fully inclusive culture that celebrates diversity and provides equitable opportunities for all associates to grow and succeed. While setting science in motion our employees can join employee focus groups.

Industry

Chemical manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Radnor, PA, US

Year founded

1904

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