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Cytology Lab Assistant Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Responsibilities include supporting lab functions, contributing to strategic planning, fostering a ... Ability to embed and section biopsy, bone marrow, cytology, and routine surgical cases. * Assist ...

Responsibilities include supporting lab functions, contributing to strategic planning, fostering a ... Ability to embed and section biopsy, bone marrow, cytology, and routine surgical cases. * Assist ...

Responsibilities include supporting lab functions, contributing to strategic planning, fostering a ... Ability to embed and section biopsy, bone marrow, cytology, and routine surgical cases. * Assist ...

Responsibilities include supporting lab functions, contributing to strategic planning, fostering a ... Ability to embed and section biopsy, bone marrow, cytology, and routine surgical cases. * Assist ...

Cytology Lab Assistant information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$10

$21

$31

How much do cytology lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for cytology lab assistant in Riverside, CA is $21.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $24.09 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Cytology Lab Assistant do?

A Cytology Lab Assistant supports cytotechnologists and pathologists by preparing and processing biological samples, such as cells from body fluids, for microscopic examination. They are responsible for labeling specimens, maintaining laboratory equipment, and ensuring that all samples are handled and stored properly. Additionally, they may assist with record keeping, data entry, and maintaining a clean and safe laboratory environment. This role is essential for helping pathologists diagnose diseases like cancer by providing high-quality samples for analysis.

What is the highest salary for a lab assistant?

The highest salary for a cytology lab assistant typically ranges from $40,000 to $50,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Advanced skills and working in specialized or high-demand environments can lead to higher compensation.

What does a cytology assistant do?

A cytology assistant supports cytologists by preparing and processing cell samples, such as staining and mounting slides for examination. They may also handle specimen labeling, maintain laboratory equipment, and ensure proper documentation, often working in a clinical or research laboratory environment. Attention to detail and knowledge of laboratory safety protocols are important for this role.

What is the difference between Cytology Lab Assistant vs Histology Lab Technician?

AspectCytology Lab AssistantHistology Lab Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; certification preferredHigh school diploma; additional histology certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentLaboratory settings focused on cell analysis, often in hospitals or clinicsLaboratories performing tissue processing and slide preparation, typically in hospitals or research labs
Job DutiesAssist in preparing cytology specimens, label slides, and maintain lab equipmentProcess tissue samples, embed, section, and prepare slides for microscopic examination

Both roles support laboratory operations in healthcare settings, with Cytology Lab Assistants focusing on cell samples and Histology Lab Technicians handling tissue specimens. While their tasks differ, they share similar credentials and work environments, making them closely related roles in pathology labs.

What are some common challenges faced by Cytology Lab Assistants, and how can they be managed?

Cytology Lab Assistants often encounter challenges such as maintaining accuracy while handling high specimen volumes and adhering to strict turnaround times. Managing these challenges involves staying organized, double-checking specimen labeling, and following established laboratory protocols meticulously. Effective communication with cytotechnologists and pathologists is also essential to ensure that any discrepancies or urgent cases are addressed promptly. Continuous learning about new laboratory technologies and procedures can further enhance efficiency and reduce errors.

How much do lab assistants get paid?

Cytology lab assistants typically earn between $30,000 and $45,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced assistants or those with specialized skills can earn higher salaries. Salaries are often complemented by benefits such as health insurance and paid time off.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Cytology Lab Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cytology Lab Assistant, you need a solid understanding of laboratory procedures, specimen handling, and a high school diploma or associate’s degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS), microscopes, and specimen staining techniques is typically expected. Attention to detail, organizational skills, and effective communication are standout soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure accurate sample processing, minimize errors, and support efficient lab operations crucial for reliable diagnostic results.

How much does a cytology make?

A cytology lab assistant typically earns between $30,000 and $45,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced technicians with specialized skills can earn higher salaries. The role often requires attention to detail and familiarity with laboratory equipment and procedures.
What are popular job titles related to Cytology Lab Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA? For Cytology Lab Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Cytology Lab Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Cytology Lab Assistant jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Cytology Lab Assistant jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Cytology Lab Assistant job openings:
Lab Assistant

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


University Of California Irvine rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 40 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

44th of 544 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Who We Are
Founded in 1965, UC Irvine is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities and is ranked among the nation's top 10 public universities by U.S. News & World Report. The campus has produced five Nobel laureates and is known for its academic achievement, premier research, innovation and anteater mascot. Led by Chancellor Howard Gillman, UC Irvine has more than 36,000 students and offers 224 degree programs. It's located in one of the world's safest and most economically vibrant communities and is Orange County's second-largest employer, contributing $7 billion annually to the local economy and $8 billion statewide.
To learn more about UC Irvine, visit www.uci.edu.
Today's UC Irvine Stem Cell Research Center is a dynamic center encompassing a diverse array of interdisciplinary investigators that span the schools of Medicine, Biological Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Engineering, Arts and Law. Our state-of-the-art, LEED Platinum certified research and clinical building houses 23 of our 50 center faculty members.
Center faculty have obtained more than $170 million dollars in grant and foundation funds. Our research programs include an National Institutes of Health (NIH)-sponsored T32 training grant, state of the art shared equipment, research services programs and a seminar series.
Your Role on the Team
Under supervision of the PI, or other senior lab personnel, the incumbent may perform tasks including but not limited to: assisting with experiments, working as part of a team, and independent tasks; attending staff meetings; writing/updating/distributing lab protocols, SOPS, project plans/summaries/reports; training new personnel; preparing solutions, maintaining detailed paper and electronic records of study data; adhering to all experimental protocol and good laboratory practices, maintaining safety training and safe work procedures; lab maintenance including supply inventory, equipment maintenance, cleaning, organizing, and managing lab spaces and materials; and performing other duties as assigned.
Lab duties include, but are not limited to:
Animal care and Histology:
Assists in animal laboratory research projects. Research projects may consist of: Assist with breeding colonies (setting up cages, tissue collection for genotyping, detailed record keeping), perform survival and terminal surgical procedures in rodents. Daily monitoring of animals for health. Assist with histological analyses including tissue sectioning staining and/or quantification using stereological analysis of CNS tissue samples using MicroBrightField StereoInvestigator, Volocity and Imaris image analysis software.
Cell and Molecular Biology:
Duties may include maintenance of multiple cell lines (mouse or human stem cells, cortical cells, etc.), cell culture assays, flow cytometry and immunocytochemistry, such as DNA/RNA/Protein isolation and electrophoresis, PCR, rtPCR, qPCR, Western Blot, Molecular Cloning, ELISA.
Cell culture and differentiation duties may include isolate neural stem cells by mouse brain microdissection, passage, maintain, expand and freeze human and mouse neural and pluripotent stem cells. Follow written protocols to perform neural induction from pluripotent cells. Follow supervisor's instructions on animal husbandry.
Cellular Analysis may include cell analysis by immunocytochemistry, flow cytometry and FACS. May be required to follow written protocols for engineering/bioengineering cell analysis platforms, 3D biomaterials, and sectioning.
General Lab Support including, but not limited to:
Lab maintenance: databases for ordering and inventory
Follow written instructions to prepare stock solutions, cell culture media, and assist other researchers in the lab.
Maintaining and updating our lab social media accounts: This will include posting updates and pictures to our lab Twitter and BlueSky accounts related to recent lab achievements including new grants, papers, and presentations.
Arranging travel: The employee will coordinate with the principal investigator and invite institutions to make all travel arrangements for their invited talks and conferences. This will include reserving flights, hotels, and rental cars as needed and then promptly filing all paperwork needed for reimbursement requests.
Ordering: The employee will assist the lab manager with requesting quotes and placing orders for lab related supplies and equipment. This includes maintaining a detailed record of orders and expenses for budgeting purposes.
What It Takes to be Successful
Required:
  • Mammalian cell culture experience
  • Skill to pipet accurately
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills in English.
  • Previous laboratory experience, following basic laboratory procedures and practices.
  • Functions well in a team environment.
  • Availability to work occasional nights and weekends.
  • Demonstrates ability to analyze problems/situations and formulate solutions.
  • Ability to exercise good judgment in handling information to accurately record information, protocols, formulas and data.
  • Experience with general lab equipment: pipets, scales, pH meters, centrifuges, power supplies, etc.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills to relate easily and effectively with people within and outside the University, including both strong written and verbal communications.
  • Demonstrated experience in participating in discussion related to research projects.
  • Strong ability to multi-task, prioritize and follow up.
  • Skill to use an iPhone, iPad, personal computer, computer software programs at the level of sophistication required for general office work.
  • Experience with PCs and/or Macs. Knowledge of Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
  • Familiarity with the Internet and how to conduct searches.
  • Proficient writing skills to prepare/compose/review a variety of materials with accuracy and completeness.
  • Experience in assisting, testing and standardizing techniques.
  • 1-3 yearsTwo years of laboratory experience or two years of college including courses in the natural, physical or social sciences and one year of laboratory experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience; and knowledges and abilities essential to the successful performance of the duties assigned to the position.

Total Rewards
In addition to the salary range listed below, we offer a wealth of benefits to make working at UCI even more rewarding. These benefits may include medical insurance, sick and vacation time, retirement savings plans, and access to a number of discounts and perks. Please utilize the links listed here to learn more about our compensation practices and benefits.
Conditions of Employment:
The University of California, Irvine (UCI) seeks to provide a safe and healthy environment for the entire UCI community. As part of this commitment, all applicants who accept an offer of employment must comply with the following conditions of employment:
  • Background Check and Live Scan
  • Employment Misconduct*
  • Legal Right to work in the United States
  • Vaccination Policies
  • Smoking and Tobacco Policy
  • Drug Free Environment

*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.
The following additional conditions may apply, some of which are dependent upon business unit or job specific requirements.
  • California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act
  • E-Verify
  • Pre-Placement Health Evaluation

Details of each policy may be reviewed by visiting the following page - https://hr.uci.edu/new-hire/conditions-of-employment.php
Closing Statement:
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.
We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce along with honoring unique experiences, perspectives, and identities. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable, and welcoming.
UCI provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities upon request. For more information, please contact Human Resources at (949) 824-0500 or eec@uci.edu.
Consideration for Work Authorization Sponsorship
Must be able to provide proof of work authorization

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