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Entry Level Lab Assistant Jobs in Modesto, CA (NOW HIRING)

Entry Level Lab Assistant information

See Modesto, CA salary details

$10

$21

$31

How much do entry level lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of May 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level lab assistant in Modesto, CA is $21.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.50 and $24.33 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an Entry Level Lab Assistant job?

An Entry Level Lab Assistant supports scientists and researchers by performing basic laboratory tasks, such as preparing samples, organizing lab equipment, and recording data. They follow strict safety protocols and ensure the lab stays clean and organized. This role is ideal for individuals with a background in science who want hands-on experience in a laboratory setting. Depending on the workplace, lab assistants may work in medical, research, or industrial labs. It is a great starting position for those looking to advance in the scientific field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Entry Level Lab Assistant position, and why are they important?

To excel as an Entry Level Lab Assistant, you need basic laboratory skills, familiarity with safety protocols, and a high school diploma or equivalent, with some employers preferring coursework or experience in biology or chemistry. Experience using laboratory equipment like centrifuges, pipettes, and data entry systems is often valuable. Strong attention to detail, communication, and time management skills help you stand out in the role. These abilities ensure that laboratory procedures are performed accurately, efficiently, and safely, supporting the overall success of scientific projects.

What are some typical daily tasks for an Entry Level Lab Assistant?

Entry Level Lab Assistants typically handle tasks such as preparing and labeling samples, maintaining laboratory equipment, recording data, and helping maintain a clean and organized workspace. You may also assist senior lab staff with routine experiments and monitor inventory of supplies. The role often involves following strict safety procedures and ensuring all activities comply with laboratory standards. This hands-on experience provides valuable exposure to lab techniques and a collaborative team environment, making it an excellent starting point for those interested in scientific careers.
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Lab Assistant jobs in Modesto, CA? For Entry Level Lab Assistant jobs in Modesto, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Modesto, CA are hiring for Entry Level Lab Assistant jobs? Cities near Modesto, CA with the most Entry Level Lab Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Lab Assistant job openings in Modesto, CA as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $44,430 per year, or $21.4 per hour.
BEAM Circular Wet Lab Undergraduate/Graduate Researchers

BEAM Circular Wet Lab Undergraduate/Graduate Researchers

California State University

Turlock, CA • On-site

$18/hr

Part-time

Posted 19 days ago


California State University rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

209th of 529 rated colleges and universities


Job description

BEAM Circular Wet Lab Undergraduate/Graduate Researchers
Job no: 553790
Work type: Instructional Student Assistant
Location: Stanislaus - Turlock
Categories: Unit 11 - UAW - California Alliance of Academic Student Workers, Temporary, Part Time, Student Services, On-site (work in-person at business location)
Instructional Student Assistant Employment Opportunity
JOB DESCRIPTION:
***OPEN TO CURRENT STANISLAUS STATE STUDENTS, CURRENTLY ENROLLED OR ELIGIBILE TO ENROLL ONLY***
Summary/basic function: We are seeking undergraduate students (7 positions) and one Graduate student position to join our research team working at the intersection of plant and algal biotechnology with a strong focus on advancing the circular bioeconomy. Students will gain hands-on experience with molecular biology, genomics, and the valorization of plant and algal biomaterials. These projects provide a unique opportunity to develop cutting-edge technical skills while contributing to sustainable biotechnological solutions. Work will be conducted in close collaboration with local industry partners, offering valuable exposure to real-world applications and pathways to workforce development. Occasional travel to partner facilities or field sites may be required.
A typical week will involve approximately 5-20 hours of work. All necessary training will be provided, so no prior experience is required; however, you must be enthusiastic about learning and expanding your skill set. Students will be required to present their research findings at a regional or national scientific conference.
Wage/Salary: $18.00/HR
Hours per Week: 5-20
Location: Turlock Campus
# of Openings: 8
Expected Start Date: Feb 1, 2026
Expected End Date: May 31, 2027
Point of Contact Person: Dr. Alok Arun, aarun1@csustan.edu
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• Undergraduate students must be registered/enrolled in a minimum of six (6) Fall/Spring units.
• Post-baccalaureate students in a graduate program must be registered in a minimum of four (4) Fall/Spring units.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Students should have a strong background and interest in biology and/or agriculture. Applicants must also demonstrate solid performance in introductory and mid-level science courses.
HOW TO APPLY & DEADLINE:
A complete application must include a resume, available work schedule and class schedule indicating required enrollment as per the Student Employment Policies (See https://www.csustan.edu/fa/unit-11-academic-student-employee-hiringinformation)
If you have any questions regarding this recruitment, please contact:
Dr. Alok Arun
Department of Biological Sciences
California State University, Stanislaus
One University Circle
Turlock, CA 95382
aarun1@csustan.edu
To apply for this position, please click the "Apply Now" button on this page.
CAMPUS & AREA:
California State University, Stanislaus serves the San Joaquin Valley and is a critical educational resource for a six-county region of approximately 1.5 million people. The University is fully committed to creating a culture of diversity and inclusion - one in which every person in the University community feels safe to express their views without fear of reprisal. Widely recognized for its quality academic programs, the University has 10 nationally accredited programs and 662 faculty members. 94 percent of full-time faculty holds doctorates or terminal degrees in their fields. The University offers 43 undergraduate majors, 16 master's programs, 7 post-graduate credentials, a doctorate in education and serves more than 10,000 students. New instructional facilities have been built for the unique pedagogy of professional programs, laboratory sciences and performing arts.
Stanislaus State continues to receive national recognition with its ranking as one of the best 384 colleges in the nation by The Princeton Review. The University was one of 12 public universities in the nation to be recognized by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities for demonstrating exceptional performance in retention and graduation rates. In addition, U.S. News and World Report ranks Stanislaus State in its top 10 among public universities in the West, while Washington Monthly honored Stanislaus State as the West's No. 1 university for the money. Stanislaus State also is recognized as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) by the U.S. Department of Education.
CSU Stanislaus values shared governance: Handbook statement on shared governance
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
The university is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against persons on the basis of race, religion, color, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition, National origin, sex, sexual orientation, covered veteran status, or any other protected status. You can learn more about federal equal employment opportunity protections by accessing the Department of Labor's notices: http://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf and http://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/Supplement_English.pdf.
Individuals with disabling conditions who require accommodation during the recruitment process may contact the ADA Coordinator at (209) 667-3159.
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire. The CSU is a state entity whose business operations reside within the State of California. The CSU prohibits hiring employees to perform CSU-related work outside California.
CLERY ACT DISCLOSURE
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, the annual security report (ASR), is now available for viewing at https://www.csustan.edu/epc/clery-safety-reports The ASR contains the current security and safety-related policy statements, emergency preparedness and evacuation information, crime prevention and sexual assault prevention information, and drug and alcohol prevention programming. The ASR also contains statistics of Clery Act crimes for Stanislaus State for the previous three years. A paper copy of the ASR is available upon request by contacting the office of the Clery Director located at One University Circle, Turlock, CA 95382.
CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CLEARANCE NOTICE
The university requires a criminal and/or child abuse background check to be completed for many of its new employees, current employees seeking promotional or transfer opportunities, and current employees assigned new duties. Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. CSU will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was conditionally offered the position. Failure to consent to any background check will disqualify an applicant from further consideration. Additionally, an applicant who fails to provide the necessary information or who provides false or misleading information may also be disqualified from further consideration. Later discovery of false or misleading information related to the background check may result in the offer of employment being withdrawn or subject the employee to disciplinary action, up to and including termination.
Advertised: Dec 11 2025 Pacific Standard Time
Applications close:
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About California State University

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California State University, Fresno is one of 23 campuses in the California State University System. The University's mission is to boldly educate and empower students for success through our values of Discovery, Diversity and Distinction. The current student population is more than 25,000, including a large percentage of students with diverse and culturally rich backgrounds. The University serves the San Joaquin Valley while maintaining deep involvement with the state, nation, and across the globe.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Long Beach, CA, US