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Entry Level Lab Jobs in Chula Vista, CA (NOW HIRING)

Microbiology Supervisor

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$100K - $165K/yr

... Lab Services, we offer solutions to help start, grow, and run clinical laboratories. Our recruiting team has over 21 years of proven success placing job seekers in positions ranging from entry-level ...

Microbiology Supervisor

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$100K - $165K/yr

... Lab Services, we offer solutions to help start, grow, and run clinical laboratories. Our recruiting team has over 21 years of proven success placing job seekers in positions ranging from entry-level ...

Labcorp is seeking an entry level Medical Lab Technician to join our team in San Diego, CA Work Schedule: 2nd shift: This is a casual/per diem position; hours will be "as needed" the start and end ...

Labcorp is seeking an entry level Medical Lab Technician to join our team in San Diego, CA Work Schedule: 2nd shift: This is a casual/per diem position; hours will be "as needed" the start and end ...

Quality Control Technician

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$25 - $33/hr

Description JOB SUMMARY The Quality Tech. supports the California Market by performing entry-level ... Participate in occasional lab work for training, mix design support, and special projects.

Marine Electrician-Shipyard

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$25.50 - $32/hr

The 3rd Class Marine Electrician is an entry-level position focused on gaining experience in shipboard electrical work. This role includes hands-on assistance with installations, pulling cable, and ...

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Entry Level Lab information

See Chula Vista, CA salary details

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How much do entry level lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level lab in Chula Vista, CA is $24.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.45 and $26.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level lab?

An entry level lab job typically refers to a position in a laboratory setting that requires minimal prior experience or specialized education beyond a high school diploma or associate degree. Employees in these roles assist with basic laboratory tasks such as preparing samples, performing routine tests, maintaining equipment, and recording data under the supervision of more experienced staff. These positions are often a starting point for a career in science, healthcare, or research, providing valuable hands-on experience and exposure to laboratory protocols and safety procedures.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an entry level lab technician?

To thrive as an Entry Level Lab Technician, you need a basic understanding of laboratory procedures, safety protocols, and typically an associate degree or relevant certification in a scientific field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, data entry systems, and software like LIMS (Laboratory Information Management Systems) is commonly required. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective communication help you stand out in this role. These skills are vital for ensuring accurate results, maintaining safety standards, and supporting efficient laboratory operations.

What are common challenges faced by entry level lab technicians, and how can they be overcome?

Entry-level lab technicians often face challenges such as adjusting to strict safety protocols, managing multiple tasks efficiently, and becoming familiar with laboratory equipment and procedures. To overcome these hurdles, it's important to actively participate in training sessions, ask questions when unsure, and maintain a well-organized workspace. Building strong communication with senior technicians and supervisors can also help in gaining confidence and improving technical skills over time.

What is the difference between Entry Level Lab vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectEntry Level LabLaboratory Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or associate's degreeAssociate's degree or relevant certification
Work EnvironmentEducational, research, or clinical labsMedical, industrial, or research labs
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions, research facilitiesHospitals, biotech companies, industrial labs
Common Search & ComparisonEntry Level Lab vs Laboratory Technician

Entry Level Lab roles typically require basic education and involve assisting in lab tasks within educational or research settings. Laboratory Technicians often have similar credentials but may perform more specialized or technical duties in medical or industrial labs. Both roles serve as foundational positions in laboratory environments, with Laboratory Technicians generally having more hands-on responsibilities.

How to get started working in an entry level lab?

To start working in an entry level lab, obtain relevant education such as a high school diploma or associate degree in a science-related field. Gaining basic laboratory skills, familiarity with lab equipment, and certifications like OSHA safety training can improve your chances; some positions may also require background checks and on-the-job training.

Is it hard to get a job in an entry level lab?

Securing an entry level lab position can be competitive, but having relevant education such as a high school diploma or associate degree, along with basic laboratory skills and certifications like OSHA training, can improve chances. Entry level lab jobs often require attention to detail, familiarity with lab equipment, and the ability to follow safety protocols, making some positions more accessible to new applicants than others.

What career paths start in an entry level lab?

Entry level lab positions often serve as stepping stones to careers in scientific research, quality control, laboratory management, or specialized fields such as microbiology, chemistry, or biomedical sciences. Gaining experience in lab techniques, data analysis, and certifications like OSHA or CLIA can help advance to technician, research associate, or laboratory supervisor roles.

What are the most commonly searched types of Lab jobs in Chula Vista, CA?

The most popular types of Lab jobs in Chula Vista, CA are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Lab jobs in Chula Vista, CA?

For Entry Level Lab jobs in Chula Vista, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Chula Vista, CA are hiring for Entry Level Lab jobs?

Cities near Chula Vista, CA with the most Entry Level Lab job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Lab job openings in Chula Vista, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, and 29% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $51,881 per year, or $24.9 per hour.

Microbiology Supervisor

Lighthouse Lab Services

San Diego, CA โ€ข On-site

$100K - $165K/yr

Full-time, Other

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Microbiology Supervisor

Location: San Diego, CA
Shift: 2nd Shift, Mondayโ€“Friday, 2:00 PMโ€“11:30 PM
Salary: $100,000โ€“$150,000 annually
Sign-On Bonus: $7,000

Job Summary

Lighthouse Lab Services is partnering with an independent reference laboratory in San Diego, CA, to find an experienced Microbiology Supervisor to join their team on second shift. This is an excellent opportunity for a California-licensed CLS with strong microbiology experience and prior leadership experience to take the next step in their career.

The Microbiology Supervisor will oversee day-to-day laboratory operations, provide technical and operational leadership to laboratory staff, ensure testing is performed accurately and efficiently, and maintain compliance with CLIA, CAP, and California state regulations.

Responsibilities

  • Oversee daily operations of the microbiology laboratory on second shift.

  • Supervise, train, and provide technical guidance to laboratory staff.

  • Ensure accurate, timely, and efficient processing and testing of patient specimens.

  • Monitor laboratory workflow, staffing, productivity, and turnaround times.

  • Maintain compliance with CLIA, CAP, California state regulations, and laboratory policies and procedures.

  • Assist with quality control, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance activities.

  • Troubleshoot technical and operational issues and provide appropriate solutions.

  • Assist with the development, implementation, and maintenance of laboratory policies and procedures.

  • Support laboratory inspections, audits, and accreditation activities.

  • Utilize the laboratory information system (LIS) and Microsoft Office to perform laboratory and administrative functions.

  • Communicate effectively with laboratory staff, leadership, and other departments.

  • Promote a culture of quality, safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Education & Experience

Required:

  • Associateโ€™s degree in a Chemical or Biological Science, Clinical Laboratory Science, Medical Technology, or related field.

  • Minimum of 4 years of experience working as a laboratory technologist or technician.

  • Active California CLS license required.

  • Previous supervisory or leadership experience in a clinical laboratory setting.

  • Strong knowledge of CLIA, CAP, and applicable California state regulations.

  • Strong understanding of laboratory operations, policies, and procedures.

  • Proficiency with Laboratory Information Systems (LIS) and Microsoft Office.

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

  • Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.

  • Ability to make sound decisions and adapt to a changing laboratory environment.

  • Ability to meet the physical requirements of the position.

  • Ability to successfully pass a standardized color blindness test.

Preferred:

  • Bachelorโ€™s degree in a Chemical or Biological Science, Clinical Laboratory Science, Medical Technology, or related field.

  • ASCP or AMT certification.

  • Previous experience with Labcorp or another large reference laboratory.

  • Previous experience supervising a high-volume microbiology laboratory.

Compensation & Benefits

  • $100,000โ€“$165,000 annual salary

  • $7,000 sign-on bonus

  • Mondayโ€“Friday, 2nd shift schedule

  • Opportunity to join an established independent reference laboratory

  • Leadership role with opportunities for professional growth

About Us:

At Lighthouse Lab Services, we offer solutions to help start, grow, and run clinical laboratories. Our recruiting team has over 21 years of proven success placing job seekers in positions ranging from entry-level Medical Technologists to seasoned Laboratory Directors. We recruit nationwide, for permanent and travel positions with clients ranging from small hospitals to large reference laboratories.

It is the policy of Lighthouse Lab Services to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, Lighthouse Lab Services will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Lighthouse Lab Services | 844-334-1658 | lighthouselabservices.com

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