ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Genetic Assistant Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsGenetic JobsGenetic Assistant JobsGenetic Assistant Jobs in California

Genetic Assistant information

See California salary details

$9

$27

$58

How much do genetic assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for genetic assistant in California is $27.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.01 and $33.90 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a genetic assistant?

Genetic Assistants are healthcare professionals who support genetic counselors and medical geneticists in providing genetic services to patients. Their responsibilities include gathering family and medical histories, coordinating genetic testing, preparing documentation, and communicating with patients about appointments and test logistics. They play a key administrative and clinical support role, helping ensure that genetic counseling services run smoothly and efficiently. Genetic Assistants do not provide direct genetic counseling but are essential members of the genetics healthcare team.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a genetic assistant?

To thrive as a Genetic Assistant, you need a solid background in biology or genetics, often supported by a bachelor’s degree in a related field and sometimes a genetic assistant certification. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), genetic databases, and electronic health records is typically required. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for supporting genetic counselors and interacting with patients. These competencies are essential to ensure accurate data handling, efficient workflow, and quality patient care in a genetics setting.

What are some common challenges faced by genetic assistants when gathering and managing patient genetic information?

Genetic Assistants often encounter challenges related to the complexity and sensitivity of genetic data. Accurately obtaining detailed family histories and ensuring patients understand consent forms can require clear communication and patience. Managing large volumes of confidential information demands strong organizational skills and strict adherence to privacy regulations. Additionally, coordinating with genetic counselors, physicians, and laboratory staff necessitates effective teamwork and adaptability in a fast-paced clinical environment.

What is the difference between Genetic Assistant vs Genetic Counselor?

AspectGenetic AssistantGenetic Counselor
Required CredentialsAssociate degree or certification in geneticsMaster's degree in genetic counseling or related field
Work EnvironmentClinical labs, research settings, hospitalsPatient consultations, clinics, hospitals
Industry UsageSupporting genetic professionals, data managementProviding risk assessments, counseling patients

Genetic Assistants typically have an associate degree and work in labs or research settings, supporting genetic professionals. Genetic Counselors usually hold a master's degree and focus on patient interactions, offering risk assessments and counseling. Both roles are essential in genetics but differ mainly in education, responsibilities, and work environment.

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

The most popular types of Genetic jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Genetic Assistant jobs in California?

For Genetic Assistant jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Genetic Assistant jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Genetic Assistant jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Genetic Assistant jobs?

Cities in California with the most Genetic Assistant job openings:

Genetic Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Genetic Assistant job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,409 per year, or $27.1 per hour.

Genetic Counselor Assistant

University of California San Francisco

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

University Of California San Francisco rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

232nd of 621 rated colleges and universities

Job description


Under direct supervision and guided by the procedures of Ambulatory Services, the Hospital Assistant III - Genetic Counselor Assistant is responsible for:
  • Interview patients and document personal and family medical history
  • Request outside medical records and upload to Apex and departmental database
  • Assist with clinic flow, including scheduling, rooming patients, and managing coordination of joint visits with genetic counselors and physicians
  • Staff Genetic Testing Station - share video and hand-out-based education
  • Reviewing research consent form with patients and send Docusign consent form
  • Taking patients to laboratory for blood draws or facilitate collection of saliva samples for genetic testing.
  • Preparing blood or saliva samples for transportation to laboratories within and outside of UCSF
  • Monitor communications with genetic testing laboratories, including responding to requests for additional documentation or samples
  • Consultations with healthcare providers and laboratories
  • Drawing and updating patient pedigrees using Progeny pedigree drawing software and patient history forms.
  • Entering data into the Cancer Risk Program (CRP) database
  • Other patient preparation and follow-up tasks
  • Support for clinical research projects, including consenting, data collection, documentation, and other tasks

They work as a team member with other practice staff and consistently projects a professional and courteous demeanor. The Genetic Counselor Assistant is required to comply with the Medical Center House and Telephone Standards. They must pay close attention to detail and demonstrate excellent customer service skills with patients and staff.
Responsibilities
DUTIES & ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
of time
Essential Function (Yes/No)
Key Responsibilities
(To be completed by Supervisor)
60%
Yes
Assisting genetic counselors with all aspects of patients scheduling, intake, genetic counseling, genetic testing and documentation.
  • Genetic Counseling assistant will work primarily with 5-6 genetic counselors. He/she will learn all aspects of those genetic counselors' clinical areas and needs to work independently coordinating clinical care and patient visits. This will include:
  • Scheduling of clinic visits as needed.
  • Telephone and in-person contact regarding genetic counseling, genetic testing and participation in support groups for enrollment or follow-up purposes
  • Assisting low income patients with the steps to determine eligibility for counseling and/or genetic testing at reduced or no charge.
  • Interview patients and document personal and family medical history
  • Entering data into the Cancer Risk Program (CRP) database
  • Chart preparation and updating, including obtaining and uploading outside records
  • Drawing and updating patient pedigrees using Progeny pedigree drawing software and patient history forms
  • Preparation of letters of medical necessity
  • Assist with clinic flow, including scheduling, rooming patients, and managing coordination of joint visits with genetic counselors and physicians
  • Contact laboratories to determine all necessary steps for gene testing for specific genes. Act as liaison with laboratories to make sure all samples and required forms and samples are completed and received.
  • Request authorizations for complex gene testing
  • Research specific cancer syndromes and complete searches for relevant articles
  • Reviewing research consent form with patients
  • Taking patients to laboratory for blood draws
  • Obtaining saliva samples for genetic testing
  • Preparing blood or saliva samples for transportation to laboratories within and outside of UCSF
  • Preparation of family genetic counseling reports
  • Consultations with healthcare providers and laboratories
  • Other patient preparation, care, and follow-up tasks.

30%
Yes
Genetic Testing Station
  • Staff Genetic Testing Station - share video and hand-out-based education

Reviewing research consent form with patients and send Docusign consent form
  • Facilitate genetic testing and arrange follow-up with genetic counselor

10%
Yes
Performing other duties as assigned
  • Including outreach event participation and preparation of fliers, etc. to facilitate identification of high risk hereditary cancer families. Also, filing, transporting samples to and from labs, letters, follow up with referring health professionals, and typing. Other duties as assigned.

100%
Qualifications
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS/LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS
  • Ability to communicate effectively, both over the telephone and in person. Ability to deal sensitively and effectively with patients. Excellent organizational skills. Excellent customer service and problem solving skills. Ability to work well both independently, with little supervision, and in a team setting.
  • Bachelor's degree in a biological/health science or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
  • Knowledge of genetics and genetic concepts.
  • Strong computer skills and experience with Microsoft Office software, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint required.
  • Ability to communicate effectively, both over the telephone and in person.
  • Ability to deal sensitively and effectively with patients.
  • Excellent organizational skills.
  • Ability to work well both independently, with little supervision, and in a team setting.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATION
  • Experience with patient and or family contact in a community or medical setting.
  • Previous experience with clinical projects, either in an administrative or clinical role, preferred. Demonstrated knowledge of medical practice terminology an genetic terminology and concepts.
  • Experience with Outlook, File Maker Pro and Progeny (or other pedigree drawing software) preferred.
  • Bi-lingual or multi-lingual capability (Spanish, Cantonese, Russian) strongly preferred.

About Us
About UCSF
The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is a leading university dedicated to promoting health worldwide through advanced biomedical research, graduate-level education in the life sciences and health professions, and excellence in patient care. It is the only campus in the 10-campus UC system dedicated exclusively to the health sciences. We bring together the world's leading experts in nearly every area of health. We are home to five Nobel laureates who have advanced the understanding of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, aging and stem cells.
Pride Values
UCSF is a diverse community made of people with many skills and talents. We seek candidates whose work experience or community service has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to professionalism, respect, integrity, diversity and excellence - also known as our PRIDE values.
In addition to our PRIDE values, UCSF is committed to equity - both in how we deliver care as well as our workforce. We are committed to building a broadly diverse community, nurturing a culture that is welcoming and supportive, and engaging diverse ideas for the provision of culturally competent education, discovery, and patient care. Additional information about UCSF is available here.
Join us to find a rewarding career contributing to improving healthcare worldwide.
Equal Employment Opportunity
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 status under state or federal law.
Salary Information
The final salary and offer components are subject to additional approvals based on UC policy.
Your placement within the salary range is dependent on a number of factors including your work experience and internal equity within this position classification at UCSF. For positions that are represented by a labor union, placement within the salary range will be guided by the rules in the collective bargaining agreement.
To learn more about the benefits of working at UCSF, including total compensation, please visit: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html

What University Of California San Francisco employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply