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Lab Assistant Jobs in Ladera Ranch, CA (NOW HIRING)

Lab Assistant

Murrieta, CA · On-site

$23 - $33.18/hr

Responsibilities Southwest Healthcare Inland Valley Hospital in Wildomar, California , is a licensed 122-bed facility accredited by the Joint Commission. It is Southwest Riverside County's only ...

Responsibilities Southwest Healthcare Inland Valley Hospital in Wildomar, California , is a licensed 122-bed facility accredited by the Joint Commission. It is Southwest Riverside County's only ...

Phlebotomist Follows established procedures to perform routine and STAT blood collection and specimen processing for all laboratory testing. Performs preventive maintenance, humidity, and temperature ...

New

Responsibilities Southwest Healthcare Inland Valley Hospital in Wildomar, California , is a licensed 122-bed facility accredited by the Joint Commission. It is Southwest Riverside County's only ...

Lab Assistant - Full Time

Murrieta, CA · On-site

$21.90 - $31.75/hr

Responsibilities Southwest Healthcare Inland Valley Hospital in Wildomar, California , is a licensed 122-bed facility accredited by the Joint Commission. It is Southwest Riverside County's only ...

Showing results 21-40

Lab Assistant information

See Ladera Ranch, CA salary details

$10

$21

$31

How much do lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab assistant in Ladera Ranch, CA is $21.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.64 and $24.52 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a lab assistant?

As a laboratory assistant or lab technician, you are responsible for helping scientists conduct experiments in a laboratory environment. You may be asked to prepare, clean, and maintain lab equipment and log readings and results. Your responsibilities may also include performing basic analyses of samples and recording results accurately. Your responsibilities will vary based on the type of lab you work in, but compliance with protocols and commitment to safety and accuracy are critical in any lab.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lab assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lab Assistant, you need a basic understanding of laboratory procedures, safety protocols, and often an associate degree or relevant coursework in science. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), standard lab equipment, and proper sample handling techniques is typically required. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills for this role. These skills ensure accurate results, maintain lab safety standards, and support smooth laboratory operations.

What are some common challenges faced by lab assistants, and how can they be managed effectively?

Lab Assistants often encounter challenges such as managing multiple tasks under tight deadlines, maintaining strict adherence to safety protocols, and ensuring the accuracy of data collection. To manage these effectively, it's important to stay organized, communicate proactively with supervisors and colleagues, and remain attentive to details when handling samples or preparing equipment. Many labs offer training on safety and procedures, so taking advantage of these resources can help new hires adapt quickly and perform confidently in their roles.

What is the difference between Lab Assistant vs Medical Laboratory Technician?

AspectLab AssistantMedical Laboratory Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingAssociate degree in medical laboratory technology or related field
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, research labsHospitals, diagnostic labs, healthcare facilities
Job ResponsibilitiesAssist with sample collection, prepare specimens, maintain lab equipmentPerform complex tests, analyze samples, report results
Industry UsageCommonly used in healthcare and research settingsPrimarily in medical diagnostics and healthcare

While both roles support laboratory operations, Medical Laboratory Technicians perform more advanced testing and require specialized education. Lab Assistants typically handle basic tasks and support lab staff, making them entry-level positions in healthcare labs.

How much does a lab assistant get paid?

Lab assistants typically earn between $25,000 and $40,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the specific industry or laboratory setting. Entry-level positions may start lower, while those with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher wages. Pay can also vary based on full-time or part-time status and the complexity of tasks performed.

What exactly does a lab assistant do?

A lab assistant supports laboratory operations by preparing samples, maintaining equipment, recording data, and ensuring safety protocols are followed. They often work under the supervision of scientists or technicians and may need knowledge of lab procedures and basic scientific techniques.

What qualifications do I need to be a lab assistant?

To become a lab assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent; some positions may require postsecondary education or relevant coursework in science. Basic knowledge of laboratory procedures, attention to detail, and familiarity with lab equipment are important. Certifications such as OSHA safety training can also be beneficial.

What job categories do people searching Lab Assistant jobs in Ladera Ranch, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Lab Assistant jobs in Ladera Ranch, CA are:

What cities near Ladera Ranch, CA are hiring for Lab Assistant jobs?

Cities near Ladera Ranch, CA with the most Lab Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Lab Assistant job openings in Ladera Ranch, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $44,768 per year, or $21.5 per hour.

$27.04/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


University Of California Irvine rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 41 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

55th of 620 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.
The UC Irvine Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders (UCI MIND) Orange County's only state and federally funded Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and is internationally recognized for its research accomplishments in age-related brain disorders. The Institute is composed of faculty and staff from multiple Departments and Schools, ranging from basic laboratory scientists to physician investigators, with a common goal of research discovery to improve the diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and cure of age-related brain diseases, especially Alzheimer's disease.
For more than 30 years, UCI MIND has been at the forefront of Alzheimer's disease research. It is home to one of 37 Alzheimer's Disease Research Centers (ADRC) funded by the National Institute on Aging (NIA), a branch of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and one of 10 California Alzheimer's Disease Centers funded by the California Department of Public Health.
To learn more about UCi MIND, visit mind.uci.edu/
Your Role on the Team
The Brain Bank Lab Assistant 1 provides essential technical and operational support to the brain bank and research laboratory team. Under general supervision, the incumbent is responsible for the collection, processing, and cryogenic storage of biological specimens, including blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples, as well as the preparation of stock solutions required for laboratory procedures. The Lab Assistant 1 plays a key role in fulfilling tissue requests by pulling and preparing tissue and fluid samples in collaboration with brain bank staff, ensuring that all specimens are handled with precision and in accordance with established protocols. Additional responsibilities include packaging and coordinating the shipment of biological materials in compliance with applicable safety and regulatory requirements, as well as maintaining the overall operational readiness of the laboratory through routine supply ordering and the systematic inventory and organization of freezers, slides, and paraffin blocks. This position requires strong attention to detail, a working knowledge of laboratory safety and biosafety practices, and the ability to manage multiple tasks in a dynamic research environment.
What It Takes to be Successful
Required:
  • Effective communication and collaboration skills.
  • Technical knowledge
  • Ability to function effectively as a member of a team
  • Familiar with computer software and databases
  • Strong interpersonal skills, analytical skills, service orientation, active listening, critical thinking, attention to detail, ability to multi-task in a high-volume environment, organizational skills, effective verbal and written communication skills, sound judgment and decision making; ability to develop original ideas to solve problems.
  • Ability to adapt to changing priorities.
  • Safety and compliance - biosafety protocol
  • Thorough knowledge and understanding of internal control practices and their impact on protecting University resources.
  • Graduation from high school or a General Education Diploma
  • A minimum of 1 year of experienceLaboratory experience

Preferred:
  • Bachelor's degree in the natural, physical or social sciences, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Special Conditions:
  • Available to work weekends, evenings and holidays as needed.

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.
The expected pay range for this recruitment is $27.04- $28.70 (Hourly).
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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