ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Lab Assistant Jobs in Novato, CA (NOW HIRING)

TekWissen LLC

Lab Assistant

Berkeley, CA · On-site

US- Lab Assistant (Entry) Location: Berkeley,CA, 94710 Duration: 12 Months Work Type: Onsite We are seeking a part-time lab technician to join our BioSeparations team. The position is for up to 8 ...

Labcorp

Lab Assistant

South San Francisco, CA · On-site

$17.75 - $22.76/hr

Labcorp is seeking a Lab Assistant to join our team in South San Francisco, CA . Work Schedule: 1st Shift - This is a Casual/Per Diem position; hours will be"as needed" and the start and end times ...

Peet's Coffee

Lab Assistant (PCT)

Emeryville, CA

$24 - $28/hr

The Lab Assistant will also maintain labs and supplies. This is a full-time, hourly position. Location: Emeryville, CA - 5 days onsite Schedule: Full-Time Hourly: $24-28/hr. What You Will Do

Peet's

Lab Assistant (PCT)

Emeryville, CA

$24 - $28/hr

The Lab Assistant will also maintain labs and supplies. This is a full-time, hourly position. Location: Emeryville, CA - 5 days onsite Schedule: Full-Time Hourly: $24-28/hr. What You Will Do

Peet's Coffee

Lab Assistant (PCT)

Emeryville, CA · On-site

$24 - $28/hr

The Lab Assistant will also maintain labs and supplies. This is a full-time, hourly position. Location: Emeryville, CA - 5 days onsite Schedule: Full-Time Hourly: $24-28/hr. What You Will Do

Sutter Health

Lab Assistant Lead

Daly City, CA

$36.97 - $46.21/hr

Organizes and coordinates the overall operation of the clinical laboratory phlebotomy and processing area, including staffing and work assignments of the phlebotomists, laboratory assistants, and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsLab Assistant JobsLab Assistant Jobs in Novato, CA

Lab Assistant information

See Novato, CA salary details

$12

$23

$34

How much do lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of May 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab assistant in Novato, CA is $23.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $27.12 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 are lab assistants?

Lab assistants are professionals who support scientists, researchers, or instructors by preparing laboratory equipment, conducting routine experiments, and maintaining a clean and organized work environment. They may also be responsible for recording data, managing supplies, and ensuring that safety protocols are followed. Lab assistants work in various settings, including educational institutions, research facilities, hospitals, and private laboratories.

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.

More about Lab Assistant jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Lab jobs in Novato, CA? The most popular types of Lab jobs in Novato, CA are:
What job categories do people searching Lab Assistant jobs in Novato, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Lab Assistant jobs in Novato, CA are:
What cities near Novato, CA are hiring for Lab Assistant jobs? Cities near Novato, CA with the most Lab Assistant job openings:
Lab Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lab Assistant job openings in Novato, CA as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $49,444 per year, or $23.8 per hour.
Lab Assistant

Lab Assistant

University of California San Francisco

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Job Description
The UCSF Hair Analytical Laboratory (HAL) analyzes antiretroviral concentrations in hair (but may include other biological specimens such as urine, dried blood spot (DBS), plasma, serum, blood, nail, etc.) in the context of HIV and TB prevention and treatment studies using assays that are developed and validated according to the Federal Drug Administration (FDA's) guidelines for bioanalytical methods and the National Institute of Health's Division of AIDS' (DAIDs) Clinical Pharmacology and Quality Assurance Program (CPQA). This position requires overseeing and maintaining high quality regulatory functions in the laboratory.
This HAL Lab Assistant 3 position will assist laboratory personnel and laboratory leadership in facilitating the safety and daily functions of the laboratory, including keeping accurate clinical/research sample information. This position will also be responsible for ordering supplies for the lab. Additional duties will include helping to maintain optimal conditions of the instruments for HAL's analytical studies, including a variety of daily laboratory functions such as checking and changing freezer/refrigerator charts, calibration of equipment, supply ordering and management, etc.
Responsibilities
DUTIES & ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Identify the functions or tasks that employees in the job perform. The essential functions should state the purpose of the work and the results to be accomplished, rather than how the function is performed. Of the tasks listed, what percentage of time is devoted to each? The more time employees spend on a function, the more likely it is that the function is essential. Generally, include those functions that account for 10% or more of the work, i.e., key items that contribute significantly to the achievement of the job. The functions should add up to 100%.
of time
Essential Function (Yes/No)
Key Responsibilities
(To be completed by Supervisor)
55
Yes
LAB COORDINATION DUTIES
  • Submits "Weekly Updates" to the UCSF HAL Lab Research Supervisor, laboratory director and PI, if required. Weekly reports include, but not limited to, a summary of clinical/research sample receiving, storage and log-in status, the status of ordering and receiving chemicals and supplies, balance and equipment calibration plans, any concerns regarding the labaoratory.
  • Ensures clinical samples (including but not limited to hair, urine, plasma, serum, DBS, etc.) receiving, recording, acknowledgements, and storage
  • Confirms all clinical/research samples are accurately received against the clinical manifest, logged in and "Acknowledgement of Samples Receipts" are sent to the relevant investigators
  • Orders and purchases biological samples, solvents, glassware, chemicals, laboratory and office supplies, equipment parts, and maintenance contracts, and advises staff on equipment and supply purchasing matters.
  • Receiving, storing, distribution and maintenance of chemicals, supplies and equipment.
  • Manages the handing of organic, chemical, regular and biological waste and maintains lab biosafety hoods, fume hoods, and benches.
  • Inventories equipment and chemicals as required by the department and OEH&S.
  • Ensures equipment are maintained properly.
  • Issues and receives pipettes, syringes, and other lab related items with identification numbers.
  • Manages temperature chart on recorders and alarm system on all freezer and refrigerators and deicing and cleaning of refrigerators/freezers.
  • Changes the desiccant in all desiccators, which requires N95 respirator mask FIT testing and medical clearance.
  • Performs scheduled testing on freezer alarm systems, etc. as required by internal SOPs and OEH&S.
  • Troubleshoots internet related problems affecting network, database and LDMS and contacts appropriate department to resolve issue.
  • Coordinates, escorts, collects, and inventories positive incurred samples from Shaved Hair study participants.
  • Packs, prepares documentation, and sends clinical samples (urine, plasma, DBS, hair, etc.) to other analytical laboratories.
  • Packs and sends tenofovir urine immunoassay kits with sending documentation and receipt acknowledgement form and works with those sites to complete commercial invoice or other applicable documentation.
  • Prepares SeroPrEP test kits, including documentation, and sending kits to clinical sites, along with updating SeroPrEP Participant and Specimen Tracking spreadsheet with sample collection and/or volume information and sending/uploading applicable forms to/for the Study Coordinator.
  • Trains other HAL staff on laboratory duties which need coverage, when unavailable.

40
Yes
LAB ADMISTRATIVE DUTIES
  • Assists in drafting and implementing the Biological Use Authorization (BUA), maintains the UC chemical inventory and implements Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for Particularly Hazardous Chemicals (PHC), drafts and implements the Emergency Action Plan (EAP), and maintains safety procedures and emergency supplies.
  • Assists laboratory personnel to complete analytical studies by facilitating daily lab activities such as chemical handling and waste management
  • Maintains valid documentation of purchases, contracts and login/checkout to assure accountability.
  • Maintains logbook and log-in sheet for various lab instruments.
  • Organizes the HAL clinical sample inventory, chemical and supply inventory, and lab space.
  • Manages laboratory equipment and facility space scheduling.
  • Manages internal system of reference standards.
  • Researches and updates information regarding resources for obtaining supplies for pharmaceutical analysis to specifications of the studies
  • Informs management about laboratory issues and concerns and quality assurance and regulatory issues.
  • Accompanies inspectors on site visits and reviews client on site inspections.
  • Serves as liaison between other UCSF departments and communicating with regulatory agencies, clinical laboratories, and other businesses outside of UCSF.
  • Assists other University departments to comply with equipment inventory, chemical inventory, equipment surplus and laboratory inspections.
  • Contacts service companies for quotations and submitting service agreement contracts in BearBuy to obtain Purchase Orders.
  • Contacts supply companies for quotations and submitting orders in BearBuy
  • Participates in the development and monitoring of policies and standard operating procedures for the laboratory.
  • Coordinates inventory planning and purchasing and instrument service contracts.

5
Yes
  • Writes e-mails/letters/memos requested by HAL directors (to include, but not limited to requesting to discard/return samples to clinical labs/study directors after study completion, coodinating with other UC personnel (outside of the HAL) about shipments/supplies, and requesting positive incurred quality control needed for validating analytical methods and completing bioanalytical studies).
  • Writes and/or contributes towards instructional and executional procedures on job duties and/or laboratory SOPs

100%
(To update total %, enter the amount of time in whole numbers (without the % symbol - e.g., 15, 20) then highlight the total sum (e.g., 1%) at the bottom of the column and press F9. The total sum should add up to 100%.)
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
• Graduation from high school or a General Education Diploma.
• Three (3) years of laboratory experience or two years of college including courses in the natural, physical or social sciences and two years of laboratory experience, utilizing the techniques or methods required by the position; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Knowledge and abilities essential to the successful performance of the duties assigned to the position.
• Extremely detail oriented; works with an extremely high level of accuracy.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Word.
• Knowledge of necessary lab safety procedures and requirements, implementing and training staff on the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the Biological Use Authorization (BUA) under Research Information Online (RIO), under UC Chemical Inventory under UC Safety and the Emergency Action Plan (EAP).
• Knowledge of a wide variety of specialized laboratory equipment.
• Knowledge of research discipline or instructional design to collaborate effectively with faculty and function as a resource to research and instructional associates.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, professionalism, and organizational skills to develop and maintain effective working relationships with faculty, staff, and personnel outside of the University.
• Excellent written skills to conduct and report on laboratory findings.
• Knowledge of medical and scientific terminology.
• Professional and motivated attitude.
Preferred Qualifications
• Advanced knowledge of information technology, such as networking, database, and security skills.
• Solid leadership skills associated with establishing priorities, scheduling laboratory space, and ensuring completion of multiple projects and work assignments.
• Knowledge of PowerPoint and Access.

Apply