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Lab Associate Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Gallo

Lab Tech Associate

Lodi, CA

$23.08 - $31.15/hr

A Taste of What You'll Do As a Lab Tech Associate at Turner Road Vintners, you will help uphold product quality and consistency by conducting physical, analytical chemistry, and microbiological ...

New

Gallo

Lab Tech Associate

Lodi, CA

$23.08 - $31.15/hr

A Taste of What You'll Do As a Lab Tech Associate at Turner Road Vintners, you will help uphold product quality and consistency by conducting physical, analytical chemistry, and microbiological ...

New

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All JobsLab Associate JobsLab Associate Jobs in California

Lab Associate information

See California salary details

$12

$22

$33

How much do lab associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab associate in California is $22.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $24.66 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a lab associate?

Lab Associates are professionals who assist in the daily operations of laboratories by performing tasks such as preparing samples, conducting basic experiments, maintaining equipment, and recording data. They typically work under the supervision of scientists or lab managers and help ensure that laboratory procedures are followed safely and accurately. Lab Associates play a crucial role in supporting research and development, quality control, or diagnostic testing in fields like healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and academia. Their responsibilities may vary depending on the specific lab setting and industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lab associate?

To thrive as a Lab Associate, you need a solid understanding of laboratory procedures, attention to detail, and typically a degree in a science-related field. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), standard lab equipment, and relevant safety certifications is often required. Strong organizational skills, teamwork, and effective communication set outstanding candidates apart in this role. These skills ensure accurate data collection, safe lab practices, and efficient support for scientific research or clinical testing.

What are some typical challenges a lab associate might face during day-to-day work, and how can they be addressed?

Lab Associates often encounter challenges such as managing multiple experiments simultaneously, ensuring precise documentation, and maintaining equipment. Staying organized by keeping detailed lab notes and using lab management software can help streamline workflow. Clear communication with team members and supervisors is vital to address any issues promptly and maintain a safe, efficient laboratory environment. Regularly scheduled equipment checks and proactive troubleshooting also contribute to smoother operations.

What is the difference between Lab Associate vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectLab AssociateLaboratory Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or associate degree; certifications varyAssociate degree or relevant certification; similar educational background
Work EnvironmentHospitals, research labs, clinicsMedical labs, research facilities, industrial labs
Job ResponsibilitiesSample collection, data entry, basic testingPerforming tests, maintaining equipment, recording results
Employer & Industry UsageHealthcare, research, biotechMedical, industrial, research sectors

Both Lab Associates and Laboratory Technicians work in similar environments and often share educational requirements. The main difference lies in specific job duties, with Laboratory Technicians typically performing more complex tests and equipment maintenance. Understanding these distinctions can help job seekers identify the right role for their skills and career goals.

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

The most popular types of Lab jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Lab Associate jobs?

Cities in California with the most Lab Associate job openings:

Lab Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lab Associate job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,917 per year, or $22.1 per hour.

Pownall Lab - Associate/Full Specialist

University of California, San Francisco

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 14 hours 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

233rd of 622 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Application Window
Open date: July 24, 2026
Next review date: Sunday, Aug 23, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.
Final date: Monday, Jan 24, 2028 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.
Position description
Pownall Lab - Associate/Full Specialist
Biochemistry and Biophysics
UC San Francisco
The Pownall Lab at UCSF is seeking a full or associate specialist interested in understanding the molecular mechanisms controlling chromatin structure and function in developing zebrafish embryos using advanced microscopy methods. The candidate will be responsible for independently designing and performing experiments, including but not limited to zebrafish breeding and embryo microinjection, mammalian cell culture, molecular cloning and in vitro RNA synthesis, immunostaining, confocal microscopy, expansion microscopy, DNA and RNA FISH, and quantitative image analysis. The candidate will also contribute to the preparation of publications and grant applications.
The candidate will help to oversee day-to-day operations of the lab, including ordering laboratory supplies, maintaining lab organization, and ensuring compliance with safety standards, and will assist with zebrafish care and husbandry as needed. This position will be focused on ChromExM technology development and applications, including managing collaborations to apply ChromExM to other systems and training and mentoring lab members and collaborators. The candidate is expected to operate with a high degree of independence, including taking ownership of experimental direction, troubleshooting, and execution with minimal oversight. Successful candidates are expected to be extremely detail-oriented, highly organized, collaborative, and enjoy protocol development. The ideal start date is no later than October 2026.
Required Qualifications:
  • Master's degree (or equivalent degree) or five to ten years of research experience to be appointed at the Associate rank.
  • Terminal degree (or equivalent degree) or ten or more years of research experience to be appointed at the Full rank.
  • Demonstrated experience in vertebrate embryology (fish, frog, or mouse).
  • Broad expertise in advanced microscopy.
  • A record of research productivity, including peer-reviewed publications.
  • Experience working collaboratively in a shared research environment and contributing to laboratory organization, coordination, and support of other researchers.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • PhD degree in molecular biology or a closely related field (e.g., genetics, cell biology).
  • Experience with super-resolution microscopy (SMLM, STED, SIM, etc.).
  • A track record of training and mentoring others will be preferred.
  • Demonstrate strong initiative in independently identifying, prioritizing, and communicating experimental and organization needs.

See Table 24B for the salary range for this position. A reasonable estimate for this position is $78,300-$201,700.
Please click here to apply with a cover letter, CV, and contact information for two references. Applicant materials must list current and/or pending qualifications upon submission. The selected candidate must meet all qualifications at the time of appointment.
Application Requirements
Document requirements
  • Cover Letter
  • Curriculum Vitae - CV must clearly list current and/or pending qualifications (e.g. board eligibility/certification, medical licensure, etc.).
  • Statement of Research (Optional)

Reference requirements
  • 2 required (contact information only)

About UC San Francisco
As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.
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.
UCSF is committed to welcoming and serving all people, honoring the dignity of every individual without preference or prejudice, in support of its public mission and in alignment with our PRIDE values and Principles of Community.
As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.
• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, or discrimination, as defined by the employer.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
• APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment
Job location
San Francisco, CA

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