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Lab Associate Jobs in Chula Vista, CA (NOW HIRING)

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Lab Associate information

See Chula Vista, CA salary details

$13

$23

$35

How much do lab associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab associate in Chula Vista, CA is $23.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.69 and $25.91 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 Chula Vista, CA?

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

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

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

Lab Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lab Associate job openings in Chula Vista, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,229 per year, or $23.2 per hour.

Lab Operations Specialist

San Diego Stealth Startup

San Diego, CA

$76K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Location: San Diego, CA

Job Type: Full-Time

Salary: $76,000 - $85,000 

Position Overview

We are seeking an Assistant Lab Manager to support daily laboratory operations and support the Sr. Lab manager maintain a safe and organized working environment, coordinate inventory and vendor activities, and help ensure that laboratory workflows run efficiently. This role is ideal for someone with laboratory experience, attention to detail, and the ability to balance hands-on support with administrative coordination.

Key Responsibilities

Laboratory Operations

  • Support day-to-day lab readiness, including workspace organization, supply availability, equipment access, and general operational coordination.
  • Monitor laboratory supplies, consumables, reagents, PPE, and shared materials; place or prepare purchase requests as needed.
  • Receive, unpack, label, store, and distribute lab materials according to internal procedures and safety requirements.
  • Coordinate routine lab upkeep, including shared spaces, cold storage areas, chemical storage areas, waste staging areas, and common equipment zones.

Safety, Compliance, and Documentation

  • Promote a clean, safe, and compliant lab environment consistent with company policies, biosafety practices, chemical hygiene requirements, and applicable regulations.
  • Assist with safety inspections, lab audits, corrective actions, incident documentation, and follow-up tracking.
  • Maintain or support records for chemical inventory, biological materials, equipment maintenance, training, SOPs, SDS files, and waste disposal.
  • Help onboard new lab personnel by coordinating access, training checklists, workspace setup, and lab orientation materials.
  • Escalate safety, facilities, equipment, or compliance issues promptly to the Lab Manager or appropriate owner.

Equipment, Facilities, and Vendors

  • Coordinate preventive maintenance, service visits, calibration, repair requests, and documentation for shared laboratory equipment.

Team Support and Process Improvement

  • Partner with scientists, research associates, operations staff, and leadership to understand lab needs and remove operational bottlenecks.
  • Identify opportunities to improve organization, labeling, inventory accuracy, ordering cadence, safety practices, and lab workflows.
  • Create, update, and maintain simple SOPs, checklists, logs, forms, and other operational tools.
  • Support lab moves, audits, inventory cleanups, and special projects as needed.
  • Model professional communication, reliability, and sound judgment in a fast-paced laboratory environment.

Qualifications

  • Associate degree, bachelor degree, or equivalent practical experience in biology, chemistry, biotechnology, laboratory operations, or a related field.
  • 2+ years of experience working in a laboratory
  • Working knowledge of common laboratory practices, PPE, chemical hygiene, biosafety fundamentals, inventory management, and equipment coordination.
  • Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, follow-through, and ability to manage competing priorities.
  • Clear written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with chemical inventory systems, asset management systems, electronic lab notebooks, procurement systems, or facilities ticketing platforms (ie Benchling)
  • Familiarity with waste streams, cold-chain receiving, compressed gases, hazardous materials, controlled temperature storage, or regulated sample handling.

Work Environment

  • Primarily on-site laboratory
  • May involve standing, walking, reaching, bending, lifting, unpacking shipments, moving supplies, and working in or near laboratory spaces.
  • Will require use of PPE and adherence to laboratory safety procedures.
  • Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

We are an equal opportunity employer. We thrive on diversity and collaboration.