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Lab Associate Jobs in Fremont, CA (NOW HIRING)

The Training Lab Associate supports the daily operations of the training laboratory by coordinating supply orders, maintaining inventory, and ensuring laboratory readiness. This position is ...

The Training Lab Associate supports the daily operations of the training laboratory by coordinating supply orders, maintaining inventory, and ensuring laboratory readiness. This position is ...

The Training Lab Associate supports the daily operations of the training laboratory by coordinating supply orders, maintaining inventory, and ensuring laboratory readiness. This position is ...

Lead Laboratory Associate

Livermore, CA · On-site

$39.23 - $54.92/hr

SSL-Sutter Shared Lab-Bay Position Overview: Performs duties primarily related to organizing and ... Functions as a Lab Associate I or Lab Associate II. Completes tasks related to test ordering ...

Lead Laboratory Associate

Livermore, CA · On-site

$39.23 - $54.92/hr

SSL-Sutter Shared Lab-Bay Position Overview: Performs duties primarily related to organizing and ... Functions as a Lab Associate I or Lab Associate II. Completes tasks related to test ordering ...

Clinical Lab Associate 1 (Temp)

Fremont, CA · On-site

$27.50 - $34.60/hr

We are looking for a Temporary Clinical Lab Associate to join for an expected duration of 6 months, with a possibility for extension or conversion, Responsibilities: * Perform nucleic acid extraction ...

Lab Associate II - Per Diem

Livermore, CA · On-site

$35.59 - $49.82/hr

SSL-Sutter Shared Lab-Bay Position Overview: Performs duties related to receiving, handling and processing specimens for Laboratory testing. Receives, sorts and accessions specimens, assigning to ...

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Lab Associate information

See Fremont, CA salary details

$13

$24

$37

How much do lab associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab associate in Fremont, CA is $24.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.70 and $27.36 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Lab jobs in Fremont, CA? The most popular types of Lab jobs in Fremont, CA are:
What cities near Fremont, CA are hiring for Lab Associate jobs? Cities near Fremont, CA with the most Lab Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Lab Associate job openings in Fremont, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,930 per year, or $24.5 per hour.

$23/hr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


Intuitive Surgical rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Company Description

It started with a simple idea: what if surgery could be less invasive and recovery less painful? Nearly 30 years later, that question still fuels everything we do at Intuitive. As a global leader in robotic-assisted surgery and minimally invasive care, our technologies—like the da Vinci surgical system and Ion—have transformed how care is delivered for millions of patients worldwide.

We’re a team of engineers, clinicians, and innovators united by one purpose: to make surgery smarter, safer, and more human. Every day, our work helps care teams perform with greater precision and patients recover faster, improving outcomes around the world.

The problems we solve demand creativity, rigor, and collaboration. The work is challenging, but deeply meaningful—because every improvement we make has the potential to change a life.

If you’re ready to contribute to something bigger than yourself and help transform the future of healthcare, you’ll find your purpose here.

Job Description

Primary Function of Position:

The Training Lab Associate supports the daily operations of the training laboratory by coordinating supply orders, maintaining inventory, and ensuring laboratory readiness. This position is responsible for cleaning, decontaminating, and sterilizing medical instruments; organizing operating rooms and laboratory bays; and completing laboratory cleaning and turnover between training sessions while maintaining compliance with established safety and quality standards. The Training Lab Associate supports the needs of Program Education and Professional Services and other cross-functional teams by preparing training materials, coordinating laboratory logistics, and providing operational support to ensure the successful delivery of educational programs and hands-on training activities.

Essential Job Duties:

Administrative

    • Assist in managing Intuitive Surgical Robotic Platforms and supplemental equipment to support training, educational programs, and special events.
    • Maintain inventory of Intuitive Surgical instruments, equipment, accessories, and laboratory supplies to ensure operational readiness.
    • Maintain accurate laboratory records, documentation, and filing systems in accordance with departmental procedures.
    • Coordinate the preparation and shipment of instruments, accessories, tissue models, and other training materials to internal and external training facilities.
    • Execute system movements, bay assignments and other pretraining lab logistics in support of Lab Operations leadership.
    • Prepare, maintain, and properly handle cadaveric specimens and other tissue models in compliance with applicable safety and quality standards.
    • Maintain specimen inventory and usage logs and respond to inquiries regarding laboratory operations and standard procedures.
    • Support general laboratory administration, including inventory reconciliation, documentation, and process improvements.

Technical

    • Perform daily cleaning, decontamination, inspection, and sterilization of surgical instruments and laboratory equipment following established protocols.
    • Assemble and prepare instrument trays and training materials prior to scheduled education and training sessions.
    • Organize, maintain decontamination and sterilization work areas to ensure efficiency and compliance.
    • Troubleshoot and perform basic operational support for laboratory equipment, including Intuitive Surgical Robotic platforms, video equipment, electrosurgical units, and other training devices, escalating issues as appropriate.
    • Set up, configure, and verify Intuitive Surgical Robotic platforms and associated equipment to ensure readiness for all training activities.
    • Perform routine equipment inspections
    • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to coordinate laboratory logistics, equipment availability, inventory management, and operational support, ensuring exceptional experience for internal and external customers.
Qualifications

Required Skills and Experience:

    • Laboratory technician, Sterile reprocessing technician, veterinary technician or equivalent
    • 3-5 years’ experience in an animal research lab or comparable work environment
    • Familiarity with sterile protocol/OR attire
    • Background preferences:
    • Familiarity with national/state regulatory criteria for animal care in lab facilities (IACUC, USDA, OLAW)
    • Familiarity with surgical procedures and surgical training models
    • Familiarity with Intuitive Surgical Robotic Platforms and accessories
    • Good knowledge of surgical/laboratory terminology, equipment, materials and procedures, as well as the fundamental laboratory methods relating to surgery  
    • Good knowledge of common applications (MS Office, Outlook etc.)
    • Maintains an excellent attendance record

Required Education and Training:

High school diploma, AS preferred

Working Conditions: Work is performed primarily in a laboratory and office environment with frequent exposure to animal tissues & cadaveric tissues. The position requires adherence to established laboratory safety protocols, biosafety procedures, and the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including scrubs, gloves, gowns, masks, and eye protection. Responsibilities include prolonged standing and walking, frequent bending, reaching, pushing, pulling, and lifting materials and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds. This role may require moving laboratory equipment, prepare training spaces, and support multiple concurrent training sessions in a fast-paced environment.

Additional Information

Due to the nature of our business and the role, please note that Intuitive and/or your customer(s) may require that you show current proof of vaccination against certain diseases including COVID-19.  Details can vary by role.

Intuitive is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees, and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type, without regard to race, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, color, age, religion, protected veteran or disability status, genetic information or any other status protected under federal, state, or local applicable laws.

Mandatory Notices

U.S. Export Controls Disclaimer:  In accordance with the U.S. Export Administration Regulations (15 CFR §743.13(b)), some roles at Intuitive Surgical may be subject to U.S. export controls for prospective employees who are nationals from countries currently on embargo or sanctions status.

Certain information you provide as part of the application will be used for purposes of determining whether Intuitive Surgical will need to (i) obtain an export license from the U.S. Government on your behalf (note: the government’s licensing process can take 3 to 6+ months) or (ii) implement a Technology Control Plan (“TCP”) (note: typically adds 2 weeks to the hiring process).  

For any Intuitive role subject to export controls, final offers are contingent upon obtaining an approved export license and/or an executed TCP prior to the prospective employee’s start date, which may or may not be flexible, and within a timeframe that does not unreasonably impede the hiring need. If applicable, candidates will be notified and instructed on any requirements for these purposes. 

We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with fair chance laws.

This position may be filled at a different job level than listed here depending on
business need and/or on the selected candidate’s experience, knowledge and skills.
Compensation will be based primarily on the job level at which the role is filled and the
candidate’s qualifications, consistent with applicable law.

We provide market-competitive compensation packages, inclusive of base pay, incentives, benefits, and equity. It would not be typical for someone to be hired at the top end of range for the role, as actual pay will be determined based on several factors, including experience, skills, and qualifications. The target base compensation ranges are listed.

Base Salary Range Region 1:$27 - $37
Base Salary Range Region 2: $23 - $31
Shift: Day
Workplace Type: Onsite - This job is fully onsite.


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