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Lab Associate Jobs in Oceanside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Lab Associate - 21272

Poway, CA · On-site

$27 - $32/hr

Lab Associate - Simply Biotech OVERVIEW Are you looking for a new career opportunity with an exciting biotech company?! Then we have got the right team for you! In this role, you are responsible for ...

Lab Operations Technician

San Diego, CA · On-site

$20.25 - $26.75/hr

Requirements: • Associates Degree in Biological Sciences, Trade School Certificate, or equivalent preferred • Previous lab experience and equipment operation a plus, but not required • ...

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Lab Associate information

See Oceanside, CA salary details

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How much do lab associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab associate in Oceanside, CA is $23.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.64 and $25.87 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 Oceanside, CA? The most popular types of Lab jobs in Oceanside, CA are:
What cities near Oceanside, CA are hiring for Lab Associate jobs? Cities near Oceanside, CA with the most Lab Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Lab Associate job openings in Oceanside, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,133 per year, or $23.1 per hour.

Lab Associate - 21272

Simply Biotech

Poway, CA • On-site

$27 - $32/hr

Temporary

Medical

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Lab Associate - Simply Biotech

OVERVIEW

Are you looking for a new career opportunity with an exciting biotech company?! Then we have got the right team for you! In this role, you are responsible for the duties listed below.

Immediate opening for a Lab Associate in Poway, CA who possesses:

  • 1 to 3+ years of laboratory experience
  • Bachelor's degree or advanced degree in Life Science preferred, or equivalent experience
  • Familiarity with pipetting, centrifuges, and other scientific equipment and lab techniques relevant to the research and production of antibodies and reagents

FULL DESCRIPTION: We are seeking a Lab Associate to support laboratory production, experiments, data recording, reagent preparation, antibody and reagent production activities, and general lab operations. This temp-to-hire role is ideal for someone with hands-on lab experience, strong attention to detail, a good work ethic, and the ability to follow written procedures and protocols in a fast-paced, collaborative laboratory environment. The ideal candidate will have experience with pipetting, centrifuges, incubators, freezers, lab equipment, data summaries, and routine laboratory techniques used in the research and production of antibodies and reagents.

The selected candidate will be responsible for:

  • Performing tasks and duties as assigned by the Production Manager
  • Preparing reagents, buffers, culture media, and other materials needed for production and experiments
  • Recording data and data summaries accurately
  • Performing DNA cloning, panning, screening, and DNA sequencing activities as assigned
  • Conducting ELISA experiments
  • Performing SDS-PAGE protein gels, DNA/RNA preparations, and PCR preparations
  • Supporting research and production activities related to antibodies and reagents
  • Using pipettes, centrifuges, incubators, freezers, and other laboratory equipment
  • Following written procedures, protocols, and safety requirements
  • Maintaining lab cleanliness and safety
  • Maintaining equipment and ensuring samples are properly labeled and stored
  • Supporting routine lab production tasks
  • Communicating effectively with team members and leadership
  • Working independently and collaboratively in a team environment
  • Using Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams
  • Performing other duties as assigned

The selected candidate will also possess:

  • Bachelor's degree or advanced degree in Life Science preferred, or equivalent experience
  • 1 to 3+ years of laboratory experience required
  • Research lab, biology, chemistry, antibody, reagent, or production lab experience preferred
  • Familiarity with scientific equipment and laboratory techniques relevant to the research and production of antibodies and reagents required
  • Experience with pipetting required
  • Experience with centrifuges, incubators, freezers, and related lab equipment preferred
  • Experience preparing reagents, buffers, culture media, or similar lab materials preferred
  • Experience recording lab data and data summaries preferred
  • DNA cloning, ELISA, SDS-PAGE, DNA/RNA preparation, or PCR experience preferred
  • Ability to follow written procedures and protocols
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Strong work ethic
  • Results-oriented approach
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, rapidly changing, and growing organization
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Technologically savvy and comfortable using Microsoft Office Suite and Teams
  • Ability to work onsite in Poway, CA
  • Ability to work full-time, Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
  • Ability to support a temp-to-hire opportunity

Physical Requirements:

  • Ability to work primarily in a lab space while standing for extended periods
  • Ability to perform frequent pipetting, kitting, and lab-related assignments
  • Ability to use hands and fingers for pipetting, sample handling, reagent preparation, labeling, data entry, and standard laboratory tasks
  • Ability to work with laboratory equipment, including pipettes, centrifuges, incubators, freezers, and related scientific equipment
  • Ability to work with cold temperatures, freezer storage, samples, reagents, buffers, culture media, and other laboratory materials as needed
  • Ability to perform repetitive laboratory tasks with accuracy and attention to detail
  • Ability to sit in a climate-controlled office environment as needed
  • Ability to occasionally stand, walk, bend, reach, and move throughout laboratory and office areas
  • Ability to occasionally lift up to 10 pounds
  • Ability to communicate by phone, email, Teams, and in person throughout the workday
  • Ability to work in a laboratory environment while following applicable safety protocols and procedures
  • Ability to wear required personal protective equipment as needed

Salary Range: $27 to $32/hour
More information can be found at www.simplybiotech.com.

Company Description

Simply Biotech was founded in 2008 and has been repeatedly recognized as one of San Diego County's fastest growing businesses. In 2025, we were named Business Journal's 'Best Places to Work'. Even as our competitors are scaling back and laying off staff, Simply Biotech is expanding to new markets and hiring additional staff in existing offices.