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Lab Associate Jobs in Seaside, CA (NOW HIRING)

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Veterinarian

Monterey, CA

... Associates (5+ years of clinical experience in a feline-only practice). We're Searching For ... Our hospital is equipped with digital radiology and in-house lab and with our unique perspective ...

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Veterinarian

Monterey, CA

... Associates (5+ years of clinical experience in a feline-only practice). We're Searching For ... Our hospital is equipped with digital radiology and in-house lab and with our unique perspective ...

Purrfurably Cats

Veterinarian

Monterey, CA

... Associates (5+ years of clinical experience in a feline-only practice). We're Searching For ... Our hospital is equipped with digital radiology and in-house lab and with our unique perspective ...

Purrfurably Cats

Veterinarian

Monterey, CA

... Associates (5+ years of clinical experience in a feline-only practice). We're Searching For ... Our hospital is equipped with digital radiology and in-house lab and with our unique perspective ...

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All JobsLab Associate JobsLab Associate Jobs in Seaside, CA

Lab Associate information

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How much do lab associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab associate in Seaside, CA is $24.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.85 and $27.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Lab Associate, and why are they important?

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.

How much does a lab assistant earn?

Lab assistants typically earn between $25,000 and $45,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the specific industry or laboratory setting. Entry-level positions may start lower, while those with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher salaries.

What are Lab Associates?

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.

Do you need qualifications to be a lab assistant?

Lab associates typically need at least a high school diploma or equivalent, with some positions requiring postsecondary education or relevant certifications. Strong attention to detail, basic laboratory skills, and familiarity with lab equipment are also important for the role.

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 is the highest paid lab technician?

The highest paid lab technicians are often those with specialized skills, advanced certifications, or experience in high-demand fields such as pharmaceutical or clinical research laboratories. Salaries can reach over $70,000 annually, depending on location, industry, and level of expertise. Senior or supervisory roles typically offer higher compensation.

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 do lab associates do?

Lab associates perform tasks such as preparing samples, conducting experiments, recording data, and maintaining laboratory equipment. They often work under supervision in research or clinical labs and may need knowledge of safety protocols and laboratory techniques.
What are the most commonly searched types of Lab jobs in Seaside, CA? The most popular types of Lab jobs in Seaside, CA are:
What job categories do people searching Lab Associate jobs in Seaside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Lab Associate jobs in Seaside, CA are:
What cities near Seaside, CA are hiring for Lab Associate jobs? Cities near Seaside, CA with the most Lab Associate job openings:
Lab Associate jobs near you
Tissue Culture Lab Research Associate II - Research and Breeding Greenhouse

Tissue Culture Lab Research Associate II - Research and Breeding Greenhouse

Driscoll's, Inc.

Watsonville, CA

$76K - $98K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

About the Opportunity The Tissue Culture Lab Research Associate II is responsible for leading plant tissue culture production activities, optimizing workflow efficiency, troubleshooting laboratory issues, and ensuring highquality output across all stages of micropropagation. This role supervises daily operations within the tissue culture laboratory and collaborates crossfunctionally with teams including breeding, nursery, operations, clean stock, and plant health.
This position is highly handson, supporting the full cycle of production from explant initiation through in vitro multiplication, rooting, and the successful transfer of plantlets to the greenhouse. The Research Associate II will also contribute to data collection, reporting, protocol optimization, and may participate in experimental design as needed. Responsibilities

Fulfill production demands while maintaining a clean, organized, and efficient work environment.

Adhere to SOPs and assist in setting up smallscale trials designed to improve laboratory efficiency and workflow.

Supervise, guide, and direct tissue culture team members to complete daily tasks accurately and in a timely manner.

Perform tissue culture initiations, subcultures, and transfers needed for plantlet production across all micropropagation stages.

Monitor cultures to identify contamination or growth irregularities and report issues promptly.

Prepare and manage media, supplies, and materials required for ongoing production.

Maintain accurate records of production activities, batch numbers, and culture performance.

Ensure proper operation and cleanliness of laminar flow hoods, autoclaves, and other laboratory equipment.

Duties require manual dexterity, attention to detail, and the ability to perform repetitive tasks efficiently.

Assist in greenhouse-based trials

Uphold the confidentiality of Driscoll's financial, proprietary, and employee information.

Represent Driscoll's in a manner consistent with the company's Mission and Values in all internal and external interactions.

Perform other duties as assigned. This job description reflects the general nature of the work performed and is not an exhaustive list of responsibilities. All positions include broad responsibilities for contributing to ongoing improvement of processes used to support product development.

    Candidate Profile

A minimum of 2-3 years of relevant handson experience in plant tissue culture with strong proficiency in aseptic techniques.
BS in Horticulture, Agriculture, Plant Science, Biology, or a closely related field.
Supervisory experience in a laboratory setting, with the ability to lead, motivate, and train the tissue culture laboratory team.
Bilingual English/Spanish strongly preferred.
Analytical and problemsolving skills sufficient to identify issues and participate in developing solutions.
Ability to work in both laboratory and greenhouse environments, including extended periods at laminar flow hoods and in climatecontrolled areas.
Selfmotivated with strong communication skills and the ability to follow instructions, accept direction, and collaborate effectively with others.
Must have excellent time management, prioritization, and organizational skills.
Intermediate to Advanced Excel skills.Word, Outlook, and Power Point, proficient.
California driver's license and the ability to be covered under company-sponsored vehicle insurance program.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with commercial scale micropropagation, including high-volume production workflows.
Familiarity with plant pathology, media optimization, or acclimatization of in vitro plantlets.
Experience using production tracking systems or other laboratory data collection tools.

Compensation & Benefits

The following information is provided in good faith as a general description of the salary range and benefits for the position posted. The actual compensation offered to the successful candidate is dependent upon experience, skills, education, work location, internal pay equity, and other objective job-related factors.

Salary Range estimated for the Tissue Culture Lab Research Associate II - Research and Breeding Greenhouse role:$76,810.00/year to $98,000.00 USD.

Driscoll's is committed to a culture of care and offers an attractive benefits package that includes comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, life insurance, and disability coverage for positions working more than 30 hours per week. Other benefits include: 401(k) with employer match, profit-sharing participation, paid sick time, paid vacation, paid personal and family care leave, and a free Employee Assistance Program (EAP). More detailed information regarding the benefits package, will be shared during the application process.

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