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Lab Operations Associate Jobs in Berkeley, CA (NOW HIRING)

Lunar

Business Operations Associate

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

All of it - from doctors, nurses, pharmacists, lab technicians, coders, billers, supply chain, and ... We are looking for a Business Operations Associate to help build and scale the operational ...

ZymoChem

Lab Assistant

San Leandro, CA · On-site

$28 - $34/hr

Department Summary The Lab Operations team is our company backbone to ensure safe and ready ... Associates Degree in Biology, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Process Engineering, Material ...

ZymoChem

Lab Assistant

San Leandro, CA · On-site

Department Summary The Lab Operations team is our company backbone to ensure safe and ready ... Associates Degree in Biology, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Process Engineering, Material ...

Medra

Scientific Operations

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Build and run the onboarding program for scientists, research associates, and engineers on lab logistics, safety, and operating norms * Partner with the operations and procurement teams on capital ...

Medra LLC

Scientific Operations

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Build and run the onboarding program for scientists, research associates, and engineers on lab logistics, safety, and operating norms * Partner with the operations and procurement teams on capital ...

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All JobsLab Operations Associate JobsLab Operations Associate Jobs in Berkeley, CA

Lab Operations Associate information

See Berkeley, CA salary details

$13

$32

$65

How much do lab operations associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab operations associate in Berkeley, CA is $32.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.78 and $37.07 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the duties of lab operations?

Lab operations involve managing daily laboratory activities such as preparing and maintaining equipment, ensuring safety protocols are followed, and coordinating sample handling and data recording. The role often requires attention to detail, organization skills, and familiarity with laboratory tools and procedures.

What is a lab operations associate?

A lab operations associate is responsible for supporting laboratory functions such as managing supplies, maintaining equipment, and ensuring safety protocols are followed. They often assist with sample processing, data entry, and may use laboratory information management systems (LIMS). This role typically requires attention to detail, organizational skills, and knowledge of lab procedures.

What are some common challenges faced by Lab Operations Associates, and how can they be managed effectively?

Lab Operations Associates often encounter challenges such as managing multiple tasks simultaneously, maintaining strict compliance with safety protocols, and ensuring timely supply inventory. Successfully meeting these challenges requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and clear communication with both lab technicians and management. Proactively prioritizing tasks and regularly reviewing inventory and safety procedures can help maintain smooth lab operations and contribute to a collaborative and efficient work environment.

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

To thrive as a Lab Operations Associate, you need a solid understanding of laboratory procedures, inventory management, and safety protocols, often supported by a bachelor's degree in a life science field. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), inventory tracking software, and standard lab equipment is typically required. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills in this position. These competencies ensure smooth laboratory operations, regulatory compliance, and reliable support for scientific research or testing.

What is the difference between Lab Operations Associate vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectLab Operations AssociateLaboratory Technician
CredentialsTypically requires a high school diploma or associate degree; certifications may enhance prospectsUsually requires an associate degree or relevant certification
Work EnvironmentSupports lab workflows, manages supplies, and maintains equipmentPerforms testing, sample analysis, and data recording
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in healthcare, biotech, and research labs for operational supportFound in clinical, pharmaceutical, and research labs for technical testing

The Lab Operations Associate primarily handles logistical and support tasks within the lab environment, ensuring smooth operations. In contrast, the Laboratory Technician focuses on performing technical tests and analyzing samples. Both roles are essential in lab settings but differ in responsibilities and skill requirements.

What is the role of an operations associate?

A Lab Operations Associate is responsible for managing laboratory workflows, maintaining equipment, ensuring compliance with safety protocols, and supporting daily lab activities. They often handle inventory, data entry, and coordinate with team members to ensure efficient lab operations.

What are Lab Operations Associates?

Lab Operations Associates are professionals who support the daily functioning of scientific laboratories. Their responsibilities often include managing lab supplies, maintaining equipment, ensuring compliance with safety regulations, and assisting with sample processing or data entry. They work closely with scientists and technicians to ensure experiments and research activities run smoothly. This role is essential for maintaining an organized and efficient laboratory environment.

What is the highest paying job in a laboratory?

In a laboratory setting, the highest paying roles are often senior scientists, laboratory directors, or principal investigators, who typically hold advanced degrees and extensive experience. These positions involve overseeing research, managing teams, and ensuring compliance, and they can earn six-figure salaries depending on the industry and location.
What are the most commonly searched types of Lab Operations jobs in Berkeley, CA? The most popular types of Lab Operations jobs in Berkeley, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Lab Operations Associate jobs in Berkeley, CA? For Lab Operations Associate jobs in Berkeley, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Lab Operations Associate jobs in Berkeley, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Lab Operations Associate jobs in Berkeley, CA are:
What cities near Berkeley, CA are hiring for Lab Operations Associate jobs? Cities near Berkeley, CA with the most Lab Operations Associate job openings:
Lab Operations Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lab Operations Associate job openings in Berkeley, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,840 per year, or $32.1 per hour.

Supervisor, Onsite Lab Operations Support

Avantor Fluid Handling, LLC

South San Francisco, CA • On-site

$89K - $92K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 hours ago

Job description

The Opportunity:

In this role, you will report to the site services manager and will work closely with the Avantor's Lab and Production Services professionals to serve our customers by performing customized, mission-based lab work and research protocols that help return time back to science.

Salary Range: $89,000 - $92,700

Shift: Monday - Friday, 7:30 am - 3:30 pm

Location: South San Francisco, CA

Benefits:

  • Health and Wellness: Medical, Dental, Vision and Wellness programs (eligible for medical coverage on day 1)

  • Time Off: Paid Time Off (PTO), Company paid holidays, Choice holidays etc.

  • Financial Well Being: Spending Accounts: Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Health Savings Accounts (HSA), commuter benefits, 401(k), tuition assistance, employee stock purchase plan discount

  • Added Protection Coverage: To include critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident, legal, identity theft protection, pet, auto, and home insurance.

  • Recognition: Celebrate your peers and earn points to redeem for gifts and products

What we're looking for

  • Education: High School Diploma Required; Associate's degree or undergraduate degree preferred

  • Experience: 2+ years of experience in customer services/purchasing/or account management

  • Collaboration Tool: Microsoft Teams experience

  • Reliable form of transportation

  • Conform to all customer requirements for background checks, health and safety issues, security clearances and medical checkups.

  • May be assigned to other accounts required

  • Knowledge of Information Access and ERP Systems; intermediate Microsoft Office

  • Previous experience managing associates is preferred

  • Excellent customer service skills; display a professional can do attitude

  • Basic purchasing and inventory knowledge

  • High regard for safety, quality and adherence to protocols, policies and procedures

  • Must be flexible, adaptable, and multi-task oriented

  • Ability to self-manage and self-motivate; forward thinking

  • Proficient in trouble shooting

  • Forklift Certification a plus

  • Spill containment , IATA, DOT, IMDG and Hazwoper training a plus

  • GMP and GLP training a plus

  • CPR training and OSHA Right to Know preferred

  • Inside sales experience and cross referencing skills a plus

How you will thrive and create an impact

Avantor's Lab and Production Services team is a crucial part of the Avantor Services group serving over 500 customers in biopharma, pharmaceutical, educational, industrial, and high-tech industries with customizable, flexible solutions and end-to-end laboratory operations support.

In this role you will:

Demonstrate passion and focus for leading teams

  • Ownership of day-to-day team management including engaging direction and providing accountability of team's daily performance through timely and relevant feedback

  • Training and developing the team by providing growth opportunities for associates within theVWRframework

  • Establishes an inspired team culture by creating positive experiences for all associates with the goal of increasing retention and minimizing turnover

  • Ensures team complies with customer requirements and adheres toVWRsite service guidelines

Deliver enthusiastic customer service

  • Act as a primary point of contact onsite for allVWRservice activities delivered by your team

  • Lead regular team meetings and participate in and contribute to customer discussions

  • Evaluate ongoing team performance against the scope of work (SOW) and service level agreement (SLA) requirements. Manage customer feedback to implement changes/expansions of service with your team

Achieve operational excellence

  • Coach and motivate your team to meet/exceed performance goals

  • Share accountability for site KPI's in the areas of Service, Cost, and People

  • Identify, create, and implement value-added solutions to theVWRteam to drive efficiencies and operational improvements

  • Recognize, suggest, and implement additional service opportunities on site to meet Business Development goals

Disclaimer:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees assigned to this position. Avantor is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

Why Avantor?

Dare to go further in your career. Join our global team of 14,000+ associates whose passion for discovery and determination to overcome challenges relentlessly advances life-changing science.
The work we do changes people's lives for the better. It brings new patient treatments and therapies to market, giving a cancer survivor the chance to walk his daughter down the aisle. It enables medical devices that help a little boy hear his mom's voice for the first time. Outcomes such as these create unlimited opportunities for you to contribute your talents, learn new skills and grow your career at Avantor.
We are committed to helping you on this journey through our diverse, equitable and inclusive culture which includes learning experiences to support your career growth and success. At Avantor, dare to go further and see how the impact of your contributions set science in motion to create a better world. Apply today!

Pay Transparency:

The expected pre-tax pay for this position is

$67,500.00 - $108,675.00

Actual pay may differ depending on relevant factors such as prior experience and geographic location.

EEO Statement:

We are an Equal Employment/Affirmative Action employer and VEVRAA Federal Contractor. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/province, or local law.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at recruiting@avantorsciences.comand let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.

For more information about equal employment opportunity protections, please view the Know Your Rights poster.

Privacy Policy:

We will use the personal information that you have submitted to us in order to consider your application for the relevant role.

Your privacy is important to us. Please click here for our Privacy Policy which explains the purposes for which we will use your personal information and the ways in which we will handle and retain your information. It also explains the rights you have in relation to your information, and how to contact us with any queries or requests.

3rd Party Non-Solicitation Policy:

By submitting candidates without having been formally assigned on and contracted for a specific job requisition by Avantor, or by failing to comply with the Avantor recruitment process, you forfeit any fee on the submitted candidates, regardless of your usual terms and conditions. Avantor works with a preferred supplier list and will take the initiative to engage with recruitment agencies based on its needs and will not be accepting any form of solicitation.

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