ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Lab Operations Associate Jobs in San Diego, CA (NOW HIRING)

Eurofins

Associate Protein Chemist

San Diego, CA · On-site

$52K - $57K/yr

Highly detail-oriented, eager to learn new techniques, and maintains high precision in daily lab operations Qualifications * Authorization to work in the United States indefinitely without ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsLab Operations Associate JobsLab Operations Associate Jobs in San Diego, CA

Lab Operations Associate information

See San Diego, CA salary details

$11

$27

$56

How much do lab operations associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab operations associate in San Diego, CA is $27.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.89 and $32.16 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a lab operations associate?

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lab operations associate?

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 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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Lab Operations jobs in San Diego, CA?

The most popular types of Lab Operations jobs in San Diego, CA are:

What are popular job titles related to Lab Operations Associate jobs in San Diego, CA?

For Lab Operations Associate jobs in San Diego, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Lab Operations Associate jobs in San Diego, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Lab Operations Associate jobs in San Diego, CA are:

What cities near San Diego, CA are hiring for Lab Operations Associate jobs?

Cities near San Diego, CA with the most Lab Operations Associate job openings:

Lab Operations Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lab Operations Associate job openings in San Diego, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,957 per year, or $27.9 per hour.

Lab Operations Specialist

San Diego, CA

San Diego Stealth Startup
See more jobs at San Diego Stealth Startupexternal

$76K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Posted 15 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.

Apply