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Lab Operations Specialist Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Actalent

Lab Operations Specialist

Emeryville, CA · On-site

$35 - $38/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Lab Operations Specialist The Lab Operations Specialist serves as a key liaison between internal and external stakeholders to ensure accurate, efficient, and compliant handling of laboratory ...

NewLimit

Laboratory Operations Specialist

South San Francisco, CA · On-site

$70K - $125K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Description NewLimit is seeking a Laboratory Operations Specialist with experience in a life ... Maintain equipment, lab infrastructure, manage inventory, and increase the efficiency of NewLimit ...

NewLimit

Laboratory Operations Specialist

South San Francisco, CA · On-site

$70K - $125K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Description NewLimit is seeking a Laboratory Operations Specialist with experience in a life ... Maintain equipment, lab infrastructure, manage inventory, and increase the efficiency of NewLimit ...

NewLimit

Laboratory Operations Specialist

South San Francisco, CA · On-site

$70K - $125K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Description NewLimit is seeking a Laboratory Operations Specialist with experience in a life ... Maintain equipment, lab infrastructure, manage inventory, and increase the efficiency of NewLimit ...

Aurelius Systems

Operations Specialist

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

In addition to our San Francisco lab, we've opened a Detroit manufacturing hub and we field test weekly on our own 400-acre private range. The Role and Your Impact: We need an Operations Specialist ...

UCSF

Nayak Lab - Full Specialist

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Manage day-to-day lab operations, including oversight of compliance, safety, and procurement ... Specialists at this level are expected to have a significant record of academic accomplishments and ...

Pharmaron

In Vivo Operations Specialist

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

The In Vivo Operations Specialist works closely with the medical device leadership and is responsible for managing day to day laboratory operations and oversight and of the lab activities involving ...

Pharmaron

In Vivo Operations Specialist

Carlsbad, CA

$80K - $100K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

The In Vivo Operations Specialist works closely with the medical device leadership and is responsible for managing day to day laboratory operations and oversight and of the lab activities involving ...

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All JobsLab Operations Specialist JobsLab Operations Specialist Jobs in California

Lab Operations Specialist information

See California salary details

$14

$23

$31

How much do lab operations specialist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab operations specialist in California is $23.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.99 and $26.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectLab Operations SpecialistLaboratory Technician
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in a science or related fieldOften requires an associate degree or certification in laboratory techniques
Work EnvironmentSupports lab workflows, manages equipment, and ensures compliancePerforms tests, prepares samples, and records data
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across biotech, pharma, and research labs for operational rolesCommon in clinical, medical, and research laboratories for testing roles

The Lab Operations Specialist focuses on managing lab processes, equipment, and compliance, while the Laboratory Technician primarily conducts tests and prepares samples. Both roles are essential in laboratory settings but differ in responsibilities and required credentials.

What are some common challenges faced by lab operations specialists, and how can they be overcome?

Lab Operations Specialists often face challenges such as managing multiple priorities, maintaining compliance with safety and regulatory standards, and ensuring smooth coordination among diverse teams. Staying organized, developing strong communication skills, and keeping up-to-date with industry protocols can help tackle these issues effectively. Proactively addressing equipment maintenance and fostering collaborative relationships with researchers and technicians also contribute to a well-functioning laboratory environment.

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

To thrive as a Lab Operations Specialist, you need a solid background in laboratory procedures, safety protocols, inventory management, and a degree in a scientific discipline. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), calibration tools, and compliance standards like GLP or ISO is typically required. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help you efficiently manage workflows and support scientific teams. These competencies are essential for maintaining smooth laboratory operations, ensuring safety, and supporting high-quality research outcomes.

What is a lab operations specialist?

Lab Operations Specialists are professionals responsible for managing the daily activities and logistics within laboratory environments. They ensure that lab equipment is maintained, supplies are stocked, and all safety protocols are followed. Additionally, they often coordinate with researchers, oversee inventory management, and help implement standard operating procedures to keep the lab running efficiently. Their work is vital for supporting scientific research and guaranteeing a safe, organized workspace.

What are popular job titles related to Lab Operations Specialist jobs in California?

For Lab Operations Specialist jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Lab Operations Specialist jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Lab Operations Specialist jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Lab Operations Specialist jobs?

Cities in California with the most Lab Operations Specialist job openings:

Lab Operations Specialist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lab Operations Specialist job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,983 per year, or $23.1 per hour.

Lab Operations Specialist

University of California San Francisco

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

University Of California San Francisco rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

229th of 618 rated colleges and universities

Job description


Department Description:
Dr. Brian Shy 's Research Laboratory is dedicated to advancing the therapeutic application of genome and epigenome engineering tools for a wide range of indications, including cancer, rare diseases, infectious diseases, autoimmunity, and transplant-related conditions. The successful outcomes from the research are transferred to the Cellular Therapy Development (CTD) Laboratory, where cellular therapy manufacturing processes are developed before transfer over to the GMP facility.
Job Summary:
The Lab Operations Specialist will be an integral member within the Operational Team, functioning under the guidance and supervision of the Operations Manager. They will play an active role in executing operational tasks within the UCSF Human Islet and Cellular Transplantation Facility (HICTF), a GMP facility dedicated to the manufacture of experimental cell therapies. In addition, they will support the daily maintenance of process development lab and support requests from Dr. Shy's research lab, while ensuring compliance with UCSF policies, regulations, and safety standards.
The Lab Operations Specialist will serve as a point of contact for the labs and support key administrative functions, including coordinating laboratory schedules to ensure smooth and efficient operations. They will also assist with maintaining and scheduling equipment maintenance and repairs, and help facilitate clear communication and collaboration between research groups, core facilities, vendors, and lab teams.
The Lab Operations Specialist will play a vital role by supporting the work of cellular therapy process development and manufacturing teams. Key duties include assisting with the establishment and upkeep of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for equipment, techniques, and safety protocols; processing order requests, overseeing the receipt, shipping, and handling of inventory, which includes materials, chemicals, gases, and equipment. They will also assist with restocking supplies, maintaining a clean and organized laboratory environment; supporting the monitoring and response to alarms and out-of-specification conditions related to equipment and laboratory environmental conditions. Additionally, they will assist with SOP and EH&S compliance, including investigations, audits, corrective actions, and process improvements. Support deviations, change controls, and compliance documentation..
Responsibilities
  • Manage and oversee operational activities for Dr. Brian Shy's Research Laboratory and the Cellular Therapy Development Laboratory.
  • Coordinate and plan facility-related moves, ensuring smooth transitions and minimal disruptions.
  • Develop and implement procedures, policies, and communications related to infrastructure and safety, in line with laboratory protocols.
  • Triage and track repair services, ensuring timely maintenance and repairs for specialized facility systems.
  • Conduct space planning and general maintenance, optimizing the use of laboratory space and resources.
  • Collaborate with the research team to understand their needs and requirements, providing effective solutions and support.
  • Ensure compliance with safety regulations and guidelines, promoting a culture of safety within the laboratories.
  • Maintain open lines of communication with laboratory staff, addressing their concerns and providing regular updates.
  • Monitor and analyze facility performance, identifying areas for improvement and implementing necessary changes.
  • Stay updated with the latest advancements in facility management and laboratory operations, attending relevant training and workshops.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
  • Associate degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, Nursing or Math-related field and/or at least 2 years of experience research lab or drug manufacturing lab operations or an equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Knowledge in basic laboratory procedures and skills (documentation, reagent handling, equipment troubleshooting)
  • Good interpersonal and communication skills
  • Able to multi-task and prioritize activities effectively
  • Able to work independently and as part of a team

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience in research lab or drug manufacturing lab operations
  • Knowledge of aseptic techniques

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