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Lab Operations Specialist Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Operations Specialist

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

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 ...

Operations Specialist

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Forensics Operations Specialist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$55K - $74K/yr

Your Impact The Forensics Operations Specialist is a key client liaison responsible for ensuring ... Serves as the primary point of contact to manage the client experience with the forensics lab.

Operations Specialist

Torrance, CA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

We are looking for an Product Engineer Operator to support engineering lab activities focused on validating and characterizing advanced power semiconductor products in Torrance, California. This ...

Forensics Operations Specialist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$55K - $74K/yr

Your Impact The Forensics Operations Specialist is a key client liaison responsible for ensuring ... Serves as the primary point of contact to manage the client experience with the forensics lab.

Showing results 21-40

Lab Operations Specialist information

See California salary details

$14

$23

$31

How much do lab operations specialist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 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 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 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 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 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.

Do you need a degree to be a lab operations specialist?

A degree is often preferred for a lab operations specialist role, but requirements vary by employer. Relevant skills such as laboratory techniques, attention to detail, and familiarity with lab equipment can sometimes substitute for formal education, especially with experience or certifications. Some positions may require a bachelor's degree in a related field like biology, chemistry, or biomedical sciences.

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:

Infographic showing various Lab Operations Specialist job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $47,983 per year, or $23.1 per hour.

Senior Lab Operations Specialist, Flow Cytometry

Gilead

Foster City, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago


Gilead Sciences rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

9th of 86 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

At Gilead, we're creating a healthier world for all people. For more than 35 years, we've tackled diseases such as HIV, viral hepatitis, COVID-19 and cancer - working relentlessly to develop therapies that help improve lives and to ensure access to these therapies across the globe. We continue to fight against the world's biggest health challenges, and our mission requires collaboration, determination and a relentless drive to make a difference.

Every member of Gilead's team plays a critical role in the discovery and development of life-changing scientific innovations. Our employees are our greatest asset as we work to achieve our bold ambitions, and we're looking for the next wave of passionate and ambitious people ready to make a direct impact.

We believe every employee deserves a great leader. People Leaders are the cornerstone to the employee experience at Gilead and Kite. As a people leader now or in the future, you are the key driver in evolving our culture and creating an environment where every employee feels included, developed and empowered to fulfil their aspirations. Join Gilead and help create possible, together.
Job Description

AtGileadour pursuit of a healthier world for all people has yielded a cure for hepatitis C, revolutionary improvements in HIV treatment and prevention as well as advancements in therapies for viral and inflammatory diseases and certain cancers.

We set and achieve bold ambitions in our fight against the world's most devastating diseases, united in our commitment to confronting the largest public health challenges of our day and improving the lives of patients for generations to come.

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Senior Lab Ops Specialist, Flow Cytometry to join the Flow Cytometry Core team within the Gilead Sciences Research Department. The successful candidate will support the daily operations of the flow cytometry core laboratories, ensuring a high-functioning environment that meets the needs of Gilead's Oncology, Inflammation, and Virology therapeutic areas.

Unique Selling Point of this role: This role offers the opportunity to contribute to and support research across Gilead's departments. As a high-visibility, collaborative position, it allows you to impact cutting-edge scientific research while working in a dynamic, cross-functional environment.

You will...

  • Maintain and troubleshoot instrumentation, perform startup, shutdown, daily cleaning, and QC procedures

  • Train and advise users on conventional, spectral, and imaging cytometry platforms, as well as perform cell sorting

  • Troubleshoot flow-based assays to deepen our understanding of disease pathobiology and assist with lab inventory and automation

  • Perform instrument calibration, maintenance, and cleaning to ensure optimal performance

  • Troubleshoot and diagnose complex instrumentation issues; perform repairs or coordinate with field engineers

  • Conduct multiparameter cell sorting, including setup and operation of sorters; optimize sorting conditions for specific assays (BSL2+ sorting experience is a plus)

  • Share best practices and provide expert guidance on panel design, sample preparation, and assay optimization

  • Execute experiments to validate and refine standard operating procedures (SOPs) for flow cytometry assays

  • Assist and train core users in flow technologies, experimental design, and data analysis

Requirements:

  • Bachelor's degree in life sciences or related field and 5+ years in flow cytometry required

  • Masters degree in life sciences or related field and 3+ years in flow cytometry required

  • Strong troubleshooting skills and ability to apply critical thinking to resolve assay and instrumentation issues

  • Excellent verbal, technical, and interpersonal communication skills

  • Highly collaborative, quick learner, resourceful problem solver, and adaptable in a fast-paced environment

  • Strong background in cell biology and immunology, with technical expertise in cell-based assays is required

Preferred:

  • Demonstrate solid knowledge of conventional and spectral flow cytometry; experience with imaging cytometry is a plus (proficiency with BD, Beckman Coulter, ThermoFisher, and Sony instruments is highly desired)

  • Familiarity with BSL2 and aseptic techniques

  • Proficient in Windows-based systems and able to quickly learn new software and hardware

  • Prior experience in a core facility setting is highly desirable

  • Advanced expertise in both conventional and spectral flow cytometry, along with cell sorting experience is strongly preferred

People Leader Accountabilities:

  • Create Inclusion -knowingthe business value of diverse teams, modeling inclusion, and embedding the value of diversity in the way they manage their teams.

  • Develop Talent - understand the skills, experience, aspirations and potential of their employees and coach them on current performance and future potential. They ensure employeesare receivingthe feedback and insight needed to grow,developand realize their purpose.

  • Empower Teams - connect the team to the organization by aligning goals, purpose, and organizationalobjectives, and holding them to account. They provide the support needed to remove barriers and connect their team to the broader ecosystem.


The salary range for this position is: $117,895.00 - $152,570.00. Gilead considers a variety of factors when determining base compensation, including experience, qualifications, and geographic location. These considerations mean actual compensation will vary. This position may also be eligible for a discretionary annual bonus, discretionary stock-based long-term incentives (eligibility may vary based on role), paid time off, and a benefits package. Benefits include company-sponsored medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans*.

For additional benefits information, visit:

https://www.gilead.com/careers/compensation-benefits-and-wellbeing

* Eligible employees may participate in benefit plans, subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable plans.


For jobs in the United States:

Gilead Sciences Inc. is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment, and is dedicated to fostering an inclusive work environment comprised of diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences. Employment decisions regarding recruitment and selection will be made without discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability,genetic information or characteristic, gender identity and expression, veteran status, or other non-job related characteristics or other prohibited grounds specified in applicable federal, state and local laws. In order to ensure reasonable accommodation for individuals protected by Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Act of 1974, and Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, applicants who require accommodation in the job application process may contact ApplicantAccommodations@gilead.comfor assistance.


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

NOTICE: EMPLOYEE POLYGRAPH PROTECTION ACT
YOUR RIGHTS UNDER THE FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE ACT


Gilead Sciences will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, (c) consistent with the legal duty to furnish information; or (d) otherwise protected by law.

Our environment respects individual differences and recognizes each employee as an integral member of our company. Our workforce reflects these values and celebrates the individuals who make up our growing team.


Gilead provides a work environment free of harassment and prohibited conduct. We promote and support individual differences and diversity of thoughts and opinion.


For Current Gilead Employees and Contractors:

Please apply via the Internal Career Opportunities portal in Workday.


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