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Lab Support Jobs in Irvine, CA (NOW HIRING)

LGM Pharma, LLC

SCIENTIST I

Irvine, CA · On-site

$28 - $34/hr

Support lab activities of validation or verification of new or existing USP methods, write and review method validation/verification protocols under the guidance of Sr. staff of R&D lab. * Conduct ...

Eurofins Scientific

EMC Technician

Irvine, CA

$80K - $90K/yr

This role supports compliance engineers by setting up test configurations, executing test plans ... Understanding basic lab safety * Basic understanding of EMC principles (Emissions vs Immunity ...

Eurofins

EMC Technician

Irvine, CA · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

This role supports compliance engineers by setting up test configurations, executing test plans ... Understanding basic lab safety * Basic understanding of EMC principles (Emissions vs Immunity ...

InfiCare

Field Data Center Technician (L1)

Irvine, CA · On-site

Position Overview We are seeking Field Data Center Technicians (L1) to support engineering and lab environments. This role involves hands-on data center operations, hardware installation, rack and ...

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All JobsLab Support JobsLab Support Jobs in Irvine, CA

Lab Support information

See Irvine, CA salary details

$15

$25

$42

How much do lab support jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab support in Irvine, CA is $25.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.62 and $28.37 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Which lab job pays the most?

In laboratory support roles, senior positions such as Laboratory Managers or Lead Technicians tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding $70,000 annually. Specialized roles requiring advanced certifications or expertise in areas like clinical chemistry or molecular biology can also command higher pay. Salary varies based on experience, location, and the complexity of the work performed.

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

To thrive as a Lab Support professional, you need a solid understanding of laboratory procedures, safety protocols, and basic scientific principles, often backed by a degree or coursework in a science-related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, inventory management systems, and safety certification (such as OSHA) is typically required. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective communication are valuable soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure accurate experiment support, maintain a safe work environment, and enable smooth laboratory operations.

What are some common challenges faced by Lab Support professionals, and how can they be addressed?

Lab Support professionals often face challenges such as managing multiple tasks simultaneously, maintaining equipment, and ensuring compliance with safety protocols. Balancing the demands of supporting researchers while handling routine maintenance requires strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Effective communication with scientists and other team members can help prioritize urgent tasks and streamline workflows. Regular training and proactive equipment checks can also minimize disruptions and help Lab Support staff stay ahead of potential issues.

What qualifications do I need to be a lab assistant?

To be a lab support worker, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with basic knowledge of laboratory procedures and safety protocols. Some positions may require relevant coursework or certifications in laboratory techniques or science, and strong attention to detail and organizational skills are important.

What exactly does a lab assistant do?

A lab assistant supports laboratory operations by preparing samples, maintaining equipment, recording data, and ensuring safety protocols are followed. They often work under the supervision of scientists or technicians and may need knowledge of lab procedures and basic technical skills.

How much does a lab assistant get paid?

Lab assistants typically earn between $25,000 and $45,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the specific laboratory setting. Entry-level positions may start lower, while those with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher salaries. Pay can also vary based on whether the role is in a research, clinical, or industrial lab environment.

What are lab support roles?

Lab support roles refer to positions that assist scientists, researchers, or technicians in maintaining laboratory operations. Responsibilities typically include preparing equipment and materials, cleaning and sterilizing instruments, managing inventory, and ensuring lab safety protocols are followed. Lab support staff play a critical role in keeping experiments and research running smoothly by handling essential tasks that allow researchers to focus on scientific work. These roles can be found in academic, clinical, or industrial laboratories.

What is the difference between Lab Support vs Lab Technician?

AspectLab SupportLab Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingAssociate degree or certification in laboratory sciences
Work EnvironmentAssisting lab staff, preparing materials, cleaning equipmentPerforming tests, analyzing samples, recording data
Employer & Industry UsageHospitals, clinics, research labsMedical labs, research institutions, diagnostic centers

Lab Support roles typically involve assisting laboratory staff with preparation and maintenance tasks, requiring minimal formal education. Lab Technicians perform more technical tasks like testing and analysis, often requiring specialized certifications. Both roles are essential in laboratory settings, but Lab Technicians have more technical responsibilities and qualifications.

What are popular job titles related to Lab Support jobs in Irvine, CA? For Lab Support jobs in Irvine, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Lab Support jobs in Irvine, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Lab Support jobs in Irvine, CA are:
What cities near Irvine, CA are hiring for Lab Support jobs? Cities near Irvine, CA with the most Lab Support job openings:
Lab Support jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lab Support job openings in Irvine, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,135 per year, or $25.1 per hour.

Lab Associate II - Lab Support

Quest Diagnostics

San Juan Capistrano, CA • On-site

$22.48/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago

ExamOne rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

97th of 120 rated laboratories

Job description


Lab Associate II
Location: San Juan Capistrano, CA
Work Schedule: Thursday to Monday, 10:00AM to 6:30PM
Department: Lab Support
Pay range: $22.48 - $28.94 / hour
Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including relevant skills, training, experience, education, and, where applicable, certifications obtained. Market and organizational factors are also considered. Successful candidates may be eligible to receive annual performance bonus compensation.
Benefits information:
We are proud to offer best-in-class benefits and programs to support employees and their families in living healthy, happy lives. Our pay and benefit plans have been designed to promote employee health in all respects - physical, financial, and developmental. Depending on whether it is a part-time or full-time position, some of the benefits offered may include:
  • Day 1 Medical, supplemental health, dental & vision for FT employees who work 30+ hours
  • Best-in-class well-being programs
  • Annual, no-cost health assessment program Blueprint for Wellness®
  • healthyMINDS mental health program
  • Vacation and Health/Flex Time
  • 6 Holidays plus 1 "MyDay" off
  • FinFit financial coaching and services
  • 401(k) pre-tax and/or Roth IRA with company match up to 5% after 12 months of service
  • Employee stock purchase plan
  • Life and disability insurance, plus buy-up option
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Annual incentive plans
  • Matching gifts program
  • Education assistance through MyQuest for Education
  • Career advancement opportunities
  • and so much more!

This non-licensed position is accountable for assisting with general support for the laboratory, following all applicable policies and procedures.
Responsibilities
  • Prepares and organizes samples for testing, for example, sample racking, aliquoting and tube preparation.
  • Responsible for labeling, handling, processing or preparation, and transportation and storage of specimens.
  • Identifies sample problems and assists in resolving appropriately. Demonstrates problem solving ability on service and production issues.
  • Prepares testing equipment and assists with preventive maintenance. Notifies appropriate technical staff of equipment problems.
  • Assists licensed personnel (CA only) or delegated supervisor (non-CA) in the pre-analytic and post- analytic testing activities, other than trainees, in a licensed clinical laboratory.
  • Prepares pre-analytical reagents and controls using automated or fixed volume measuring devices. Submits documentation to appropriate staff for approval to use.
  • Prepares and maintains complete and accurate records of reagents or media using established procedures, formulas, stock solutions and fixed volume measuring devices.
  • Maintains inventory of consumable items including reagents and supplies. Orders, unpacks, logs, dates and stores reagents/supplies upon receipt and properly rotates stock for use. Performs inventory of laboratory items including restocking the benches and equipment inventory.
  • Sorting and accessioning incoming specimens into appropriate LIS, then delivering to designated testing platform/department.
  • Performs data entry or transcribes data from previously recorded results to computer for data reduction and prepares for licensed personnel's review.
  • Tallies workload data and prepares reports as requested.
  • Assists in the performance of quality control procedures.
  • Prepares protocols/logs or other appropriate documents.
  • Identifies specimen problems and demonstrates ability to appropriately resolve or elevate to licensed personnel (CA only) or delegated supervisor (non-CA).
  • Assists a licensed person (e.g.: CLS) with performance of validation verifications and other Research and Development (R&D) activities, as applicable.
  • Trains other Lab Associates. Supports Training Programs, where applicable.
  • Takes initiative in making suggestions to improve efficiency and productivity and provides consistent feedback. Is a resource for process improvement.
  • Demonstrates leadership through accountability and collaboration in daily activities.
  • Answers phones, transfers, or takes accurate messages. Maintains the confidentiality of client information.
  • Helps to ensure the laboratory areas are neat, clean, and organized.
  • Complies with all health and safety policies, procedures, and practices. Required to use personal protective equipment.
  • Other duties as assigned. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities, but rather a general description of work performed by the position.

Qualifications
Required Work Experience:
For Lab Associates in the Histopathology or Cytology department, the following is required:
  • 1 year of histopathology, cytology or other laboratory experience.
  • 1 year of experience handling Protected Health Information (PHI) and other patient information using a Laboratory Information System (LIS)

Preferred Work Experience:
  • 2 - 3 years of laboratory experience preferred.

Physical and Mental Requirements:
  • The normal performance of duties may require lifting and carrying objects. Objects in the weight range of 1 to 10 pounds are lifted and carried frequently; objects in the weight range of 11 to 25 pounds are lifted and carried occasionally and objects in the weight range of 26 to 50 pounds are seldom lifted and carried. Objects exceeding 50 pounds are not to be lifted or carried without assistance.
  • Performs repetitive tasks with dominant hand.
  • Ability to sit and/or stand for long periods.
  • Have good eye and hand coordination.

Knowledge:
  • A working knowledge of reagent stability and storage.
  • An awareness of the factors that influence test results.

Skills:
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Application (Word, Excel, Outlook)
  • Strong typing skills desirable.
  • Communication and interpersonal skills necessary to deal courteously and effectively with management, co-workers, and clients.
  • Other automation skills helpful.

Education
  • Bachelor's Degree Biological Science or Chemistry (other life science degree coursework will be evaluated) (Preferred)
  • High School Diploma or Equivalent High School Diploma with a minimum of 2-3 years of laboratory experience Required. (Required)

Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for Employment in accordance with the following laws if applicable, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, the Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the California Fair Chance Act.
Quest believes that conviction records may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship to the following job duties: accessing company property, information, assets, and products including sensitive information; accessing customer data or confidential information, and partnering and regularly working with or supervising other Quest employees and interacting with Quest customers.
About the Team
Quest Diagnostics honors our service members and encourages veterans to apply.
While we appreciate and value our staffing partners, we do not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies. Quest will not be responsible for paying agency fees for any individual as to whom an agency has sent an unsolicited resume.
Equal Opportunity Employer: Race/Color/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Vets or any other legally protected status.

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