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Lab Trainee Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

REXEL

Sales Trainee

Anaheim, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Sales Trainee is responsible for completing the Sales Trainee orientation program that covers ... lab/under desks/in server closet - Occasionally - up to 20% * Climb or balance: Must be able to ...

REXEL

Sales Trainee

Anaheim, CA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Sales Trainee is responsible for completing the Sales Trainee orientation program that covers ... lab/under desks/in server closet - Occasionally - up to 20% * Climb or balance: Must be able to ...

REXEL

Sales Trainee

Anaheim, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Sales Trainee is responsible for completing the Sales Trainee orientation program that covers ... lab/under desks/in server closet - Occasionally - up to 20% * Climb or balance: Must be able to ...

UCSF

Nayak Lab - Full Specialist

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Mentor and supervise junior specialists, students, and other trainees in the laboratory. * Manage day-to-day lab operations, including oversight of compliance, safety, and procurement. * Engage ...

Quest Diagnostics

Lab Associate II

West Hills, CA · On-site

$22.48/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Lab Associate II Location: West Hills, CA Work Schedule: Thursday to Monday, 6:00AM to 2:30PM ... other than trainees, in a licensed clinical laboratory. * Prepares pre-analytical reagents and ...

Aspen Dental

Denture Lab Technician - Digital Trainee

Stockton, CA · On-site

$21 - $25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

When you join our team as an Entry-level Denture Lab Technician - Digital , youcangive back to communities and positively affect patients' lives. Job Type: Full-Time Salary: $21 - $25/ hour At Aspen ...

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Lab Trainee information

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How much do lab trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab trainee in California is $20.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.19 and $23.94 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a lab trainee?

Lab Trainees are individuals who are undergoing training in a laboratory setting to gain practical experience and develop essential skills in scientific research or testing. Their responsibilities often include assisting with experiments, preparing samples, maintaining equipment, and learning laboratory safety protocols. Lab Trainees work under the supervision of experienced scientists or technicians and may be students, recent graduates, or new employees. This position provides foundational experience necessary for a career in science or laboratory technology.

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

To thrive as a Lab Trainee, you need a solid background in biological or chemical sciences, attention to detail, and often at least a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, basic data analysis software, and adherence to safety protocols are typically required. Strong organizational skills, effective communication, and eagerness to learn help Lab Trainees excel and contribute positively to team dynamics. These skills ensure experiments are conducted accurately, safely, and efficiently, supporting reliable research outcomes.

What are some common challenges faced by lab trainees during their initial months, and how can they be addressed?

Lab Trainees often encounter challenges such as adapting to strict safety protocols, learning to use specialized equipment, and managing time efficiently amidst multiple tasks. It's normal to feel overwhelmed at first, but proactively seeking guidance from experienced team members and regularly reviewing standard operating procedures can ease the transition. Open communication with supervisors and participating in hands-on training sessions also help build confidence and competence in the lab environment.

What is the difference between Lab Trainee vs Lab Technician?

AspectLab TraineeLab Technician
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing or recently completed relevant education; no formal certification requiredUsually holds a diploma or certification in laboratory technology or related field
Work EnvironmentTraining setting, supervised, learning-focusedOperational laboratory environment, performing routine tests and procedures
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions, research labs, hospitals during trainingHospitals, diagnostic labs, research facilities

In summary, a Lab Trainee is primarily in a learning phase, gaining hands-on experience under supervision, while a Lab Technician is a trained professional responsible for conducting laboratory tests independently.

What are the most commonly searched types of Lab jobs in California?

The most popular types of Lab jobs in California are:

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

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Lab Trainee jobs?

Cities in California with the most Lab Trainee job openings:

Lab Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lab Trainee job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,414 per year, or $20.9 per hour.

Clinical Histocompatibility Scientist (CHS) Trainee

University of California San Francisco

San Francisco, CA

Full-time

Re-posted 25 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

This is a training position.  The Trainee will be enrolled in a state-approved training program for the Clinical Histocompatibility Scientist (CHS).  (https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/OSPHLD/LFS/Pages/Approved-CLS-Training-Schools-Programs.aspx)
While enrolled in the program, the trainee will be trained to perform: 

  • HLA typing by molecular methods (e.g., RT-PCR and NGS)
  • KIR genotyping by SSP method
  • Crossmatch by flow cytometry method
  • Antibody screening by Luminex-based method
  • Chimerism testing by NGS method
  • Other procedures that are performed by licensed histocompatibility personnel. 
  • Other duties include
    • Accession samples using Laboratory Information Systems (LIS)
    • Isolate DNA from blood, buccal mucosa, and cells
    • Isolate and cryopreserve lymphocytes from blood, spleen, and lymph nodes
    • Prepare serum samples for testing
    • Maintain samples in the inventory
    • Prepare reagents for testing
    • Perform QC and maintenance on various laboratory equipment
    • Perform maintenance duties for lab space
    • Order and stock lab supplies
    • File lab reports
    • Archive and scan documents
 
The Trainee must satisfy the requirements of the state-approved training program for continuous enrollment.  Employment beyond the training period is dependent upon the receipt of California license and availability of a CHS/CLS position at ITL.


The Trainee must satisfy the requirements of the state-approved training program for continuous enrollment.  Employment beyond the training period is dependent upon the receipt of California license and availability of a CHS/CLS position at ITL.

Department Description :

The mission of the UCSF Department of Surgery is threefold: to develop the next generation of leaders in surgery; to provide outstanding quality clinical care that is cost effective, yet compassionate; and to make significant advances in scientific knowledge and clinical practice through basic and clinical research. The Department is comprised of multiple divisions and sections and our surgeons provide care at locations throughout the greater San Francisco Bay Area and beyond. Our Residents and Fellows also play a critical role in Department's success. The Department of Surgery Chair's Office is an extremely high profile, fast paced environment with a very diverse range of contacts and needs which require an immediate and accurate response, handled with confidentiality, and while staying compliant. The Chair's Office is responsible for management, direction and oversight of over 400 faculty (clinical and research), trainees and staff personnel.

About UCSF

The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is a leading university dedicated to promoting health worldwide through advanced biomedical research, graduate-level education in the life sciences and health professions, and excellence in patient care. It is the only campus in the 10-campus UC system dedicated exclusively to the health sciences. We bring together the world's leading experts in nearly every area of health. We are home to five Nobel laureates who have advanced the understanding of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, aging and stem cells.

Pride Values

UCSF is a diverse community made of people with many skills and talents. We seek candidates whose work experience or community service has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to professionalism, respect, integrity, diversity and excellence - also known as our PRIDE values.

In addition to our PRIDE values, UCSF is committed to equity - both in how we deliver care as well as our workforce. We are committed to building a broadly diverse community, nurturing a culture that is welcoming and supportive, and engaging diverse ideas for the provision of culturally competent education, discovery, and patient care. Additional information about UCSF is available here.

Join us to find a rewarding career contributing to improving healthcare worldwide.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

Salary Information

The final salary and offer components are subject to additional approvals based on UC policy.

Your placement within the salary range is dependent on a number of factors including your work experience and internal equity within this position classification at UCSF. For positions that are represented by a labor union, placement within the salary range will be guided by the rules in the collective bargaining agreement.

To learn more about the benefits of working at UCSF, including total compensation, please visit: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html

Required Qualifications :

  • BA/BS in life science, clinical science or appropriate scientific field
  • Relevant laboratory experience
  • Must meet the academic requirements to enroll in the training program
  • Must be able to work variable shifts as required by laboratory operations including weekends, nights and early mornings.
  • Accurate and be able to process multiple samples without switches. 
  • Be able to work with personal computers.
  • Must be effective as a member of a team.
  • Proven record of being reliable and be able to multi-task.
  • Must be able to work independently with minimum supervision.
  • Tidy and orderly.

Preferred Qualifications :

  • Experience working with human samples
  • Experience with QC/QA/QS in a clinical laboratory setting
  • Working knowledge of antigens and genetics of the HLA system and be able to interpret results correctly.

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