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Lab Trainee Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

cityofabilene

IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES Laboratory Technician Trainee Collect samples and prepare for testing, including water, wastewater, and sludge. Calibrate, maintain, and set up equipment for various ...

cityofabilene

IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES Laboratory Technician Trainee Collect samples and prepare for testing, including water, wastewater, and sludge. Calibrate, maintain, and set up equipment for various ...

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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 Lab Scientist

University of California San Francisco

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 10 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


The Clinical Lab Scientist performs test procedures in multiple disciplines within the Clinical Lab. Performs and reports test results (manually and automated). Operates laboratory instrumentation & equipment to accurately generate test results. Initiates troubleshooting of errant laboratory instrumentation & equipment as needed. Follows established quality control procedures and participate in all associated tasks in the section. Must be able to work in a high volume setting.
Responsibilities
of time
Essential Function (Yes/No)
Key Responsibilities
75Yes
Task A: Perform Procedures
  1. Performs all procedures assigned to the shift in an accurate and efficient manner.

  1. Learns and performs any new procedure within a reasonable time frame.

  1. Performs procedures in a manner, which does not deviate from the step-by-step procedure write-up. Any deviation from the procedure must be reviewed with a supervisor prior to sending any results.

  1. Be responsible for procedural updates by reviewing procedures on an annual basis, checking posted and emailed updates, and by reading and initialing all meeting notes.

  1. Completes test procedures and transmits results in the laboratory computer system within established turn-around times (TATs).

  1. Reviews results and validates on computer screen before releasing the results to the LIS (Laboratory Information System).

  1. Monitors pending logs for incomplete tests. Follows up to ensure testing is performed and completed.

  1. Never alters patient test results in any way after they have been released to the LIS except through accepted procedure with documentation.

  1. Calls critical value results to unit or MD within 15 minutes of test completion and enters appropriate English Text Code and documentation. Documents barriers to notification.

  1. Reports abnormal results, as indicated in the procedures, to supervisor and/or resident in a timely manner (if applicable).

  1. Labels specimens, reagents and worksheets with required information in a legible and neat manner with ink pen.

  1. Legibly records the results of manual tests on worksheets in ink. Manually enter test results that are not transmitted by on-line instruments within 30 minutes.

  1. Correctly makes dilutions following the dilution protocol for the assay.

  1. Communicates across shifts in regards to patient and instrument problems, and pending tests. Follows Hand Off Procedure.

  1. Completes required training and competency assessments within the assigned time frames.

  1. Maintains a clean and neat work area. Replenish supplies and prepare reagents as needed.

  1. Wears buttoned lab coat, gloves and uses face protection when handling patient samples. Exercises proper care and precautions to protect oneself from health hazards. Refrains from smoking, drinking, or eating in and around work areas.

  1. Take full responsibility for errors when committed, notifies required personnel and completes appropriate documentation.

  1. Integrates assigned tasks in order to complete the assignments by the end of the work shift.

  1. Works well without close or continual supervision.

  1. Accepts a reasonable increase in the workload when necessary or assigned by a supervisor.

  1. Adheres to all policies and procedures established in the Clinical Laboratory Personnel Policies.

  1. Performs special studies or projects when added to routine procedure run or when assigned separately.

  1. Assists in the training of new CLS's and CLS trainees and students.

  1. Assists with receiving, unpacking, and storage of reagents and supplies.

  1. Assists coworkers when own tasks are completed.

  1. Answers phone calls or in-lab inquiries. Maintains a respectful and professional attitude at all times.

10Yes
Task B: Maintain & Troubleshoot all equipment used in the department
  1. Operates laboratory equipment and analytical instruments in a proper and efficient manner.
  2. Evaluates the proper performance of laboratory equipment and instrumentation and notifies the supervisor of any malfunction.
  3. Be able to initiate troubleshooting of any instrument when a malfunction occurs.
  4. Notify the first available supervisor or specialist of malfunction. If no supervisor on site, and if an instrument cannot be used until repaired, attaches Repair Tag or Out of Service tag, and sends email to bench staff alerting them to the status.
  5. Never modifies or alters the equipment or instrumentation without consulting a supervisor.
  6. Performs maintenance on equipment as assigned or instructed by a supervisor or specialist.
  7. Initials Maintenance Logs after performing maintenance procedures.
  8. Records malfunction and corrective action in service log books. Notifies supervisor and/or bench staff via email of pending service calls.

10Yes
Task C: Analyze designated quality control material with all procedures
  1. Prepares QC material as needed.
  2. Analyzes required quality control material for all procedures.
  3. Records QC results on worksheet and/or in the LIS.
  4. Repeats test/test run if controls are outside the posted control range. Initiate troubleshooting of out-of-control situations.
  5. Notifies a supervisor whenever results of assays on QC materials are out-of-range.
  6. Completes analysis of proficiency testing material within stated turn-around-time.

5Yes
Task D: Perform additional duties, projects, and/or special assignments when requested.
  1. Collects sample at patient bedside when required by the procedure (if applicable).
  2. Initiates Laboratory Problem Reports or Incident Reports to document complaints, errors, injuries and/or variances from standard procedure.

  1. Complete projects or studies within the agreed upon time period.

100%
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
  • This position may require flexibility to orient and work at othre UCSF Medical Center locations
  • College graduate degree with a BA or BS in a related science
  • Recent experience performing clinical lab testing in multiple Laboratory disciplines

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Previous experience in a high-volume laboratory doing clinical laboratory testing
  • Experience with current automation and instrumentation used in a clinical laboratory

Requred License:
  • California Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) license

About Us
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

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