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Laboratory Assistant Jobs in Ladera Ranch, CA (NOW HIRING)

Stanbridge University

Laboratory Assistant

Irvine, CA · On-site

The Laboratory Assistant supports the daily operation, readiness, safety, and functionality of Stanbridge University's instructional laboratories and learning spaces. This position is primarily ...

Stanbridge University

Laboratory Assistant

Irvine, CA · On-site

The Laboratory Assistant supports the daily operation, readiness, safety, and functionality of Stanbridge University's instructional laboratories and learning spaces. This position is primarily ...

Kelly Services

Laboratory Assistant

Placentia, CA

$22 - $23/hr

Laboratory Assistant Kelly ® Science & Clinical is seeking a Laboratory Assistant for a temp-to-hire position at a biotech company in Placentia, CA . If you're passionate about bringing the latest ...

Onterris

Laboratory Assistant - Wet Chemistry

Orange, CA · On-site

$17.25 - $20/hr

A Day in the Life As a Full-Time Laboratory Assistant based in our Orange, CA Laboratory , you'll step into the lab where every detail matters. You'll play a key role in prepping and handling samples ...

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All JobsLaboratory JobsLaboratory Assistant JobsLaboratory Assistant Jobs in Ladera Ranch, CA

Laboratory Assistant information

See Ladera Ranch, CA salary details

$10

$21

$31

How much do laboratory assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for laboratory assistant in Ladera Ranch, CA is $21.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.64 and $24.52 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a laboratory assistant?

Laboratory assistants are professionals who support scientists, researchers, and lab technicians by performing routine tasks in laboratories. Their duties often include preparing and cleaning lab equipment, collecting and labeling samples, conducting basic experiments, and maintaining accurate records of their work. They play a crucial role in ensuring that laboratories run smoothly and efficiently, and their work helps facilitate scientific research and development. Laboratory assistants may work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, research institutions, and educational facilities.

What are some common challenges laboratory assistants face in maintaining accuracy and safety in their daily tasks?

Laboratory Assistants often encounter challenges such as managing multiple samples simultaneously while adhering to strict protocols for accuracy and contamination prevention. Ensuring proper labeling, handling hazardous materials safely, and maintaining detailed records are essential responsibilities that require attention to detail and strong time management skills. Collaboration with scientists and technicians is also important, as clear communication helps prevent errors and promotes a safe, efficient work environment. Staying up-to-date on safety procedures and laboratory best practices is key to overcoming these challenges.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a laboratory assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Laboratory Assistant, you need a solid understanding of laboratory procedures, sample handling, and safety protocols, usually supported by a relevant science degree or certification. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), basic laboratory equipment, and safety certifications such as OSHA are typically required. Attention to detail, organization, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for maintaining accuracy and collaborating with team members. These abilities ensure reliable results, uphold safety standards, and support the overall efficiency and integrity of laboratory operations.

What is the difference between Laboratory Assistant vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectLaboratory AssistantLaboratory Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certificationPost-secondary education, often a diploma or associate degree in laboratory technology
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, research labs, educational institutionsMedical labs, research facilities, industrial laboratories
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting with sample collection, preparing specimens, cleaning equipmentPerforming tests, analyzing samples, maintaining lab equipment
Common UsageOften entry-level, supporting technical staffMore technical, with independent testing responsibilities

Laboratory Assistants typically support laboratory operations with basic tasks and require minimal formal education. Laboratory Technicians perform more complex testing and analysis, often needing specialized training or certification. Both roles are essential in lab settings, but Laboratory Technicians usually have a higher level of technical responsibility.

Do you need qualifications to be a laboratory assistant?

Laboratory assistants typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, and some positions may require post-secondary education or certifications in laboratory techniques or related fields. Relevant skills include attention to detail, familiarity with laboratory equipment, and basic knowledge of safety procedures.

How do you become a laboratory assistant?

To become a laboratory assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with relevant laboratory or scientific coursework. Some positions require post-secondary education or certifications in laboratory techniques, and strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and familiarity with lab equipment are important for success.

How much does a laboratory assistant get paid?

The average salary for a laboratory assistant varies by location and experience but typically ranges from $25,000 to $45,000 per year. Entry-level positions may start lower, while those with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher wages, often working in clinical, research, or industrial labs.

What are the most commonly searched types of Laboratory jobs in Ladera Ranch, CA?

The most popular types of Laboratory jobs in Ladera Ranch, CA are:

What job categories do people searching Laboratory Assistant jobs in Ladera Ranch, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Laboratory Assistant jobs in Ladera Ranch, CA are:

What cities near Ladera Ranch, CA are hiring for Laboratory Assistant jobs?

Cities near Ladera Ranch, CA with the most Laboratory Assistant job openings:

Laboratory Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Laboratory Assistant job openings in Ladera Ranch, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,768 per year, or $21.5 per hour.

Laboratory Assistant

Stanbridge University

Irvine, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

The Laboratory Assistant supports the daily operation, readiness, safety, and functionality of Stanbridge University's instructional laboratories and learning spaces. This position is primarily responsible for preparing, inspecting, organizing, securing, and resetting laboratories for classes, simulations, events, and other instructional activities.
The Laboratory Assistant I supports a broad range of learning environments, including skills, therapy, virtual reality, cadaver, science, and simulation laboratories. The position also assists with inventory management, equipment coordination, classroom readiness, campus projects, minor facilities needs, and event logistics.
As laboratory operations continue to grow, this role requires more than physical setup support. The successful candidate must be willing to move furniture, supplies, and equipment while also demonstrating initiative, sound judgment, accountability, and the ability to independently identify and resolve operational issues. The position is expected to take ownership of assigned responsibilities and may have the opportunity to assume expanded operational or leadership responsibilities over time.
Proposed Work Schedule
Tuesday through Friday, 11:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
The work schedule may be adjusted based on instructional, laboratory, campus, or event needs.
Essential Functions
Laboratory Setup and Instructional Readiness
  • Prepare and stage instructional laboratories for classes, simulations, campus events, demonstrations, and special activities.
  • Support skills, therapy, virtual reality, cadaver, science, and simulation laboratory environments.
  • Organize and distribute instructional materials, supplies, equipment, models, and learning resources according to faculty or department requirements.
  • Prepare patient care areas, including making beds, arranging equipment, and staging supplies as needed.
  • Clean and disinfect laboratory surfaces, equipment, and instructional areas in accordance with established procedures.
  • Confirm that laboratories are properly arranged, adequately stocked, and ready before scheduled instructional activities.
  • Break down and reset laboratories following classes, events, simulations, and other activities.

Laboratory Inspections and Daily Operations
  • Conduct daily inspections of laboratories, classrooms, storage areas, and other assigned instructional spaces.
  • Confirm that spaces are clean, organized, functional, appropriately stocked, and prepared for use.
  • Identify missing, damaged, malfunctioning, or improperly stored equipment and supplies.
  • Monitor laboratory conditions and promptly report concerns involving lighting, HVAC, plumbing, furniture, technology, equipment, cleanliness, or safety.
  • Maintain laboratory cleanliness, organization, accessibility, and operational readiness throughout the workday.
  • Address routine laboratory or classroom issues independently when they fall within the position's authority and training.
  • Escalate complex, technical, or safety-related concerns to the appropriate supervisor or department.

Inventory, Equipment, and Ordering Support
  • Monitor inventory levels for laboratory materials, instructional supplies, tools, equipment, and consumable items.
  • Conduct cycle counts, physical inventory checks, and stock reconciliations.
  • Maintain accurate records of materials received, distributed, transferred, damaged, or removed from service.
  • Assist with ordering supplies and equipment in accordance with departmental processes and supervisor approval.
  • Receive, inspect, organize, label, store, and distribute incoming laboratory materials and equipment.
  • Track backordered, missing, damaged, or incorrectly delivered items and communicate discrepancies promptly.
  • Help maintain orderly storage areas and ensure supplies and equipment are stored safely and appropriately.
  • Generate or maintain inventory, equipment, maintenance, and operational reports as assigned.

Simulation Laboratory Support
  • Provide backup support to Simulation Laboratory Assistants during simulation setups, activities, and teardowns.
  • Assist with staging simulation rooms, equipment, supplies, task trainers, and patient-care environments.
  • Support the movement, cleaning, organization, and storage of simulation equipment.
  • Follow established simulation procedures and protect the confidentiality and integrity of simulation activities.
  • Help restore simulation areas to instructional readiness after scheduled activities.

Facilities, Logistics, and Event Support
  • Support campus operations by moving and arranging furniture, equipment, supplies, and instructional materials.
  • Assist with classroom, office, laboratory, and event-space setups and breakdowns.
  • Support internal deliveries, installations, relocations, and campus projects.
  • Perform routine maintenance and minor repairs within the scope of the position's training and authorization.
  • Safely operate hand tools, power tools, carts, dollies, ladders, and general maintenance equipment as required.
  • Coordinate with outside vendors or contractors under supervisor guidance.
  • Respond promptly to laboratory, classroom, facilities, logistics, and maintenance requests.
  • Assist with urgent or emergency operational situations in accordance with University procedures.
  • Communicate status updates, operational concerns, and project needs to the appropriate stakeholders.

End-of-Day Responsibilities
  • Conduct end-of-day checks of assigned laboratories and classrooms.
  • Secure laboratories, equipment, supplies, storage areas, and instructional spaces.
  • Confirm that equipment is powered down, stored, or placed in the appropriate condition for the next day's activities.
  • Reset laboratories and classrooms for the following day's instructional schedule.
  • Replenish commonly used supplies and communicate low-stock or urgent ordering needs.
  • Document unresolved issues and provide an appropriate handoff to supervisors or other team members.
  • Ensure assigned areas are left clean, safe, organized, and ready for use.

Operational Ownership and Problem-Solving
  • Take ownership of assigned laboratory, inventory, facilities, and logistics responsibilities.
  • Anticipate operational needs based on class schedules, events, inventory levels, and campus priorities.
  • Identify inefficiencies and recommend practical improvements to laboratory and operational processes.
  • Independently prioritize routine assignments while responding to changing needs and urgent requests.
  • Manage assigned special projects and follow through to completion.
  • Communicate professionally with faculty, staff, students, vendors, and other University partners.
  • Report operational, inventory, equipment, or safety discrepancies accurately and promptly.
  • Demonstrate the judgment, reliability, and initiative necessary to assume expanded responsibilities as the department grows.

Safety and Compliance
  • Follow all University laboratory, facilities, maintenance, infection-control, and workplace safety procedures.
  • Ensure materials, tools, equipment, and supplies are handled and stored safely.
  • Use required personal protective equipment when performing applicable duties.
  • Identify and report unsafe conditions, damaged equipment, spills, hazards, or regulatory concerns.
  • Maintain laboratories and instructional spaces in accordance with applicable University policies and regulatory guidelines.
  • Participate in required training related to laboratory operations, safety, equipment use, emergency response, and compliance.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
  • High school diploma or GED.
  • Minimum of one year of experience in laboratory operations, facilities, maintenance, logistics, inventory, healthcare education support, or a related environment.
  • Ability to safely operate common hand tools, power tools, material-handling equipment, and general maintenance equipment.
  • Demonstrated ability to organize supplies, equipment, workspaces, and competing assignments.
  • Strong communication, customer-service, problem-solving, and follow-through skills.
  • Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and take ownership of assigned responsibilities.
  • Detail-oriented approach with a commitment to accuracy, cleanliness, safety, and service quality.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and general computer applications.
  • Ability to respond effectively to changing priorities, urgent requests, and operational issues.
  • Valid state driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Associate degree in business, logistics, economics, healthcare, science, a technical or trade field, or a related discipline.
  • Experience supporting instructional laboratories, healthcare skills laboratories, simulation centers, science laboratories, or higher education environments.
  • Experience with inventory control, purchasing, ordering, receiving, or equipment tracking.
  • Experience coordinating laboratory, classroom, facilities, or event setups.
  • Experience identifying process improvements or assuming informal team-lead responsibilities.
  • Familiarity with virtual reality, simulation, cadaver, therapy, science, or healthcare laboratory environments.
Compensation
$21.00-$23.00 per hour. Compensation is based on education, experience, qualifications, and internal equity.
Conditions of Employment:
  • A job-related assessment may be required during the interview process.
  • Must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily and be physically present in the office (unless otherwise noted).
  • Employment Authorization: Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Stanbridge University does not provide employment-based immigration sponsorship or participate in employer-sponsored or employer-dependent work authorization programs.
  • Sponsorship: Sponsorship now or in the future could include having Stanbridge University sponsor, complete employer documentation, provide attestations or training plans, or otherwise participate in a work-authorization or employment-based immigration program in order for an individual to begin or continue employment. Stanbridge University does not provide any such sponsorship.
  • Employment verification will be conducted to validate work experience per accreditation standards.
  • Offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check.
  • Official transcripts are required prior to hire. Degrees earned outside the United States must be evaluated by a recognized credential evaluation service to determine U.S. degree equivalency and applicable subject-area coursework.
  • Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Work Environment
  • Work is performed in instructional laboratories, simulation environments, classrooms, offices, storage areas, event spaces, and other campus facilities.
  • Regular movement between laboratories and campus locations is required throughout the workday.
  • May work in skills, therapy, virtual reality, cadaver, science, simulation, or bedside laboratory environments.
  • Duties may involve exposure to cleaning products, disinfectants, laboratory materials, mechanical equipment, noise, frequent interruptions, and changing operational priorities.
  • Regular interaction with students, faculty, staff, visitors, vendors, and contractors.
  • May occasionally work before or after regularly scheduled classes or campus events to support instructional or operational needs.
Physical Demands
  • Regularly stands and walks for extended periods.
  • Frequently bends, reaches, kneels, crouches, pushes, pulls, carries, and moves equipment or materials.
  • Ability to lift, carry, push, pull, and/or move objects weighing up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
  • Ability to move furniture, laboratory equipment, instructional supplies, boxes, carts, and other materials safely.
  • Ability to operate ladders, hand tools, power tools, carts, dollies, and general maintenance equipment safely.
  • Frequently transports laboratory supplies and equipment throughout the campus.
  • Proficient in using computers, inventory systems, electronic keyboards, and standard office equipment.
  • Communicates effectively in person, by telephone, and through electronic communication.
  • Ability to read labels, instructions, schedules, safety information, inventory records, and technical documentation.
  • Ability to hear and understand voices, alarms, equipment sounds, and other safety notifications. .
Employee Benefits
  • Health Care Plan, including Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
  • Retirement Plan, including 401(k)
  • Exciting University events
  • Seasonal motivational health and wellness challenges
  • Work/Life Balance initiatives
  • On-site wellness program and Staff Chiropractor
  • Life Insurance, including Basic, Voluntary, and AD&D coverage
  • Paid Time Off, including Vacation, Sick Leave, and Public Holidays
  • Family Leave, including Maternity and Paternity Leave
Institutional Values
Diversity and Inclusion
Stanbridge University's motto, "Strength through Diversity," reflects our deep commitment to honoring the diverse backgrounds of our students, faculty, staff, and surrounding communities. We strive to build an inclusive learning environment and uphold anti-discrimination practi

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