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Laboratory Associate Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

POSITION SUMMARY Natera is currently seeking a Clinical Laboratory Associate to analyze laboratory specimens following the standard methods and procedures while maintaining equipment and instruments ...

We are seeking a Laboratory Associate- Flow Cytometry to join IQVIA's laboratory business at Valencia, CA. Shift: Tuesday to Saturday 4PM to 12:30 AM We hire passionate innovators who drive health ...

We are seeking a Laboratory Associate- Flow Cytometry to join IQVIA's laboratory business at Valencia, CA. Shift: Tuesday to Saturday 4PM to 12:30 AM We hire passionate innovators who drive health ...

We are seekinga Laboratory Associate- Flow Cytometry to join IQVIA's laboratory business at Valencia, CA. Shift: Tuesday to Saturday 4PM to 12:30 AM We hire passionate innovators who drive healthcare ...

Clinical Lab Associate I

San Carlos, CA ยท On-site

$28.80 - $32/hr

POSITION SUMMARY Natera is currently seeking a Clinical Laboratory Associate to analyze laboratory ... Follows GLP (good laboratory practice): maintain cleans and organized work space * Completes ...

POSITION SUMMARY Natera is currently seeking a Clinical Laboratory Associate to analyze laboratory ... Follows GLP (good laboratory practice): maintain cleans and organized work space * Completes ...

Lab Technician II

Menlo Park, CA ยท On-site

$36.06 - $40.87/hr

As a Laboratory Associate or Technician II, you'll play a key role in supporting our high-complexity clinical genomics laboratory by performing essential pre-analytical and analytical support ...

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Showing results 1-20

Laboratory Associate information

See California salary details

$12

$22

$33

How much do laboratory associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for laboratory associate in California is $22.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $24.66 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Laboratory Associate, you need a solid understanding of laboratory procedures, attention to detail, and a background in biological or chemical sciences, often supported by a relevant degree or certification. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), safety protocols, and specialized equipment such as spectrophotometers or centrifuges is typically required. Strong organizational skills, teamwork, and effective communication help Laboratory Associates excel in collaborative and fast-paced environments. These skills ensure accurate results, safety, and efficiency, which are vital for reliable scientific research and operations.

What are Laboratory Associates?

Laboratory Associates are professionals who assist with various tasks in a laboratory setting, such as preparing samples, conducting basic experiments, maintaining equipment, and recording data. They often work under the supervision of scientists or laboratory managers and play a crucial role in supporting research and development activities. Their responsibilities can vary depending on the specific laboratory and industry, but attention to detail, organizational skills, and knowledge of lab safety protocols are essential for this role.

What are some typical challenges Laboratory Associates face when managing multiple experiments simultaneously?

Laboratory Associates often juggle several experiments at once, which requires strong organizational and time management skills. Balancing tasks such as sample preparation, data collection, and equipment maintenance can be challenging, especially when experiments have overlapping schedules or strict deadlines. Effective communication with team members and clear documentation are crucial to ensure that procedures are followed accurately and results remain reliable. Many labs use digital systems to track progress and share updates, which helps associates manage their workload efficiently.

What is the difference between Laboratory Associate vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectLaboratory AssociateLaboratory Technician
Required CredentialsAssociate degree or relevant certificationAssociate degree or certification, often similar
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, healthcare, pharmaceutical settingsResearch, clinical, industrial labs
Employer & Industry UsageHospitals, research institutions, biotech companiesHospitals, diagnostic labs, manufacturing
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Laboratory Associates and Laboratory Technicians often share similar educational backgrounds and work environments. Both roles support laboratory operations in healthcare, research, or industrial settings. The main differences are often related to specific job duties and employer terminology, but they are frequently used interchangeably depending on the organization.

What are the most commonly searched types of Laboratory jobs in California? The most popular types of Laboratory jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Laboratory Associate jobs? Cities in California with the most Laboratory Associate job openings:
Senior Clinical Laboratory Scientist

Senior Clinical Laboratory Scientist

Freenome

Brisbane, CA โ€ข On-site

Other

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

About this opportunity:

The Senior Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Senior CLS) is responsible for assisting the Laboratory Management and Lead Clinical Laboratory Scientist (Lead CLS) with the daily operations of the Laboratory. The Senior CLS is also responsible for performing moderate and high complexity laboratory testing (electrochemiluminescence, multi-plexed ELISAs, immunoassays) on patient specimens, performing quality control and quality assurance guidelines and complying with all applicable local, state and federal laboratory requirements.
The Senior CLS will perform laboratory testing on study specimens, patient specimens and quality control samples. ย The Senior CLS will provide guidance while troubleshooting high complexity technical and non-technical problems. The Senior CLS must act as a liaison between the Laboratory Associates and the Supervisors. ย The Senior CLS will be involved with training, scheduling, troubleshooting, leading projects, meeting project deliverables, and understanding and implementing laboratory goals. The Senior CLS must exhibit leadership skills such as good judgment, decision-making, ability to remain professional and composed under pressure, effective interpersonal skills, the ability to analyze complex issues and make sound decisions, the ability to respond to difficult issues quickly, fairly and ethically, and the ability to adapt quickly to evolving circumstances.
The work requires keeping meticulous and organized records, excellent attention to details, effective written and verbal communications skills, the ability to multi-task and be flexible with tasks and schedules, and the ability to work independently in a team environment. The Senior CLS must also demonstrate excellent communication skills, proactively communicating team goals and priorities clearly, openly and objectively, and communicating changes, issues and challenges in all directions of the organization.

What you'll do:

  • Be responsible for the daily operations of the laboratory including but not limited to independently troubleshooting and resolving technical and non-technical problems that may adversely affect the test performance
  • Perform equipment maintenance according to the laboratory's standard operating procedures for the following but not limited to: centrifuges, freezers, refrigerators, pipettors, immunoassay analyzers, electrochemiluminescence analyzers, multi-plexed ELISA platforms, and Hamilton, Bravo or Workcell as needed.
  • Perform laboratory tests, procedures and analyses according to the laboratory's standard operating procedures.
  • Review, interpret and report patient results as needed.
  • Perform, review and document laboratory quality control procedures.
  • Operate, maintain and troubleshoot laboratory equipment.
  • Assist with training of new laboratory personnel and training of new procedures with existing personnel.
  • Participate in internal and external inspection preparation activities as needed.
  • Document all corrective actions taken when test systems deviate from the laboratory established performance specifications.
  • Perform and document routine preventive maintenance.
  • Prepare reagents required for testing.
  • Perform and document reagent qualification per the approved protocols, as needed.
  • Report all concerns of test quality and/or safety to the Laboratory Supervisor or Safety Officer.
  • Participate in introduction of assay improvements, new assay configurations and validation.
  • Write and review procedures, documents and forms.
  • Provide assistance to the Laboratory Supervisors including but not limited to:
    • Delegate tasks and assignments to Laboratory Associates as needed
    • Take charge of shift communication
    • Provide updates to supervisors regarding any issues
    • Monitor and oversee training schedule for new employees
    • Perform annual review of Standard Operating Procedures and Work instructions.
  • Assist in sample and process troubleshooting
  • Assist the Supervisors with coaching CLSs and Laboratory Associate including but not limited to proving guidance and constructive feedback
  • Monitoring data and process status as needed
  • Perform other laboratory duties as assigned.
  • Ensure consistent compliance with all federal, state and local regulatory requirements and with all company policies and procedures.
  • Hours and days may vary depending on operational needs
  • Standing or sitting for long periods of time may be necessary.
  • May be exposed to hazardous materials, blood specimens and instruments with moving parts, heating or freezing elements, and high speed centrifugation (Generally laboratory and customer service employees only)
  • Repetitive manual pipetting may be necessary
  • Some lifting (up to 25 pounds) may be necessary

Must haves:

  • Must possess a valid California Clinical Laboratory Scientist license
  • Bachelor of Arts or Science in Biomedical Laboratory Science, Clinical Science or related field
  • Working knowledge of local, state, and federal laboratory regulations
  • At least 4 years of Clinical Laboratory experience or equivalent preferred
  • Able to integrate and apply feedback in a professional manner
  • Able to prioritize and drive to results with a high emphasis on quality
  • Ability to work as part of a team
  • Experience managing clinical laboratory personnel preferred
  • Laboratory testing experience within the last five years preferred
  • High volume laboratory experience preferred
  • Experience in molecular biology techniques preferred
  • Ability to proactively communicate consistently, clearly, and honestly
  • Strong automation and computing skills
  • Strong technical skills and job and industry knowledge
  • Strong professionalism and leadership skills
  • Strong project management abilities
  • Ability to analyze and problem solve complex issues that may impact test performance.

Benefits and additional information:

The US target range of our base hourly rate for new hires is $68.29 - $80.51. You will also be eligible to receive equity, cash bonuses, and a full range of medical, financial, and other benefits depending on the position offered.ย  Please note that individual total compensation for this position will be determined at the Company's sole discretion and may vary based on several factors, including but not limited to, location, skill level, years and depth of relevant experience, and education. We invite you to check out our career page @ freenome.com/job-openings/ย for additional company information.ย ย 

Freenome is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer, and we value diversity. Freenome does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws.ย ย 

  • Family & Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
  • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)
  • Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA)

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