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Laboratory Associate Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Associate Laboratory Director

San Carlos, CA

$128K - $167K/yr

As the Associate Laboratory Director, Oncology and one of our Laboratory Directors, you have clinical oversight of Natera's laboratory testing. You ensure that testing is properly performed, and ...

Associate Laboratory Director

San Carlos, CA ยท On-site

$128K - $167K/yr

As the Associate Laboratory Director, Oncology and one of our Laboratory Directors, you have clinical oversight of Natera's laboratory testing. You ensure that testing is properly performed, and ...

About the Role We are seeking an Associate Manager, Laboratory (Laboratory Supervisor, Clinical Research Laboratory Manager) to join our team onsite at Parexel's Early Phase Clinical Unit (EPCU ...

About the Role We are seeking an Associate Manager, Laboratory (Laboratory Supervisor, Clinical Research Laboratory Manager) to join our team onsite at Parexel's Early Phase Clinical Unit (EPCU ...

About the Role We are seeking an Associate Manager, Laboratory (Laboratory Supervisor, Clinical Research Laboratory Manager) to join our team onsite at Parexel's Early Phase Clinical Unit (EPCU ...

Laboratory Director

San Carlos, CA

$128K - $167K/yr

Associate/Laboratory Director of Oncology, Comprehensive Genomic Profiling Position Summary As an Associate Lab Director or Lab Director of Oncology, you have clinical oversight of Natera ...

Perform chemistry testing and other QC Laboratory Associate duties in support of Process Surface Material Qualification. * Support alternate raw material supplier qualifications and participate in ...

The Laboratory Technician will assist with specimen processing and test performance while complying ... A Bachelor's or Associate degree in a relevant scientific field (e.g., Biology, Chemistry, or a ...

Laboratory Technician

Tustin, CA ยท On-site

$21 - $25/hr

The Laboratory Technician will assist with specimen processing and test performance while complying ... A Bachelor's or Associate degree in a relevant scientific field (e.g., Biology, Chemistry, or a ...

Laboratory Director

San Carlos, CA ยท On-site

$157K - $197K/yr

Associate/Laboratory Director of Oncology, Comprehensive Genomic Profiling Position Summary As an Associate Lab Director or Lab Director of Oncology, you have clinical oversight of Natera ...

Showing results 41-60

Laboratory Associate information

See California salary details

$12

$22

$33

How much do laboratory associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 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.

How much does a Laboratory Assistant earn?

Laboratory Assistants typically earn between $30,000 and $50,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the specific industry. Entry-level positions may start lower, while those with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher salaries. The role often involves working with laboratory equipment and following safety protocols.

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 qualifications do I need to be a lab assistant?

To be a laboratory associate, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent; some positions require an associate's or bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as biology, chemistry, or medical technology. Relevant skills include attention to detail, familiarity with laboratory equipment, and the ability to follow safety protocols; certifications like OSHA training can also be beneficial.

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 highest paying laboratory job?

The highest paying laboratory jobs are often senior roles such as Laboratory Director, Principal Scientist, or Research Manager, which require advanced degrees and extensive experience. These positions typically offer salaries exceeding $100,000 annually and involve overseeing laboratory operations, research projects, and compliance. Specialized fields like pharmaceutical or biotech research tend to have higher compensation levels for experienced professionals.

What do lab associates do?

Laboratory associates perform tasks such as preparing samples, conducting experiments, recording data, and maintaining lab equipment. They work under supervision in laboratory settings, often using tools like microscopes and pipettes, and may need certifications or training in safety protocols.

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 are popular job titles related to Laboratory Associate jobs in California? For Laboratory Associate jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Laboratory Associate jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Laboratory Associate jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Laboratory Associate jobs? Cities in California with the most Laboratory Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Laboratory Associate job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,917 per year, or $22.1 per hour.
Associate Laboratory Director

Associate Laboratory Director

Ovation Fertility

Newport Beach, CA โ€ข On-site

$230K - $250K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Build What Matters Most-Families, Futures, and Your Career
Enjoy meaningful work while contributing to an organization that changes lives every day. US Fertility, the nation's leading partnership of physician-led fertility practices, is redefining what it means to build a career in reproductive medicine.
Our team members choose to build their career home at US Fertility because of the hope we inspire in our patients, the lives we help bring into the world, and the culture of excellence we foster across our organization. We share a deep commitment to continuously improving the patient experience and advancing research and development in one of the most dynamic and impactful fields of medicine.
Through our national network of premier fertility centers-including Ovation Fertility-we combine clinical expertise, scientific innovation, and compassionate care. The work we do building families offers purpose, challenge, and personal reward-and we're just getting started.
Opportunity Overview
We have an immediate opening for an Associate Laboratory Director to join our team at Ovation Fertility in Newport Beach, California.
  • Schedule: Monday through Friday, from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and will be included in monitoring and weekend call rotation
  • Compensation: $230,000 to $250,000 per year (commensurate with experience)

This role provides the opportunity to grow within a nationally respected organization while remaining closely connected to the patients and teams you support every day.
How You'll Contribute
At US Fertility, collaboration is fundamental to how we work. There is undeniable strength in numbers-and support is always within reach. Whether collaborating with more than 200 highly respected physicians nationwide or partnering with colleagues who are passionate about solving meaningful problems, you'll be surrounded by a team committed to shared success.
In this role, the Associate Laboratory Directorwill:
  • Keep staff informed with clear, honest and constructive communication
  • Celebrate successes and progress
  • Support a culture of growth and inquiry
  • Lead by example by constructively responding to challenges and finding solutions
  • Set high standards for the application of the science
  • Improve scientific results that lead to improved outcomes
  • Improve the rigor in the organization's science, research, analysis and methodology
  • Contribute to the development of Ovation's KPIs and other performance metrics
  • Support professional development and other forms of employee satisfaction
  • Collaborate on strategic initiatives which increase the effectiveness of ART science
  • Engage in scientific collaboration across all laboratory locations and projects, sharing information, best practices and methods, and increasing innovative thinking and practical solutions
  • Work collaboratively with physician group partners, using laboratory data to improve decision making and treatment plans
  • Seek continuous Improvement of Service and Quality by planning and leading the labs quality improvement efforts
  • Develop external relationships and strategic partnerships by building and maintaining effective linkages, relationships, and feedback and communication loops between scientists or project teams involved in the conduct of science and external scientific or academic bodies
  • Demonstrate teamwork in all meetings through shared problem solving, use of effective communication, and consultative decision-making
  • Ensure the employment of qualified laboratory personnel, evaluation of job performance of such personnel, and oversight of their training
  • Work with team leaders (Supervisors/Managers) to ensure staffing and resource plans are effective and efficient
  • Hold all teammates accountable when errors occur
  • Follow and actively uphold the organization's policies for compliance and risk management
  • Display a positive viewpoint; see the good in situations and how they can make things better
  • Demonstrate successful financial management, expense control, and engage in and support positive revenue growth of the lab
  • Engage annually in the budgeting process; take accountability for her/his lab budget
  • Be competent in all laboratory procedures, and have the ability to perform bench work when necessary at least 20% of the time
  • Work on-site regularly, unless otherwise approved by immediate supervisor
  • Actively manage the performance of all lab teammates
  • Espouse and deliver on the organization's leadership values, mission and vision
  • Adhere to governing agency requirements and standards
  • Perform other duties and projects as assigned

What You'll Bring
We're looking for professionals who bring both technical skill and a deep sense of responsibility to the care experience-individuals who thrive in environments where excellence, empathy, and accountability matter.
Qualifications and Skills Include:
  • Doctoral degree in a chemical, physical, biological, or clinical laboratory science from an accredited institution
  • 7+ years of previous experience in the field
  • Certification by the American Board of Medical Microbiology, the American Board of Clinical Chemistry, the American Board of Bioanalysis, or the American Board of Medical Laboratory Immunology preferred
  • Excellent interpersonal communication skills and the ability to build and facilitate good working relationships with staff at all levels of organization
  • Communicates directly, honestly, and respectfully while avoiding being negative, complaining, or gossiping
  • Demonstrated ability exercising sound judgment and discretion when handling sensitive and confidential information
  • Excellent organizational skills
  • Ability to work independently, under pressure, and within deadlines
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills and attention to detail
  • Ability to work as part of a team
  • Computer literacy including Office 356, EMR, Email management, cyber security awareness, etc.
  • Flexibility and willingness to learn at all times
  • Able to deliver on multiple responsibilities simultaneously

More important than any single credential, however, is the right person. Team members who are most successful at US Fertility embrace our mission, live our values, and remain committed to continuous improvement-for themselves, their colleagues, and the patients we serve.
What We OfferUS Fertility is proud to provide a competitive, comprehensive benefits package designed to support our team members-professionally and personally-across all employment types.
Full-Time Employees (30+ hours/week)
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Tuition assistance and professional development support
  • Performance-based bonus opportunities
  • Generous paid time off, paid holidays, and paid parental leave
  • Life and disability benefits
  • Fertility Discount Program
  • Employee wellness and recognition programs

Part-Time Employees
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Performance-based bonus opportunities
  • Employee wellness and recognition programs

Per Diem Employees
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Employee wellness and recognition programs

Our Commitment to Inclusion and Opportunity
US Fertility and its network partners believe that a diverse workforce is essential to fulfilling our mission of expanding patient access to the highest standards of fertility care. We are committed to equitable and inclusive hiring practices that ensure our clinical and operational teams reflect and support the diverse communities and patients we serve.
Across our national footprint, US Fertility is a leader in offering clinical, administrative, and operational career opportunities at locations throughout the United States. We are equally committed to developing individual strengths, promoting from within, and supporting long-term career growth.
This is a moment of growth, innovation, and impact. Take the next step in your career with US Fertility-and help shape the future of fertility care.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.