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Laboratory Associate Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Managed Staffing

Laboratory Technician

Irvine, CA · On-site

$30 - $32/hr

Laboratory Technician Location: Irvine, CA (Onsite) Schedule: Mon-Fri, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (40 hrs/w ... Associate's or Bachelor's degree in a technical or scientific field (Chemistry, Chemical ...

CellCarta

Laboratory Technician I

Lake Forest, CA · On-site

Laboratory Technician I Ready to kick-start your career in laboratory sciences? CellCarta, a ... Associate's or bachelor's degree in a biological or health science discipline * Strong attention to ...

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All JobsLaboratory Associate JobsLaboratory Associate Jobs in Riverside, CA

Laboratory Associate information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$13

$23

$35

How much do laboratory associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for laboratory associate in Riverside, CA is $23.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.79 and $26.06 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 Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Laboratory jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Laboratory Associate jobs in Riverside, CA? For Laboratory Associate jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Laboratory Associate jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Laboratory Associate jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Laboratory Associate jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Laboratory Associate job openings:
Laboratory Associate jobs near you
Specialist Series - Akbari Laboratory

Specialist Series - Akbari Laboratory

University of California - Irvine

Orange, CA • On-site

$26.35 - $93.30/hr

Other

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

University Of California Irvine rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 40 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

45th of 546 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Position overview
Salary range: The annual salary range for this position is $55,000-$194,800. The hourly rate for this position is $26.35 - $93.30. See Specialist Series - Represented Fiscal Year.
Application Window

Open date: July 1, 2026

Next review date: Monday, Aug 3, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Wednesday, Jun 30, 2027 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position description
Specialist Series

The Department of Neurology at the University of California, Irvine anticipates openings for Junior, Assistant, Associate, and full Specialists to join the research laboratory of Dr. Yama Akbari, which investigates the mechanisms and neurobiological basis of coma, stroke, and brain-heart-lung interactions. Dr. Akbari is a physician scientist who focuses on neuro-intensive care using basic science, translational, and clinical approaches. The laboratory is built like an animal intensive care unit and uses a multidisciplinary approach to investigate coma in animals, including principles of cardiac arrest and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) along with multimodal monitoring of the brain, heart, and lungs (electrophysiology, neurophysiology, optical, etc.). Optimization of outcome is investigated in-vivo using a variety of electrophysiologic, pharmacologic, behavioral, and molecular/cellular approaches. The goals of this lab include developing translational research to help humans suffering from coma and acute brain injury. The lab was built in 2013 and has had extramural funding from a variety of sources (NIH, Foundations, Industry, and philanthropy).

Responsibilities:
Ability to handle and work with rodents, knowledge of neuroscience and animal physiology, and (preferred) microsurgical techniques. Knowledge of the basics of the cardiovascular and pulmonary systems would be advantageous but not necessary. Good organizational skills and communication skills including managing/supervising a team of lab personnel, planning experiments, and designing/writing experimental protocols, though the training can be provided for writing experimental protocols. Overall training will be provided on many of the tasks listed to highly motivated individuals with research experience or a at least a background and interest in medicinal science. Though not required, additional interests in molecular biology, bioengineering, coding/programming, and/or an understanding of MATLAB, are favorable but necessary.

The laboratory is located in the Gillespie Neurosciences Research Facility, the premier neuroscience building at UC Irvine, allowing for an exciting and collaborative environment. Salary and rank are commensurate with experience.

Applicants should complete an online application profile and upload the following application materials electronically to be considered for the position:

1. Cover letter 2. Curriculum Vitae 3. Names and Contact Information of Three References

Follow the hyperlink to apply

For more information about the Akbari Lab, see the Lab homepage

For more information about the Department of Neurology, see the Department of Neurology homepage

Department: https://www.neurology.uci.edu/

Qualifications
Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

Requirements:
Candidates must possess either a BS, MS, PhD, or an MD. Opportunity to publish as an author or co-author on manuscripts will be provided.

Applications are being sought for candidates with strong laboratory research backgrounds and specialized training.

Appointees to the Junior Specialist rank should possess a baccalaureate degree (or equivalent research experience)

Appointees to the Assistant Specialist rank should possess a master's degree or equivalent (or five years research experience demonstrating expertise in the relevant specialization)

Appointees to the Associate Specialist rank should possess a master's degree or equivalent (or five to ten years research experience demonstrating expertise in the relevant specialization). Associate Specialists are normally expected to have a record of academic accomplishments, including contributions to published or in-press research in the field and a demonstrated record of University and/or public service.

Appointees to the Specialist rank should possess a terminal degree (or ten or more years of research experience demonstrating expertise in the relevant specialization). Specialists at full rank are normally expected to have a significant record of academic accomplishments, including contributions to published or in-press research in the field, professional recognition in the field, and a demonstrated record of University and/or public service.

This is on-going recruitment. Positions are dependent upon extramural funding. Rank will be determined based on qualifications and experience. Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Application Requirements
Document requirements

  • Cover Letter

  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

  • Statement of Research (Optional)

Reference requirements
  • 3 required (contact information only)
Apply link: https://recruit.ap.uci.edu/JPF10176
About UC Irvine

The University of California, Irvine 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 categories covered by the UC anti-discrimination policy.
As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.

  • "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer.
  • UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
  • UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
  • APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

Job location
Orange/Irvine, CA

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