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Laboratory Operations Associate Jobs in Santa Clara, CA

Research Associate

Foster City, CA · On-site

$36 - $39.85/hr

Research Associate - I Location: Foster City, CA Duration: 6+ months contract Pay rate: $39.85/hr ... The successful candidate will help maintain laboratory operations, ensure instrument readiness ...

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Laboratory Operations Associate information

See Santa Clara, CA salary details

$13

$30

$62

How much do laboratory operations associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for laboratory operations associate in Santa Clara, CA is $30.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.91 and $35.58 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a laboratory operations associate?

Laboratory Operations Associates are professionals who support the daily functioning of laboratories by managing supplies, maintaining equipment, overseeing safety protocols, and assisting with administrative tasks. They play a crucial role in ensuring that lab environments run efficiently and comply with all regulatory standards. Their responsibilities often include inventory management, equipment calibration, and coordinating with scientists and technicians. This position is essential for smooth laboratory workflow and helps enable scientific research and testing.

What does a laboratory operations associate do?

A typical day for a Laboratory Operations Associate involves preparing and maintaining laboratory equipment, managing inventory of supplies, and ensuring that safety protocols are followed. They often coordinate with scientists, lab technicians, and quality assurance teams to support ongoing experiments or production processes. Their role requires strong organizational skills and attention to detail, as well as the ability to adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment. Collaboration and clear communication are key, as they help facilitate smooth lab operations and minimize downtime.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a laboratory operations associate?

To thrive as a Laboratory Operations Associate, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a background in laboratory sciences or related fields, often supported by a bachelor's degree. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), inventory tracking software, and safety protocols is typically required. Excellent communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities help you efficiently support lab workflows and collaborate with scientists and technicians. These skills are critical to maintaining laboratory efficiency, ensuring compliance, and supporting high-quality research outcomes.

What is the difference between Laboratory Operations Associate vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectLaboratory Operations AssociateLaboratory Technician
Required CredentialsAssociate degree or relevant certificationAssociate degree or technical certification
Work EnvironmentLab support, logistics, equipment managementPerforming tests, analyzing samples
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in biotech, pharma, research labsCommon in clinical, research, manufacturing labs
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for entry-level roles in lab supportCompared for technical testing roles

Laboratory Operations Associates focus on supporting lab functions, logistics, and equipment management, while Laboratory Technicians primarily perform testing and sample analysis. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and are essential in lab environments, but they differ in daily responsibilities and focus areas.

What are the most commonly searched types of Laboratory Operations jobs in Santa Clara, CA?

The most popular types of Laboratory Operations jobs in Santa Clara, CA are:

What cities near Santa Clara, CA are hiring for Laboratory Operations Associate jobs?

Cities near Santa Clara, CA with the most Laboratory Operations Associate job openings:

Laboratory Operations Assistant

Kelly Services

San Carlos, CA

$25/hr

Part-time, Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Laboratory Operations Assistant
 
Kelly® Science & Clinical is seeking a Laboratory Operations Assistant for a 3-month contract position at a cutting-edge agriculture company in San Carlos, CA. If you’re passionate about bringing the latest scientific discoveries to life and are ready to take the next step in your career, trust The Experts at Hiring Experts.
Pay Rate:  
$25/hour 
Overview:
In this role, you will support a dynamic microbiology and molecular biology research team by independently performing essential lab operations tasks such as cleaning and sterilizing equipment, preparing media and reagents, maintaining supplies, and ensuring a safe, efficiently run laboratory environment.
Schedule: 
Part-time, Monday through Friday, 2-3 hours/day
 
Responsibilities:
  • Wash, sanitize, and sterilize laboratory glassware, plasticware, and equipment to maintain a clean and safe research environment.
  • Operate and maintain autoclaves for decontaminating biohazard waste and sterilizing lab materials according to established protocols.
  • Prepare standard microbiology media, agar plates, buffers, and stock reagents by following precise standard operating procedures.
  • Restock laboratory supplies, consumables, and personal protective equipment to ensure uninterrupted lab operations.
  • Assist with general laboratory upkeep, including properly disposing of waste and promptly addressing any equipment maintenance needs.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in Science preferred.
  • Basic laboratory experience.
 
What happens next:
Once you apply, you’ll proceed to next steps if your skills and experience look like a good fit. But don’t worry – even if this position doesn’t work out, you’re still in our network. That means our team of expert Science & Clinical recruiters will have access to your profile, making your opportunities limitless.
As part of our promise to talent, Kelly supports those who work with us through a variety of benefits, perks, and work-related resources. Kelly offers eligible employees voluntary benefit plans including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, term life, whole life, accident insurance, critical illness, a legal plan, and short-term disability. As a Kelly employee, you will have access to a retirement savings plan, service bonus and holiday pay plans (earn up to eight paid holidays per benefit year), and a transit spending account. In addition, employees are entitled to earn paid sick leave under the applicable state or local plan. Click here for more information on benefits and perks that may be available to you as a member of the Kelly Talent Community.

Why Kelly® Science & Clinical?

Kelly Science & Clinical is your connection to premier scientific and clinical companies looking to hire industry experts just like you. Our team creates expert talent solutions to solve the world’s most critical challenges. Every day, we match science professionals with dream jobs that fit their skills, interests, and career goals-it’s the way we think job searching should be. Nearly 100 percent of our science recruiters have a professional background and education in science, so we know a thing or two about the science market and how to get your expertise noticed.

About Kelly

Work changes everything. And at Kelly, we’re obsessed with where it can take you. To us, it’s about more than simply accepting your next job opportunity. It’s the fuel that powers every next step of your life. It’s the ripple effect that changes and improves everything for your family, your community, and the world. Which is why, here at Kelly, we are dedicated to providing you with limitless opportunities to enrich your life-just ask the 300,000 people we employ each year.
Kelly is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants regardless of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and we take affirmative action to recruit, employ, and advance qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in the workforce. Requests for accommodation related to our application process can be directed to the Kelly Human Resource Knowledge Center. Kelly complies with the requirements of California’s state and local Fair Chance laws. A conviction does not automatically bar individuals from employment. Kelly participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.
Kelly may use AI-powered tools during the recruitment and hiring process. For full details, including how Kelly uses AI, your rights, and how to request a reasonable accommodation, visit the Recruitment Artificial Intelligence Notice.