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Laboratory Startup Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Neuralink

R&D Lab Manager

South San Francisco, CA

Lead laboratory organization initiatives, workspace reconfigurations, equipment relocations, and ... Ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt quickly in a fast-paced startup environment.

Astrix Inc

QC Chemist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Collect, prepare, and ship samples for third-party laboratory testing * Generate Certificates of ... Comfortable working in a fast-paced, startup environment * Strong organizational and time ...

Lancesoft INC

Systems Analyst

Foster City, CA · On-site

$70 - $76/hr

Support laboratory expansions, relocations, renovations, and startup activities. * Lead or support laboratory technology projects and continuous improvement initiatives. * Develop and maintain ...

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Laboratory Startup information

What is a laboratory startup?

A Laboratory Startup is a company or organization in its early stages that focuses on scientific research, innovation, and the development of new technologies or products within a laboratory setting. These startups are often founded by scientists or researchers and may work on anything from biotech and pharmaceuticals to chemical engineering or diagnostics. Laboratory Startups typically face unique challenges, such as securing funding, acquiring specialized equipment, hiring skilled personnel, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Their goal is often to bring a novel scientific discovery or product to market, either independently or through partnerships with larger companies.

What are some common challenges faced when setting up a new laboratory, and how can they be effectively addressed?

When starting up a new laboratory, professionals often encounter challenges such as ensuring regulatory compliance, sourcing the appropriate equipment, and establishing robust safety protocols. Coordinating with vendors, navigating procurement delays, and setting up laboratory information management systems can also be complex. To address these, it’s essential to develop a detailed project plan, involve key stakeholders early, and consult with experienced laboratory managers or consultants. Open communication with team members and regular progress reviews help keep the setup on track and ensure a smooth launch.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in laboratory startup roles, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Laboratory Startup role, you need expertise in laboratory operations, project management, and regulatory compliance, often supported by a degree in a scientific field and experience in lab environments. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), facility setup procedures, and relevant safety certifications such as OSHA are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, adaptability, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for coordinating teams and navigating the challenges of launching a new lab. These competencies ensure that the laboratory is established efficiently, safely, and in compliance with industry standards, enabling successful research or diagnostic operations.

What is the difference between Laboratory Startup vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectLaboratory StartupLaboratory Technician
CredentialsOften requires a degree in science or engineering, sometimes with entrepreneurial experienceTypically requires an associate's or bachelor's degree in a laboratory science or related field
Work EnvironmentStartup environment, often in labs focused on innovation, research, or product developmentEstablished labs, research facilities, or clinical settings
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by new biotech, pharma, or research startupsCommon in hospitals, research institutes, and industrial labs

In summary, a Laboratory Startup involves launching new lab ventures with a focus on innovation and entrepreneurship, often requiring a mix of scientific and business skills. A Laboratory Technician typically works within established labs, performing routine testing and experiments based on existing protocols. While both roles require scientific knowledge, the startup role emphasizes building new operations, whereas the technician role focuses on supporting ongoing research or production.

What are popular job titles related to Laboratory Startup jobs in California?

For Laboratory Startup jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Laboratory Startup jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Laboratory Startup jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Laboratory Startup jobs?

Cities in California with the most Laboratory Startup job openings:

Laboratory Startup jobs near you
Infographic showing various Laboratory Startup job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Remote job distribution.

Laboratory Operations & Maintenance Technician

Periodic Labs

Menlo Park, CA • On-site

$22.50 - $29.75/hr

Contractor

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

About Periodic Labs
We're an AI and physical sciences company building state-of-the-art models to accelerate breakthroughs across materials, energy, and beyond. Backed by world-class investors and growing rapidly, we operate at the pace the frontier requires. Our team brings deep expertise, genuine ownership, and an insatiable drive to push the boundaries of what's scientifically possible.
About the Role
Periodic Labs is building an autonomous laboratory for high-throughput materials discovery - combining advanced synthesis, characterization, automation, robotics, and AI to accelerate the development of next-generation materials. We're looking for a highly capable, hands-on Laboratory Operations & Maintenance Technician to help build, maintain, and scale the physical infrastructure that enables our scientific and engineering teams to move quickly.
This is an ideal role for someone who enjoys solving practical problems, working with tools, building systems, troubleshooting equipment, and taking ownership of laboratory operations. You'll work across equipment maintenance, gas and vacuum systems, utilities, instrumentation, automation support, machine shop operations, inventory management, and laboratory buildout projects.
What You'll Do
Equipment Maintenance & Reliability
  • Execute preventative maintenance programs for laboratory equipment using MaintainX CMMS; develop and improve maintenance procedures, inspection checklists, and work order templates
  • Perform routine inspections, cleaning, calibration checks, and equipment upkeep across mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, gas, vacuum, and fluid handling systems
  • Take initiative to troubleshoot to component level and repair equipment; identify recurring failure modes and implement corrective actions to improve uptime
  • Coordinate service visits and maintenance activities with equipment vendors
  • Service vacuum pumps, cooling water systems, chillers, and associated infrastructure; verify equipment meets OEM specifications after maintenance or repairs

Asset Management & Documentation
  • Maintain an accurate asset registry within MaintainX, including equipment records (manuals, schematics, service histories, serial numbers, manufacturer contacts)
  • Label equipment with asset numbers and QR codes; update equipment layouts, utility matrices, and infrastructure documentation
  • Track maintenance history and equipment performance metrics

Utilities & Infrastructure
  • Maintain laboratory utility systems including compressed gases, vacuum systems, process cooling water, exhaust systems, gas detection, and general lab infrastructure
  • Build and modify gas and fluid handling systems from P&IDs and engineering drawings; assemble and install tubing, regulators, valves, gauges, sensors, and associated hardware
  • Support utility capacity planning and identify infrastructure constraints

Equipment Installation & Commissioning
  • Support installation and startup of new laboratory equipment; coordinate utility hookups including power, water, gas, vacuum, and networking
  • Procure and install supporting infrastructure including tubing, fittings, pumps, sensors, regulators, and instrumentation
  • Perform installation verification and commissioning activities; document as-built configurations and equipment changes

Automation & Controls Support
  • Support Controls and Automation Engineers with equipment integration projects
  • Install and maintain thermocouples, RTDs, pressure transducers, flow meters, solenoid valves, gas sensors, and safety interlocks
  • Route, terminate, and label instrumentation and communication wiring; assist with sensor replacement, control panel modifications, and field troubleshooting

Machine Shop & Fabrication
  • Fabricate fixtures, brackets, guards, adapters, and experimental hardware using drill press, band saw, chop saw, belt sander, bench grinder, manual mill, and manual lathe
  • Modify commercial components and support custom equipment builds; maintain machine shop organization and tooling

Inventory & Laboratory Operations
  • Maintain inventories of spare parts, maintenance consumables, PPE, and laboratory supplies; identify critical spare parts and establish appropriate stock levels
  • Receive and organize incoming equipment, chemicals, gases, and supplies; register chemicals and gas cylinders within laboratory inventory systems
  • Coordinate gas cylinder replacement and deliveries; support hazardous waste staging and disposal activities
  • Assist with laboratory organization, equipment moves, and expansion projects

Safety & Compliance
  • Perform all work in accordance with laboratory safety procedures and LOTO requirements; participate in routine safety inspections and identify unsafe conditions
  • Support safe installation and modification of laboratory equipment and infrastructure
  • Maintain clean, organized, and professional workspaces; use all appropriate PPE (lab coats, gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, respirators)
You Will Thrive in This Role If You Have
  • 5+ years of experience in laboratory operations, manufacturing, semiconductor, chemical processing, pilot plant, industrial maintenance, or a related environment
  • The ability to read and interpret P&IDs, mechanical drawings, electrical wiring diagrams, and equipment manuals
  • Strong hands-on experience with hand tools, power tools, and mechanical assembly, with excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
  • An associate degree, technical certification, military technical training, trade apprenticeship, or equivalent hands-on experience
  • Comfort operating in a fast-paced, dynamic startup environment with shifting priorities
Especially Strong Candidates Should Have
  • Swagelok tubing, fitting, and tube bending experience; gas manifold assembly from P&IDs
  • Vacuum systems and/or compressed gas systems experience
  • Semiconductor equipment maintenance experience
  • Electrical troubleshooting down to PCB/component level using multimeters
  • MaintainX or other CMMS experience
  • Forklift or material handling equipment experience
  • Handling of hazardous chemicals & laboratory operations experience
  • Process piping and instrumentation experience
Mechanics
Minimum education: Bachelor's degree or similar experience
Location: Menlo Park, CA
Compensation: $100,000 - $140,000
Visa sponsorship: No, sorry we are not able to sponsor visas at this time.
We're building a team of the world's best - the scientists, engineers, and problem-solvers who don't just follow the frontier, they define it. If you're driven to bring AI to life in the physical world and make discoveries that have never been made before, you belong here.

Apply