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Microbiology Lab Assistant Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Dignity Health

Medical Lab Technician

Northridge, CA · On-site

$33.85 - $50.36/hr

... across various disciplines (microbiology, hematology, chemistry, etc.), understand sample ... One year of experience as a Lab Assistant or Technician in a clinical laboratory preferred. * AA ...

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AHMC Healthcare

Assistant Laboratory II

San Gabriel, CA · On-site

$26.12/hr

Including, but not limited to: • Microbiology equipment • Centrifuges • Incubators • ... Trains new lab assistants. • Investigates problem orders/specimens and follows through to ...

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Microbiology Lab Assistant information

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$14

$22

$34

How much do microbiology lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for microbiology lab assistant in California is $22.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $25.14 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a microbiology lab assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Microbiology Lab Assistant, you need a solid understanding of microbiological techniques, laboratory safety protocols, and at least an associate or bachelor’s degree in a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, aseptic techniques, and data management systems such as LIMS is typically expected. Strong attention to detail, organization, and effective communication are essential soft skills for accurate sample processing and teamwork. These competencies are vital for ensuring precise test results, maintaining lab safety, and supporting research or diagnostic objectives.

What does a microbiology lab assistant do?

A Microbiology Lab Assistant supports microbiologists by preparing samples, maintaining laboratory equipment, and conducting basic laboratory tests. They help ensure experiments run smoothly by following strict protocols and keeping the lab organized and sterile. Their daily tasks may also include labeling specimens, recording data, and disposing of biohazardous materials properly. This role is essential for maintaining safety and accuracy in microbiological research and testing environments.

What are some common challenges faced by microbiology lab assistants and how can they be addressed?

Microbiology Lab Assistants often encounter challenges such as maintaining strict sterile techniques to avoid contamination, accurately following protocols for sample preparation, and managing multiple tasks during busy periods. To address these, it’s important to develop strong organizational skills, pay close attention to detail, and communicate effectively with team members. Regularly reviewing standard operating procedures and participating in team meetings can also help ensure quality and efficiency in the lab environment.

What is the difference between Microbiology Lab Assistant vs Microbiology Technician?

AspectMicrobiology Lab AssistantMicrobiology Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certificationAssociate degree or relevant certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, hospitals, research facilitiesLaboratories, research centers, healthcare settings
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting with sample preparation, cleaning, and basic tasksPerforming tests, analyzing samples, recording data
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in healthcare, research, and educational labsCommonly employed in clinical and industrial microbiology labs

While both roles support microbiology labs, Microbiology Lab Assistants typically handle basic tasks and support functions, whereas Microbiology Technicians perform more detailed testing and analysis. The roles often overlap in work environment and industry but differ in responsibilities and required credentials.

What does a microbiology lab assistant do?

A microbiology lab assistant provides support for scientists and researchers in a microbiology lab where they study microbes, viruses, fungi, parasites, bacteria, and other microscopic organisms. In this career, you may work on sample collection, aid in the testing of cultures and samples, maintain a specimen record, and sterilize and clean equipment after testing. Some labs may also expect you to carry out other administrative duties. Your responsibilities as a microbiology lab assistant may also include recording data and maintaining records.

More about Microbiology Lab Assistant jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Microbiology Lab jobs in California?

The most popular types of Microbiology Lab jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Microbiology Lab Assistant jobs in California?

For Microbiology Lab Assistant jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Microbiology Lab Assistant jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Microbiology Lab Assistant jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Microbiology Lab Assistant jobs?

Cities in California with the most Microbiology Lab Assistant job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Microbiology Lab Assistant jobs in CA?

For Microbiology Lab Assistant jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Microbiology Lab Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Microbiology Lab Assistant job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,982 per year, or $22.1 per hour.

LAB ASSISTANT SPECIALIST I - Full Time Days

Moffitt

Long Beach, CA • On-site

$17.53 - $26.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Working at Moffitt is both a career and a mission: to contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer.As the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center based in Florida, Moffitt employs some of the best and brightest minds from around the world. Join a dedicated team of nearly 11,000 who are shaping the future we envision. Moffitt has been recognized as a Best and Brightest Company to Work For in the Nation and is continually named one of the Tampa Bay Times' Top Workplaces.

Summary

The Laboratory Assistant Specialist I is responsible for ensuring proper handling of all specimens received in the clinical and anatomic pathology laboratories and preparation of these specimens for testing. Job duties include computer data entry and accessioning of orders, and also specimen processing tasks including centrifugation, aliquoting, slide preparation, packaging, shipment of referral laboratory specimens, and transport and delivery of specimens to the testing departments. Additional duties that are of a higher level of complexity are also required, including registration and billing functions, assisting on patient care procedures, processing samples that must be handled with aseptic or sterile techniques, and troubleshooting issues with samples and orders. These more complex duties may vary by assigned laboratory section.- Cytology: Performs specimen handling and cytopreparation of all samples, maintaining glass slides, cover slipping slides, labeling slides, and maintaining the department inventory.- Flow Cytometry: Registration and customer service for Outreach and non-patient samples; accessioning and distribution of complex shared samples; reagent preparation, utilization of multiple computer systems to track and log specimens.- Hematology: Provides assistance during bone marrow aspiration and biopsy procedures; Maintains equipment and records; Performs quality assurance activities; Assists with miscellaneous functions required to maintain the smooth operation of the department such as clerical duties, and inventory control activities.- Histology: Assists in the Histopathology Department during routine gross descriptions, frozen sections and autopsies.- Microbiology: Performs pre-analytical testing procedures such as: culture set-ups and accessioning of microbiology and virology samples; maintains equipment and records; performs quality assurance activities; assists with miscellaneous functions required to maintain the smooth operation of the department such as clerical duties, and inventory control activities.- Molecular Diagnostics: Registration and customer service for Outreach and non-patient samples; accessioning and distribution of complex shared samples; reagent preparation, utilization of multiple computer systems to track and log specimens.-Specimen Processing: Registration for Outreach/non-patient testing, resource for questions, troubleshooting order and specimen issues, routine billing tasks, monitoring pending logs and overdue specimens, processing of complex specimens to include bone marrows, fluids and shared specimens. Utilizes reference lab portals for ordering, packages and ships specimens meeting Hazardous Goods criteria.The Laboratory Assistant Specialist performs all duties under the supervision of a technologist, supervisor, or laboratory director.

Job Title: Lab Assistant Specialist I
Minimum Education Level: High School Diploma/GED
Minimum Field of Study:
Minimum Education Notes:
Preferred Education Level:
Preferred Field of Study:
Preferred Education Notes:
Licensure Certification Needed: No
Minimum Licensure:
Minimum Licensure (Other):
Training Required: Ability to multi-task in a busy, disruptive environment. Must be a team player, adaptable to change at a moments notice. A high degree of accuracy and attention to detail required. Must possess strong oral communications skills and sound reasoning capability based on common sense logic. Must demonstrate competent computer data entry skills. Must also be able to communicate effectively with physicians, pathologists and research team members.

Salary Range

$17.53 - $26.50

Salary ranges posted for this position represent the expected base pay range for the role. Actual compensation may vary based on location and a variety of job-related factors, including experience, skills, education, and internal equity among Team Members in similar positions.


We are committed to maintaining fair and equitable pay practices and regularly review compensation to ensure alignment across our workforce.

Moffitt Career Site

If you have the vision, passion, and dedication to contribute to our mission,then we have a place for you!

1. Equal Employment Opportunity

Moffitt Cancer Center is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, or protected veteran or disabled status. We seek candidates whose skills, and personal and professional experience, have prepared them to contribute to our commitment to diversity and excellence.

2. Reasonable Accommodation

Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment. Moffitt endeavors to make moffitt.org/careers accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact one of the Human Resources receptionists by phone at 813-745-7899 or by email atHRReceptionists@moffitt.org. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

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