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Microbiology Laboratory Assistant Jobs in Riverside, CA

The Laboratory Assistant will follow the guidelines set by CLIA, and the CA Business and ... microbiology, immunology, hematology, coagulation, urinalysis, chemistry, and blood bank specimens ...

Microbiologist

Rancho Santa Margarita, CA · On-site

$71K - $80K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Professionals with backgrounds in microbiology, biology, clinical laboratory science, or life ... teams * Assist in the auditing of internal procedures and recommend improvements to testing ...

Microbiologist

Rancho Santa Margarita, CA · On-site

$71K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Professionals with backgrounds in microbiology, biology, clinical laboratory science, or life ... teams * Assist in the auditing of internal procedures and recommend improvements to testing ...

Microbiologist

Rancho Santa Margarita, CA · On-site

$71K - $80K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Professionals with backgrounds in microbiology, biology, clinical laboratory science, or life ... teams * Assist in the auditing of internal procedures and recommend improvements to testing ...

Laboratory Manager

Redlands, CA · On-site

$115K - $143K/yr

Conduct special examinations and analysis to assist with water and wastewater plant problems and ... microbiology, chemical engineering, or a related field, with additional training in water and ...

Laboratory Manager

Redlands, CA · On-site

$115K - $143K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Conduct special examinations and analysis to assist with water and wastewater plant problems and ... microbiology, chemical engineering, or a related field, with additional training in water and ...

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Showing results 1-20

Microbiology Laboratory Assistant information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$15

$23

$36

How much do microbiology laboratory assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for microbiology laboratory assistant in Riverside, CA is $23.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.08 and $26.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a microbiology laboratory assistant do?

A Microbiology Laboratory Assistant supports microbiologists by preparing samples, sterilizing equipment, maintaining laboratory records, and assisting with experiments. They help ensure that lab procedures run smoothly and that samples are processed accurately and efficiently. Their duties may also include monitoring stock levels of laboratory supplies, disposing of hazardous materials safely, and following strict health and safety protocols. Working in this role requires attention to detail, knowledge of laboratory techniques, and the ability to work as part of a team.

What are some common challenges faced by a microbiology laboratory assistant, and how can they be addressed?

Microbiology Laboratory Assistants often encounter challenges such as maintaining strict aseptic techniques to prevent contamination, managing multiple tasks under tight deadlines, and accurately handling sensitive samples. To address these, it’s important to stay organized, follow standard operating procedures closely, and communicate effectively with team members. Additionally, routinely updating knowledge on laboratory best practices and safety protocols helps ensure both accuracy and efficiency in daily work.

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

To thrive as a Microbiology Laboratory Assistant, you need a solid understanding of microbiological techniques, laboratory safety protocols, and at least an associate degree in a life science field or relevant laboratory experience. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, aseptic techniques, and data entry systems like Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) is commonly required. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to communicate clearly are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure accurate results, safe laboratory practices, and effective teamwork in supporting scientific research and diagnostic processes.

What is the difference between Microbiology Laboratory Assistant vs Medical Laboratory Technician?

AspectMicrobiology Laboratory AssistantMedical Laboratory Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certificationAssociate degree in medical laboratory technology or related field; certification often required
Work EnvironmentMicrobiology labs within hospitals, clinics, or research facilitiesMedical labs in hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic centers
Job DutiesAssist with specimen processing, prepare media, maintain lab equipmentPerform tests, analyze samples, record results, and assist in diagnostics

While both roles support laboratory operations, Microbiology Laboratory Assistants focus on specimen preparation and lab support, whereas Medical Laboratory Technicians perform more complex testing and diagnostics. Both roles are essential in healthcare and research settings, often working closely together to ensure accurate results.

How much does a microbiology laboratory assistant get paid?

A microbiology laboratory assistant typically earns between $30,000 and $45,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced assistants with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher salaries. The role often involves working in laboratory environments with tools like microscopes and lab equipment.

What qualifications do you need to be a microbiology laboratory assistant?

A microbiology laboratory assistant typically needs a high school diploma or equivalent, with some positions preferring postsecondary education or certification in microbiology, biology, or a related field. Basic laboratory skills, familiarity with lab equipment, and attention to detail are important, and some roles may require knowledge of safety protocols and microbiological techniques.

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Microbiology Laboratory Assistant jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Microbiology Laboratory Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Microbiology Laboratory Assistant job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 8% As Needed, 60% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 12% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $48,608 per year, or $23.4 per hour.

Medical Technician (Laboratory Support)

Department of Human Services

Riverside, CA

$37K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

Join the Indian Health Service as a Medical Technician (Laboratory Support) and make an impact! Use your laboratory skills to deliver accurate,
life-saving results that support quality patient care in American Indian communities. Enjoy competitive benefits, professional growth, and a
mission-driven career that truly matters. Apply today!
A REAL ID will be required beginning May 7, 2025, in accordance with 6 C.F.R. 37.5 (2021).Qualifications:To qualify for this position, your resume must state sufficient experience and/or education, to perform the duties of the specific position for which you are applying.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer and part time experience. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
GS-4: Your resume must demonstrate the following: Six (6) months of general experience. General experience is any type of work that demonstrates your ability to perform the work of the position, or experience that provided you with familiarity of the subject matter or processes of the broad subject area of the position to be filled.
AND
Six (6) months of specialized experience performing technical medical laboratory support work such as performing laboratory tests and examinations (chemical, microbiologic, hematologic and blood banking) and preparing reports of findings or technical support work in a closely related, field such as biological laboratory technician work, that required application of the methods and techniques for the position to be filled.
OR
Completion of an associate degree program that included, during the second year, approximately one year of training in a certified laboratory assistant program approved by a nationally recognized accrediting agency.
OR
One (1) year of study that included at least six (6) semester hours in chemistry and/or biological sciences, plus completion of a full-time medical or clinical laboratory assistant (or technician) training program of approximately one year that included instruction in chemistry, hematology, blood banking, microbiology, and serology, along with supervised laboratory practice related to patient diagnosis and treatment.
OR
Two (2) years of study that included at least twelve (12) semester hours in chemistry and/or biological sciences directly related to the position to be filled.
OR
A combination of education and experience.
GS-05: Your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-04 grade level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector performing the following type of work and/or tasks: Performing CLIA-waived laboratory testing and documenting quality control activities; Collecting routine venipuncture and capillary specimens while verifying patient identity and documentation; Preparing, labeling, storing, and accessioning specimens into laboratory information systems; Maintaining laboratory supplies, equipment, and logs in compliance with biosafety and infection control procedures; Providing laboratory support by distributing reports, instructing patients on specimen collection, and assisting with routine cleaning and sanitizing of laboratory areas.
OR
Completion of a bachelor's degree program with a major or at least twenty-four (24) semester hours in subjects related to the position being filled.
OR
A combination of education and experience. Only education in excess of the first 60 semester hours is creditable toward meeting the specialized experience requirement.
GS-06: Your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-05 grade level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector performing the following type of work and/or tasks: Conducting standardized clinical laboratory tests and procedures in chemistry, hematology, microbiology, urinalysis, serology, immunology, and blood banking following established laboratory procedures; Evaluating test results, recognizing abnormal findings, and reporting abnormal results to supervisory or professional laboratory staff; Operating, calibrating, and maintaining laboratory instruments and equipment, preparing reagents and solutions, and documenting quality control and equipment performance activities; Collecting and processing patient specimens, assessing specimen integrity, and preparing specimens for analysis or shipment; Maintaining laboratory documentation and quality assurance records while following accreditation, biosafety, and infection control requirements.
GS-07: Your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-06 grade level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector performing the following type of work and/or tasks: Conducting a variety of clinical laboratory tests and procedures in chemistry, hematology, microbiology, urinalysis, immunology, serology, and blood banking, including adapting procedures for unusual specimens or situations; Evaluating test results, recognizing normal and abnormal findings, and troubleshooting or repeating procedures to ensure accurate laboratory results; Operating, calibrating, troubleshooting, and maintaining laboratory instruments and equipment, preparing reagents, stains, and culture media, and monitoring quality control and equipment performance activities; Collecting and processing patient specimens, evaluating specimen acceptability, accessioning and tracking specimens in laboratory information systems, and preparing specimens for referral testing; Validating and documenting laboratory results, communicating laboratory information to healthcare providers, and supporting quality assurance, accreditation, and performance improvement activities in compliance with CAP, CLIA, and safety requirements.
OR
1 year (18 semester hours) of graduate education that is directly related to the work of the position.
OR
A combination of graduate education and experience. Only graduate education is creditable toward meeting the specialized experience requirement.
You must meet all qualification requirements by the respective cutoff day of rating to be eligible for consideration.
On-call hours or standby duty may be required. Position may be subject to rotating shifts: days, evenings, nights, weekends and holidays.
You will need to set up direct deposit so we can pay you.
IHS Selectees whose duties and responsibilities require them to work permanently, temporarily, or occasionally in an IHS healthcare facility must comply with the IHS Employee Immunization Policy related to vaccine-preventable diseases, consistent with recommendations for healthcare workers. Vaccine exemption requests may be available, as outlined in the IHS Employee Immunization Policy and facility guidance.
This is a competitive vacancy announcement advertised under Delegated Examining Authority. Selections made under this vacancy announcement will be processed as new appointments to the civil service. Current civil service employees would therefore be given new appointments to the civil service; however, benefits, time served, and all other Federal entitlements would remain the same.Education:There are no education requirements; however, you may qualify with education at the GS-04, 05, and 07 grade levels. This position has an education requirement. If you are substituting education for experience: You are strongly encouraged to submit a copy of your transcripts or a list of your courses including titles, credit hours completed, and grades. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. Official transcripts will be required from all selectees prior to receiving an official offer.
Only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education may be credited. Applicants can verify accreditation at the following website: https://www.ed.gov/accreditation.
If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.Employment Type: OTHER