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Pharma Lab Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Lab Robotics Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$175K - $235K/yr

... pharma, and over 70,000 scientists. We began by revolutionizing plasmid sequencing, making it ... As a Lab Robotics Engineer at Plasmidsaurus, you will play a crucial role in automating and ...

SCIENTIST I

Irvine, CA · On-site

$28 - $34/hr

Support lab activities of validation or verification of new or existing USP methods, write and ... At LGM Pharma, we always take pride in putting our people first. We are an equal opportunity ...

Showing results 21-40

Pharma Lab information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a pharma lab technician?

To thrive as a Pharma Lab Technician, you need a solid background in chemistry, biology, and laboratory procedures, usually supported by a relevant degree or diploma. Familiarity with analytical instruments (such as HPLC and GC), laboratory information management systems (LIMS), and adherence to Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) guidelines is essential. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective teamwork are vital soft skills for excelling in this role. These abilities ensure accurate testing, regulatory compliance, and the safe, efficient development of pharmaceutical products.

What is the difference between Pharma Lab vs Pharmaceutical Technician?

AspectPharma LabPharmaceutical Technician
Required CredentialsScience degree or relevant certificationsHigh school diploma, technical training, or certification
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research facilitiesManufacturing plants, production lines
Industry UsageResearch, quality control, developmentProduction, packaging, quality assurance

Pharma Lab professionals focus on research, testing, and quality control within laboratories, often requiring scientific degrees. Pharmaceutical Technicians typically work in manufacturing settings, handling production and assembly tasks with technical certifications. While both roles are essential in the pharmaceutical industry, Pharma Lab roles emphasize analysis and development, whereas Pharmaceutical Technicians focus on production processes.

What is a pharma lab?

A Pharma Lab, or pharmaceutical laboratory, is a specialized facility where scientists and technicians conduct research, development, and testing of drugs and medications. These labs play a critical role in discovering new pharmaceuticals, ensuring drug safety and efficacy, and complying with regulatory standards. Pharma Labs are equipped with advanced technology and follow strict protocols to guarantee accurate results and product quality. They may be part of pharmaceutical companies, universities, or government agencies and are essential in the process of bringing new medications to market.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in a pharmaceutical laboratory, and how can they be managed?

Professionals in pharmaceutical laboratories often encounter challenges such as maintaining strict regulatory compliance, accurately documenting experimental data, and meeting tight project deadlines. Balancing multiple research projects while adhering to Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and safety protocols can be demanding. Effective time management, clear communication within the team, and staying updated on industry regulations are key strategies for overcoming these obstacles and ensuring smooth lab operations.

What does a pharmaceutical lab do?

A pharmaceutical lab conducts research, development, and testing of drugs to ensure their safety, efficacy, and quality. Lab technicians and scientists perform experiments, analyze samples, and use specialized equipment to support pharmaceutical manufacturing and regulatory compliance.

How to become a pharmaceutical lab technician?

To become a pharmaceutical lab technician, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, with some roles requiring an associate degree in a related field such as chemistry, biology, or pharmacy technology. Relevant skills include attention to detail, knowledge of laboratory equipment, and understanding of safety protocols; certification or training in pharmaceutical procedures can enhance job prospects. On-the-job training is common, and familiarity with Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) is often required.
What cities in California are hiring for Pharma Lab jobs? Cities in California with the most Pharma Lab job openings:
Infographic showing various Pharma Lab job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 64% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution.

Lab Operations Associate (Temporary)

Neomorph, Inc.

San Diego, CA

$26 - $42/hr

Full-time, Temporary

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Role: Lab Operations Associate (Temporary)

Length of contract: 6 months with potential for extension or conversion to full-time

Pay: $26-$42 per hour; this is a W-2 position.


We're looking for a handson, serviceoriented Operations Associate to support Neomorph's laboratory operations. In this role, you'll work crossfunctionally with our research team, Facilities partners, and external vendors to maintain a safe, efficient, and wellorganized working environment. You'll be at the heart of daily lab operations-ensuring scientists have what they need, when they need it, so they can focus on advancing highquality, translational science. 

You are collaborative, dependable, and highly organized, with a passion for developing and improving processes that drive operational excellence while upholding the highest standards of safety and compliance. You manage your time well, communicate clearly, and take pride in anticipating needs and solving problems in real time. Whether you're supporting lab workflows, responding to researcher requests, or ensuring the lab remains clean, compliant, and inspectionready, you bring a proactive mindset and a strong sense of ownership to everything you do. 

If you enjoy meaningful, handson work, thrive in fastpaced laboratory and operational environments, and are motivated by enabling great science through behindthescenes excellence, this role offers the chance to make an immediate and tangible impact. 

Responsibilities 

  • Provide onsite laboratory operations support 24/7, including some holidays
  • Independently support day-to-day laboratory and operations activities with minimal supervision
  • Prepare, organize, label, and manage materials, samples, and equipment in accordance with SOPs
  • Perform routine equipment setup, basic calibration, preventative maintenance, and first-level troubleshooting
  • Receive, inspect, document, and store incoming materials in compliance with quality and safety standards
  • Identify process inefficiencies and recommend improvements to lab and operations workflows
  • Support ongoing laboratory operations with an emphasis on ordering, receiving, stocking, storage and distribution of all lab consumables, media, reagents, equipment, supplies, lab gases and any other inventory item(s) related to the operation of the laboratory.
  • Triage and respond to researchers' requests for assistance in a timely fashion 
  • Ensure that the safety protocols in place are being followed and keep chemical and biological waste storage in compliance.
  • Serve as a reliable point of contact between lab staff, operations, and leadership
  • Ensure the lab is well maintained, exceeds safety standards, and remains clean and orderly
  • Operate the autoclave and glasswasher to ensure that there is a steady supply of clean glassware available for end-user use
  • Waste Disposal: Coordinate safe and compliant disposal of hazardous and biological waste

 Required qualifications:

  • Associate's degree in a scientific discipline (i.e. Biology, Chemistry, Engineering)
  • 1 - 3 years of experience working in a laboratory or operations support, preferably in biotech, pharma, or another scientific environment.
  • A basic understanding of the processes and protocols required in a scientific research organization
  • Familiarity with basic lab operations, safety procedures, or hazardous waste handling.
  • Proficiency in Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook is required
  • Proactive problem-solver with a willingness to learn new systems and processes.
  • Ability to prioritize tasks and manage competing demands in a fast-paced environment
  • Dependable, self-directed, and accountable for assigned responsibilities
  • Willingness to adapt to evolving operational needs, technologies, and procedures
  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities.
  • Excellent communication and customer service mindset; comfortable supporting a variety of cross-functional teams.
  • Basic understanding of OSHA and general EHS concepts.

Physical & Environmental Requirements

  • Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull items weighing up to 50 pounds
  • Ability to stand, walk, bend, and perform repetitive motions for extended periods in operational environments
  • Comfortable working in laboratory and warehouse settings with adherence to PPE and safety requirements

Neomorph logo

About Neomorph

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Biotechnology research and development

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

San Diego, CA, US

Year founded

2020