1

Reference Laboratory Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Laboratory Assistant

Encino, CA · On-site

$23 - $35.91/hr

... reference laboratory, 8) stocks and orders routine supplies, 9) keeps storage areas, trays, centrifuges, and collection areas clean, 10) processes or places specimens on laboratory instruments in ...

Together, we will become the world's leading cancer reference laboratory. Position Summary: Under the direct supervision of licensed personnel, or within a training environment, the Laboratory ...

Minimum 3-5 years of clinical laboratory experience in a hospital or reference laboratory setting * Minimum 3-5 years of managerial or supervisory experience * Experience with laboratory information ...

Showing results 41-60

Reference Laboratory information

See California salary details

$41.9K

$95.5K

$145.1K

How much do reference laboratory jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for reference laboratory in California is $95,516.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,100.00 and $129,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a reference laboratory?

A Reference Laboratory job typically involves performing specialized diagnostic testing that may not be available in a standard clinical laboratory. Professionals in this field analyze complex specimens, ensure accuracy and quality control, and provide critical data for medical diagnosis and treatment. These labs often handle tests referred by hospitals, clinics, and physicians that require advanced equipment and expertise. Employees may work in roles such as laboratory technicians, technologists, or scientists, depending on their qualifications and experience.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a reference laboratory professional?

As a Reference Laboratory professional, your daily responsibilities generally include performing specialized diagnostic tests, analyzing specimens, validating test results, and maintaining accurate records in laboratory systems. You may also be responsible for operating and troubleshooting complex laboratory equipment, adhering to strict quality control protocols, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Collaboration with physicians, researchers, and other laboratory personnel is common to ensure that test results are interpreted accurately and delivered promptly. These tasks help maintain the high accuracy and reliability that medical providers and patients depend on in specialized testing.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a reference laboratory position?

To thrive in a Reference Laboratory position, you need a strong background in laboratory sciences, attention to detail, and expertise in diagnostic testing, usually supported by a degree in medical laboratory science or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), automated analyzers, and relevant certifications like ASCP or equivalent are typically required. Strong analytical thinking, effective communication, and teamwork skills help professionals excel in this environment. These abilities are vital for ensuring accurate, timely results and maintaining quality standards essential for patient care and research.

What does a reference laboratory do?

A reference laboratory performs specialized testing and analysis on biological samples to confirm diagnoses, support public health, and ensure quality control. They often handle complex or confirmatory tests that are beyond the scope of standard laboratories and require advanced equipment and expertise.

What are the most commonly searched types of Reference Laboratory jobs in California?

The most popular types of Reference Laboratory jobs in California are:

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

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Reference Laboratory jobs?

Cities in California with the most Reference Laboratory job openings:

Infographic showing various Reference Laboratory job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,516 per year, or $45.9 per hour.

$23 - $35.91/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

Overview

Encino Hospital Medical Center is a 150-bed state-of-the-art hospital located in Encino, California. Its multi-disciplinary staff consists of 330 physicians and 520 professional support staff. Encino Hospital Medical Center serves a diverse population and incorporates elements of urban and suburban medicine in a caring environment. It offers a wide array of inpatient and outpatient services. The hospital is consistently at the forefront in providing innovative and integrated healthcare. For more information, visit: www.encinomed.org 

Join an award-winning team of dedicated professionals committed to our core values of quality, compassion and community!

Why Prime Healthcare? Encino Hospital Medical Center, a member of the Prime Healthcare Foundation, offers incredible opportunities to expand your horizons and be part of a community dedicated to making a difference.

Encino Hospital Medical Center offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package that provides employees the flexibility to tailor benefits according to their individual needs.

Our Total Rewards package includes, but is not limited to:

  • Paid Time Off
  • 401K retirement plan
  • Outstanding Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision Coverage
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Many more Voluntary Benefit Options!

Benefits may vary based on collective bargaining agreement requirements and/or the employment status, i.e. full-time or part-time.

This is a Fast-paced work environment in which you can take pride in serving an underserved community. Come Join a Team of Dedicated Healthcare Workers!!!

Responsibilities

The Laboratory Assistant will follow the guidelines set by CLIA, and the CA Business and Professions Codes (bpc: 1212, 1269).  Unlicensed laboratory personnel ("aides") may not, read, record, result, verify or interpret any laboratory test. Unlicensed laboratory personnel may not perform any test involving the quantitative measurement of specimen or reagent, or perform any mathematical calculation in determining a test result or validity of a test procedure.  Unlicensed laboratory personnel may not perform instrument calibration or review quality control results to monitor the performance of the instrument or test procedure.  Unlicensed personnel require direct and constant supervision by a CLS or other licensed person identified in bpc: 1269, during the entire time they are assisting in the analytical testing phase.

The Laboratory Assistant: 1) performs computer entry, filing, telephone communication and other clerical duties, 2) demonstrates good telephone etiquette and be able to greet patients and other visitors in a polite and friendly manner, 3) possesses good communication skills, 4) demonstrates adequate knowledge of the terminology of tests ordered in the laboratory, 5) demonstrates a good working knowledge of phlebotomy and the equipment used in collecting specimens from newborns to geriatric patients, 6) processes pathology, microbiology, immunology, hematology, coagulation, urinalysis, chemistry, and blood bank specimens, 7) processes specimens for reference laboratory, 8) stocks and orders routine supplies, 9) keeps storage areas, trays, centrifuges, and collection areas clean, 10) processes or places specimens on laboratory instruments in accordance with established policy and procedures, 11) with proper documented training the laboratory assistant may perform, instrument preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, assist in quality control procedures, perform, primary culture inoculations, stain slide preparations, and subculture from liquid media.  11) other tasks or responsibilities may be assigned by the department manager/director, ie monitor, mail, fax, answer phone, inter departmental deliveries. Etc.  12) Assist in Pathology with training and eval. 13) Runner

Qualifications

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, TRAINING

1.     HS Diploma or Equivalent required

2.     Minimum 1-year clinical laboratory experience performing similar job functions preferred

3.     State Certified as CPT I or CPT II if the laboratory is located in a state where required.

4.     Current BCLS (AHA) certificate upon hire and maintain current preferred.

Pay Transparency

Encino Hospital Medical Center offers competitive compensation and the current compensation range for this role is $23.00 to $35.91 Benefits may vary based on collective bargaining agreement requirements and/or the employment status. The exact starting compensation to be offered will be determined at the time of selecting an applicant for hire, in which a wide range of factors will be considered, including but not limited to, skillset, years of applicable experience, education, credentials and licensure.

Employment StatusPer DiemShiftVariableEqual Employment Opportunity

Company is an equal employment opportunity employer. Company prohibits discrimination against any applicant or employee based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age (subject to applicable law), disability, military status, genetic information or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. The Company also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories. Know Your Rights: https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2022-10/EEOC_KnowYourRights_screen_reader_10_20.pdf

Privacy Notice

Privacy Notice for California Applicants: https://www.primehealthcare.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Notice-at-Collection-and-Privacy-Policy-for-California-Job-Applicants.pdf

Employment Type: CONTRACTOR