Sample Data Entry Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Lab Technician

Job Description

This Lab Technician role focuses on preparing clinical specimens for laboratory testing within a fast-paced quality control (QC) department in a blood center. You will receive, accession, aliquot, and process specimens; set up and maintain laboratory instruments; perform quality control measurements; and support validation activities. The position offers exposure to clinical laboratory science, opportunities to work closely with Clinical Laboratory Scientists (CLS), and a clear path for professional growth within the organization.

Responsibilities

• Prepare clinical samples and products for testing, including receiving, accessioning, aliquoting, and processing specimens in accordance with established laboratory protocols.
• Set up automated laboratory instruments by programming instructions, placing specimens and reagents, and arranging required labware to support testing workflows.
• Maintain laboratory instruments by replenishing reagents, performing routine cleaning, and carrying out other required maintenance actions to ensure reliable operation.
• Prepare laboratory reagents as requested and change equipment supplies when needed to support continuous testing activities.
• Document and transcribe quality control measures, including environmental readings for the laboratory, equipment function checks, and isolation quality control results.
• Assist in the setup, troubleshooting, and validation of laboratory instruments, following guidance from laboratory leadership and established procedures.
• Train back-up staff in assigned procedures and workflows, and recommend changes to improve efficiency, coordinating implementation with the supervisor.
• Perform additional tasks assigned by laboratory leadership or the Laboratory Director to support overall laboratory operations.
• Respond to emergency staffing situations as requested, providing coverage and support to ensure uninterrupted laboratory services.
• Assist or substitute for other laboratory team members as needed to maintain consistent operations across the department.
• Order, receive, and stock laboratory supplies, and participate in general laboratory maintenance activities as required.
• Maintain sample inventories by overseeing the receipt, processing, storage, and disposal of samples in accordance with laboratory policies.
• Update computer databases for sample storage, ensuring accurate and timely data entry for all specimens and related information.
• Identify and correct errors in data entry to maintain data integrity and support accurate reporting.
• Perform hematology- and chemistry-related tasks in a QC environment, working closely with CLS staff to test bloodwork for infectious disease and white blood cells.
• Adhere strictly to laboratory policies, procedures, and protocols while handling a large number of samples accurately and efficiently.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 2 years of college education or completion of a 4-year college education.
• College degree required, with a preference for majors in Chemistry, Biology, or Life Sciences.
• If holding an associate degree, at least 2 years of relevant work experience is required.
• If holding a bachelor’s degree, a minimum of 6 months of lab-based experience in a hospital, clinical, or research setting is required.
• Hands-on experience with sample handling and quantitative chemical analysis, including assays or procedures of comparable complexity.
• Proficiency in basic laboratory procedures such as weight and volume measurements of chemicals, reagent preparation, pipetting, and centrifugation.
• Experience operating laboratory instruments, including automated measurement instruments used in clinical or QC settings.
• quality control, testing, and accessioning of clinical specimens, preferably in a blood center or similar environment.
• Ability to work with hematology and chemical analysis, particularly in testing bloodwork for infectious diseases and white blood cells.
• Knowledge of computer use, including moderately advanced Microsoft Excel skills beyond simple data entry.
• Ability to use laboratory information systems or databases to manage sample storage and related data.
• Strong critical thinking skills and the ability to implement corrective actions when issues arise in testing or instrumentation.
• Ability to understand, interpret, and apply laboratory policies and procedures, and to adhere strictly to established protocols.
• High attention to detail and the ability to accurately handle a large volume of samples without compromising quality.
• Ability to communicate effectively in spoken and written English with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Willingness and ability to work flexible hours, including weekends and varying shifts, without a fixed schedule.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biology, or a related Life Science discipline is preferred.
• Experience working in a hospital, clinical, or research laboratory environment is highly desirable.
• Prior experience in a blood center or QC department is an advantage.
• Familiarity with infectious disease testing and white blood cell analysis is beneficial.
• Comfort working closely with Clinical Laboratory Scientists (CLS) and learning advanced laboratory practices.
• Ability to train and support back-up staff in laboratory procedures and workflows.
• Experience with ordering, receiving, and stocking laboratory supplies and performing general lab maintenance.
• Ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities and demands in a fast-paced environment.
• Interest in professional growth within the laboratory field, including potential development toward a CLS role.

Work Environment

The role is based in a fast-paced blood center within a quality control (QC) department, where you will work closely with Clinical Laboratory Scientists (CLS) and other laboratory professionals. The position involves extensive hands-on work with blood samples and related clinical specimens, including testing for infectious diseases and white blood cells. You will work with automated laboratory instruments, computers, and common office equipment such as photocopiers and fax machines. The schedule is variable, without a fixed set of hours, and you must be comfortable working weekends and responding to changing shift demands. Evening shifts are preferred, with typical start times between approximately 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m., and shifts that may run into the evening (for example, around 2:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.), though exact hours can change based on operational needs. The environment emphasizes internal growth and promotion, offering opportunities to develop your skills and potentially progress toward roles such as Clinical Laboratory Scientist. The dress code follows standard clinical laboratory attire appropriate for working in a blood center and QC laboratory setting.

This is a Contract position based out of Palo Alto, CA.

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $35.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Palo Alto,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 24, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.