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Stem Cell Lab Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Application Scientist (Biochemistry)

Poway, CA · On-site

$36 - $45.25/hr

Develop and validate cell culture protocols, stem cell differentiation methods, and immunoassays ... New products miss real lab needs: Without real-world field feedback reaching the product team ...

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How much do stem cell lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for stem cell lab in California is $24.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.99 and $27.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a stem cell lab?

A Stem Cell Lab is a specialized laboratory where scientists and medical professionals study, culture, and manipulate stem cells for research or therapeutic purposes. These labs are equipped to handle sensitive cell cultures and perform experiments that may contribute to advancements in regenerative medicine, disease modeling, and drug testing. Stem Cell Labs follow strict safety and ethical guidelines to ensure the integrity of their work and the safety of their personnel. They play a crucial role in both basic biological research and clinical applications, including the development of stem cell therapies for various diseases.

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

To thrive as a Stem Cell Lab Technician, you need a solid background in cell biology, aseptic technique, and laboratory procedures, typically supported by a degree in biology or a related field. Familiarity with cell culture equipment, flow cytometry, PCR, and laboratory information management systems (LIMS) is highly valuable. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork distinguish top performers in this role. These skills are critical for maintaining cell line integrity, ensuring accurate experimental results, and supporting advancements in regenerative medicine.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in a stem cell lab, and how can they be managed?

Professionals in a stem cell lab often encounter challenges such as maintaining cell line purity, preventing contamination, and ensuring consistent experimental results. Attention to detail and adherence to strict standard operating procedures are crucial to managing these issues. Collaboration with team members and regular training on new protocols can also help overcome technical difficulties and keep up with evolving methodologies. Staying organized and documenting all processes thoroughly are key practices for success in this dynamic environment.

What is the difference between Stem Cell Lab vs Stem Cell Technician?

AspectStem Cell LabStem Cell Technician
Required CredentialsMaster's or Bachelor's in biology, biotechnology, or related fieldAssociate's or Bachelor's in biology or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch laboratories, academic institutions, biotech companiesLaboratories, clinical research facilities, biotech companies
Employer & Industry UsageResearch-focused, experimental work, development of therapiesAssisting with experiments, sample preparation, data collection

While both roles involve working with stem cells, a Stem Cell Lab typically refers to the research environment conducting experiments and developing therapies, requiring higher education. A Stem Cell Technician supports these activities through sample handling and data collection, often with less advanced credentials.

How much do stem cell scientists make?

Stem cell scientists typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $50,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while those with advanced degrees or specialized skills can earn higher salaries, especially in research or clinical settings.

Is stem cell lab a good career?

A career in a stem cell lab involves working in biomedical research or clinical applications, requiring knowledge of cell culture, laboratory techniques, and often a relevant degree such as a biology or biomedical science. It can be a rewarding field for those interested in regenerative medicine and scientific innovation, with opportunities in research institutions, biotech companies, and healthcare settings. Job prospects depend on education, experience, and ongoing advancements in stem cell technology.

What are popular job titles related to Stem Cell Lab jobs in California?

For Stem Cell Lab jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Stem Cell Lab jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Stem Cell Lab jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Stem Cell Lab jobs?

Cities in California with the most Stem Cell Lab job openings:

Stem Cell Lab jobs near you
Infographic showing various Stem Cell Lab job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,829 per year, or $24.9 per hour.

Gaw Lab - Junior, Assistant, or Associate Specialist

University of California, San Francisco

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

University Of California San Francisco rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

229th of 618 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Application Window
Open date: June 17, 2026
Most recent review date: Friday, Aug 14, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Applications received after this date will be reviewed by the search committee if the position has not yet been filled.
Final date: Friday, Dec 17, 2027 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.
Position description
Gaw Lab - Junior, Assistant, or Associate Specialist
Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences
UC San Francisco
The Gaw Lab is seeking a Junior, Assistant, or Associate Specialist to join our collaborative group to study maternal-fetal immune responses.
Gaw Lab Focus : The lab is focused on understanding of the unique innate and adaptive immune responses in pregnancy to infection and vaccination, with a focus on global infectious diseases, such as COVID-19, malaria, Zika, and RSV. Our studies leverage biospecimens collected from pregnancy cohorts to understand placental responses to infectious exposure, and the functional impact on placental development as it relates to adverse pregnancy outcomes.
The Specialist will have the opportunity to take a leadership role on ongoing projects that will involve experimental workflows such as:
  • Cell culture: cell lines, stem cell culture, primary immune cell culture, placental explant culture.
  • Molecular biology and biochemistry: RNA and DNA extractions, cloning, mutagenesis, quantitative PCR, protein immunoprecipitations, Western blotting, and proteomic sample preparation.
  • Human immunology: spectral flow cytometry, in vitro cell-based immune assays, cytokine assays, quantitative multiplexed antibody assays (e.g. Luminex).
  • Microscopy: Histology, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence
  • Multi-omics: Single cell and spatial transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, metagenomics.

Responsibilities: The Specialist will be an integral member of the research team and will be expected to:
  • Lead their own independent experiments in the laboratory, under the supervision of the Principal Investigator and other senior lab members.
  • Collaborate closely with the Prahl Lab and Robinson Lab and other collaborators on joint projects.
  • Collaborate with and support other lab members on research projects.
  • Maintain accurate and up to date documentation of experimental results and data analysis.
  • Participate in mentorship and training of undergraduate, predoctoral, and graduate students.
  • Stay up to date and familiar with relevant literature.
  • Contribute to the day-to-day running and operation of the lab.
  • Contribute to the scientific manuscripts and grants.
  • Participate in regular group meetings, including weekly lab meetings, weekly biobank meetings, and biweekly meetings with the PI.
  • Participate in University or Public Service.

Required Qualifications:
  • Junior Specialist: Bachelor's degree (or equivalent degree) in biology, bioengineering, stem cell or molecular biology, immunology or a related field or at least four years of research experience.
  • Assistant Specialist: Master's degree (or equivalent degree) in biology, bioengineering, stem cell or molecular biology, immunology or a related field or a baccalaureate degree (or equivalent degree) in biology, bioengineering, stem cell or molecular biology, immunology or a related field with three or more years of research experience.
  • Associate Specialist: Master's degree (or equivalent degree) in biology, bioengineering, stem cell or molecular biology, immunology or a related field with five to ten years of research experience.
  • Demonstrated experience in scientific publishing with relevant publications.
  • Experience mentoring and training junior scientists.
  • Cell culture expertise, including experience with human cell lines, primary human cells and immune cells, or stem cell culture.
  • Basic molecular biology experience, including nucleic acid preparation, or PCR.
  • Demonstrated excellent verbal, written, and communication skills.
  • Ability to multitask.
  • Strong attention to detail.
  • A collaborative spirit and willingness to work with diverse teams.
  • Advanced knowledge of Excel.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience and interest in immunology, infectious diseases, and reproductive biology.
  • Knowledge of research with human biospecimens.
  • Experience with BSL-2 or BSL-3 cell culture conditions.
  • Bioinformatics knowledge and experience with high dimensional data processing and analysis.
  • Experience with data analysis programs (eg FloJo, R, Graphpad Prism, Stata) and management of REDCap databases.
  • Experience in designing and executing multiplexed bead assays for protein detection (eg cytokines and antibodies).
  • Histology and immunohistochemistry experience.
  • Coursework in statistics is a plus.

The start date is flexible until the position is filled. A two-year commitment is preferred.
See Table 24B for the salary range for this position. A reasonable estimate for this position is $55,000-$88,000. UCSF Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences has a total salary plan that uses National benchmarking standards to set salaries by subspecialty.
Please click here to apply with a CV and contact information for two references. Applicant materials must list current and/or pending qualifications upon submission. The selected candidate must meet all the qualifications at the time of appointment.
Application Requirements
Document requirements
  • Curriculum Vitae - CV must clearly list current and/or pending qualifications (e.g. board eligibility/certification, medical licensure, etc.).
  • Cover Letter (Optional)
  • Statement of Research (Optional)

Reference requirements
  • 2 required (contact information only)

About UC San Francisco
As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.
UCSF is committed to welcoming and serving all people, honoring the dignity of every individual without preference or prejudice, in support of its public mission and in alignment with our PRIDE values and Principles of Community.
As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.
• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, or discrimination, as defined by the employer.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
• APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment
Job location
San Francisco, CA

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