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Summer Lab Assistant Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Summer Lab Assistant information

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$10

$19

$29

How much do summer lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for summer lab assistant in California is $19.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $22.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Are Summer Jobs for a Lab Assistant?

As a summer lab assistant, you assist a team in conducting research through various experiments. Your responsibilities for this role include recording test results, preparing lab materials, and keeping highly detailed logs. These positions are often internships or entry-level jobs for students that allow you to gain research or laboratory experience and learn new skills as you pursue an advanced degree. This position is particularly helpful to those seeking a career in medical, scientific, pharmaceutical, or biological fields. Regardless of your area of study, the duties of a summer lab assistant are often to help a lab technician prepare or carry out an experiment, prepare a sample for testing, or record findings as they happen.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Summer Lab Assistant, and why are they important?

To excel as a Summer Lab Assistant, you generally need a basic understanding of laboratory procedures, attention to detail, and coursework in biology, chemistry, or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, safety protocols, and data recording systems is often required. Strong organizational skills, reliability, and effective communication help you work well in a team and follow instructions precisely. These competencies are essential to maintain lab safety, ensure accurate results, and support ongoing research projects efficiently.

What is the difference between Summer Lab Assistant vs Summer Research Intern?

AspectSummer Lab AssistantSummer Research Intern
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or current student, some labs prefer relevant courseworkUndergraduate or graduate student, often with related coursework or research experience
Work EnvironmentLaboratory settings, assisting with experiments and data collectionResearch projects, data analysis, and possibly lab work, often more independent
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutions, biotech companiesUniversities, research labs, scientific organizations

While both roles involve supporting research activities in laboratory settings, Summer Lab Assistants typically assist with routine tasks and data collection, often requiring less experience. Summer Research Interns usually engage in more in-depth research activities, data analysis, and may have more academic prerequisites. Both positions provide valuable experience in scientific research environments.

What are some typical daily responsibilities for a Summer Lab Assistant, and how do they contribute to the overall success of the research team?

As a Summer Lab Assistant, you’ll typically spend your days preparing lab materials, maintaining equipment, recording data, and assisting with experiments under the supervision of senior researchers. Your attention to detail ensures that experiments run smoothly and data is accurate, which is crucial for the research team’s progress. You may also help with sample collection, inventory management, and organizing lab spaces. By taking on these essential tasks, you enable scientists to focus on complex analyses and contribute directly to the success of the lab’s projects.

What are Summer Lab Assistants?

Summer Lab Assistants are temporary staff, often students, who work in laboratories during the summer months to support ongoing research and routine lab operations. Their duties typically include preparing materials, assisting with experiments, collecting and recording data, and maintaining lab equipment. This role offers hands-on experience in a scientific environment, making it valuable for those interested in careers in science or research. Summer Lab Assistants work under the supervision of senior researchers or laboratory managers and must follow safety protocols at all times.
More about Summer Lab Assistant jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Summer Lab jobs in California? The most popular types of Summer Lab jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Summer Lab Assistant jobs in California? For Summer Lab Assistant jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Summer Lab Assistant jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Summer Lab Assistant jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Summer Lab Assistant jobs? Cities in California with the most Summer Lab Assistant job openings:
Summer Lab Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Summer Lab Assistant job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Internship, 51% Full Time, 36% Part Time, 8% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,562 per year, or $20 per hour.

FWS Materials Lab Assistant

Ambow Education, Inc

San Diego, CA • On-site

$18/hr

Temporary

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

Title of position: Materials Lab Assistant / Student Worker

Supervisor: Caroline Ambrose (Materials Lab Manager)

Position Start Date: Summer 2026

Number of students needed: One (1)

Schedule: TBD, 20 hours max per week

Salary: $18 per hour

GENERAL SUMMARY

The Student Worker will be responsible for assisting the full-time lab manager with the day-to day activities of the Materials Lab including monitoring students, explaining tools and equipment to students, cleaning, maintaining internal Lab programs, organizing as well as additional duties as required.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Clean tools and equipment
  • Notify staff of broken tools and equipment
  • Troubleshoot student issues with tools and equipment
  • Keeping labs clean and orderly throughout and at the end of every shift
  • Opening and closing duties of lab
  • Organize tools in storage area
  • Observe inventory of tools, equipment, and materials
  • Oversee safe use of materials, tools and equipment by students
  • Enforce rules of safe operation with students
  • Perform safety demonstrations and instruct students in safe and proper operations of tools and equipment
  • Knowledge of first aid kits and other safety equipment
  • Assist in troubleshooting problems on student projects and giving technical information to students
  • Advise students in acquisition of materials and supplies for their projects.
  • Maintain internal programs within the Materials Lab

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Moderate to heavy lifting required up to 60 pounds.
  • Must be able to work wearing necessary safety protection for working with potentially hazardous materials.
  • Exposure to vapors, dust particles and chemicals and extremes in temperature.

TECHNICAL, MANAGERIAL, and PEOPLE SKILLS REQUIRED

To perform this job successfully an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Incumbents will be evaluated, in part, based on the performance of each essential function. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

  • Experience working in a group preferred.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

  • High School or equivalent degree
  • Enrollment in New School as at least 1/2 enrolled
  • Experience in woodshop, metal shop or digital fabrication preferred
  • Ability to maintain and repair tools and equipment desirable
  • Knowledge of shop safety preferred
  • Knowledge or skill in woodworking, mold-making, carving, and casting processes desirable