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Temporary Lab Assistant Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Chapman University

General Lab Assistant

Orange, CA · On-site

$50/hr

Posting Details Position Information Position Title General Lab Assistant Position Type Temporary Job Number SA73124 Full or Part Time part-time 0-19 hours weekly Fair Labor Standard Act ...

Chapman University

General Lab Assistant

Orange, CA

$50/hr

Position Information Position Title General Lab Assistant Position Type Temporary Job Number SA73124 Full or Part Time part-time 0-19 hours weekly Fair Labor Standard Act Classification Non-Exempt ...

Chapman University

General Lab Assistant

Orange, CA · On-site

$50/hr

Posting Details Position Information Position Title General Lab Assistant Position Type Temporary Job Number SA73124 Full or Part Time part-time 0-19 hours weekly Fair Labor Standard Act ...

Curion LLC

Part Time Food Lab Assistant

Emeryville, CA · On-site

$21 - $23/hr

Initial 7-month temporary role with potential for extension based on business needs Schedule Expectations There are 40 weeks per year that the Food Lab Assistant is needed onsite with this set ...

Labcorp

Lab Assistant

Calabasas, CA · On-site

$17.75 - $22.76/hr

Labcorp is seeking a Lab Assistant to join our team Calabasas, CA . Work Schedule: Tuesday to ... Employees regularly scheduled to work less than 20 hours, Casual, Intern, and Temporary employees ...

Labcorp

Lab Assistant

Monrovia, CA · On-site

$17.75 - $22.76/hr

Labcorp is seeking a Lab Assistant to join our team in San Diego, CA . Work Schedule: Monday ... Employees regularly scheduled to work less than 20 hours, Casual, Intern, and Temporary employees ...

Labcorp

Specialty Lab Assistant

San Diego, CA · On-site

$17.75 - $22.76/hr

Labcorp is seeking a Lab Assistant to join our team in San Diego, CA . Work Schedule: Monday ... Employees regularly scheduled to work less than 20 hours, Casual, Intern, and Temporary employees ...

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Temporary Lab Assistant information

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How much do temporary lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for temporary 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 is a temporary lab assistant?

Temporary lab assistants are individuals hired on a short-term basis to support laboratory operations. They typically assist with tasks such as preparing samples, conducting basic experiments, maintaining lab equipment, and recording data. These positions are often used to help manage increased workloads or cover for permanent staff absences. Temporary lab assistants may work in academic, research, medical, or industrial labs, and usually require some background in science or laboratory procedures.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a temporary lab assistant?

To thrive as a Temporary Lab Assistant, you need basic laboratory skills, attention to detail, and at least a high school diploma or relevant coursework in science. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, safety protocols, and data entry systems like LIMS is typically required. Strong organization, reliability, and effective communication are valuable soft skills for this role. These abilities are crucial for maintaining accurate records, supporting research activities, and ensuring a safe and productive lab environment.

What are some common challenges faced by temporary lab assistants, and how can they be overcome?

Temporary Lab Assistants often face the challenge of quickly adapting to new protocols and equipment in unfamiliar laboratory environments. Since assignments are short-term, learning laboratory safety procedures and workflow expectations efficiently is crucial. Building good communication with permanent staff and asking clarifying questions can help Temporary Lab Assistants integrate smoothly and avoid errors. Staying organized and keeping detailed notes can also make transitions between tasks and shifts much easier.

What is the difference between Temporary Lab Assistant vs Lab Technician?

AspectTemporary Lab AssistantLab Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require relevant courseworkAssociate's or Bachelor's degree in laboratory sciences or related field
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research facilities, hospitals, or clinicsLaboratories, research centers, hospitals, or industrial settings
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting with sample preparation, cleaning, data entry, and basic lab tasksPerforming tests, analyzing samples, maintaining equipment, and recording results
Employment TypeTemporary, short-term, or contract basisFull-time, part-time, or contract roles, often permanent

Temporary Lab Assistants typically support laboratory operations with basic tasks and require minimal formal education, while Lab Technicians perform more complex testing and analysis, often requiring specialized degrees. Both roles work in similar environments but differ in responsibilities and credential requirements.

Can you get a temporary lab assistant job with no experience?

Temporary lab assistant positions often do not require prior experience, as on-the-job training is common. However, having basic knowledge of laboratory procedures, safety protocols, and relevant coursework can improve chances of hiring. Some employers may prefer or require a high school diploma or equivalent.

How many hours do temporary lab assistants work?

Temporary lab assistants typically work between 20 and 40 hours per week, depending on the employer and project needs. Many are employed on a part-time basis, with schedules that can include evenings or weekends, and some positions may require flexible hours or short-term commitments.

How much does a temporary lab assistant get paid?

A temporary lab assistant typically earns between $12 and $20 per hour, depending on the location, level of experience, and the specific employer. Pay rates may also vary based on the complexity of tasks and whether certifications or specialized skills are required.

What cities in California are hiring for Temporary Lab Assistant jobs?

Cities in California with the most Temporary Lab Assistant job openings:

Temporary Lab Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Temporary Lab Assistant job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,562 per year, or $20 per hour.

General Lab Assistant

Orange, CA • On-site

Chapman University
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 1 - 5K employees

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

266th of 625 rated colleges and universities

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Learn more about Chapman Universityexternal

$50/hr

Other

Re-posted 7 hours ago

Job description

Posting Details
Position Information
Position Title
General Lab Assistant
Position Type
Temporary
Job Number
SA73124
Full or Part Time
part-time 0-19 hours weekly
Fair Labor Standard Act Classification
Non-Exempt
Anticipated Pay Range
$50.00
Pay Range Information
Chapman University is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this position. This range takes into account a variety of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. Salary offers are determined based on the final candidate's qualifications and experience, as well as internal equity and other internal factors. The anticipated pay range is not a promise of a particular wage.
Position Summary Information
Job Description Summary
The Physical Therapy Program hires lab assistants to help with its courses. The courses utilizing lab assistants are PT 512L Kinesiology Lab, PT 525L Clin Path, PT 531 Gen Med, PT 539 Physical Agents, PT 578 Short Term Integrated Clinical Experience I - Community Exercise Program, PT 610 Anatomy II, PT 640 Neuro Practice Management, PT 641 Rehab, PT 647 Pediatrics, PT 678 Short Term Integrated Clinical Experience II - Stroke Boot Camp, PT 742 Geriatrics (also PD Boot Camp), and PT 758 Elective in PT.
Lab assistants for the PT 512L, PT 525L, PT 531, PT 539, PT 578, PT 640, PT 641, PT 647, PT 678, PT 742, and PT 758 courses are needed to assist with lab activities which may include but are not limited to 1. Supervising and guiding physical therapy examination and interventions, clinical reasoning, exercise progression, professional behavior, infection control, communication, safety, body positioning, vital signs monitoring, and documentation; 2. Grading/proctoring lab practical exams; 3. Maintaining lab facilities; 4. Other duties as assigned. These positions are available as needed.
Responsibilities
Lab Assistant for Courses: PT 512L Kinesiology, PT 525L Clin Path, PT 531 Gen Med, PT 539 Physical Agents, PT 578 CEP, PT 610 Anatomy II, PT 640 NPM, PT 641 Rehab, PT 678 SBC, PT 742 Geriatrics & PD Boot Camp, and PT 758 Elective in PT.
  1. During structured course labs, supervising and guiding physical therapy examination and interventions, clinical reasoning, exercise progression, professional behavior, infection control, communication, safety, body positioning, vital signs monitoring, and documentation. May include proctoring lab practical exams and maintaining lab facilities.
  2. Other duties as assigned.
Lab Assistant for Course: PT 578 CEP, PT 678 Stroke Boot Camp, and PT 742 PD Boot Camp
  1. Supervision
    a. Performs the duties of the clinical instructor to mentor eighth-trimester students through physical therapy interventions, patient education, clinical reasoning, exercise progression, professional behavior, communication, safety, body positioning, vital signs monitoring, and documentation.
    b. Follows the course clinical performance guidelines to assess student performance.
    c. Monitors participant and implement emergency protocols, if necessary.
    Provides formal and informal verbal and written feedback and assessments of student performance and interactions.
  2. Communication
    a. Meeting informally or formally with individual students, a small group of students, the participant, and their families/caregivers.
    b. Reviews documentation about participants, including student notes, and provides written/verbal feedback to students.
    Maintains effective contact with course directors, coordinators, and staff if student or participant issues arise.
  3. Other Responsibilities
    a. Completes other tasks as assigned by coordinators/course director.
Required Qualifications
  1. Possesses a valid CA PT License or eligible for licensure, as well as an MPT or DPT degree
  2. Knows PT profession as well as the California Physical Therapy Practice Act, HIPAA/OSHA, and FERPA.
  3. Utilizes excellent oral and verbal communication skills.
  4. Follows excellent etiquette and professional practice.
  5. Possesses prior working experience with the populations served by the course content.
  6. Can physically demonstrate classroom techniques and attend in-person labs.
  7. Able to physically attend and grade lab practicals, if applicable.
  8. Successfully passes a background check, and if working with minors, a Live Scan is required as well, as directed by CU Human Resources.
Desired Qualifications
  1. Possesses working knowledge of physical therapy in the specialty area per pre-clinical program needs.
  2. Has previous Clinical Instructor or teaching experience preferably.
  3. Possesses strong interest and experience in rehabilitation of persons in an acute care, orthopedic, neurological, and pediatric setting with various diagnoses.

Special Instructions to Applicants
At Chapman University, we believe collaboration thrives through in-person engagement. This position is fully on campus, and employees work alongside colleagues, faculty, students, and staff each day to support our vibrant university community.
Chapman University is an equal opportunity employer that provides equal employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless of their protected characteristics. All qualified applicants and employees are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.
Applicants for Staff and Administrator positions must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.
The offer of employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion and outcomes of a criminal background screening and returning to the Office of Human Resources a signed original acceptance of the Chapman University Agreement to Arbitrate
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Maximum Number of References
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