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Wet Lab Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Principal, Machine Learning Scientist

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$254 - $290/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Our roboticized high-throughput wet-lab continually adds to our large proprietary datasets, which are piped through a custom LIMS++ data management and orchestration layer to automatically update and ...

Research Technician (In Vivo)

San Diego, CA

$30 - $35/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Perform hands-on bench and wet lab techniques to support ongoing research projects. * Collect, analyze, and accurately document experimental and study data. * Maintain detailed research records and ...

To support that modeling, we run an in-house wet lab that generates the experimental data used to calibrate, test, and validate the underlying physical models. Two things make this a particularly ...

Senior Scientist, Bio AI

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$112K - $153K/yr

Contribute to wet lab experimental design and data evaluation to benchmark AI model performance against ground truth wet lab data and create a rapid iteration loop * Perform routine computational ...

Showing results 41-60

Wet Lab information

See California salary details

$12

$22

$33

How much do wet lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for wet lab in California is $22.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $23.94 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a wet lab?

A Wet Lab job involves conducting experiments that require handling liquids, chemicals, biological samples, or other wet materials in a controlled lab environment. Wet lab scientists and technicians perform tasks such as sample preparation, chemical mixing, and data analysis to support research in fields like biology, chemistry, and medicine. These roles typically require knowledge of lab safety protocols, proper equipment usage, and scientific techniques.

What are the typical daily responsibilities in a wet lab position?

In a Wet Lab position, your daily tasks may include preparing and running experiments, analyzing samples using specialized equipment, maintaining and calibrating instruments, and accurately recording data in lab notebooks or digital systems. You will also be responsible for keeping the lab clean and organized, adhering to safety protocols, and properly storing chemicals and biological materials. Collaboration is common, as you may work with other lab technicians, scientists, or research teams to support ongoing projects. This hands-on role is ideal for those who enjoy problem-solving and actively contributing to exciting scientific advancements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a wet lab position?

To thrive in a Wet Lab role, you need a solid understanding of laboratory techniques, safety protocols, and scientific methodology, often supported by a degree in biology, chemistry, or a related field. Familiarity with instruments like pipettes, centrifuges, spectrophotometers, and lab management software is typically required, along with knowledge of compliance standards such as GLP or OSHA. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and effective communication are valuable soft skills for managing experiments and collaborating with teammates. These qualities are essential to ensure accurate results, maintain a safe and organized lab environment, and contribute effectively to research objectives.

What are the wet lab tasks?

Wet lab tasks involve hands-on experimental work in a laboratory setting, including preparing solutions, handling biological samples, performing assays, and operating laboratory equipment such as pipettes, centrifuges, and microscopes. These tasks require attention to detail, proper safety procedures, and often involve data recording and analysis. Wet lab technicians may also assist with maintaining lab cleanliness and ensuring compliance with safety standards.

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Wet Lab jobs?

Cities in California with the most Wet Lab job openings:

Infographic showing various Wet Lab job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,250 per year, or $22.2 per hour.

Postdoctoral Fellow - Technology Development (Regev & Lubeck Labs)

Genentech

South San Francisco, CA

$100K - $106K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago


Genentech rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

11th of 86 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

We advance science so that we all have more time with the people we love

The Regev and Lubeck labs are seeking an exceptional, highly motivated Postdoctoral Fellow to pioneer new technologies for high-throughput bioengineering. This is a unique joint position bridging two state-of-the-art research groups focused on spatial-omics, functional genomics, and advanced perturbation methods and the generation of foundational datasets for training AI models.

The primary objective of this role is to create entirely new tools and technologies designed to generate the precise, high-throughput data needed to train the next generation of biological AI models. We are seeking a dedicated toolmaker and innovator who aims to build the experimental foundations that will enable future AI/ML breakthroughs in biology. The ideal candidate has a strong foundation in wet-lab molecular biology alongside computational acumen, with a deep passion for technological innovation.

The Opportunity

In this role, you will focus squarely on technology and tool development to power the next generation of biological models.

  • Technology Innovation: Inventing and scaling new platforms within a specific domain of interest (e.g., spatial omics, functional genomics, protein engineering, label-free microscopy, or drug delivery) with the explicit goal of generating the structured, high-throughput data required to train advanced machine learning models.

  • High-Impact Output: Presenting groundbreaking technological insights at international conferences and publishing in top-tier, high-impact journals.

Who You Are:

You are a toolmaker at heart with a proven track record of technology development. You want the platforms you build and the data you generate to be the bedrock for the future of biological modeling. You bring a strong multi-disciplinary skillset to the lab, though exceptional candidates with an overwhelming strength in either wet-lab or computational sciences will be highly considered.

Qualifications & Experience:

  • Education: Ph.D. in Bioengineering, Molecular Biology, Systems Biology, Biology, Neuroscience, Immunology, or a related quantitative field.

  • Tech Development Focus: A demonstrated record of innovating and executing new technologies as evidenced by at least one first-author or co-first-author key publication.

  • Core Skills: Strong, hands-on wet-lab skills combined with the computational proficiency required to prototype, test, and validate new technology platforms.

  • Domain Expertise: Deep interest or specialized depth in creating tools to yield model-training data within at least one (or a subset) of the following potential areas:

    • Spatial omics or functional genomics

    • Protein engineering

    • Label-free microscopy or advanced imaging

    • Novel drug delivery systems

    • Genetic perturbation technology

  • Collaborative Mindset: Highly collaborative nature with the agility to excel in a fast-paced environment alongside multi-disciplinary teams of scientists.

Postdoc Program

Elevate your research career to new heights with Genetech's Postdoctoral Program! Join a prestigious community of early career scientists and kick-start your journey toward becoming a scientific leader in biotechnology and bioengineering. With competitive salaries and fully funded research expenses, you can dedicate yourself to groundbreaking research that aligns with Genentech strategic ambitions.

The postdoc program is designed to empower recent Ph.D. graduates to conduct world-class research, publish in top-tier journals, and build a robust scientific network. By joining us, you will receive the mentorship and support necessary to develop into an independent scientist and leader.

The Genentech Postdoc Program provides access to world-class seminars, professional development workshops, and networking opportunities. Apply now to the Genentech Postdoctoral Program and unlock your full potential!

The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location of South San Francisco California is $100,000 to $106,500. Actual pay will be determined based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other job-related factors permitted by law. This position also qualifies for the benefits detailed at the link provided below.

Benefits

Relocation benefits are available for this job posting.

#LI-PL1

#postdoc

Genentech is an equal opportunity employer. It is our policy and practice to employ, promote, and otherwise treat any and all employees and applicants on the basis of merit, qualifications, and competence. The company's policy prohibits unlawful discrimination, including but not limited to, discrimination on the basis of Protected Veteran status, individuals with disabilities status, and consistent with all federal, state, or local laws.

If you have a disability and need an accommodation in relation to the online application process, please contact us by completing this form Accommodations for Applicants.


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About Genentech

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

A member of the Roche Group, Genentech has been at the forefront of the biotechnology industry for more than 40 years, using human genetic information to develop novel medicines for serious and life-threatening diseases. Genentech has multiple therapies on the market for cancer & other serious illnesses. Please take this opportunity to learn about Genentech where we believe that our employees are our most important asset & are dedicated to remaining a great place to work.

Industry

Scientific research and development services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

South San Francisco, CA, US

Year founded

1976

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