Lab Associate

Actalent; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance

Disability insurance

Health Spending Account (HSA)

Transportation benefits

Employee Assistance Program

Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick)

Overtime opportunities

Job summary

Actalent in San Diego, CA, is seeking an Associate Scientific Services Support (Lab Associate) to help maintain laboratory operations, clean and sterilize glassware, manage documentation, and support scientists across ongoing research activities.

This 100% onsite role offers a standard 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM schedule, with potential overtime; candidates should have a high school diploma, attention to detail, good organizational skills, and the ability to follow SOPs and PPE requirements.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions with a high degree of accuracy.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and documentation.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Effective communication and teamwork abilities.
• Comfortable learning and operating laboratory equipment after training.
• Ability to work onsite full-time and wear PPE.
• Able to lift up to 25 pounds and move materials throughout the facility.

Responsibilities

• Collect, transport, and distribute reusable laboratory glassware and plasticware throughout the campus.
• Handle biologically contaminated materials according to established safety procedures.
• Clean, sterilize, and process laboratory glassware using autoclaves, glassware washers, dry heat sterilizers, and ultrasonic cleaners.
• Inspect glassware for cleanliness, damage, and usability before distribution.
• Maintain accurate processing logs, temperature records, and equipment documentation following GDP.
• Monitor and perform routine checks on laboratory equipment to ensure proper operation.
• Track inventory levels and communicate supply needs proactively.
• Support housekeeping activities and maintain organized work areas.
• Collaborate with laboratory staff to deliver excellent customer service.

Skills

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Communication

Teamwork

Follow instructions

PPE compliance

Education

High School Diploma or GED

College coursework or degree in a scientific field (plus)

Tools

Excel

Job description

Associate Scientific Services Support (Lab Associate)

Location: San Diego, CA (100% Onsite)

Schedule: Full-Time | Monday-Friday | Approximately 40 hours/week

About the Opportunity

Join a leading research environment as an Associate Scientific Services Support (Lab Associate), where you'll play a vital role in supporting laboratory operations and scientific teams. This position is ideal for candidates interested in science, laboratory operations, healthcare, biotechnology, or research support careers.

In this hands‑on role, you will ensure laboratory glassware, equipment, and materials are properly cleaned, sterilized, documented, and returned to scientists for ongoing research activities. You'll work in a fast‑paced laboratory setting that emphasizes safety, quality, teamwork, and continuous learning.

Key Responsibilities

• Collect, transport, and distribute reusable laboratory glassware and plasticware throughout the campus.
• Handle biologically contaminated materials according to established safety procedures.
• Clean, sterilize, and process laboratory glassware using:
• Autoclaves
• Glassware washers
• Dry heat sterilizers
• Ultrasonic cleaning equipment
• Other laboratory support equipment
• Inspect glassware for cleanliness, damage, and usability before distribution.
• Maintain accurate processing logs, temperature records, and equipment documentation following Good Documentation Practices (GDP).
• Monitor and perform routine checks on laboratory equipment to ensure proper operation.
• Track inventory levels and communicate supply needs proactively.
• Support housekeeping activities and maintain organized work areas.
• Assist with equipment maintenance activities, including de‑scaling and biological indicator testing.
• Follow all laboratory safety, environmental, and compliance procedures.
• Handle hazardous waste in accordance with company, state, federal, and local regulations.
• Cross‑train and support other laboratory services functions as needed.
• Collaborate with laboratory staff and support teams to deliver excellent customer service.

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions with a high degree of accuracy.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and documentation.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Effective communication and teamwork abilities.
• Comfortable learning and operating laboratory equipment after training.
• Ability to work in a laboratory environment while wearing required PPE.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds and perform physical duties including walking, standing, bending, reaching, and moving materials throughout the facility.
• Willingness to work onsite full-time and occasionally support overtime needs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous laboratory support, glassware wash, manufacturing, healthcare, or research experience.
• Experience working in regulated environments and following SOPs.
• Familiarity with Good Documentation Practices (GDP).
• Basic Microsoft Excel skills for data entry and recordkeeping.
• College coursework or degree in a scientific field is a plus.
• Interest in building a long‑term career in laboratory operations, biotechnology, or research support.

Work Environment

• 100% onsite laboratory‑based role in San Diego.
• Standard schedule is typically 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with flexibility for earlier shifts based on business needs.
• Regular movement between laboratory buildings and work areas.
• Required use of personal protective equipment (PPE), including lab coats, gloves, and safety glasses.
• Exposure to laboratory equipment, biohazardous materials, and controlled research environments while following established safety procedures.

Why Apply?

• Gain experience in a professional research and laboratory setting.
• Develop hands‑on skills with scientific equipment and laboratory operations.
• Work alongside researchers and scientific professionals.
• Opportunity for growth, cross‑training, and potential assignment extension.
• Excellent entry point into the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and life sciences industries.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of San Diego, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $23.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in San Diego,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 17, 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 [e-mail] 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.