Lab Technician

Headlands Research; Escondido (CA); On-site; USD 33,062 - 37,195; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance (medical, dental, and

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Disability insurance

Life insurance

Job summary

Headlands Research is seeking a Laboratory Technician to join our clinical research and laboratory operations team in Escondido, CA. You will perform phlebotomy, specimen processing, documentation, and shipment for clinical trials in accordance with GCP and study protocols, while maintaining a clean, safe lab environment.

This regular full-time role reports to the Clinical Research Manager and offers a Monday–Friday 8:00am–5:00pm onsite schedule, competitive benefits, and opportunities to

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required; Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Phlebotomy certification or equivalent required.
• Minimum 1 year of experience in a clinical lab setting.
• Familiarity with Phase I-IV clinical trials and relevant regulatory environments (GCP, GLP, ICH) preferred.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, Word) and database systems.
• Ability to handle infectious and potentially hazardous materials safely.

Responsibilities

• Perform phlebotomy, urine collection, and sample processing (centrifuging, aliquoting, labeling).
• Prepare lab kits for each subject based on study protocols.
• Ship biological specimens following IATA guidelines and protocol requirements.
• Maintain specimen logs, shipping records, temperature logs, and other documentation.
• Conduct point-of-care tests (e.g., urine drug screens, pregnancy tests).
• Assist with patient procedures including vital signs, ECGs, and physical/neurological exam setups.
• Clean and sanitize lab equipment and work areas daily.
• Perform and document equipment calibration and ensure safety compliance (OSHA, HIPAA).
• Data entry and documentation using CRIO or eCRFs.

Skills

Phlebotomy

Data entry

Lab safety

Microsoft Excel

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

CRIO

eCRFs

Job description

At Headlands Research, we are dedicated to enhancing clinical trial delivery within our communities. As a leading network of advanced clinical trial sites, we leverage cutting-edge technology and exceptional support services to broaden outreach and participation. Founded in 2018, our rapidly growing company currently operates 20+ sites across the US and Canada, with plans for further expansion.

The Role

The Laboratory Technician is a key member of the clinical research and laboratory operations team, responsible for performing a variety of technical and administrative tasks in support of clinical trials. This includes specimen collection, processing, documentation, and shipment in accordance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP), study protocols, and safety regulations. The technician will work with sensitive laboratory equipment, maintain a clean and organized lab environment, and assist with vital signs, ECGs, and data entry. A successful candidate will be detail-oriented, safety-conscious, and committed to supporting high-quality clinical research.

Type: Regular Full-time Employee

Pay Range: $24 - $27/hr

Schedule: Mondays through Fridays, 8:00am - 5:00pm

Location: Onsite in Escondido, CA (no capabilities for remote or hybrid work)

Reports to: Clinical Research Manager

Benefits: Our benefits package for full-time employees includes health insurance (medical, dental, and vision), Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), Paid Time Off (PTO), a variety of disability, accident, and life insurance options, as well as many more.

Responsibilities

• Laboratory & Clinical Procedures
  • Perform phlebotomy, urine collection, and sample processing (centrifuging, aliquoting, labeling).
  • Prepare lab kits for each subject based on study protocols.
  • Ship biological specimens following IATA guidelines and protocol requirements.
  • Maintain specimen logs, shipping records, temperature logs, and other documentation.
  • Conduct point-of-care tests (e.g., urine drug screens, pregnancy tests).
  • Assist with patient procedures including vital signs, ECGs, and physical/neurological exam setups.
  • Clean and sanitize lab equipment and work areas daily.
  • Perform and document equipment calibration and ensure safety compliance (OSHA, HIPAA).
• Data & Documentation
  • Accurately record lab results and maintain electronic and paper logs in systems such as CRIO or eCRFs.
  • Respond to and resolve electronic data queries.
  • Verify accuracy and completeness of data entries and study documentation.
  • Participate in quality control and assurance initiatives to ensure regulatory compliance.
• Operational Support
  • Monitor and maintain inventory of lab kits and supplies.
  • Order dry ice and other lab necessities.
  • Destroy expired kits and log per protocol.
  • Support preparation of study-specific training materials and lab manuals.
  • Collaborate with study coordinators and medical staff to meet visit protocol requirements.
  • May assist with infusion monitoring under clinician supervision.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED required; Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Phlebotomy certification or equivalent required.
• Minimum 1 year of experience in a clinical lab setting required.
• Familiarity with Phase I-IV clinical trials and relevant regulatory environments (GCP, GLP, ICH) preferred.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, Word) and database systems.
• Ability to handle infectious and potentially hazardous materials safely.
• Physically able to lift up to 50 lbs and endure periods of standing/movement.
• Strong organizational, time management, and multitasking skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication; strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a cross-functional team.
• Customer-service mindset and high level of professionalism.

California Pay Range

$24 - $27 USD

Headlands Research will never ask a candidate for personal identifiable information (date of birth, social security number, driver’s license information, etc) via email or messenger tools, or for a financial deposit of any kind.

Headlands Research is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Need Assistance?

Headlands Research is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact [e-mail] for further assistance. Please note this is for individuals to request an accommodation as part of the application process and any other correspondence will not receive a response.