Laboratory Assistant-25433005

San Diego County Public Defender’s Office; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

The County of San Diego seeks a Laboratory Assistant to conduct various laboratory support tasks in public health labs. Candidates should have experience in laboratory settings or relevant coursework in biology and chemistry. This role demands strong communication skills and a commitment to safety and ethical standards.

Qualifications

• Experience in clinical, public health, or veterinary laboratory.
• Ability to handle laboratory equipment and perform dissections.
• Supportive of change and customer-focused.

Responsibilities

• Perform laboratory support tasks such as data entry and preparing specimens.
• Assist with animal dissections and laboratory safety practices.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and perform courier duties for specimens.

Skills

Laboratory Safety Practices

Communication

Ability to Assist Laboratory Personnel

Education

One year of experience as a laboratory aide/assistant

Completion of at least one year of college coursework including biology or chemistry

Job description

The County of San Diego is currently accepting applications for Laboratory Assistant. Interviews will be held during the week of July 14, 2025, and a job offer will be made no later than July 25, 2025.

The Laboratory Assistant performs a variety of laboratory support tasks in County laboratories. Responsibilities include:

• Following laboratory safety practices
• Performing animal dissections and removing brain tissue from rabid animals
• Assisting microbiologists, veterinary pathologists, plant pathologists, or other laboratory personnel
• Preparing lab test kits, culture media, stains, and reagents
• Filling tubes and bottles with solutions and labeling
• Setting up, labeling, and filing microscope slides
• Receiving and preparing specimens for study
• Performing courier duties for specimens and supplies
• Data entry and accessioning samples
• Working with infectious agents and materials
• Performing related duties as required

Click here to review the detailed Laboratory Assistant job description, including examples of qualifying education and experience.

There are two vacancies in Public Health Services at the Public Health Lab. The eligible list from this recruitment may also be used to fill future vacancies in other departments such as the Department of Environmental Health and Quality, the Sheriff's Department, and the Medical Examiner's Office.

To learn more about Public Health Services, see the Strategic Plan: Public Health Services Strategic Plan—2023-24 and 2024-25.

Hiring Process & Timeline:

• Job Offer and Background Process begin the week of July 14, 2025. Current County employees may be excluded from additional background screening.
• Pre-employment Medical Screening: approximately 3 days following a successful background check.
• Anticipated Start Date: based on successful completion of background checks or a mutually agreed date.

If not selected for this interview, there may be opportunities for future vacancies.

Required Education and Experience:

• One year of experience as a laboratory aide/assistant in a clinical, public health, or veterinary laboratory, performing tasks such as handling laboratory equipment and media, or
• Completion of at least one year of college coursework including biology or chemistry classes with laboratory components from an accredited institution.

The ideal candidate can assist laboratory personnel, operate basic equipment, communicate effectively, and uphold ethical standards. They should also be supportive of change and customer-focused.

The Department of Human Resources practices Blind Applicant Screening to promote fairness and diversity. Ensure your application reflects your experience meeting the minimum requirements in both the Work Experience and Supplemental Questionnaire sections. Resumes will not substitute for the application or questionnaire.

Condition of Employment:

Prospective candidates will undergo a background check (including fingerprinting) and a pre-employment medical screening. Current County employees may be exempt.

Evaluation:

Qualified applicants will be evaluated and placed on a six-month employment list based on their application and questionnaire scores. The application responses will be reviewed via an automated system and individually verified for accuracy.

The County values diversity and supports veteran hiring, offering resources such as the Veteran’s Preference Policy and Military Skills Translator to assist transitioning service members.

The County of San Diego is committed to a just, sustainable, and inclusive future, guided by values of integrity, equity, access, belonging, excellence, and sustainability. For more information, see our Strategic Plan.

Under California law, public employees are disaster service workers and may be assigned related activities.

The County values diversity and practices inclusion, recognizing it as a key asset.