Lab Technician I

Lab Technician I

Location: San Diego, CA 92111

Contract Duration: 6 Months — Potential Extension or Full-Time Conversion

Pay Rate: $20.00–$24.94/hour (W2)

Benefits: Weekly Pay, Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

Position Summary

Our client is seeking a motivated Lab Technician I to join the Laboratory Operations team. This role provides essential support to research personnel by maintaining laboratory facilities and equipment, managing biohazardous and chemical waste, processing laboratory glassware, and maintaining adequate supplies. The Lab Technician I will also work closely with Lab Managers to troubleshoot equipment issues and support the development and maintenance of laboratory procedures.

Key Responsibilities

• Accurately document laboratory maintenance activities and operational data using specialized software.
• Perform routine and daily maintenance of laboratory equipment, including incubators, water baths, centrifuges, and cold-storage units.
• Monitor and triage help desk tickets and respond to immediate laboratory issues such as leaks, equipment malfunctions, and other facility concerns.
• Conduct daily laboratory inspections to identify safety concerns and communicate potential violations to Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) personnel.
• Coordinate the collection, handling, and safe disposal of hazardous biological and chemical waste.
• Process laboratory glassware through washing and autoclaving procedures.
• Maintain and replenish PPE, laboratory consumables, and other essential supplies.
• Manage laboratory inventory, including ordering, receiving, organizing, and distributing supplies.
• Assist Lab Managers with equipment troubleshooting and development of laboratory maintenance procedures.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory environment.

Required Qualifications

• Associate or bachelor's degree in a scientific discipline with at least 1 year of laboratory experience, or
• High School Diploma/GED with at least 3 years of relevant laboratory experience.
• Ability to perform work accurately, precisely, and within established timelines.
• Working knowledge of laboratory equipment and Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) practices and regulations.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with research, laboratory operations, and facilities teams.
• Detail-oriented, self-motivated, and adaptable to changing priorities and responsibilities.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds.

Preferred Qualifications

• DOT certification.
• Hazardous Waste Management certification.
• Experience supporting laboratory operations, equipment maintenance, inventory management, or laboratory safety programs.
• Experience working in a research, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or life sciences laboratory environment.