CDPH - Laboratory Assistant (Specimens and Media Assistant)

California Department of Public Health

Job Title: Laboratory Assistant (Specimens and Media Assistant)

Work Location: Contra Costa County

Job Code: JC-513061

Application deadline: 04/16/2026

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is currently hiring a Laboratory Assistant position within our Center for Laboratory Sciences' (CLS)! In this role, you will serve as a Specimens and Media Assistant, and will be responsible for specimen receiving, processing, and data entry into a centralized database, the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).

CLS is based on the CDPH Richmond Campus which employs more than 1,200 people. The Richmond Campus is a flat, 29-acre property located in Richmond's Marina Bay. The CLS serves to protect and promote the health of all Californians through innovative and collaborative infectious disease and environmental testing, including provision of investigation and surveillance activities which form the basis of disease response and prevention. The CLS works to bring together emerging scientific capabilities in testing, analytics, and communications reflecting a new level of coordination, support, and leadership for the public health laboratory system at the state, local and national level. In addition, the Center relies on a continuous improvement infrastructure as a core value in developing solutions that emphasize a culture of quality and performance through performance management success.

The deadline to apply is April 16, 2026, at 11:59PM PT. Please reach out to Apply@cdph.ca.gov with any questions.

Responsibilities:

• Sort incoming specimens and samples; log in specimens delivered by courier; strip label off used mailers; prepare new specimen mailing containers; and process incoming routine specimens

• Coordinate containers shipped through the mailing room and other couriers, deliver specimens to laboratories, and pick up and fill dry ice containers

• Prepare routine media; use steam sterilizers, pH meters, media dispensers, balances, and label reagent bottles; disinfect transfer room; and pick up supplies from the stockroom

• Read data visually from finely divided rulings on pipettes, graduated glassware, and measuring instruments, as well as fine print on small labels using corrective lenses if needed

• Read color-coded data and subtle color differences of media and reagents; and deliver media and reagents to the laboratories

• Load and unload large mechanical glassware washers, dryers and ovens, as well as steam sterilizers (autoclaves) for the decontamination of laboratory waste

• Collect and dispose of laboratory waste materials and assist with the decontamination of waste and materials

• Manipulate laboratory materials, instruments, and glassware with both hands to successfully and consistently clean and prepare materials

• Prepare equipment, glassware, and surgical instruments for sterilization in drying ovens and autoclaves; act as messenger in delivering glassware and supplies to assigned laboratory areas; and prepare solutions for cleaning laboratory equipment and disinfectant solutions

• Read and follow established safety guidelines and other standard written operating procedures

At CDPH, equity, diversity, and inclusion are at the core of our mission to advance the health and well-being of California’s diverse people and communities. We are genuinely and strongly committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of inclusion and connectedness where we can grow and learn together with a diverse team of employees. In recruiting for team members, we welcome the unique contributions that you can bring to us and the work we do.

New to State Service? The following steps will navigate you through the application process:

1. Create a CalCareer account by going to https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHRPublic/Login.aspx.

2. Confirm that you meet the minimum qualifications for the position you are wanting to apply for. A link to view minimum qualifications is listed on each job posting.

3. After confirming that you meet the minimum qualifications, take, and pass the corresponding examination. Most exams are available online and can be found on CalCareers under the Exam/Assessment Search tab. Please note, while candidates are welcome to apply to positions without taking the examination, candidates must pass the examination prior to appointment. Please review the minimum qualifications thoroughly, prior to beginning the examination.

4. Apply! Follow all directions and be sure to submit all requested documentation.
   

For more details on how to apply click here - Laboratory Assistant (Specimens and Media Assistant)