Biochemistry Laboratory Technician

Laboratory Technician – Life Sciences / Ophthalmic Diagnostics

Location: Irvine, CA

Work Schedule: On-site

Position Overview

Kelly Science is seeking a detail-oriented, hands-on Laboratory Technician to support laboratory testing, assay development, and sample collection activities for a biotechnology company focused on ophthalmic in vitro diagnostics (IVD).

The ideal candidate will have experience working with proteins, antibodies, and assay reagents, along with strong micropipetting skills and the ability to follow established laboratory procedures.

This position may also involve direct patient interaction, including patient touch and the collection of tear samples for ophthalmic diagnostic testing. Candidates should be comfortable working in both a laboratory environment and a patient-facing setting, with a strong commitment to patient safety, professionalism, and accurate sample handling.

Key Responsibilities

Laboratory Testing & Assay Support

• Accurately pipette microliter volumes and prepare serial dilutions, standards, and controls using single-channel and multichannel pipettes.
• Prepare buffers, reagent solutions, and assay materials, including calculating concentrations and required volumes.
• Handle proteins, antibodies, and biological reagents according to established protocols, including aliquoting, storage, and contamination prevention.
• Assist with protein assays, immunoassays, and routine laboratory experiments under the direction of scientists or laboratory management.
• Support assay development, testing, and evaluation of ophthalmic diagnostic products.
• Maintain accurate laboratory notebooks, electronic records, and Excel data files.

Patient Interaction & Tear Sample Collection

• Participate in patient-facing activities associated with ophthalmic diagnostic testing and sample collection.
• Perform tear sample collection using approved collection methods and established protocols following appropriate training and authorization.
• Provide professional, compassionate patient interaction while explaining sample collection procedures and helping ensure patient comfort.
• Perform appropriate patient contact and handling as required for tear collection, while following applicable safety, hygiene, and infection-control procedures.
• Properly identify, label, document, handle, and transfer tear samples for laboratory analysis.
• Follow applicable patient privacy, informed consent, and sample collection requirements.
• Coordinate with clinical or laboratory personnel to ensure accurate collection and processing of ophthalmic specimens.

Laboratory Operations & Documentation

• Maintain organized laboratory workspaces, supplies, and reagent inventories.
• Track sample identification, reagent lots, storage conditions, and expiration dates.
• Perform routine equipment checks and support laboratory maintenance activities.
• Follow standard operating procedures (SOPs), laboratory safety requirements, and appropriate waste-disposal practices.
• Document experimental observations and promptly communicate unexpected results, deviations, or quality concerns.

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Required Qualifications

• Hands-on laboratory experience with micropipettes, reagent preparation, and basic protein handling in an academic, research, biotechnology, or industry setting.
• Ability to prepare dilutions, calculate concentrations, and accurately follow written laboratory protocols.
• Relevant coursework, training, or experience in biology, biochemistry, chemistry, biotechnology, clinical laboratory science, or a related discipline.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate laboratory and sample documentation.
• Comfortable with potential patient-facing responsibilities, including direct patient interaction, appropriate patient contact, and tear sample collection following training.
• Ability to follow patient safety, infection-control, and biological specimen handling procedures.
• Basic Microsoft Excel proficiency and strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Dependable attendance and availability to work on-site in Irvine, CA.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with ELISA, lateral-flow assays, immunoassays, antibody-based testing, or protein concentration assays.
• Familiarity with plate readers, laboratory instrumentation, and diagnostic assay workflows.
• Experience in ophthalmology, optometry, clinical diagnostics, or in vitro diagnostic (IVD) product development.
• Previous experience collecting, handling, or processing biological specimens, particularly tear samples or ocular specimens.
• Experience interacting directly with patients in a clinical, research, or diagnostic environment.
• Familiarity with SOP-controlled, quality-regulated, or Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) environments.

Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate is meticulous, dependable, and comfortable performing repetitive, precision-based laboratory work. They are equally capable of working independently at the bench and interacting professionally with patients when needed.

This role is well suited for someone interested in biotechnology, diagnostic assay development, and ophthalmic healthcare who enjoys contributing to the development and evaluation of innovative diagnostic technologies.

Kelly Science connects talented scientific professionals with opportunities to contribute to meaningful research, biotechnology, and diagnostic innovation.

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