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.

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.

As part of our promise to talent, Kelly supports those who work with us through a variety of benefits, perks, and work-related resources. Please note: The following benefits reflect Kelly's general offerings. Eligibility may vary by assignment, location, and job type. Kelly offers eligible employees voluntary benefit plans including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, term life, whole life, accident insurance, critical illness, a legal plan, and short-term disability. As a Kelly employee, you will have access to a retirement savings plan, service bonus and holiday pay plans (earn up to eight paid holidays per benefit year), and a transit spending account. In addition, employees are entitled to earn paid sick leave under the applicable state or local plan. Click here (https://www.mykelly.com/help-support-working-with-kelly-us/#Benefits) for more information on benefits and perks that may be available to you as a member of the Kelly Talent Community.

Why Kelly ® Science & Clinical?

Kelly Science & Clinical is your connection to premier scientific and clinical companies looking to hire industry experts just like you. Our team creates expert talent solutions to solve the world’s most critical challenges. Every day, we match science professionals with dream jobs that fit their skills, interests, and career goals—it’s the way we think job searching should be. Nearly 100 percent of our science recruiters have a professional background and education in science, so we know a thing or two about the science market and how to get your expertise noticed.

About Kelly

Work changes everything. And at Kelly, we’re obsessed with where it can take you. To us, it’s about more than simply accepting your next job opportunity. It’s the fuel that powers every next step of your life. It’s the ripple effect that changes and improves everything for your family, your community, and the world. Which is why, here at Kelly, we are dedicated to providing you with limitless opportunities to enrich your life—just ask the 300,000 people we employ each year.

Kelly is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants regardless of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and we take affirmative action to recruit, employ, and advance qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in the workforce. Requests for accommodation related to our application process can be directed to the Kelly Human Resource Knowledge Center. Kelly complies with the requirements of California’s state and local Fair Chance laws. A conviction does not automatically bar individuals from employment. Kelly participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

Kelly may use AI-powered tools during the recruitment and hiring process. For full details, including how Kelly uses AI, your rights, and how to request a reasonable accommodation, visit the Recruitment Artificial Intelligence Notice (https://www.kellyservices.com/hubfs/myKelly/Resources/Employment\_Policies/Recruitment-Artificial-Intelligence-Notice.pdf?hsLang=en) .

Kelly Services is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We welcome, value, and embrace diversity at all levels and are committed to building a team that is inclusive of a variety of backgrounds, communities, perspectives, and abilities. At Kelly, we believe that the more inclusive we are, the better services we can provide. Requests for accommodation related to our application process can be directed to Kelly’s Human Resource Knowledge Center. Kelly complies with the requirements of California’s state and local Fair Chance laws. A conviction does not automatically bar individuals from employment.