Quick Answer

Conditionally, Bio-Rad Laboratories may hire individuals with felony convictions for certain positions. As a global leader in life science research and clinical diagnostics products with approximately 7,500 employees worldwide, Bio-Rad operates under strict federal regulations (FDA, HIPAA) and maintains rigorous compliance standards. Employment decisions are conditional upon passing a comprehensive background check and are subject to Fair Chance Hiring principles and EEOC guidelines.

The law prohibits companies from having a blanket policy excluding all felons. Instead, they must conduct an individualized assessment of the conviction to determine if it is job-related and consistent with business necessity.

The greatest barriers are created by felonies related to healthcare fraud or abuse (OIG exclusion is a permanent legal bar), theft or dishonesty (critical concern for FDA-regulated environments), and drug-related offenses (particularly controlled substances given Bio-Rad manufactures biological and chemical products). Recent offenses within the past 7 years face the highest scrutiny regardless of type.

Best entry points are manufacturing production roles such as Production Assembler ($17-$24/hr), Warehouse Associate ($19-$23/hr), and Production Operator ($17-$24/hr) at facilities in Hercules, Irvine, and Richmond, California. These positions have lower barriers than R&D, finance, or quality assurance roles requiring regulatory access.

Table of Content

1. Quick Answer

2. Felon-Friendly Scorecard

3. Eligibility Checklist

4. Critical Regulatory Information

5. Company Overview

6. Hiring Policy Analysis

7. Background Check Process

8. Application Strategy

9. Tips for Applicants with Records

10. Benefits Overview

11. Frequently Asked Questions

12. Alternative Second Chance Employers

13. Conclusion

14. Disclaimer

Felon-Friendly Scorecard

Eligibility Checklist

Before applying, honestly assess whether you meet these baseline requirements:

• No OIG Exclusion: Must verify you are NOT on the OIG List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE). This is a permanent legal bar for any position at a company receiving federal healthcare funds. Check your status at exclusions.oig.hhs.gov before applying.

  
  

• No Blanket Exclusion: Bio-Rad is not allowed to automatically exclude you solely for having a felony. EEOC guidelines require individualized assessment of your specific circumstances.

  
  

• Job-Related Assessment: Must be prepared for evaluation of whether your felony is related to job duties using the Green Factors (nature of crime, time elapsed, nature of job sought).

  
  

• Physical Requirements: Manufacturing and warehouse positions require ability to stand for extended periods, lift up to 50 pounds, and work in cleanroom or laboratory environments.

  
  

• Drug Screen: Must pass mandatory pre-employment drug test. Bio-Rad maintains a strict drug-free workplace policy. Testing is typically a 10-panel urine screening.

  
  

• Honesty is Paramount: Must be completely honest about your criminal record when asked after conditional offer. Dishonesty is an automatic disqualifier and grounds for termination if discovered later.

  
  

• Work Authorization: Must be legally authorized to work in the United States and provide required I-9 documentation.

Critical Regulatory Information

Understanding the legal landscape for criminal records in employment is essential for Second Chance applicants. Bio-Rad Laboratories operates primarily in California, which has strong fair chance protections under the California Fair Chance Act. However, the company's position in the FDA-regulated life science and clinical diagnostics industry creates additional compliance requirements that impact hiring decisions.

EEOC Guidelines

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission advises employers not to automatically refuse to consider an applicant because of a criminal record. Employers must conduct an individualized assessment considering the Green Factors:

(1) Nature and gravity of the offense;

(2) Time elapsed since the offense and/or completion of sentence;

(3) Nature of the job sought and its relationship to the offense. Blanket policies excluding all felons are prohibited.

FCRA Requirements

If a third party conducts the background check and a job offer is denied based on the report, Bio-Rad must comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) adverse action procedures:

(1) Provide pre-adverse action notice with a copy of the report and summary of FCRA rights;

(2) Allow reasonable time (typically 5 business days) to dispute inaccuracies;

(3) Provide final adverse action notice if decision stands after review.

State-Specific Considerations

California has robust Fair Chance protections under the California Fair Chance Act (AB 1008), effective since 2018. Employers with five or more employees cannot inquire about criminal history until after a conditional job offer is made. San Francisco's Fair Chance Ordinance provides additional protections, limiting consideration of convictions older than 7 years except for positions supervising minors or dependent adults. Los Angeles County's Fair Chance Ordinance (effective September 2024) adds enhanced notice requirements for employers in unincorporated areas.

Life Science/Diagnostics-Specific Considerations

Bio-Rad operates under strict FDA regulations for medical device and life science manufacturing, which creates unique compliance requirements:

• Mandatory OIG Exclusion (Permanent Legal Bar): Companies receiving federal healthcare funds must check all workers against the OIG List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE). Individuals excluded due to Medicare/Medicaid fraud or felony healthcare offenses are permanently barred from any position.

  
  

• SAM Database Verification: The System for Award Management database tracks entities excluded from federal contracts and must be checked for all new hires.

  
  

• FDA/cGMP Compliance: Current Good Manufacturing Practice regulations require integrity in documentation and processes; fraud-related convictions face heightened scrutiny for roles involving quality documentation.

  
  

• Controlled Substance Handling: Certain positions involve biological materials or chemicals requiring additional security clearance and scrutiny for drug-related offenses.

Company Overview

Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. is a publicly traded (NYSE: BIO) American developer and manufacturer of specialized technological products for the life science research and clinical diagnostics markets. Founded in 1952 in Berkeley, California, by husband-and-wife team David and Alice Schwartz, the company has grown into a global leader with operations worldwide. Headquartered in Hercules, California, Bio-Rad serves customers including universities, research institutions, hospitals, public health laboratories, and biopharmaceutical companies.

The company operates in two segments: Life Science (40% of sales) and Clinical Diagnostics (60% of sales). Life Science products include instruments, software, consumables, and reagents for cell biology, gene expression, protein analysis, drug discovery, and food safety testing. Clinical Diagnostics provides test systems and quality controls for blood transfusion, diabetes monitoring, autoimmune disease testing, and infectious disease diagnostics. Bio-Rad serves a global customer base including universities, research institutions, hospitals, public health laboratories, biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical manufacturers, and food safety testing laboratories.

Bio-Rad's portfolio includes more than 12,000 products and services, with customers in over 100 countries worldwide. The company maintains manufacturing facilities in California (Hercules, Irvine, Benicia, Richmond), as well as international locations. Recent strategic initiatives include the acquisition of digital PCR developer Stilla Technologies in 2025.

Company Fast Facts

• Founded: 1952 (Berkeley, California)

• Headquarters: Hercules, California

• Employees: Approximately 7,500 worldwide

• Stock Symbol: NYSE: BIO and BIO.B

• CEO: Norman Schwartz (Chairman and CEO)

• Revenue: $2.6 billion (2024)

• California Locations: Hercules, Irvine, Benicia, Pleasanton, Richmond

• Average Employee Tenure: 9 years

Hiring Policy Analysis

Bio-Rad Laboratories complies with California's Fair Chance Act and conducts individualized assessments as required by EEOC guidelines. Background checks are conducted after conditional offers are extended, giving applicants the opportunity to demonstrate qualifications before criminal history is considered. The company's hiring process typically includes online application, phone screening, one or more interviews, conditional offer, background check and drug screen, and final offer confirmation.

Position-Specific Barriers

Barrier levels are determined by regulatory requirements, access to sensitive materials, and position responsibilities.

Available Positions and Pay

Pay data compiled from Glassdoor, Indeed, PayScale, and company job postings. Actual compensation varies by location, shift, and experience.

Career Path Examples

Bio-Rad emphasizes internal development and many leadership positions are filled through promotion. Average employee tenure of 9 years reflects opportunities for advancement.

Production Track: Production Assembler ($17-$24/hr) → Production Operator II ($22-$28/hr) → Production Lead ($55K-$65K/yr) → Production Supervisor ($70K-$90K/yr). Advancement requires demonstrated reliability, quality work, and willingness to learn new processes.

Warehouse Track: Warehouse Associate ($19-$23/hr) → Material Handler ($18-$22/hr) → Warehouse Lead ($24-$30/hr) → Warehouse Supervisor ($60K-$75K/yr). Forklift certification and inventory system experience accelerate advancement.

Technical Track: Lab Technician ($19-$25/hr) → Laboratory Technician ($26-$39/hr) → Senior Lab Technician ($35-$45/hr) → Lab Supervisor ($75K-$95K/yr). Requires additional education or certifications for advancement.

Background Check Process

Understanding Bio-Rad's background check process helps you prepare for what to expect. The company conducts background checks after extending a conditional job offer, which means you'll have the opportunity to demonstrate your qualifications before your criminal history is considered. Bio-Rad uses third-party background check providers to conduct comprehensive screenings that comply with both federal and state regulations.

• What They Check: Criminal history (felonies and misdemeanors) at county, state, and federal levels; OIG/LEIE exclusion database verification (mandatory for healthcare-related employers); SAM (System for Award Management) database for federal debarment; identity verification through SSN trace and address history; employment history verification (typically 7-10 years); education verification for positions requiring specific credentials; professional license verification where applicable; mandatory pre-employment drug screening for all positions.

  
  

• Lookback Period: California Fair Chance Act generally limits criminal history consideration. San Francisco's ordinance restricts convictions older than 7 years. However, OIG exclusion has no time limit and is a permanent bar. Employment verification typically extends 7-10 years.

  
  

• Timeline: The hiring process typically takes 2-4 weeks from application to hire based on employee reports. Background checks typically complete within 5-10 business days after authorization. Some positions requiring additional security clearance may take longer.

  
  

• Process Flow: Application submitted → Phone screening → Interview(s) → Conditional offer extended → Background check and drug test authorization → Results reviewed using individualized assessment → Final hiring decision → Pre-adverse or adverse action notice if applicable → Start date confirmed → Orientation.

Disqualifying Factors

High Risk for Disqualification: OIG exclusion (permanent bar); Medicare/Medicaid fraud; healthcare-related fraud, theft, or abuse; felony convictions for controlled substance distribution; violent felonies; sexual offenses; convictions involving dishonesty or falsification in professional settings.

Lower Risk (Case-by-Case): Non-violent property crimes older than 7 years; misdemeanor drug possession (especially marijuana); DUI without aggravating factors; offenses unrelated to job duties. All subject to individualized assessment considering rehabilitation evidence.

Your Rights as Applicant

• FCRA Protections: You must receive written notice and provide consent before a background check. If denied based on the report, you're entitled to a copy and the right to dispute inaccuracies.

  
  

• Pre-Adverse Action Notice: Before a final decision, you must receive notice with a copy of the report and a summary of your rights. You have at least 5 business days to respond.

  
  

• EEOC Protection: You have the right to an individualized assessment. Blanket exclusions based solely on criminal record are prohibited.

  
  

• California Fair Chance Act: Employers cannot ask about criminal history until after a conditional offer is extended.

  
  

• Dispute Rights: You can dispute inaccurate information on background reports with the reporting agency. Check your own records beforehand.

Application Strategy

1. Verify OIG Status First: Before applying, confirm you are not on the OIG Exclusion List at exclusions.oig.hhs.gov. Also check the SAM database at sam.gov. If you are excluded, do not apply—focus on industries without federal healthcare funding requirements.

   
   

2. Target Entry-Level Production Positions: Focus on Production Assembler, Warehouse Associate, and Production Operator roles which have lower barriers and higher volume hiring. Avoid R&D, finance, or quality assurance positions initially.

   
   

3. Apply Through Official Channels: Submit your application through careers.bio-rad.com. Bio-Rad posts positions on Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor. Check regularly as production roles are posted frequently.

   
   

4. Prepare for Technical Questions: Research Bio-Rad's products—life science research tools and clinical diagnostic systems. Understand basic manufacturing concepts and quality requirements for regulated industries.

   
   

5. Be Completely Honest: Never lie about your criminal history. Dishonesty is an automatic disqualifier and grounds for termination if discovered later. Wait until asked after the conditional offer to discuss your record.

   
   

6. Prepare Your Narrative: Have a brief, honest explanation ready: acknowledge the offense without making excuses, describe what you learned, and explain how you've changed. Keep it to 30-60 seconds.

   
   

7. Document Rehabilitation: Gather evidence of positive changes: completion of programs, educational certificates, stable housing, employment history, community involvement, and character references.

   
   

8. Research Expungement Eligibility: California allows expungement under Penal Code 1203.4 for many offenses after completing probation. Contact legal aid for assistance—sealed records cannot be reported on background checks.

Tips for Applicants with Records

1. Manufacturing Has Constant Hiring Needs: Life science manufacturing requires consistent production staff to meet customer demand for diagnostic products and research tools. Bio-Rad operates multiple California facilities with ongoing production needs in Hercules, Irvine, Benicia, and Richmond. Entry-level positions have regular turnover and consistent openings. Don't be discouraged by individual rejections—persistence is key in securing manufacturing employment.

   
   

2. Start Entry-Level, Advance Within: Many successful careers at Bio-Rad begin in production assembler or warehouse associate roles. Prove your reliability through consistent attendance, quality work, and willingness to learn new processes. The company's 9-year average employee tenure reflects real advancement opportunities. Those who demonstrate dedication can progress to lead, supervisory, and management positions.

   
   

3. Run Your Own Background Check First: Know what will appear before the employer sees it. Order your own criminal background check from a consumer reporting agency. Dispute any errors or outdated information in advance.

   
   

4. Understand Cleanroom Requirements: Many Bio-Rad positions involve cleanroom environments. You'll need to follow gowning procedures, hygiene protocols, and contamination prevention practices. Demonstrate your ability to follow detailed procedures.

   
   

5. Pass the Drug Test: If you have substance issues, address them completely before applying. Bio-Rad requires pre-employment drug screening for all positions. Testing is typically a 10-panel urine screen. Note: California protects off-duty cannabis use, but impairment at work is still prohibited.

   
   

6. Highlight Attention to Detail: Manufacturing in FDA-regulated environments requires precision. Emphasize any experience requiring attention to detail, following procedures, or quality focus.

   
   

7. Consider Multiple Locations: Bio-Rad has facilities in Hercules, Irvine, Benicia, Pleasanton, and Richmond. Applying to multiple locations increases your chances significantly.

   
   

8. Be Flexible on Shifts: Manufacturing operates multiple shifts including nights and weekends. Willingness to work less desirable shifts increases your chances of being hired.

Benefits Overview

Bio-Rad offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employee wellbeing at all stages of life. The company's culture emphasizes trust, respect, and long-term career development, reflected in an average employee tenure of 9 years. Benefits are designed to promote ongoing health, wealth, wellness, and professional growth, with options that can be personalized to meet diverse employee needs.

• Compensation: Entry-level production and warehouse roles range from $17-$24/hr with opportunities for overtime. Technical positions range from $19-$39/hr depending on experience and qualifications. Professional roles range from $60K-$150K+ annually depending on position, location, and experience. Pay is generally competitive for the life science industry, though some employees note annual raises are modest.

  
  

• 401(k) and Retirement: Company profit sharing contribution after 6 months of employment regardless of employee contribution. Bio-Rad contributes to employee retirement even when employees don't contribute their own funds. Standard fund options with decent investment choices available. Vesting schedule applies to company contributions.

  
  

• Health Benefits: High-deductible health plans with premiums covered by employer for individual coverage. Low additional costs for family members. Mental health benefits through Modern Health. Fertility benefits with $5,000 stipend through Carrot. Dental and vision coverage available.

  
  

• Time Off: 3 weeks PTO accrual to start. 10 paid holidays per year. 5 sick days per year. Company encourages employees to use their vacation time.

  
  

• Additional Benefits: Life insurance at 2x annual salary up to $750,000. Short-term and long-term disability coverage. Employee Stock Purchase Plan with 15% discount. Education assistance up to $5,250 annually.

Employee Perspectives

Pros: Good work-life balance; supportive management in many departments; stable company with job security; professional atmosphere; excellent benefits; opportunities to gain experience.

Cons: Pay increases are small; promotion and advancement can be slow; some departments have management challenges; career growth may be limited in certain roles.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does Bio-Rad Laboratories hire people with felonies?

   Conditionally, yes. Bio-Rad complies with California's Fair Chance Act and EEOC guidelines requiring individualized assessment of criminal records rather than blanket exclusions. However, individuals on the OIG Exclusion List are permanently and absolutely barred from any position due to federal healthcare compliance requirements. Best opportunities exist in production assembler, warehouse associate, and production operator roles. Convictions involving healthcare fraud, Medicare/Medicaid abuse, controlled substance distribution, or dishonesty offenses face significant barriers due to FDA regulatory requirements and the sensitive nature of life science manufacturing.

   
   

2. What is the background check process at Bio-Rad Laboratories?

   Background checks occur after a conditional job offer is extended. The process includes national criminal history check, OIG/LEIE exclusion verification, SAM database check, employment verification, education verification (for applicable positions), and pre-employment drug screening. Results are reviewed using individualized assessment per EEOC guidelines.

   
   

3. How far back does the background check go at Bio-Rad—what is the lookback period?

   California law generally limits criminal history consideration. San Francisco's Fair Chance Ordinance restricts convictions older than 7 years except for positions supervising minors or dependent adults. However, OIG exclusion has no time limit—it's a permanent bar. Employment verification typically extends 7-10 years.

   
   

4. What types of convictions make hiring more difficult at Bio-Rad Laboratories?

   OIG exclusion is a permanent disqualifier for any position. Healthcare fraud, Medicare/Medicaid fraud, and felony drug distribution face near-automatic rejection. Theft, fraud, and dishonesty convictions create significant barriers in FDA-regulated environments. Violent felonies and sexual offenses face high scrutiny. Non-violent property crimes and DUI are evaluated case-by-case.

   
   

5. What are the best entry-level roles at Bio-Rad Laboratories for applicants with a record?

   Production Assembler ($17-$24/hr) offers the best entry point with high-volume hiring needs and lower barriers to entry. These positions involve assembling diagnostic products and life science instruments in manufacturing facilities. Warehouse Associate ($19-$23/hr) provides opportunities in shipping, receiving, and inventory management with less regulatory oversight. Production Operator I ($17-$24/hr) involves operating manufacturing equipment with regular openings across multiple shifts. Material Handler ($18-$22/hr) focuses on moving materials within facilities and benefits from forklift experience. Avoid R&D, finance, quality assurance, and IT positions initially as these involve access to proprietary data, financial systems, or FDA compliance documentation.

   
   

6. Does Bio-Rad Laboratories drug test, and what kind of test do they use?

   Yes, Bio-Rad requires mandatory pre-employment drug screening for all positions. Testing is typically a 10-panel urine screen conducted after conditional offer. The company maintains a drug-free workplace policy. Note that while California protects off-duty cannabis use under AB 2188, impairment at work remains prohibited and cause for termination.

   
   

7. When during the hiring process will Bio-Rad ask about criminal history?

   Per California's Fair Chance Act, Bio-Rad cannot inquire about criminal history until after extending a conditional job offer. This means you'll complete the application, phone screening, and interviews before criminal history is considered. This gives you the opportunity to demonstrate your qualifications first.

   
   

8. Can someone advance to management at Bio-Rad Laboratories if they have a felony?

   Yes, advancement to management is possible. Bio-Rad's 9-year average employee tenure suggests genuine career progression opportunities. Start in entry-level production or warehouse roles, demonstrate reliability through consistent attendance and quality work, develop technical skills, and progress through lead and supervisor positions. Management roles may require additional background scrutiny, but time elapsed since offense and demonstrated rehabilitation are significant factors.

   
   

9. How long does the hiring and background check process take at Bio-Rad Laboratories?

   The hiring process typically takes 2-4 weeks from application to start date. Background checks complete within 5-10 business days after authorization. Some positions requiring additional clearance may take longer. The process includes application review, phone screening, one or more interviews, conditional offer, background check, drug screen, and orientation.

   
   

10. What can applicants do to improve their chances of getting hired at Bio-Rad Laboratories?

    1.    Verify OIG status before applying—exclusion is a permanent bar

    2.    Target production and warehouse positions with lower barriers

    3.    Apply to multiple California locations (Hercules, Irvine, Richmond)

    4.    Be flexible on shifts including nights and weekends

    5.    Prepare rehabilitation documentation

    6.    Research expungement eligibility under California law

    7.    Be completely honest when asked about your record

Alternative Second Chance Employers

If Bio-Rad Laboratories doesn't work out, consider these employers known for fair chance hiring practices in manufacturing and related industries:

Conclusion

Bio-Rad Laboratories offers conditional opportunities for individuals with criminal records, particularly in production and warehouse roles at California facilities. As a global leader in life science research and clinical diagnostics with $2.6 billion in revenue and approximately 7,500 employees worldwide, the company provides a realistic pathway to stable employment with strong benefits in a professional manufacturing environment. The company's position in a regulated industry creates both opportunities and challenges for second chance applicants.

The work environment is regulated and requires attention to detail, but the company offers competitive pay ($17-$24/hr for entry-level positions), comprehensive benefits including employer-paid health insurance and 401(k) profit sharing, and real advancement opportunities reflected in the 9-year average employee tenure. California's strong Fair Chance Act protections ensure your qualifications are evaluated before criminal history is considered, providing a fair opportunity to demonstrate your capabilities.

Key Success Factors: Verify OIG status before applying since exclusion is a permanent bar; target production and warehouse positions with lower barriers; be flexible on shifts and locations; document rehabilitation thoroughly; be completely honest when asked about your record; start entry-level and demonstrate reliability through consistent attendance and quality work.

Biggest Barriers: OIG exclusion is a permanent bar; healthcare fraud and controlled substance distribution convictions face near-automatic rejection; theft and dishonesty convictions create significant barriers in FDA-regulated environments.

For individuals not on the OIG exclusion list with non-healthcare-related convictions, Bio-Rad represents a genuine second chance opportunity. Focus on entry-level production roles, demonstrate reliability, and build a career in an industry that provides stable, well-compensated employment.

Disclaimer

This guide provides general information and should not be considered legal advice. Hiring policies vary by position, location, and individual circumstances. While we strive for accuracy using publicly available sources including company websites, job postings, employee reviews (Glassdoor, Indeed), and salary databases (PayScale, ZipRecruiter), employment information and company policies may change without notice. Always verify current practices directly with Bio-Rad Laboratories.

Inclusion in this guide does not guarantee employment. Background check laws, expungement procedures, and fair chance hiring requirements vary by state and should be confirmed with legal professionals. Consult with an employment attorney or legal aid organization for specific legal advice about your situation.

Apply Now: https://careers.bio-rad.com