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Lab Researcher Salary Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Additional duties include ordering, general lab maintenance, and ensuring compliance with ... Salary Range : $ 60,835- $ 98,855 Qualifications Doctorate degree in a related field OR Master ...

... a wet lab research setting. Applications should include a cover letter indicating why you would ... The posted salary range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate for a ...

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Lab Researcher Salary information

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$30K

$113.1K

$164.5K

How much do lab researcher salary jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for lab researcher salary in the United States is $113,102.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,000.00 and $154,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Lab Researcher Salary vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectLab ResearcherLaboratory Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in ScienceAssociate's or Bachelor's in Science or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academic institutions, biotech companiesClinical labs, manufacturing facilities, research settings
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutes, biotech firmsHospitals, pharmaceutical companies, industrial labs
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for entry-level research rolesCompared for technical support roles in labs

Lab Researcher salaries typically involve higher education and research responsibilities, often in academic or biotech settings, whereas Laboratory Technicians focus on technical support and testing in clinical or industrial labs. Both roles are essential in scientific environments but differ in qualifications and job scope.

What are some typical daily responsibilities of a lab researcher, and how do they contribute to the success of a research project?

Lab researchers are typically responsible for designing and conducting experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and maintaining detailed records of their findings. They often prepare samples, calibrate equipment, and ensure that all safety protocols are followed. Collaborating with other team members, such as principal investigators and lab technicians, is essential to interpret results and troubleshoot experimental issues. These daily tasks are crucial in driving the progress of research projects, ensuring data integrity, and supporting the development of new scientific insights.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Lab Researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lab Researcher, you need a solid background in scientific principles, research methodologies, and data analysis, often supported by a degree in a relevant scientific field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, statistical software, and safety protocols is typically required, and certifications like Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) may be beneficial. Strong attention to detail, critical thinking, and effective communication are important soft skills for this role. These skills ensure accurate data collection, reliable results, and productive collaboration within research teams, all of which are essential for successful scientific outcomes.

What is the average salary of a lab researcher?

The average salary of a lab researcher varies depending on factors such as education, experience, location, and the specific field of research. In the United States, entry-level lab researchers typically earn between $40,000 and $55,000 per year, while more experienced researchers or those with advanced degrees can earn upwards of $70,000 annually or more. Salaries may also be higher in specialized industries or in urban areas with a higher cost of living.
More about Lab Researcher Salary jobs
What cities are hiring for Lab Researcher Salary jobs? Cities with the most Lab Researcher Salary job openings:
What states have the most Lab Researcher Salary jobs? States with the most job openings for Lab Researcher Salary jobs include:
Infographic showing various Lab Researcher Salary job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,102 per year, or $54.4 per hour.
RESEARCHER SENIOR

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Job description

Position Summary

The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics, is seeking a dedicated Researcher Senior to join in the laboratory of Dr. Lindsay Rizzardi (https://sites.uab.edu/rizzardilab) a research team that explores how genetic variation impacts cell type-specific gene regulation in the context of neuro-related diseases. As a Researcher Senior, you will have expanded responsibilities, overseeing complex research projects and providing strategic direction. This professional-level position involves mentoring junior researchers, managing research projects, and ensuring the integrity and quality of research outcomes. Your expertise will be critical in guiding experimental design, data interpretation, and contributing to high-impact publications. The individual should be a motivated researcher with expertise in basic molecular biology, mammalian and iPSC culture, CRISPR technologies, and genomics. The ideal candidate must be able to work independently and help lab members carry out cellular differentiation protocols, generate cell lines (CRISPR editing, piggyBac/lentiviral integration, etc.), and perform standard molecular biology and biochemistry techniques. Additional duties include ordering, general lab maintenance, and ensuring compliance with Environmental Health and Safety requirements. Candidates with demonstrated cell culture and molecular genomics experience and a doctorate or master's degree in neuroscience, genetics, genomics or related field are encouraged to apply.

General Responsibilities

As a Researcher Senior, you will have expanded responsibilities, overseeing complex or multiple research projects and providing strategic direction. This professional-level role involves mentoring junior researchers, managing project budgets, and ensuring the integrity and quality of research outcomes. Your expertise will be critical in guiding experimental design, data interpretation, and contributing to high-impact publications. Depending on the research focus, this position may involve research collaborator contact, research animal contact, and/or specimens.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

  1. Plans, coordinates, and conducts scientific research requiring judgment in the independent evaluation, selection, and substantial troubleshooting and modification of standard scientific techniques.

  2. Designs, performs and/or oversees experiments and data collection to ensure data integrity and quality control.

  3. Collects, analyzes, and interprets data; prepares statistical and narrative reports and/or graphs for publications, grant applications, and presentations at scientific conferences.

  4. Perform and/or oversees new research procedures.

  5. Helps the PI supervise/train students and other trainees in the lab.

  6. Wet Lab Research.

  7. Mammalian tissue culture, iPSC differentiation, transfections, CRISPR engineering of stable cell lines.

  8. Protein and molecular biology (western blots, quantitative PCR, NGS library prep, cloning).

  9. Processing cells and tissues for single cell assays.

  10. Perform other duties as assigned.

Salary Range:   $ 60,835- $ 98,855

Qualifications

Doctorate degree in a related field OR Master's degree in a related field and two (2) years of related experience OR Bachelor's degree in related field and four (4) years of related experience required. Work experience may NOT substitute for education requirement.

Preferences

  • BS or BA, MS, or PhD in molecular biology, biochemistry, neuroscience, genetics, genomics, or closely related field.

  • The individual should be a motivated researcher with expertise in basic molecular biology, mammalian and iPSC culture, CRISPR technologies, and genomics.

  • The ideal candidate must be able to work independently and help lab members carry out cellular differentiation protocols, generate cell lines (CRISPR editing, piggyBac/lentiviral integration, etc.), and perform standard molecular biology and biochemistry techniques.  

  • Cell culture expertise -

  • Genetic engineering and genomics

  • Experimental design and execution

  • Data analysis and interpretation  

  • Scientific writing and communication

  • Lab operations

  • Research project management

  • Training and supervision

  • Prior experience with iPSC culture, CRISPR technologies, and NGS library prep.

Key Skills

  • Leadership and mentorship

  • Independent thinking

  • Critical thinking

  • Attention to detail

  • Strong communication skills

  • Collaboration and teamwork

  • Organization and time management

  • Adaptability

  • Accountability and integrity
     

UAB is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, sex (including pregnancy), genetic information, age, disability, and veteran's status. As required by Title IX, UAB prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to UAB's Assistant Vice President and Senior Title IX Coordinator. The Title IX notice of nondiscrimination is located at uab.edu/titleix.


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