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Lab Researcher Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Lab Research Supervisor

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$81K - $170K/yr

The Lab Research Supervisor is also responsible for providing direct supervision to professional/skilled technical employees in a highly specialized large unit. They will serve as an advisor to the ...

What We're Looking For We hire for range: people who can hold a credible technical conversation with a lab researcher in the morning and design the expert workflow that produces the data in the ...

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Showing results 1-20

Lab Researcher information

See California salary details

$29.6K

$111.6K

$162.3K

How much do lab researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for lab researcher in California is $111,621.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,100.00 and $152,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a lab researcher?

Lab researchers are professionals who conduct scientific experiments, investigations, and analyses in laboratory settings. They may work in fields such as biology, chemistry, physics, medicine, or engineering to develop new knowledge, test hypotheses, or create innovative products. Lab researchers are responsible for designing experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and ensuring that laboratory procedures follow safety protocols. Their work is essential for advancing scientific understanding and technological progress.

What are some common challenges faced by lab researchers when working on collaborative projects?

Lab researchers often work as part of interdisciplinary teams, which can present challenges such as coordinating schedules, aligning research goals, and communicating effectively with colleagues from different backgrounds. Managing shared resources and ensuring consistent documentation are also important aspects. Developing strong organizational and interpersonal skills can help researchers navigate these challenges and contribute effectively to collaborative projects.

What is the difference between Lab Researcher vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectLab ResearcherLaboratory Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's degree in a relevant field; research experienceAssociate's degree or certification; technical training
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academic institutions, pharmaceutical companiesClinical labs, industrial labs, manufacturing facilities
Job FocusDesigning experiments, analyzing data, developing new methodsPerforming routine tests, maintaining equipment, sample preparation

Lab Researchers typically hold higher education degrees and focus on experimental design and data analysis, often working on innovative projects. Laboratory Technicians usually have technical certifications and handle routine testing and equipment maintenance. Both roles are essential in laboratory settings but differ in responsibilities and qualifications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lab researcher?

To thrive as a Lab Researcher, you need a strong background in scientific methods, analytical skills, and a relevant degree in biology, chemistry, or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, data analysis software, and safety protocols is typically required, along with certifications like GLP (Good Laboratory Practice) when applicable. Attention to detail, critical thinking, and effective communication distinguish top performers in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for conducting accurate experiments, ensuring safety, and effectively sharing research findings.

How do you become a lab researcher?

To become a lab researcher, typically a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as biology, chemistry, or related sciences is required, often followed by hands-on experience through internships or research projects. Advanced roles may require a master's or doctoral degree, along with skills in laboratory techniques, data analysis, and familiarity with scientific tools and protocols.

Do research labs pay well?

Research lab positions, including lab researchers, typically offer salaries that vary based on experience, education, and location. Entry-level roles may have modest pay, while experienced researchers with advanced degrees and specialized skills can earn higher salaries, especially in private or industry-funded labs.
What are popular job titles related to Lab Researcher jobs in California? For Lab Researcher jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Lab Researcher jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Lab Researcher jobs in California are:
Infographic showing various Lab Researcher job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 64% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,621 per year, or $53.7 per hour.

Lab Assistant - HDFCCC Facilities

University of California San Francisco

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


University Of California San Francisco rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

229th of 618 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Job Summary::  

The Lab Assistant is a career 100% position. The majority of the effort, will be providing glass washing and autoclaving services for wet lab researchers at the UCSF Mt. Zion Cancer Research Bld and Helen Diller Bld.  About 10% of the time this position will provide to other shared support services such as booking conference rooms, distributing mail, stocking break rooms, preparing purchase requisitions, and submitting work order requests online.  Limited other duties as assigned.   

Department Description:

The UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center (HDFCCC), or Cancer Center, combines basic science, clinical research, epidemiology/cancer control and patient care frstgaffom throughout the University of California, San Francisco system.

Required Qulifcations: 

  • Graduation from high school or a General Education Diploma and one year of laboratory experience or two years of college including courses in natural, physical or social sciences; or an equivalent combination of education and experience; and knowledge and abilities essential to the successful performance of the duties assigned to the position

  • Experience with Microsoft Word and basic Excel                  

  • Demonstrated experience delivering excellent customer service                   

  • Ability to speak read and write English.  Respond to emails with correct grammar 

  • Graduation from high school or a General Education Diploma and one year of laboratory experience or two years of college including courses in natural, physical or social sciences; or an equivalent combination of education and experience; and knowledge and abilities essential to the successful performance of the duties assigned to the position

  • Experience with Microsoft Word and basic Excel                  

  • Demonstrated experience delivering excellent customer service                   

  • Ability to speak read and write English.  Respond to emails with correct grammar 

  • Ability to operate industrial glass wash and autoclave machines; including calculating correct temperatures/times

  • Ability to exercise good judgment and professionalism in interacting appropriately with customers across all levels

  • Systematic, organized, able to plan work in advance

  • Approachable, accessible, friendly, helpful personality

  • Demonstrated good attendance

  • Ability to work with minimal supervision and manage multiple projects successfully to timely completion

Preferred Qualifications: 

  • College graduate with work experience                   

  • Previous experience in a research lab setting helpful

of time

Essential Function (Yes/No)

  

Key Responsibilities

(To be completed by Supervisor)

80

Yes

Primary Glass wash equipment operator for research labs at 2340 Sutter St. and Helen Diller at 1450 3rd St.

Cycle through the research labs once or twice daily collecting all the dirty glassware and other implements for washing.   Prepare glassware, (remove paper labels or tape, by soaking overnight or scrubbing off prior to machine washing); pre-rinse or wash glassware by hand if necessary.  Load machines, wash and sterilize.  Return appropriate glassware to the correct lab storage areas.  Collect the prepared media, glassware, instruments or other items for autoclaving.  Prepare, and sterilize, return to appropriate lab/researcher.   

Monitor glass washing/autoclaving consumable supplies and place request for re-stock as needed. 

Notify supervisor of any problems with equipment, and place service call to vendor as directed.   Discuss equipment problems with vendor so proper repairs can be completed. 

Maintain glass wash rooms in a clean and tidy manner.  Clean screens daily and washer spindles weekly to ensure strong water flow. 

Refill tip boxes prior to sterilization.  Refill pipettes prior to autoclaving. (Selected labs) 

Prepare Millipore water for special process, label, date and autoclave. (Selected labs)

Keep current with Environmental Health & Safety training requirements. 

Train substitute to cover glass washing and autoclaving during absences. 

20

 

Stock break rooms and mail rooms with soap, towels, tape and other shared supplies.  Notify supervisor in adequate time to reorder.   May learn to prepare purchase orders.

Use Outlook to respond to email requests and book reservations for shared conference rooms. Ensure rooms are tidy and stocked with markers, erasers.  Post hard copies of conference room calendars. 

Sort incoming mail and distribute mail to individual boxes.  May look up names in campus directory to get new box for forward mail.

May maintain contact lists for mailboxes, cold rooms, or other shared resources.

May contact Print Management about problems with shared copiers, and assist users in removing paper jams.

May assist with recycling pickups schedules for the Styrofoam boxes collected in room S211.

May use campus service group websites to open work request tickets for a variety of services: surplus pick up, facility repairs, telecom support, etc. Work with customer to ensure job description is entered correctly, billed to correct fund source.   Follow-up with customer to ensure request was completed. 

May assist (under supervision) with tasks associated with special one-time/occasional projects such as capital asset audit, employee moves, lab cleanout, etc.

May learn to prepare purchase orders in Bear Buy and ensure receipt of ordered items.   May work with finance staff and vendors to resolve inaccuracies with billing and ensure PO's are properly closed when items have been received. 

         

100%

  

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