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Lab Researcher Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Lab Researcher information

See California salary details

$29.6K

$111.6K

$162.3K

How much do lab researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 22, 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 jobs in the US pay 300,000 a year?

In the US, high-paying roles for lab researchers or scientists can reach or exceed $300,000 annually, especially for those with advanced degrees, extensive experience, or leadership positions such as principal investigators or senior research directors in biotech, pharmaceuticals, or medical research. These roles often require specialized skills, publications, and management responsibilities, and may involve working in highly regulated or competitive environments.

What are lab researchers?

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.

How much do lab researchers get paid?

Lab researchers' salaries vary based on experience, education, location, and the specific field. In the United States, entry-level lab researchers typically earn between $40,000 and $60,000 annually, with more experienced professionals earning over $70,000. Salaries can also be influenced by certifications, specialized skills, and the type of research environment.

What is the highest paid lab job?

The highest paid lab research jobs are often senior roles such as Principal Investigator or Laboratory Director, especially in pharmaceutical, biotech, or medical research fields. These positions typically require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and management skills, and they can earn six-figure salaries or higher depending on the industry and location.

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 does a laboratory researcher do?

A laboratory researcher conducts experiments, collects and analyzes data, and documents findings to support scientific studies or product development. They often work with laboratory equipment, follow safety protocols, and may specialize in fields like biology, chemistry, or medicine.

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 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.
Infographic showing various Lab Researcher job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,621 per year, or $53.7 per hour.
Postdoctoral Researcher/Lab Scientist - Deep Phenotyping

Postdoctoral Researcher/Lab Scientist - Deep Phenotyping

University of California - Irvine

Irvine, CA • On-site

$66K - $82K/yr

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


University Of California Irvine rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 41 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

45th of 560 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Position overview
Salary range: The salary range for this position is $66,737-$82,836. The posted UC salary scales set the minimum pay determined by experience level. See Postdoc Scholar Scale salary
Application Window

Open date: April 20, 2026

Next review date: Sunday, Jul 26, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Monday, Nov 30, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position description

Postdoctoral Researcher/Lab Scientist - Deep Phenotyping

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to join our interdisciplinary team working on deep phenotyping of movement disorders. The Postdoctoral Researcher/Lab Scientist will work in a dynamic and interdisciplinary neurophysiology lab focused on studying movement disorders through advanced electrophysiology techniques, including Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Electroencephalography (EEG), and Electromyography (EMG). The role involves the acquisition, processing, and analysis of signal data, the application of machine learning techniques, programming and coding for data analysis, biomarker discovery, and collaboration with clinicians and students.

Additionally, the candidate will be responsible for grant writing, manuscript preparation, statistical analysis, and interpretation of results. The ideal candidate will lead in the key responsibilities outlined below. Some of these responsibilities may be learned on the job.

Experience and PhD in Neuroscience, Computational Biology, Computer science, Statistics, Mathematics, or related fields.

Key Responsibilities:

  1. Collaborate in Electrophysiological Data Acquisition and Processing:
    Conduct and manage experiments involving TMS, EEG, and EMG and MRI in patients with movement disorders.
    Develop protocols for data acquisition, ensuring high-quality and reproducible results using appropriate filtering, artifact rejection, and preprocessing techniques.

  2. Leading Role in Data Analysis and Machine Learning:
    Perform complex data analysis using statistical software such as Python, MATLAB, and/or R.
    Develop, maintain, and implement custom scripts for data acquisition, processing, and analysis as well as machine learning algorithms and techniques to classify and predict outcomes based on electrophysiological data.
    Perform statistical analysis on experimental data, ensuring the use of appropriate methods for hypothesis testing and interpreting results in the context of neurophysiology and movement disorders, drawing meaningful conclusions from the data.

  3. Collaborator in Biomarker Discovery, Research and Development:
    Engage in biomarker discovery projects using electrophysiological and neuroimaging and other biological data and validate novel biomarkers associated with movement disorders.
    Collaborate with other researchers and clinicians to integrate biomarker findings into clinical practice.
    Design new research methodologies and experimental techniques as well as conduct other research projects related to neurophysiology, with a focus on movement disorders.
    Stay updated on the latest advancements in electrophysiology, signal processing, and neurophysiology research.

  4. Lead Responsibility and Collaboration in Grant Writing and Funding Applications:
    Prepare and submit grant proposals to secure funding for research projects.
    Write and review research protocols, ethical approvals, and other documentation required for grant applications.
    Identify funding opportunities and develop strategies to enhance the lab's research portfolio.

  5. Collaboration in Manuscript Preparation and Publication:
    Write, revise, and contribute to scientific manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
    Prepare figures, tables, and supplementary materials for publications and implement data visualization techniques to effectively communicate research findings.

  6. Collaboration and Mentorship:
    Collaborate with clinicians, students, and other researchers on multidisciplinary projects.
    Mentor undergraduate students in the lab provide guidance on research techniques and data analysis.
    Participate in lab meetings, seminars, and collaborative discussions to advance research goals.
    Clinical trials of coordination that include patient recruitment, retention, and conduct of research.

Department: https://www.neurology.uci.edu/

Lab: https://sites.uci.edu/lndp/meet-our-principal-investigator/

Qualifications
Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Computational Biology, Computer science, Statistics, Mathematics, or closely related discipline at date of hire.

Application Requirements
Document requirements
  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

  • Cover Letter

  • Statement of Research (Optional)

Reference requirements
  • 3 required (contact information only)
Apply link: https://recruit.ap.uci.edu/JPF10082
About UC Irvine

The University of California, Irvine is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC anti-discrimination policy.
As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.

  • "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer.
  • UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
  • UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
  • APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

Job location
Orange, CA/Irvine, CA

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