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Lab Researcher Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

1X Technologies AS

AI Researcher

San Carlos, CA · On-site

$250K - $350K/yr

As the lab grows, researchers contribute where they have the most leverage, and the problems worth solving span every layer of the stack. The lab is founded on a simple thesis: robotics is not a fine ...

Actalent

Lab Intern

Woodland, CA

$18/hr

Lab Intern - Vegetable Quality (R&D) 📍 Woodland, CA | Short-Term Internship (Approx. 2 Months with Potential to Extend) Kickstart your career in plant science and agricultural research with a ...

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All JobsLab Researcher JobsLab Researcher Jobs in California

Lab Researcher information

See California salary details

$29.6K

$111.6K

$162.3K

How much do lab researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 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 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.

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, 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.
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:
Lab Researcher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lab Researcher job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 80% Full Time, and 19% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,621 per year, or $53.7 per hour.
Lab Assistant

Lab Assistant

University of California San Francisco

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Job Description
The UCSF Hair Analytical Laboratory (HAL) analyzes antiretroviral concentrations in hair (but may include other biological specimens such as urine, dried blood spot (DBS), plasma, serum, blood, nail, etc.) in the context of HIV and TB prevention and treatment studies using assays that are developed and validated according to the Federal Drug Administration (FDA's) guidelines for bioanalytical methods and the National Institute of Health's Division of AIDS' (DAIDs) Clinical Pharmacology and Quality Assurance Program (CPQA). This position requires overseeing and maintaining high quality regulatory functions in the laboratory.
This HAL Lab Assistant 3 position will assist laboratory personnel and laboratory leadership in facilitating the safety and daily functions of the laboratory, including keeping accurate clinical/research sample information. This position will also be responsible for ordering supplies for the lab. Additional duties will include helping to maintain optimal conditions of the instruments for HAL's analytical studies, including a variety of daily laboratory functions such as checking and changing freezer/refrigerator charts, calibration of equipment, supply ordering and management, etc.
Responsibilities
DUTIES & ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Identify the functions or tasks that employees in the job perform. The essential functions should state the purpose of the work and the results to be accomplished, rather than how the function is performed. Of the tasks listed, what percentage of time is devoted to each? The more time employees spend on a function, the more likely it is that the function is essential. Generally, include those functions that account for 10% or more of the work, i.e., key items that contribute significantly to the achievement of the job. The functions should add up to 100%.
of time
Essential Function (Yes/No)
Key Responsibilities
(To be completed by Supervisor)
55
Yes
LAB COORDINATION DUTIES
  • Submits "Weekly Updates" to the UCSF HAL Lab Research Supervisor, laboratory director and PI, if required. Weekly reports include, but not limited to, a summary of clinical/research sample receiving, storage and log-in status, the status of ordering and receiving chemicals and supplies, balance and equipment calibration plans, any concerns regarding the labaoratory.
  • Ensures clinical samples (including but not limited to hair, urine, plasma, serum, DBS, etc.) receiving, recording, acknowledgements, and storage
  • Confirms all clinical/research samples are accurately received against the clinical manifest, logged in and "Acknowledgement of Samples Receipts" are sent to the relevant investigators
  • Orders and purchases biological samples, solvents, glassware, chemicals, laboratory and office supplies, equipment parts, and maintenance contracts, and advises staff on equipment and supply purchasing matters.
  • Receiving, storing, distribution and maintenance of chemicals, supplies and equipment.
  • Manages the handing of organic, chemical, regular and biological waste and maintains lab biosafety hoods, fume hoods, and benches.
  • Inventories equipment and chemicals as required by the department and OEH&S.
  • Ensures equipment are maintained properly.
  • Issues and receives pipettes, syringes, and other lab related items with identification numbers.
  • Manages temperature chart on recorders and alarm system on all freezer and refrigerators and deicing and cleaning of refrigerators/freezers.
  • Changes the desiccant in all desiccators, which requires N95 respirator mask FIT testing and medical clearance.
  • Performs scheduled testing on freezer alarm systems, etc. as required by internal SOPs and OEH&S.
  • Troubleshoots internet related problems affecting network, database and LDMS and contacts appropriate department to resolve issue.
  • Coordinates, escorts, collects, and inventories positive incurred samples from Shaved Hair study participants.
  • Packs, prepares documentation, and sends clinical samples (urine, plasma, DBS, hair, etc.) to other analytical laboratories.
  • Packs and sends tenofovir urine immunoassay kits with sending documentation and receipt acknowledgement form and works with those sites to complete commercial invoice or other applicable documentation.
  • Prepares SeroPrEP test kits, including documentation, and sending kits to clinical sites, along with updating SeroPrEP Participant and Specimen Tracking spreadsheet with sample collection and/or volume information and sending/uploading applicable forms to/for the Study Coordinator.
  • Trains other HAL staff on laboratory duties which need coverage, when unavailable.

40
Yes
LAB ADMISTRATIVE DUTIES
  • Assists in drafting and implementing the Biological Use Authorization (BUA), maintains the UC chemical inventory and implements Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for Particularly Hazardous Chemicals (PHC), drafts and implements the Emergency Action Plan (EAP), and maintains safety procedures and emergency supplies.
  • Assists laboratory personnel to complete analytical studies by facilitating daily lab activities such as chemical handling and waste management
  • Maintains valid documentation of purchases, contracts and login/checkout to assure accountability.
  • Maintains logbook and log-in sheet for various lab instruments.
  • Organizes the HAL clinical sample inventory, chemical and supply inventory, and lab space.
  • Manages laboratory equipment and facility space scheduling.
  • Manages internal system of reference standards.
  • Researches and updates information regarding resources for obtaining supplies for pharmaceutical analysis to specifications of the studies
  • Informs management about laboratory issues and concerns and quality assurance and regulatory issues.
  • Accompanies inspectors on site visits and reviews client on site inspections.
  • Serves as liaison between other UCSF departments and communicating with regulatory agencies, clinical laboratories, and other businesses outside of UCSF.
  • Assists other University departments to comply with equipment inventory, chemical inventory, equipment surplus and laboratory inspections.
  • Contacts service companies for quotations and submitting service agreement contracts in BearBuy to obtain Purchase Orders.
  • Contacts supply companies for quotations and submitting orders in BearBuy
  • Participates in the development and monitoring of policies and standard operating procedures for the laboratory.
  • Coordinates inventory planning and purchasing and instrument service contracts.

5
Yes
  • Writes e-mails/letters/memos requested by HAL directors (to include, but not limited to requesting to discard/return samples to clinical labs/study directors after study completion, coodinating with other UC personnel (outside of the HAL) about shipments/supplies, and requesting positive incurred quality control needed for validating analytical methods and completing bioanalytical studies).
  • Writes and/or contributes towards instructional and executional procedures on job duties and/or laboratory SOPs

100%
(To update total %, enter the amount of time in whole numbers (without the % symbol - e.g., 15, 20) then highlight the total sum (e.g., 1%) at the bottom of the column and press F9. The total sum should add up to 100%.)
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
• Graduation from high school or a General Education Diploma.
• Three (3) years of laboratory experience or two years of college including courses in the natural, physical or social sciences and two years of laboratory experience, utilizing the techniques or methods required by the position; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Knowledge and abilities essential to the successful performance of the duties assigned to the position.
• Extremely detail oriented; works with an extremely high level of accuracy.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Word.
• Knowledge of necessary lab safety procedures and requirements, implementing and training staff on the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the Biological Use Authorization (BUA) under Research Information Online (RIO), under UC Chemical Inventory under UC Safety and the Emergency Action Plan (EAP).
• Knowledge of a wide variety of specialized laboratory equipment.
• Knowledge of research discipline or instructional design to collaborate effectively with faculty and function as a resource to research and instructional associates.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, professionalism, and organizational skills to develop and maintain effective working relationships with faculty, staff, and personnel outside of the University.
• Excellent written skills to conduct and report on laboratory findings.
• Knowledge of medical and scientific terminology.
• Professional and motivated attitude.
Preferred Qualifications
• Advanced knowledge of information technology, such as networking, database, and security skills.
• Solid leadership skills associated with establishing priorities, scheduling laboratory space, and ensuring completion of multiple projects and work assignments.
• Knowledge of PowerPoint and Access.

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