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Lab Researcher Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

We work directly with frontier AI lab researchers to create evaluations, publish benchmarks, and push the boundary of data. We've grown from $0 to ~$1B run rate and pay ~$60M to over 30K individuals ...

Senior UX Researcher

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$140 - $180/hr

We work directly with frontier AI lab researchers to create evaluations, publish benchmarks, and push the boundary of data. We've grown from $0 to ~$1B run rate and pay ~$60M to over 30K individuals ...

Lab Planner - Tech Research & Development

San Jose, CA · On-site

$22.25 - $29.50/hr

Seattle, WA, US Description Your Role Gensler is seeking a Senior Tech R&D Lab Planner to join our Advanced Tech team. This interior architecture role is suited for a lab planning specialist with a ...

Research Lab Tech II

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$25.71 - $30.14/hr

The Research Lab Tech II position is available immediately with benefits and salary commiserate to experience level. Prior trainees have published in prestigious journals ( Nature, Cell, Neuron, Cell ...

Showing results 41-60

Lab Researcher information

See California salary details

$29.6K

$111.6K

$162.3K

How much do lab researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 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 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.

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.

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.

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 specialized training or advanced degrees for more advanced roles. Gaining experience through internships, research projects, or laboratory work helps develop necessary skills, and familiarity with lab equipment and safety protocols is essential.
Infographic showing various Lab Researcher job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 10% 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.

$120K - $151K/yr

Other

Posted 29 days ago


UCLA rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 77 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

190th of 628 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Position description
Associate Researcher will perform independent research on air pollution and stroke risk (funded by the American Heart Association) as well as contribute scientifically to other air pollution (including wildfire smoke) related studies currently conducted in the department (funded by NIH and others) that are addressing pregnancy and child outcomes as well as neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease. The successful candidate will be expected to develop and maintain an independent research portfolio that complements the laboratory's research program, including pursuing extramural funding as Principal Investigator and establishing collaborative research initiatives. The individual should be able to supervise graduate and undergraduate student researchers, postdocs and other junior lab members, and be willing to contribute to manuscripts and grant proposals by other lab members. This position requires a Ph.D. in Epidemiology and a minimum of 5 years of experience in related research and/or public health administration in this field. The Associate Researcher position is a non-Senate position for 12 months in the first instance. Step is commensurate with experience.
Salary range is $120,300 - $151,900
The collaborative research the applicant will be asked to contribute to focuses on the health effects of air pollution on the brain. The candidate will have the opportunity to design new studies based on existing data and resources and be responsible for all elements of data processing and complex statistical analyses, including longitudinal study designs. As the research program develops, the candidate will also be expected to initiate and lead independent research projects that complement and expand the laboratory's research portfolio.
Specific Responsibilities include:
Responsibilities of this position include study design, large data processing (such as multi-year air pollution and wildfire data), statistical analyses, and literature review and manuscript and grant preparation.
Additional Duties:
• Supervision of undergraduates, graduate students and new postdoctoral trainees in the lab.• Ability to work on multiple projects efficiently and effectively.• Ability to work independently on scientific projects.• Assist with preparation of grant proposals.• Preparation of manuscripts for publication in scientific journals.• Required to communicate well with other scientists and engage in collaborative projects.• Candidate should have >5 years research experience in a research or academic setting or equivalent.• Candidate should have extensive experience in epidemiologic studies.• The candidate will report directly to the Principal Investigator and will successfully carry out data analyses with minimal supervision.• Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.• Ability to help and train various personnel in technical skills and make significant contributions to the design and execution of other epidemiologic studies in the PI's lab.
Qualifications
Basic qualifications
Ph.D. or similar
Preferred qualifications
Ph.D. in Environmental Epidemiology and a minimum of 10 years of experience in research and demonstrated experience in extramural grants and public health service.
Application Requirements
Document requirements
  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
  • Cover Letter (Optional)
  • Statement of Research
  • Reference check authorization release form - Complete and upload the reference check authorization release form
  • UCLA Mission Statement - As the nation's premier public research university, UC's mission is the creation, dissemination, preservation and application of knowledge for the betterment of our global society. We have a particular responsibility to the people of California which we express in the excellence of the education we provide, the impact of the research we do, the comprehensive, life-saving medical services we provide, and the public service mission we are devoted to. The University of California promotes the social mobility of its students, equips them with the tools and experience that furthers their ambitions, and regards their accomplishments across the life span as evidence of the profoundly positive impact of higher education.
    The UCLA campus has expressed these goals in its strategic plan as follows:
    Deepen our engagement with Los Angeles
    Expand our reach as a global university
    Enhance our research and creative activities
    Elevate how we teach
    Become a more effective institution
    Prompt for candidates for recruitment:
    Reflecting on your personal and professional experiences, highlight your past contributions and future commitments to advancing UCLA's mission as embodied in the 2023-28 strategic plan. These accomplishments and ambitions may be discussed in the context of describing your teaching, scholarship, and service

Reference requirements
  • 3-5 required (contact information only)

References for serious candidates may be contacted.
Apply link: https://recruit.apo.ucla.edu/JPF11200
Help contact: jlinares@ph.ucla.edu
About UCLA
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.
The University of California 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 status under state or federal law.
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, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, 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

Job location
Los Angeles, CA

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Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Los Angeles, CA, US

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