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Lab Researcher Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Headlands Research

Lab Technician

Escondido, CA · On-site

$24 - $27/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

At Headlands Research, we are dedicated to enhancing clinical trial delivery within our communities ... Prepare lab kits for each subject based on study protocols. * Ship biological specimens following ...

Headlands Research

Lab Technician

Escondido, CA · On-site

$24 - $27/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

At Headlands Research, we are dedicated to enhancing clinical trial delivery within our communities ... Prepare lab kits for each subject based on study protocols. * Ship biological specimens following ...

Headlands Research

Lab Technician

Escondido, CA · On-site

$24 - $27/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

The Role: The Laboratory Technician is a key member of the clinical research and laboratory ... The technician will work with sensitive laboratory equipment, maintain a clean and organized lab ...

Headlands Research

Lab Technician

Escondido, CA · On-site

$24 - $27/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

The Role: The Laboratory Technician is a key member of the clinical research and laboratory ... The technician will work with sensitive laboratory equipment, maintain a clean and organized lab ...

Gensler

Lab Planner - Tech Research & Development

San Jose, CA · On-site

$22.25 - $29.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Handshake

Senior UX Researcher, Taxonomy

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$175K - $220K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Scripps Research

RESEARCH TECHNICIAN - Lippi Lab

San Diego, CA · On-site

$18.67 - $24/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Lippi lab at Scripps Research seeks a Research Technician as part of a growing team of investigators studying how post-transcriptional mechanisms instruct brain development and function. We have ...

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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 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:
Lab Researcher jobs near you
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.

Postdoctoral Researcher positions-Kapahi lab

Buck Institute for Research on Aging

Novato, CA • On-site

$73K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY
Postdoctoral Researcher - Nutrient Signaling, Circadian Rhythms & Neurodegeneration
The Kapahi Lab at the Buck Institute for Research on Aging is recruiting Postdoctoral Researchers to lead innovative projects exploring how circadian clocks and nutrient-responsive pathways influence eye and neuronal degeneration. These positions use bioinformatic and systems biology approaches to integrate findings from Drosophila and human data, with a focus on conserved mechanisms in aging and age-related disease.
Our lab uses a cross-disciplinary toolkit-genetics, pharmacology, biochemistry, and genomics-to understand how nutrition impacts the biology of aging. Model systems include C. elegans, D. melanogaster, and mammalian cells.
Why Join Us?
  • Work in a highly collaborative, well-funded lab focused on translational aging research
  • Access to state-of-the-art core facilities and rich model organism resources
  • Strong mentorship with a track record of supporting K99/R00 applications
  • Ideal for researchers seeking to transition to independent academic careers

QUALIFICATIONS
  • PhD in Biology, Bioinformatics, Neuroscience, or a related field.
  • Experience with model organisms and/or bioinformatic data analysis is an advantage, but not essential.
  • Willingness to write grants and manuscripts is a prerequisite.

PUBLICATIONS
  1. Bar S, Wilson KA, Dammer EB, Schilling B, Seyfried NT, Ellerby LM, Kapahi P. Neuronal glycogen breakdown exerts a neuroprotective effect in models of Alzheimer's disease by enhancing flux through the pentose phosphate pathway. accepted Nat Metabolism 2025
  2. Wilson KA, Bar S, Dammer EB, Carrera EM, Hodge BA, Hilsabeck TAU, Bons J, Brownridge GW 3rd, Beck JN, Rose J, Granath-Panelo M, Nelson CS, Qi G, Gerencser AA, Lan J, Afenjar A, Chawla G, Brem RB, Campeau PM, Bellen HJ, Schilling B, Seyfried NT, Ellerby LM, Kapahi P. OXR1 maintains the retromer to delay brain aging under dietary restriction. Nat Commun. 2024 Jan 11;15(1):467. PMID: 38212606; PMCID: PMC10784588.
  3. Longitudinal fundus imaging and its genome-wide association analysis provide evidence for a human retinal aging clock. Sara Ahadi, Kenneth A Wilson Jr, Boris Babenko, Cory Y McLean, Drew Bryant, Orion Pritchard, Ajay Kumar, Enrique M Carrera, Ricardo Lamy, Jay M Stewart, Avinash Varadarajan, Marc Berndl, Pankaj Kapahi, Ali Bashir. Elife. 2023 Mar 28; https://elifesciences.org/articles/82364
  4. Dietary restriction and clock delay eye aging to extend lifespan in melanogaster. Hodge BA, Meyerhof GT, Katewa SD, Lian T, Lau C ,Bar S, Leung NY, Li M, Li-Kroeger D, Melov S, Schilling B, Montell C, Kapahi P. Nat Commun. 2022 Jun 7. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-022-30975-4

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
  • The starting salary for a new postdoc at the Buck is $73,760 in 2026, with a range of up to $81,440, commensurate with postdoc level & experience.
  • Exciting, dynamic work environment at the forefront of science using state-of-the-art techniques.
  • Generous benefits package including health insurance, paid parental leave, childcare assistance, generous vacation/sick leave, and 401(k) with 5% employer match and student loan repayment option.
  • Collaborative and dynamic environment, both for science and social activities.

ABOUT THE BUCK INSTITUTE
Our success will ultimately change healthcare. At the Buck, we aim to end the threat of age-related diseases for this and future generations by bringing together the most capable and passionate scientists from a broad range of disciplines to identify and impede how we age. We are an independent, non-profit institution located in Marin County, CA, to increase human health span or the healthy years of life. Globally recognized as the pioneer and leader in efforts to target aging-the number one risk factor for diseases including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, cancer, macular degeneration, heart disease, and diabetes-the Buck seeks to help people live better longer. We are an equal-opportunity employer and strive to create an atmosphere where diversity of identity, experience, and background is welcomed, valued, and supported. Candidates who contribute to this diversity are strongly encouraged to apply.
TO APPLY
Interested candidates should apply online and upload a CV, cover letter, and contact information for 3 professional references.
For questions regarding this position, please email [email protected] or visit https://www.buckinstitute.org/lab/kapahi-lab/

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