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Laboratory Researcher Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

UCLA Health

Lab Research Supervisor

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$81K - $170K/yr

Under the direction of the Laboratory Director (Principal Investigator) and/or Laboratory Manager, this position will serve as the Lab Research Supervisor responsible for the day-to-day supervision ...

Cedars-Sinai

Research Intern

West Hollywood, CA · On-site

Observe and assist with laboratory experiments under supervision. * Participate in research discussions, journal clubs, and laboratory meetings. * Conduct scientific literature reviews related to ...

Cedars Sinai

Research Intern

West Hollywood, CA · On-site

Observe and assist with laboratory experiments under supervision. * Participate in research discussions, journal clubs, and laboratory meetings. * Conduct scientific literature reviews related to ...

Cedars Sinai

Research Intern

West Hollywood, CA

Observe and assist with laboratory experiments under supervision. * Participate in research discussions, journal clubs, and laboratory meetings. * Conduct scientific literature reviews related to ...

UC San Diego Health

$27.54 - $33.13/hr

... research, and state-of-the-art clinical services. The department is committed to offering a dynamic learning environment and growing opportunities to its talented and dedicated employees. Under ...

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All JobsLaboratory Researcher JobsLaboratory Researcher Jobs in California

Laboratory Researcher information

See California salary details

$29.6K

$111.6K

$162.3K

How much do laboratory researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for laboratory 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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a laboratory researcher?

To thrive as a Laboratory Researcher, you need a solid background in scientific methods, data analysis, and a relevant degree in biology, chemistry, or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, safety protocols, and software for data collection and analysis—such as ELN systems or statistical programs—is typically required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork set outstanding researchers apart. These skills ensure accurate experimental results, maintain safety standards, and drive meaningful scientific discoveries.

What are some common challenges faced by laboratory researchers, and how can they be managed effectively?

Laboratory researchers often encounter challenges such as troubleshooting experimental protocols, managing time-sensitive tasks, and ensuring accuracy in data collection. Balancing multiple projects and adapting to unexpected results can be demanding, but effective organization and open communication with colleagues help address these issues. Collaborating with team members and seeking feedback from supervisors can also provide valuable support when refining experimental methods or interpreting data.

What is the difference between Laboratory Researcher vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectLaboratory ResearcherLaboratory Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's degree in science or related fieldAssociate's degree or certification in laboratory technology
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academic institutions, pharmaceutical companiesClinical labs, industrial labs, hospitals
Job FocusDesigning experiments, analyzing data, developing new methodsPerforming routine tests, maintaining equipment, preparing samples
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, biotech firms, universitiesHospitals, diagnostic labs, manufacturing plants

The main difference between a Laboratory Researcher and a Laboratory Technician lies in their roles and qualifications. Laboratory Researchers focus on designing experiments and analyzing data, often requiring higher education. Laboratory Technicians perform routine testing and sample preparation, typically with technical certifications. Both roles are essential in scientific and medical labs, but they differ in responsibilities and educational requirements.

What degree do you need to work in a research lab?

Laboratory researchers typically need at least a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as biology, chemistry, or biochemistry. Advanced positions may require a master's degree or Ph.D., along with laboratory skills and experience with scientific tools and techniques.

What does a laboratory researcher do?

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

What are popular job titles related to Laboratory Researcher jobs in California?

For Laboratory Researcher jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Laboratory Researcher jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Laboratory Researcher jobs in California are:

Laboratory Researcher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Laboratory Researcher job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 66% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,621 per year, or $53.7 per hour.

Lab Research Supervisor

University of California - Los Angeles Health

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$81K - $170K/yr

Other

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Description

The Department of Medicine is seeking a highly qualified Laboratory Research Supervisor to provide leadership and oversight for laboratory research operations within a dynamic and specialized research environment. Under the direction of the Laboratory Director (Principal Investigator) and/or Laboratory Manager, this position will serve as the Lab Research Supervisor responsible for the day-to-day supervision of the laboratory personnel and operations. The successful candidate will conduct and support laboratory research, which may include routine or non-routine laboratory operations, data interpretation, development and performance of technical protocols and procedures, design of experiments, literature studies, and preparation of scientific papers. This also involves extensive expertise working with research animals, breeding, genotyping, colony management, and associated protocols. 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 Director and supervise staff to ensure accountability and stewardship of laboratory resources.

Annual range: $81,600.00-$170,200.00

Qualifications
Required:
  • Bachelor's Degree in applicable field of laboratory focus or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • 3-5 years' experience in hands on technical laboratory experience in area of laboratory focus.
  • Technical know-how of specialized equipment and laboratory techniques routinely used in the laboratory.
  • Focus of knowledge and skills dependent on area of specialty (laboratory research or instructional / experimental design).
  • Ability to create an environment that promotes positive attitudes, effective communications, trust, collaboration, creativity, and optimal productivity.
  • Developed interpersonal skills, service orientation, ability to multi-task effectively in a varied, high-volume environment, judgment and decision-making, reasoning and effective verbal and written communication skills.
  • Solid interpersonal skills to effectively communicate information in a timely, professional manner and establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with students, staff, faculty, external collaborators and administration and to work as a member of a team.
  • Ability to follow defined priorities and complete ongoing tasks with competing deadlines, with frequent interruptions, to meet the programmatic and financial needs of PIs and the department, while complying with University polices. Demonstrated experience and ability to collaborate effectively with all levels of staff; technical, students, faculty and administrators.
  • Close attention to detail to ensure accuracy in a fast-paced, fluctuating workload environment.
  • Demonstrated ability to be an effective team leader and supervisor.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of safety and regulatory compliance.
  • High level of ethics, integrity, discretion and confidentiality.
  • Skill in reading technical and scientific documents.
  • Ability to conduct and report on scientific experiments and findings.
  • Ability to evaluate performance and competency and recommend corrective action.
  • Leadership skills associated with planning work assignments, establishing priorities and scheduling instructional space.
  • Knowledge of data acquisition and analysis techniques.
  • Advanced knowledge of research discipline or instructional design to collaborate effectively with faculty and function as a resource to research and instructional associates.
  • Knowledge of necessary lab safety procedures and requirements, as well as chemical disposal guidelines.

Preferred:
  • Master's degree or PhD in applicable field of laboratory focus.
  • Ability to contribute to scientific writing.
  • Working knowledge of procurement and inventory management best practices.
  • Ability to successfully recruit and retain laboratory personnel.
  • 2+ years' experience of supervising laboratory personnel and operations.
  • Organizational skills to create and maintain an organized laboratory environment as well as independently balance the various tasks to ensure deadlines are met.

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