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Research Lab Intern Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Polymath AI Labs

AI Research Resident

San Francisco, CA · On-site

About Polymath Polymathisan applied research lab focused on advancing long-horizon agent capabilities through reinforcement learning. We design and scale simulation environments where agents learn to ...

PBS Biotech

Research Associate Intern

Camarillo, CA · On-site

We are seeking a dedicated and highly motivated Research Associate Intern to join our growing ... Learn how to operate and maintain lab equipment and bioreactors. * Learn mammalian cell culture ...

PBS Biotech

Research Associate Intern

Camarillo, CA · On-site

We are seeking a dedicated and highly motivated Research Associate Intern to join our growing ... Learn how to operate and maintain lab equipment and bioreactors. * Learn mammalian cell culture ...

Human Computer Lab

Intern - Growth

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$17.75 - $23.50/hr

Human Computer Lab is a research lab building character robots that feel alive and responsive. Our first robot, LeLamp, explores a new category of consumer robotics where everyday objects become ...

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All JobsResearch Lab Intern JobsResearch Lab Intern Jobs in California

Research Lab Intern information

See California salary details

$2.1K

$6.4K

$7.7K

How much do research lab intern jobs pay per month?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average monthly pay for research lab intern in California is $6,355.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $4,358.33 and $7,566.67 per month, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a research lab intern do?

A Research Lab Intern typically assists in ongoing experiments and research projects under the supervision of senior researchers. Their responsibilities may include collecting and analyzing data, preparing samples, maintaining lab equipment, and documenting results. Interns also help with literature reviews and may contribute to scientific reports or presentations. This role offers hands-on experience in a laboratory setting, allowing interns to develop technical and analytical skills relevant to scientific research.

What types of projects and responsibilities can a research lab intern expect to work on during their internship?

As a Research Lab Intern, you can typically expect to support ongoing experiments, assist with data collection and analysis, and help maintain laboratory equipment. Interns often participate in literature reviews, prepare samples, and contribute to group meetings by presenting findings or progress updates. You'll have the opportunity to collaborate closely with researchers and other interns, gaining hands-on experience and exposure to the scientific process. This role offers excellent opportunities to develop technical skills, expand your professional network, and gain insight into potential career paths within research.

What is the difference between Research Lab Intern vs Research Assistant?

AspectResearch Lab InternResearch Assistant
Required CredentialsTypically students or early-career individuals, often pursuing a degree in a related fieldUsually students or recent graduates with some research experience or coursework
Work EnvironmentAcademic or research institutions, laboratories, universitiesUniversities, research centers, sometimes industry labs
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions, research projects, internships for skill developmentAcademic research projects, supporting senior researchers, data collection and analysis

Research Lab Interns are typically students gaining initial research experience, often part-time or during internships, while Research Assistants are more involved in ongoing research activities, supporting senior researchers with data collection, analysis, and project tasks. Both roles are common in academic settings but differ in experience level and responsibilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a research lab intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Research Lab Intern, you typically need a background in science or engineering, basic laboratory skills, and familiarity with fundamental research methods. Experience with lab equipment, data analysis software (such as Excel or specialized scientific programs), and adherence to safety protocols are commonly required. Attention to detail, strong communication, and a willingness to learn help interns excel and contribute effectively to the team. These skills ensure accurate experimental results, a safe lab environment, and productive collaboration with supervisors and peers.

What are the most commonly searched types of Research Lab jobs in California?

The most popular types of Research Lab jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Research Lab Intern jobs in California?

For Research Lab Intern jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Research Lab Intern jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Research Lab Intern jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Research Lab Intern jobs?

Cities in California with the most Research Lab Intern job openings:

Research Lab Intern jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Lab Intern job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,262 per year, or $36.7 per hour.

AI Research Resident

Polymath AI Labs

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Contractor

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

About PolymathPolymathisan applied research lab focused on advancing long-horizon agent capabilities through reinforcement learning. We design and scale simulation environments where agents learn to operate safely and autonomously. We work with the world's leading model labs to push the frontier of agent capabilities. We've raised >$8M from Base10, Founders Future, Y Combinator, and other incredible investors & angels.
About the role
We're looking for talented researchers currently enrolled in MS / PhD programs to collaborate on a research project focused around frontier benchmarks and environments for long-horizon AI agents. This will require 1) identifying failure modes in frontier models, 2) developing rigorous benchmarks that evaluate how well frontier agents perform on complex, realistic tasks requiring long-horizon reasoning and tool use in dynamic environments, and 3) training autonomous agents that can reason, plan, and act over extended time horizons.
We can accommodate full-time or part-time engagements. If you're interested in joining Polymath but are not currently a student, please apply to the Member of Technical Staff role.
You'll be a good fit if you:
  • Are currently pursuing an MS or PhD program in Computer Science or a related field
  • Have experience with reinforcement learning, benchmarking frontier models, or model post-training
  • Have experience with systems engineering and can write production-quality code
  • Have a strong track record of publications
  • Have high agency, move quickly, and enjoy working on open-ended research problems

Culture
  • Polymath is a team of researchers, engineers, and operators focused on advancing the frontier of safe, superintelligent AI agents.
  • We have a flat organizational structure. We believe that people do their best work when they're self-motivated and driven by a desire to learn, contribute to the team's goals, and advance scientific progress.
  • We're looking for folks who ship fast, set high standards for themselves, and are great team players.

Apply