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Research Lab Volunteer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Research Lab Volunteer information

What is a research lab volunteer?

Research lab volunteers are individuals who assist in scientific or academic research projects, often without monetary compensation. They may help with tasks such as data collection, lab maintenance, experiment setup, or administrative work. Volunteers gain hands-on experience, learn about scientific methods, and contribute to the advancement of research. These positions are commonly held by students or individuals interested in pursuing a career in science or research. Volunteering in a lab can also be a valuable way to build professional networks and strengthen a resume.

What types of tasks and responsibilities can I expect as a research lab volunteer?

As a Research Lab Volunteer, your typical tasks may include assisting with data collection, preparing laboratory materials, maintaining equipment, and supporting ongoing experiments under supervision. You might also help with administrative duties such as organizing samples, inputting data, or conducting literature reviews. The role offers hands-on experience in a collaborative setting, often working alongside researchers, technicians, and other students. This exposure can help you develop practical laboratory skills and gain a clearer understanding of the scientific research process.

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

To thrive as a Research Lab Volunteer, you typically need a background in science coursework, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn laboratory protocols. Familiarity with basic lab equipment, safety procedures, and possibly data entry systems like Excel or lab management software is often expected. Strong communication, teamwork, and a proactive attitude help you effectively support researchers and adapt to dynamic lab environments. These skills ensure accurate results, maintain safety standards, and contribute positively to the research team's objectives.

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

AspectResearch Lab VolunteerResearch Assistant
CredentialsUsually no formal degree required; some background in science preferredTypically requires a bachelor's degree in a related field
Work EnvironmentLaboratory or research facility, often unpaid or volunteer basisLaboratory, research projects, often paid or with academic credit
Employer & IndustryUniversities, research institutes, non-profit organizationsUniversities, research institutions, government agencies

Research Lab Volunteers assist with basic tasks and support research projects without formal employment or advanced credentials. Research Assistants usually have relevant educational background and perform more specialized research duties. Both roles are common in academic and research settings, but Research Assistants typically have more responsibilities and qualifications.

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 cities in California are hiring for Research Lab Volunteer jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Research Lab Volunteer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, and 22% Part Time. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Hybrid job distribution.

$33.13/hr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

Special Instructions to Applicants
To be considered for this position, applicants must submit a resume, cover letter, and a list of references. Please have these documents ready for upload when completing your application. You may combine your cover letter and list of references into a single file and copy and paste it in the "Cover Letter" section.
Department Summary
The UCLA Department of Psychology is an exceptional department known for its excellence in research, teaching, and service. With a distinguished faculty comprising more than 60 ladder rank members, it is one of the nation's top psychology departments. Its undergraduate program is the largest within the Division of Life Sciences and the UCLA College, with nearly 5,000 undergraduate students enrolled across three majors: Psychology, Psychobiology, and Cognitive Science and two minor programs, Applied Developmental Psychology and Youth Behavioral Health Program. The department also offers a comprehensive Ph.D. program with eight areas of study to approximately 200 enrolled graduate students.
Position Summary
The Lab Assistant works with the Principal Investigator(PI), Co- PI and graduate student researchers to coordinate and support studies of predictors of treatment outcome within the context of the UCLA Psychology Clinic by managing data collection, developing and maintaining data bases including electronic health records, and providing data analysis in various programs including Excel, and SPSS. Provides in-depth phone screening to assess mental health history and eligibility for participation in the Clinic; acts as a liaison with psychological patients, their family members, treatment providers, faculty, and graduate students; manages scheduling of clinical research participants and assists with the management of the day-to-day operation of the laboratory including scheduling and managing phone calls and email inquiries.
Salary & Compensation
*UCLA provides a full pay range. Actual salary offers consider factors, including budget, prior experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business considerations. Salary offers at the top of the range are not common. Visit UC Benefit package to discover benefits that start on day one, and UC Total Compensation Estimator to calculate the total compensation value with benefits.
Qualifications
  • Understanding of lab research methods. (Required)
  • Coursework in Statistics and Research Design. (Required)
  • Experience working or volunteering in research lab settings. (Required)
  • Demonstrated interpersonal skills that are needed to elicit sensitive information in interactions with research participants and communicate effectively with research participants, students, staff, and supervisorsComputer skills including word processing, web applications, email, spreadsheets, and databases (especially Excel, Word, Outlook, and SPSS). (Required)
  • Skill in independently prioritizing assignments to complete work in a timely fashion and demonstrating flexibility in responding to changing needs and resolving issues. (Required)
  • Ability to use standard office equipment, including multi-line telephones, recording equipment, and scanners. (Required)
  • Ability to communicate clearly and effectively verbally and in writing, including proper grammar, spelling and punctuation, to obtain and convey information to individuals from diverse and varying backgrounds. (Required)
  • Excellent organizational and time management skills. (Required)
  • Knowledge of payment processing systems. (Cash-net and PCI). (Preferred)
  • Knowledge of forms and submission procedures to obtain research approval from the UCLA Institutional Review Board and Office for the Protection of Human Subjects. (Preferred)
  • Demonstrated ability to maintain professionalism and good decision making when confronted with difficult people or situations, either on the telephone or in person. (Required)
  • Skill in working independently and following through on assignments.Demonstrated ability to handle confidential materials with discretion. (Required)

  • Education, Licenses, Certifications & Personal Affiliations
  • Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, Psychobiology, or related field or equivalent experience / training. (Preferred)

  • Special Conditions for Employment
  • Background Check: Continued employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background investigation.
  • Live Scan Background Check: A Live Scan background check must be completed prior to the start of employment.
  • CANRA: The position is designated as a mandatory reporter under CANRA. The employee must sign the "Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse".

  • Schedule
    8:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m.
    Union/Policy Covered
    TX-Systemwide Technical
    Complete Position Description
    https://universityofcalifornia.marketpayjobs.com/ShowJob.aspx?EntityID=38&JDName=Lab%20Assistant%202%20(40349229)