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Research Lab Volunteer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Research Coordinator

Boston, MA ยท On-site

$48K - $66K/yr

Train and supervise lab volunteers working on the grant * Research and purchase equipment to support lab operations * Manage finances and balance project budgets * Develop and maintain laboratory ...

Research Assistant

Milwaukee, WI ยท On-site

$19 - $26/hr

Lab studies will examine how human memory supports optimal decision making in both familiar ... This volunteer position that will last for two semesters. This position is ideal for those ...

$14.25 - $19.50/hr

The Arana Research Lab at Rutgers Cancer Institute is seeking a Research Assistant, Per Diem to ... Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred ...

Showing results 21-40

Research Lab Volunteer information

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How much do research lab volunteer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for research lab volunteer in the United States is $22.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $27.40 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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What cities are hiring for Research Lab Volunteer jobs?

Cities with the most Research Lab Volunteer job openings:

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

The most popular types of Research Lab jobs are:

What states have the most Research Lab Volunteer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Research Lab Volunteer jobs include:

Infographic showing various Research Lab Volunteer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 76% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,815 per year, or $22 per hour.

Research Coordinator

Boston, MA โ€ข On-site

Northeastern University
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schoolsย โ€ขย 1 - 5K employees

$48K - $66K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

About the Opportunity
About the Plasticity in Neurodevelopment (PINE) Lab
The PINE Lab at Northeastern University, led by Professor Laurel Gabard-Durnam, is part of the Center for Cognitive and Brain Health in the Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Complex at Northeastern University, a community of labs examining brain, mental, and physical health across the lifespan.
Job Summary
The Department of Psychology is seeking a full-time Research Coordinator to work in the PINE Lab. This role will support Project SCALE, which examines how scalable, low-cost electroencephalography (EEG) methods can be used in multiple contexts globally to better understand early child development and evaluate clinical trial success and outcomes in infancy. The role oversees integration with existing cohorts and clinical trials across more than five countries in Sub-Saharan Africa and manages the lab's relationship with huru, the company co-creating the EEG hardware and software solution for this work. The role is based in Boston, MA, but includes opportunities for travel to other countries. This role provides experience with all aspects of the research process, which could serve as a launchpad to graduate studies.
Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities
Data Management and Project Management
  • Manage project administration activities, including Institutional Review Board (IRB) interactions, financial reimbursements, database management, and data processing
  • Train and supervise lab volunteers working on the grant
  • Research and purchase equipment to support lab operations
  • Manage finances and balance project budgets
  • Develop and maintain laboratory websites
  • Support hiring activities, including drafting advertisements, identifying posting venues, and conducting initial applicant reviews
  • Develop and document laboratory practices, procedures, and manuals
  • Communicate with administrators across the University regarding project and operational needs
  • Troubleshoot operational, technical, and project-related issues as they arise

Collaborative Teamwork on Data Projects
  • Develop and manage IRB applications for human subjects research studies
  • Compose and modify research protocols
  • Organize and maintain human subjects research data
  • Maintain secure project databases
  • Perform computer coding, data analysis, and programming tasks using MATLAB, Python, R, Unix, shell scripting (bash, tsch), and HTML

Manuscript Preparation with Primary Authorship Opportunities
  • Conduct literature reviews
  • Contribute to hypothesis generation
  • Draft initial manuscripts with mentoring from Dr. Gabard-Durnam
  • Solicit, incorporate, and respond to feedback from co-authors

Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree required in Developmental or Clinical Psychology, Neuroscience, Public Health, or a related field
  • Excellent organizational and communication skills
  • Ability to work independently
  • Experience managing large-scale pediatric data or clinical trial data
  • Experience with electroencephalography (EEG) or functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data acquisition and analysis is helpful but not required

Applicants must include the following documentation with their application:
1. Resume
2. Cover Letter
The University is unable to work sponsor for this role, now or in the future.
Position Type
Research
Additional Information
Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.
Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement- as well as commuting & transportation. Visit https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/ for more information.
All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Compensation Grade/Pay Type:
106S
Expected Hiring Range:
$48,610.00 - $66,838.75
With the pay range(s) shown above, the starting salary will depend on several factors, which may include your education, experience, location, knowledge and expertise, and skills as well as a pay comparison to similarly-situated employees already in the role. Salary ranges are reviewed regularly and are subject to change.