[themoonbus]

I worked at an academic research lab for several years as a web developer / ux designer, and we definitely had need for talented people who were willing to work for far-less-than-market pay.

Just do a Google search for "name of university in your area" + "research labs" or "research groups". Look for a lab that you're interested in, and find out who the head of the lab is (Principle Investigator, Director), or find a senior researcher. Get their email address, and go ahead and send your resume with a cover letter.

I can't speak for all research labs, but we did interview people who "cold-called" us.

Alternatively, you can search university job boards, but we didn't always create official job postings every time we needed some one.