Associate Scientist Jobs in California
Associate Scientist jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and environmental testing, with openings at every level from entry-level research associate through senior associate scientist. The heaviest hiring is in San Diego, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Los Angeles, where established employers such as Genentech, Gilead Sciences, and Thermo Fisher Scientific maintain large research and development operations. The most in-demand specialties are cell biology, analytical chemistry, and molecular diagnostics. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 69+ Associate Scientist jobs
The Position
A healthier future. It’s what drives us to innovate. To continuously advance science and ensure everyone has access to the healthcare they need today and for generations to come. Creating a world where we all have more time with the people we love. That’s what makes us Genentech, a member of the Roche Group!
As part of Pharma Technical Development (PTD) our organization is committed to deliver the Pharma ambitions by bringing game-changing therapies from clinical phase I into the market to serve every patient, every day. Our core business is to develop safe, innovative and effective drugs using cutting edge technologies for manufacturing process (Drug Substance and Drug Product), clinical supply, formulation, device, packaging, and analytical development.
As an integrated partner within the drug development ecosystem, Global Biologics Pharmaceutical Development is dedicated to effectively developing innovative and patient-centered parenteral drug products including Formulation and Process Development and Drug Delivery Systems.
The Opportunity
The Principal Associate Scientist ensures robust clinical and commercial parenteral drug product process designs for effective process validation and successful commercialization. This includes hands-on work at laboratory, pilot plant, and commercial scale of biopharmaceutical processing facility for process development, scale up, technology transfer and troubleshooting. Examples of pharmaceutical processing are DP liquid filling and finishing, prefilled syringe, drying technologies, bulk freezing and thawing, sterile filtration, mixing, primary container packaging development, etc. In this role, you are expected to work with formulation scientists, device engineers, and manufacturing staff to conduct drug product process development, perform technology transfers to internal and external CMO sites.
The Principal Associate Scientist works within the Global Drug Product Process Engineering group to support the globally harmonized strategy deployment and ensure right-first-time clinical and launch technology transfers. Principal Associate Scientist contributes to assessment of new technologies, activities related to patent applications and manuscripts for external publication, and presentations at conferences or meetings.
Your key responsibilities:
Develop and support Drug Product pharmaceutical processes and technology including freeze/ thaw, mixing, filtration, filling, lyophilization, sterilization, etc.
Design appropriate small scale models to understand mechanisms and derisk at-scale processes.
Interact and collaborate with other functions including PTD, Quality, Regulatory, Commercial, and Manufacturing organizations in cross-functional projects.
Author, review, and approve internal technical, development, validation, and manufacturing documents, including protocols, reports, exceptions, regulatory filings, SOPs etc.
Execute development and qualification studies, technology transfers, and new technology investigations.
Interact with project teams and leadership to communicate results and drive projects.
Who you are
Our ideal candidate will meet the following criteria:
B.S. in chemical engineering, pharmaceutical sciences, chemistry, bioengineering or a related engineering discipline with 2+ years of relevant industry experience
Ability to translate expertise in chemical engineering, chemistry and biology into a first principles understanding of DP processes and the underlying chemistry.
Excellent analytical and problem solving abilities, hands-on experience with protein processing, lab techniques, and instrumentation.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to interact and influence in a multi- disciplinary group setting.
Knowledge of GMP documentation principles.
Knowledge of relevant standards, guidance for industry, and regulatory statutes.
Ability to contribute to several multi-faceted, cross-functional projects.
Preferred:
Relevant biopharmaceutical industry experience
Expertise in process development for large molecule parenteral Drug Product pharmaceuticals
Demonstrated experience implementing processes in a clinical or commercial manufacturing facility
Relocation benefits are not available for this job posting.
The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location of South San Francisco, CA is $92,600 - 172,000. Actual pay will be determined based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other job-related factors permitted by law. A discretionary annual bonus may be available based on individual and Company performance. This position also qualifies for the benefits detailed at the link provided below.
Benefits
Genentech is an equal opportunity employer. It is our policy and practice to employ, promote, and otherwise treat any and all employees and applicants on the basis of merit, qualifications, and competence. The company's policy prohibits unlawful discrimination, including but not limited to, discrimination on the basis of Protected Veteran status, individuals with disabilities status, and consistent with all federal, state, or local laws.
If you have a disability and need an accommodation in relation to the online application process, please contact us by completing this form Accommodations for Applicants.
The Position
A healthier future. It’s what drives us to innovate. To continuously advance science and ensure everyone has access to the healthcare they need today and for generations to come. Creating a world where we all have more time with the people we love. That’s what makes us Genentech, a member of the Roche Group!
As part of Pharma Technical Development (PTD) our organization is committed to deliver the Pharma ambitions by bringing game-changing therapies from clinical phase I into the market to serve every patient, every day. Our core business is to develop safe, innovative and effective drugs using cutting edge technologies for manufacturing process (Drug Substance and Drug Product), clinical supply, formulation, device, packaging, and analytical development.
As an integrated partner within the drug development ecosystem, Global Biologics Pharmaceutical Development is dedicated to effectively developing innovative and patient-centered parenteral drug products including Formulation and Process Development and Drug Delivery Systems.
The Opportunity
The Principal Associate Scientist ensures robust clinical and commercial parenteral drug product process designs for effective process validation and successful commercialization. This includes hands-on work at laboratory, pilot plant, and commercial scale of biopharmaceutical processing facility for process development, scale up, technology transfer and troubleshooting. Examples of pharmaceutical processing are DP liquid filling and finishing, prefilled syringe, drying technologies, bulk freezing and thawing, sterile filtration, mixing, primary container packaging development, etc. In this role, you are expected to work with formulation scientists, device engineers, and manufacturing staff to conduct drug product process development, perform technology transfers to internal and external CMO sites.
The Principal Associate Scientist works within the Global Drug Product Process Engineering group to support the globally harmonized strategy deployment and ensure right-first-time clinical and launch technology transfers. Principal Associate Scientist contributes to assessment of new technologies, activities related to patent applications and manuscripts for external publication, and presentations at conferences or meetings.
Your key responsibilities:
Develop and support Drug Product pharmaceutical processes and technology including freeze/ thaw, mixing, filtration, filling, lyophilization, sterilization, etc.
Design appropriate small scale models to understand mechanisms and derisk at-scale processes.
Interact and collaborate with other functions including PTD, Quality, Regulatory, Commercial, and Manufacturing organizations in cross-functional projects.
Author, review, and approve internal technical, development, validation, and manufacturing documents, including protocols, reports, exceptions, regulatory filings, SOPs etc.
Execute development and qualification studies, technology transfers, and new technology investigations.
Interact with project teams and leadership to communicate results and drive projects.
Who you are
Our ideal candidate will meet the following criteria:
B.S. in chemical engineering, pharmaceutical sciences, chemistry, bioengineering or a related engineering discipline with 2+ years of relevant industry experience
Ability to translate expertise in chemical engineering, chemistry and biology into a first principles understanding of DP processes and the underlying chemistry.
Excellent analytical and problem solving abilities, hands-on experience with protein processing, lab techniques, and instrumentation.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to interact and influence in a multi- disciplinary group setting.
Knowledge of GMP documentation principles.
Knowledge of relevant standards, guidance for industry, and regulatory statutes.
Ability to contribute to several multi-faceted, cross-functional projects.
Preferred:
Relevant biopharmaceutical industry experience
Expertise in process development for large molecule parenteral Drug Product pharmaceuticals
Demonstrated experience implementing processes in a clinical or commercial manufacturing facility
Relocation benefits are not available for this job posting.
The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location of South San Francisco, CA is $92,600 - 172,000. Actual pay will be determined based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other job-related factors permitted by law. A discretionary annual bonus may be available based on individual and Company performance. This position also qualifies for the benefits detailed at the link provided below.
Benefits
Genentech is an equal opportunity employer. It is our policy and practice to employ, promote, and otherwise treat any and all employees and applicants on the basis of merit, qualifications, and competence. The company's policy prohibits unlawful discrimination, including but not limited to, discrimination on the basis of Protected Veteran status, individuals with disabilities status, and consistent with all federal, state, or local laws.
If you have a disability and need an accommodation in relation to the online application process, please contact us by completing this form Accommodations for Applicants.
See All 69 Associate Scientist Jobs in California
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Find Associate Scientist JobsAssociate Scientist Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Associate Scientist Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Science & Research
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
- Education
- Technology & Software
- Chemicals & Materials
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in associate scientist jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, or a closely related scientific field
- Hands-on laboratory experience with techniques such as PCR, ELISA, or cell culture
- Familiarity with Good Laboratory Practice and Good Manufacturing Practice regulations
- Experience with data analysis software and laboratory information management systems
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for scientific documentation and team collaboration
- Ability to work in a regulated California biotech or pharmaceutical research environment
Associate Scientist Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a associate scientist in California?
The standard path is a bachelor's degree in a life science or chemistry discipline, followed by laboratory experience gained through internships, university research programs, or entry-level technician roles. California does not require a state-issued license specifically for associate scientists, but roles in clinical or environmental laboratories may require staff to work under a California-licensed laboratory director. Building proficiency in techniques common to California's biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, such as cell culture and analytical chemistry, strengthens candidacy considerably.
Which companies hire associate scientists in California?
Employers hiring associate scientists in California right now include Amgen, UC San Diego, and Gilead Sciences, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. California's dense concentration of biotechnology and pharmaceutical headquarters, particularly in San Diego and the Bay Area, means hiring tends to be ongoing rather than seasonal.
Which California cities have the most associate scientist jobs?
San Diego, South San Francisco, and Foster City have the most associate scientist openings in California. San Diego and the Bay Area dominate because they host the highest concentration of biotechnology and pharmaceutical headquarters and research campuses in the state, while Los Angeles draws openings through its growing life sciences corridor and large university-affiliated medical research institutions.
Are there remote associate scientist jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. Associate scientist work is largely hands-on and laboratory-based, which limits remote arrangements. About 15% of associate scientist openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, and those positions tend to involve data analysis, regulatory writing, or scientific project coordination rather than bench work.
How can I get hired as a associate scientist in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry point is applying to associate scientist or research associate roles at California biotechnology or contract research organizations that run structured new-graduate programs, such as those offered by large San Diego and Bay Area employers. University core facilities, California Department of Public Health laboratories, and environmental testing firms also hire candidates without industry experience. Moving laterally from a laboratory technician or quality control analyst role is a proven path. A strong undergraduate research record or relevant internship experience at a California institution gives candidates a clear edge.
Where can I find and apply to associate scientist jobs in California?
You can find and apply to associate scientist jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, environmental science, and related industries. Find roles that fit your background and apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 69 Associate Scientist Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Associate Scientist Jobs