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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Job Overview
Position Overview:
The Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource (SSRL), a Directorate of the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, is developing a state-of-the-art Hard X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy / Photoemission Electron Microscopy (HAXPES/PEEM) beamline with a strong focus on probing electronic and chemical states in buried layers of functional devices, particularly for microelectronics applications. We seek an outstanding Associate Scientist to contribute to the design, construction, commissioning of this new beamline and, once it is in operation, to scientific program development and user support.
The successful candidate will join the Materials Science Division and become an integral member of a highly collaborative, interdisciplinary research environment that combines staff-led scientific programs with close engagement and collaboration with the SSRL user community. This position offers an excellent opportunity to contribute to a flagship SSRL beamline while developing independent research in microelectronics, semiconductor materials, quantum information science, and related fields.
Your specific responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Beamline and Endstation Development
- Contribute to the design, development, and commissioning of the HAXPES/PEEM beamline and associated endstation.
- Define and translate scientific requirements into technical specifications for beamline optics, monochromators, electron analyzer, and sample environments optimized for hard X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.
- Work closely with the project manager, engineers, technical staff, and scientists to develop robust, high-performance instrumentation.
- Participate in system integration, testing, commissioning, and performance optimization.
Scientific Research and Leadership
- Develop a research program using HAXPES/PEEM, aligned with the mission of the SSRL Materials Science Division.
- Conduct innovative research in areas such as microelectronics, semiconductor devices, thin films, heterostructures, and buried interfaces.
- Collaborate with SSRL scientists, academic users, and external partners.
- Publish research results and present research at conferences and workshops.
User Program Development and Collaboration
- Play a central role in establishing and growing the HAXPES/PEEM user program at SSRL.
- Engage with the user community to identify emerging scientific opportunities and guide the evolution of beamline capabilities.
- Support users throughout the experimental lifecycle, including experimental design, beamtime execution, and data analysis.
- Develop and maintain comprehensive user training and outreach activities, including workshops, tutorials, and documentation.
Operations, Service, and Division Engagement
- Manage routine beamline operations, endstation maintenance, and continuous performance improvement.
- Ensure safe operation of the beamline in accordance with SLAC and DOE requirements.
- Contribute to division-wide scientific initiatives, mentoring, outreach, and strategic planning.
Note: This position is posted at the Associate Staff Scientist level. The Associate Scientist position is a 3-to-5-year fixed-term position and the entry level in the Staff Scientist career path. The Associate Scientist position is scheduled to be assessed after the 3-to-5-year period, with the possibility of appointment to the Staff Scientist level.
Application materials must include a cover letter, a research statement (including a brief-summary of accomplishments), a curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references for future letters of recommendation.
SLAC is a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) laboratory operated by Stanford University and based in Menlo Park, CA.
To be successful in this position, you will bring:
- Ph.D. in physics, applied physics, materials science, or a related discipline, with a minimum of two years of post-PhD research experience.
- Demonstrated research excellence in materials science, supported by publications and experimental achievements.
- Extensive knowledge and hands-on experience with HAXPES and/or PEEM techniques.
- Demonstrated competence in developing, operating, and maintaining complex experimental systems at a synchrotron radiation facility.
- Experience with facility operations and user support.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
In addition, preferred qualifications include:
- Research experience in microelectronics or closely related fields.
- Technical expertise in synchrotron beamline or endstation development, including operando or in situ sample environments.
- Proficiency in data analysis, scripting, and scientific programming tools.
Responsibilities
Minimum Qualifications
- Pay Frequency Annually
- Fixed Term Y
- SLAC Business Area Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource Directorate (SSRL)
- Full time or Part time Full Time
- Locations 2575 Sand Hill Rd, Menlo Park, CA, 94025, US (On-site)
- Job Schedule Full time
- Regular or Temporary Regular
- Job Category Research - Other
- Posting Date 11/02/2026, 01:04 PM
- Job Identification 200994
Benefits that support you, and your future
18+ PTO days per year
Health benefits start when you start
Flexible work options
World-class exercise facilities
$6000+ annual tuition and training assistance
403k plan
Mental health and wellness programs
Free and discounted commuter transportation
Applies to regular full-time positions.
The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classifications and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.
Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of their job.
Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
As a national laboratory, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is responsible for Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires employees to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, employees must successfully complete the applicable tier of federal background investigation post hire and receive a favorable federal adjudication. The tier of federal background investigation will be determined by job duties and national security or public trust responsibilities associated with the job. All tiers of investigation include a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last 1 to 7 years (depending on the applicable tier of investigation), illegal drug activities include marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.
For foreign national candidates
If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) Federal risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment. The tier of federal background investigation required to obtain the credential will be determined by job duties at the time you become eligible for the PIV credential.
Job Overview
Position Overview:
The Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource (SSRL), a Directorate of the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, is developing a state-of-the-art Hard X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy / Photoemission Electron Microscopy (HAXPES/PEEM) beamline with a strong focus on probing electronic and chemical states in buried layers of functional devices, particularly for microelectronics applications. We seek an outstanding Associate Scientist to contribute to the design, construction, commissioning of this new beamline and, once it is in operation, to scientific program development and user support.
The successful candidate will join the Materials Science Division and become an integral member of a highly collaborative, interdisciplinary research environment that combines staff-led scientific programs with close engagement and collaboration with the SSRL user community. This position offers an excellent opportunity to contribute to a flagship SSRL beamline while developing independent research in microelectronics, semiconductor materials, quantum information science, and related fields.
Your specific responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Beamline and Endstation Development
- Contribute to the design, development, and commissioning of the HAXPES/PEEM beamline and associated endstation.
- Define and translate scientific requirements into technical specifications for beamline optics, monochromators, electron analyzer, and sample environments optimized for hard X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.
- Work closely with the project manager, engineers, technical staff, and scientists to develop robust, high-performance instrumentation.
- Participate in system integration, testing, commissioning, and performance optimization.
Scientific Research and Leadership
- Develop a research program using HAXPES/PEEM, aligned with the mission of the SSRL Materials Science Division.
- Conduct innovative research in areas such as microelectronics, semiconductor devices, thin films, heterostructures, and buried interfaces.
- Collaborate with SSRL scientists, academic users, and external partners.
- Publish research results and present research at conferences and workshops.
User Program Development and Collaboration
- Play a central role in establishing and growing the HAXPES/PEEM user program at SSRL.
- Engage with the user community to identify emerging scientific opportunities and guide the evolution of beamline capabilities.
- Support users throughout the experimental lifecycle, including experimental design, beamtime execution, and data analysis.
- Develop and maintain comprehensive user training and outreach activities, including workshops, tutorials, and documentation.
Operations, Service, and Division Engagement
- Manage routine beamline operations, endstation maintenance, and continuous performance improvement.
- Ensure safe operation of the beamline in accordance with SLAC and DOE requirements.
- Contribute to division-wide scientific initiatives, mentoring, outreach, and strategic planning.
Note: This position is posted at the Associate Staff Scientist level. The Associate Scientist position is a 3-to-5-year fixed-term position and the entry level in the Staff Scientist career path. The Associate Scientist position is scheduled to be assessed after the 3-to-5-year period, with the possibility of appointment to the Staff Scientist level.
Application materials must include a cover letter, a research statement (including a brief-summary of accomplishments), a curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references for future letters of recommendation.
SLAC is a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) laboratory operated by Stanford University and based in Menlo Park, CA.
To be successful in this position, you will bring:
- Ph.D. in physics, applied physics, materials science, or a related discipline, with a minimum of two years of post-PhD research experience.
- Demonstrated research excellence in materials science, supported by publications and experimental achievements.
- Extensive knowledge and hands-on experience with HAXPES and/or PEEM techniques.
- Demonstrated competence in developing, operating, and maintaining complex experimental systems at a synchrotron radiation facility.
- Experience with facility operations and user support.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
In addition, preferred qualifications include:
- Research experience in microelectronics or closely related fields.
- Technical expertise in synchrotron beamline or endstation development, including operando or in situ sample environments.
- Proficiency in data analysis, scripting, and scientific programming tools.
Responsibilities
Minimum Qualifications
- Pay Frequency Annually
- Fixed Term Y
- SLAC Business Area Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource Directorate (SSRL)
- Full time or Part time Full Time
- Locations 2575 Sand Hill Rd, Menlo Park, CA, 94025, US (On-site)
- Job Schedule Full time
- Regular or Temporary Regular
- Job Category Research - Other
- Posting Date 11/02/2026, 01:04 PM
- Job Identification 200994
Benefits that support you, and your future
18+ PTO days per year
Health benefits start when you start
Flexible work options
World-class exercise facilities
$6000+ annual tuition and training assistance
403k plan
Mental health and wellness programs
Free and discounted commuter transportation
Applies to regular full-time positions.
The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classifications and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.
Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of their job.
Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
As a national laboratory, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is responsible for Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires employees to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, employees must successfully complete the applicable tier of federal background investigation post hire and receive a favorable federal adjudication. The tier of federal background investigation will be determined by job duties and national security or public trust responsibilities associated with the job. All tiers of investigation include a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last 1 to 7 years (depending on the applicable tier of investigation), illegal drug activities include marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.
For foreign national candidates
If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) Federal risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment. The tier of federal background investigation required to obtain the credential will be determined by job duties at the time you become eligible for the PIV credential.
See All 76 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
- UC San Diego13
- Gilead Sciences6
- Liquid I.V.3
- Weston Solutions3
- Allogene Therapeutics3
Top Industries Hiring
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
- Education
- Technology & Software
- Chemicals & Materials
- Staffing & Recruiting
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 UC San Diego, Gilead Sciences, and Liquid I.V., based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 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 30% of associate scientist openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of November 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 76 Associate Scientist Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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