Biology Jobs in California
Biology jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in biotechnology, pharmaceutical research, environmental science, and academic research institutions at every level from research assistant to principal scientist. The largest hiring metros are San Francisco Bay Area, San Diego, and Los Angeles, home to employers such as Genentech, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and the University of California system. The most in-demand specialties right now are molecular biology, bioinformatics, and environmental and regulatory biology. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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Join Amgen’s Mission of Serving Patients
At Amgen, if you feel like you’re part of something bigger, it’s because you are. Our shared mission—to serve patients living with serious illnesses—drives all that we do.
Since 1980, we’ve helped pioneer the world of biotech in our fight against the world’s toughest diseases. With our focus on four therapeutic areas –Oncology, Inflammation, General Medicine, and Rare Disease– we reach millions of patients each year. Amgen is advancing a broad and deep pipeline of medicines to treat cancer, heart disease, inflammatory conditions, rare diseases, and obesity and obesity-related conditions. As a member of the Amgen team, you’ll help make a lasting impact on the lives of patients as we research, manufacture, and deliver innovative medicines to help people live longer, fuller happier lives.
Our award-winning culture is collaborative, innovative, and science based. If you have a passion for challenges and the opportunities that lay within them, you’ll thrive as part of the Amgen team. Join us and transform the lives of patients while transforming your career.
Senior Scientist, Target Discovery & Biology - Functional Genomics
What you will do
Let’s do this. Let’s change the world. In this vital role you will join the Target Discovery & Biology team in South San Francisco. This role will leverage functional genomics in disease-relevant systems, including complex biological models from in vitro to in vivo, to advance target discovery and validation across Amgen’s therapeutic areas.
Key Responsibilities
- Leverage functional genomics approaches across therapeutic areas to discover novel targets and address key biological questions
- Lead, support and execute projects from inception through target identification, validation and mechanism-of-action studies
- Foster a collaborative, creative, and scientifically rigorous team culture committed to delivering impact across Amgen’s pipeline
What we expect of you
We are all different, yet we all use our unique contributions to serve patients. The Senior Scientist we seek is a researcher with these qualifications.
Basic Qualifications:
Doctorate degree PhD
OR
PharmD OR
MD [and relevant post-doc scientific experience in Target Discovery & Biology]
OR
Master’s degree and 3 years of relevant scientific experience in Target Discovery & Biology
OR
Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of relevant scientific experience in Target Discovery & Biology
Preferred Qualifications:
- Strong experience in molecular biology and cell engineering. Experience in complex and co-culture in vitro models is a major plus
- Experience in executing large scale, complex, and/or in vivo genetic screens (particularly CRISPR-based) and follow up validation studies. Track record of pushing the envelope on scale and technical feasibility is highly desirable
- Familiarity with data-driven discovery approaches, including integration of genetic or multi-omics insights
- Excellent organizational and communication skills, with the ability to drive cross-site collaboration in a matrixed research environment
- Additional experience relevant to applying functional genomics approaches to new target discovery across diverse indications
- Track record of scientific productivity and innovation as demonstrated through career experiences, project outcomes and/or publications
- Track record of taking on new areas of research and biology with successful outcomes
What you can expect from us
As we work to develop treatments that take care of others, we also work to care for your professional and personal growth and well-being. From our competitive benefits to our collaborative culture, we’ll support your journey every step of the way.
The expected annual salary range for this role in the U.S. (excluding Puerto Rico) is posted. Actual salary will vary based on several factors including but not limited to, relevant skills, experience, and qualifications.
In addition to the base salary, Amgen offers a Total Rewards Plan, based on eligibility, comprising of health and welfare plans for staff and eligible dependents, financial plans with opportunities to save towards retirement or other goals, work/life balance, and career development opportunities that may include:
- A comprehensive employee benefits package, including a Retirement and Savings Plan with generous company contributions, group medical, dental and vision coverage, life and disability insurance, and flexible spending accounts
- A discretionary annual bonus program, or for field sales representatives, a sales-based incentive plan
- Stock-based long-term incentives
- Award-winning time-off plans
- Flexible work models where possible. Refer to the Work Location Type in the job posting to see if this applies.
and make a lasting impact with the Amgen team.
careers.amgen.com
In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.
Application deadline
Amgen does not have an application deadline for this position; we will continue accepting applications until we receive a sufficient number or select a candidate for the position.
Sponsorship
Sponsorship for this role is not guaranteed.
As an organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for people around the world, Amgen fosters an inclusive environment of diverse, ethical, committed and highly accomplished people who respect each other and live the Amgen values to continue advancing science to serve patients. Together, we compete in the fight against serious disease.
Amgen is an Equal Opportunity employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other basis protected by applicable law.
We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation. Amgen is an Equal Opportunity employer and will consider you without regard to your race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.
Join Amgen’s Mission of Serving Patients
At Amgen, if you feel like you’re part of something bigger, it’s because you are. Our shared mission—to serve patients living with serious illnesses—drives all that we do.
Since 1980, we’ve helped pioneer the world of biotech in our fight against the world’s toughest diseases. With our focus on four therapeutic areas –Oncology, Inflammation, General Medicine, and Rare Disease– we reach millions of patients each year. Amgen is advancing a broad and deep pipeline of medicines to treat cancer, heart disease, inflammatory conditions, rare diseases, and obesity and obesity-related conditions. As a member of the Amgen team, you’ll help make a lasting impact on the lives of patients as we research, manufacture, and deliver innovative medicines to help people live longer, fuller happier lives.
Our award-winning culture is collaborative, innovative, and science based. If you have a passion for challenges and the opportunities that lay within them, you’ll thrive as part of the Amgen team. Join us and transform the lives of patients while transforming your career.
Senior Scientist, Target Discovery & Biology - Functional Genomics
What you will do
Let’s do this. Let’s change the world. In this vital role you will join the Target Discovery & Biology team in South San Francisco. This role will leverage functional genomics in disease-relevant systems, including complex biological models from in vitro to in vivo, to advance target discovery and validation across Amgen’s therapeutic areas.
Key Responsibilities
- Leverage functional genomics approaches across therapeutic areas to discover novel targets and address key biological questions
- Lead, support and execute projects from inception through target identification, validation and mechanism-of-action studies
- Foster a collaborative, creative, and scientifically rigorous team culture committed to delivering impact across Amgen’s pipeline
What we expect of you
We are all different, yet we all use our unique contributions to serve patients. The Senior Scientist we seek is a researcher with these qualifications.
Basic Qualifications:
Doctorate degree PhD
OR
PharmD OR
MD [and relevant post-doc scientific experience in Target Discovery & Biology]
OR
Master’s degree and 3 years of relevant scientific experience in Target Discovery & Biology
OR
Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of relevant scientific experience in Target Discovery & Biology
Preferred Qualifications:
- Strong experience in molecular biology and cell engineering. Experience in complex and co-culture in vitro models is a major plus
- Experience in executing large scale, complex, and/or in vivo genetic screens (particularly CRISPR-based) and follow up validation studies. Track record of pushing the envelope on scale and technical feasibility is highly desirable
- Familiarity with data-driven discovery approaches, including integration of genetic or multi-omics insights
- Excellent organizational and communication skills, with the ability to drive cross-site collaboration in a matrixed research environment
- Additional experience relevant to applying functional genomics approaches to new target discovery across diverse indications
- Track record of scientific productivity and innovation as demonstrated through career experiences, project outcomes and/or publications
- Track record of taking on new areas of research and biology with successful outcomes
What you can expect from us
As we work to develop treatments that take care of others, we also work to care for your professional and personal growth and well-being. From our competitive benefits to our collaborative culture, we’ll support your journey every step of the way.
The expected annual salary range for this role in the U.S. (excluding Puerto Rico) is posted. Actual salary will vary based on several factors including but not limited to, relevant skills, experience, and qualifications.
In addition to the base salary, Amgen offers a Total Rewards Plan, based on eligibility, comprising of health and welfare plans for staff and eligible dependents, financial plans with opportunities to save towards retirement or other goals, work/life balance, and career development opportunities that may include:
- A comprehensive employee benefits package, including a Retirement and Savings Plan with generous company contributions, group medical, dental and vision coverage, life and disability insurance, and flexible spending accounts
- A discretionary annual bonus program, or for field sales representatives, a sales-based incentive plan
- Stock-based long-term incentives
- Award-winning time-off plans
- Flexible work models where possible. Refer to the Work Location Type in the job posting to see if this applies.
and make a lasting impact with the Amgen team.
careers.amgen.com
In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.
Application deadline
Amgen does not have an application deadline for this position; we will continue accepting applications until we receive a sufficient number or select a candidate for the position.
Sponsorship
Sponsorship for this role is not guaranteed.
As an organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for people around the world, Amgen fosters an inclusive environment of diverse, ethical, committed and highly accomplished people who respect each other and live the Amgen values to continue advancing science to serve patients. Together, we compete in the fight against serious disease.
Amgen is an Equal Opportunity employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other basis protected by applicable law.
We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation. Amgen is an Equal Opportunity employer and will consider you without regard to your race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.
See All 119+ Biology Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Biology JobsBiology Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Biology Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
- Science & Research
- Education
- Healthcare & Medical Services
- Chemicals & Materials
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in biology jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in biology, biochemistry, or a closely related life science field
- Experience with laboratory techniques such as PCR, cell culture, or flow cytometry
- Familiarity with California environmental regulations or FDA compliance requirements
- Proficiency with data analysis tools including Python, R, or specialized bioinformatics software
- Strong written communication skills for preparing research reports and regulatory submissions
- Experience working in a GLP or GMP environment for pharmaceutical or biotech roles
Biology Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a biology in California?
Most biology positions in California require at least a bachelor's degree in biology or a related life science, though research and industry roles increasingly prefer a master's or doctoral degree. California does not issue a general biology license, but roles in environmental consulting may require registration as an Environmental Assessor, while clinical laboratory work requires a California Department of Public Health Clinical Laboratory Scientist license. Building laboratory skills and pursuing relevant certifications strengthens competitiveness significantly.
Which companies hire biologys in California?
Employers hiring biologys in California right now include University of California Berkeley, City of Hope, and BKF Engineers, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. California's concentration of biotech and pharmaceutical firms in the Bay Area and San Diego makes it one of the densest markets for biology hiring in the United States.
Which California cities have the most biology jobs?
San Francisco, San Diego, and Berkeley have the most biology job openings in California. The Bay Area dominates due to its dense cluster of biotech and genomics companies, San Diego is driven by pharmaceutical research and the Torrey Pines science corridor, and Los Angeles reflects demand from academic medical centers and environmental consulting firms serving the region's complex regulatory environment.
Are there remote biology jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. Most biology work is inherently laboratory- or field-based, which limits fully remote options. About 34% of biology openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, and those tend to be concentrated in bioinformatics, regulatory affairs writing, and science communications roles where the core work is analytical rather than hands-on.
How can I get hired as a biology in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a research assistant or laboratory technician role, which large California employers such as UC San Diego, UC San Francisco, and major Bay Area biotech companies hire for with a bachelor's degree and minimal prior experience. Many University of California campuses run undergraduate research programs and postbac opportunities that serve as direct pipelines into industry. Completing a California Community College laboratory skills certificate or gaining volunteer hours in a university lab strengthens applications considerably.
Where can I find and apply to biology jobs in California?
You can find and apply to biology jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings across the state. Search the roles available, find the ones that match your background and location, and apply directly to the positions that fit.
See All 119+ Biology Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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