Chemist Jobs in California
Chemist jobs in California represent one of the most active markets in the country, concentrated in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, semiconductor materials, and environmental testing across experience levels from entry-level lab technicians through principal and senior research scientists. The heaviest hiring is in the San Francisco Bay Area, San Diego, and Los Angeles, where employers like Genentech, Gilead Sciences, and Thermo Fisher Scientific have deep and lasting presences. Analytical chemistry, formulation chemistry, and process chemistry are consistently the most in-demand specialties statewide. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find Chemist JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 67+ Chemist jobs











Job Summary: As a chemist at Nivagen you will be responsible for conducting analytical tests on pharmaceutical products, ensuring that they meet regulatory standards such as those set by the FDA and ICH. This role involves performing tests on raw materials, intermediates, and finished dosage forms to guarantee product safety, efficacy, and quality in compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and other regulatory standards.
Responsibilities:
- Operate and maintain analytical instruments such as GC, GC-MS, LC-MS, UPLC, and HPLC, which are equipped with UV-Vis, PDA, and CAD detectors.
- Ensure proper calibration and regular maintenance of laboratory equipment to guarantee accuracy and precision in results.
- Assist in developing and validating analytical methods for new products, ensuring compliance with regulatory guidelines, including those from ICH and FDA.
- Perform qualitative and quantitative analyses on raw materials, in-process materials, and finished products using validated methods to ensure compliance with required specifications.
- Conduct stability studies on products following ICH guidelines, adhering to stability protocols, and documenting results for regulatory submissions.
- Investigate deviations and out-of-specification (OOS) results, conduct root cause analysis, and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) to address and prevent recurrence.
- Ensure all testing adheres strictly to Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Good Distribution Practices (GDP), and other relevant regulatory standards.
- Implement ICH Q2 (R1) guidelines for method validation and participate in internal and external audits to maintain laboratory compliance.
- Collaborate with R&D, production, and quality assurance teams to support product development and commercialization efforts, and provide assistance during regulatory inspections.
- Perform any additional tasks as assigned by the Chief Scientific Officer (CSO)
Required Skills/Abilities:
- Proficiency in analytical techniques (HPLC, GC, FTIR, UV-Vis, Dissolution Testing, etc.).
- Strong understanding of pharmaceutical regulations (FDA and ICH).
- Ability to troubleshoot analytical issues and conduct root cause analysis.
- Strong communication and documentation skills.
- Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
- Familiarity with FDA, ICH guidelines, including ICH Q7 (Good Manufacturing Practice for Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients) and ICH Q10 (Pharmaceutical Quality System).
- Knowledge of stability testing guidelines, including ICH Q1A.
- Ability to stand and work for extended periods in a laboratory environment.
- Comfortable handling chemicals and pharmaceutical substances.
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biochemistry, or a related field.
- 1-5 years of experience in a pharmaceutical quality control laboratory.
- Experience with GMP, GLP, and GDP requirements.
Physical Requirements/ Working Conditions:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Nivagen is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Nivagen will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. Nivagen uses E-Verify.
Nivagen is a nicotine-free campus, meaning the use of nicotine products—including cigarettes, vaping, chewing tobacco, and any other nicotine-containing substances—is strictly prohibited on company property. All employees should be able to complete their full shift without the need to use nicotine. By joining Nivagen, you agree to adhere to our nicotine-free workplace policy, which supports a healthier environment for all employees.
See All 67 Chemist Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Chemist JobsChemist Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Chemist Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Medical Devices
- Technology & Software
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
- Education
- Manufacturing
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in chemist jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in chemistry, biochemistry, or a closely related physical science
- Hands-on laboratory experience with instrumentation such as HPLC, GC-MS, or ICP-MS
- Familiarity with California-regulated environmental or pharmaceutical compliance standards
- Experience following Good Laboratory Practice or Good Manufacturing Practice protocols
- Strong data analysis skills and proficiency with LIMS or laboratory software platforms
- Ability to write clear technical reports and communicate findings to cross-functional teams
Chemist Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a chemist in California?
A bachelor's degree in chemistry or a related science is the standard entry point, and most California employers expect laboratory coursework and hands-on training. California does not require a state-issued license to work as a chemist, but roles in environmental testing labs may require analysts to meet California ELAP accreditation standards set by the State Water Resources Control Board. Gaining experience through university research programs or internships at Bay Area or San Diego biotech firms strengthens any application considerably.
How much do chemists make in California?
Chemists in California earn a median of about $97,860 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $60,930 for the lowest 10% to over $164,150 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire chemists in California?
Employers hiring chemists in California right now include Clean Harbors, Certified, and LGC, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. California's dense concentration of pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and specialty chemical companies means openings appear across a wider range of employer types than in most other states.
Which California cities have the most chemist jobs?
Irvine, Los Angeles, and San Jose account for the largest share of chemist openings in California. The Bay Area and San Diego draw the most volume because of their established pharmaceutical and biotechnology clusters, while Los Angeles supports significant demand through its environmental consulting, consumer products, and specialty materials industries.
Are there remote chemist jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. Most chemist work is hands-on and tied to a physical lab, so fully remote roles are a small portion of total openings. About 8% of chemist openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, and those positions tend to concentrate in regulatory affairs, technical writing, and data-heavy roles like computational or analytical method development.
How can I get hired as a chemist in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying to associate scientist or laboratory technician roles, which California biotech and pharmaceutical employers routinely post as new-graduate positions. Companies like Genentech and Gilead run formal early-career or new-grad programs, and contract research organizations operating across the Bay Area and San Diego regularly hire entry-level analysts. A degree with strong lab coursework, a California ELAP-relevant certification for environmental roles, or undergraduate research experience at a University of California campus all give candidates a clear edge.
Where can I find and apply to chemist jobs in California?
You can find and apply to chemist jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings across the state. Find roles that fit your background and apply directly to the ones that match.
See All 67 Chemist Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Chemist Jobs