Postdoctoral Associate Jobs in California
Postdoctoral Associate jobs in California represent one of the most active markets in the country, concentrated in academic research, biotechnology, and life sciences across an entry-level to senior researcher range. The greatest density of openings is in San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, and San Diego, anchored by institutions like UC San Francisco, Stanford University, and the Salk Institute for Biological Studies. The most sought-after specialties include computational biology, cancer immunology, and neuroscience. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 12+ Postdoctoral Associate jobs
About us:
Scripps Research is a nonprofit biomedical institute ranked as one of the most influential in the world for its impact on innovation. We celebrated our 100-year legacy in 2024. This significant milestone marks a century of seminal discoveries in immunology, infectious diseases (such as COVID-19, flu, HIV), neuroscience, heart disease, cancer, and more. Located in La Jolla, California, the institute houses six research departments, multiple Nobel laureates, a top-ranked graduate school and a leading postdoctoral training program. Scripps Research encompasses two elite and highly innovative institutes, the Calibr-Skaggs Institute for Innovative Medicines and Scripps Research Translational Institute, which merge foundational studies in biology, chemistry and computer science with translational science to produce pioneering drugs and advances in digital and precision medicine. Together, we cultivate new scientific leaders and expand the frontiers of knowledge to deliver medical breakthroughs impacting human health around the globe. If you have a passion for making a difference, this could be your opportunity to join our transformative team.
POSITION TITLE: Postdoctoral Associate
Position Summary:
The Andersen lab is working on diverse projects using genomics approaches and high-throughput experiments to study emerging viruses and the outbreaks they cause, including arenaviruses, filoviruses, coronaviruses, influenza viruses, orthopoxviruses, and arboviruses. We use an integrated approach of ‘field’ work, technology development, and computational biology to investigate these viruses.
We are looking for a computational postdoc with experience and/or interest in developing AI-based tools for integration of diverse disease surveillance data to estimate disease burden, track pathogen dynamics, and guide public health decision making. Of most interest are candidates with experience in developing computational frameworks and tools for multimodal data integration, projection of infectious disease trends, optimization of response strategies, or LLM-assisted analyses and visualizations. This position is part of our larger initiatives, including Modjadji, PREVENT, SEARCH, Outbreak.info, and the Center for Viral Systems Biology. Candidates will be co-mentored by senior researchers in the Andersen lab, Dr. Karthik Gangavarapu and Dr. Joshua Levy.
Tasks will include:
- Work closely with collaborators across multiple international institutions.
- Develop and deploy new statistical and artificial intelligence approaches for comprehensive pathogen surveillance across wastewater and clinical data streams.
- Utilize pre-existing resources and work with computational scientists and biologists to create new ways of openly disseminating data and analyses with a focus on global health.
Postdoctoral Associates are appointed positions for the purpose of developing scholarly competence, working under the supervision of a Scripps Research Faculty member. These appointments are normally not renewed beyond a total of five years. Postdoctoral Associates cannot apply for external funding either as a Principal Investigator or Co-Principal Investigator without prior approval from a Departmental Chair. Postdoctoral Associates do not have consulting privileges.
Scripps Research adheres to the National Institutes of Health (“NIH”) and National Science Foundation (“NSF”) definition of a Postdoctoral Scholar: An individual who has received a doctoral degree (or equivalent) and is engaged in a temporary and defined period of mentored, advanced training to enhance the professional skills and research independence needed to pursue their chosen career path.
Make Scripps Research your next step to advance and develop your career.
REQUIREMENTS:
Must possess a Ph.D., M.D., D. Phil., or equivalent degree in computational biology, epidemiology, biostatistics, computer science, or related field from a recognized institution of higher learning. A pending doctoral degree may be considered with approval of the Principal Investigator and Human Resources.
COMPENSATION:
Postdoctoral Associates will be hired following the National Institute of Health and California’s exempt salary guidelines, which provide for a starting range of $70,304 - $75,353. Consideration will be given to experience that exceeds the listed requirements.
COMPREHENSIVE BENEFITS INCLUDE:
- Eligibility for retirement plans with employer contribution.
- Full suite of Health and Welfare plans including four medical plan options (including an HSA available option), dental, vision, life insurance, disability, EAP and more.
- Access to Dependent Flexible Spending Accounts.
- Free on-site Counseling Center which provides confidential counseling services to benefits-eligible employees.
- Paid Time Off - 5 days annually.
- Free, on-site parking.
- Pet Insurance.
Apply
Interested candidates should apply, including a cover letter and up-to-date CV. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. Before applying, please make sure to read our FAQ.
The above statements describe the level of work performed and expected in general terms. The statements are not intended to list all the responsibilities, duties and/or skills required of employees so classified, and the content herein is subject to change due to the business needs of Scripps Research, with or without notice. Furthermore, nothing in this job description shall be interpreted to be in conflict with or to eliminate or modify in any way the employment-at-will status of Scripps Research staff.
EEO Statement: The Scripps Research Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We promote diversity of thought, culture and background in the fields of science. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and 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 legally protected characteristic or status.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
About us:
Scripps Research is a nonprofit biomedical institute ranked as one of the most influential in the world for its impact on innovation. We celebrated our 100-year legacy in 2024. This significant milestone marks a century of seminal discoveries in immunology, infectious diseases (such as COVID-19, flu, HIV), neuroscience, heart disease, cancer, and more. Located in La Jolla, California, the institute houses six research departments, multiple Nobel laureates, a top-ranked graduate school and a leading postdoctoral training program. Scripps Research encompasses two elite and highly innovative institutes, the Calibr-Skaggs Institute for Innovative Medicines and Scripps Research Translational Institute, which merge foundational studies in biology, chemistry and computer science with translational science to produce pioneering drugs and advances in digital and precision medicine. Together, we cultivate new scientific leaders and expand the frontiers of knowledge to deliver medical breakthroughs impacting human health around the globe. If you have a passion for making a difference, this could be your opportunity to join our transformative team.
POSITION TITLE: Postdoctoral Associate
Position Summary:
The Andersen lab is working on diverse projects using genomics approaches and high-throughput experiments to study emerging viruses and the outbreaks they cause, including arenaviruses, filoviruses, coronaviruses, influenza viruses, orthopoxviruses, and arboviruses. We use an integrated approach of ‘field’ work, technology development, and computational biology to investigate these viruses.
We are looking for a computational postdoc with experience and/or interest in developing AI-based tools for integration of diverse disease surveillance data to estimate disease burden, track pathogen dynamics, and guide public health decision making. Of most interest are candidates with experience in developing computational frameworks and tools for multimodal data integration, projection of infectious disease trends, optimization of response strategies, or LLM-assisted analyses and visualizations. This position is part of our larger initiatives, including Modjadji, PREVENT, SEARCH, Outbreak.info, and the Center for Viral Systems Biology. Candidates will be co-mentored by senior researchers in the Andersen lab, Dr. Karthik Gangavarapu and Dr. Joshua Levy.
Tasks will include:
- Work closely with collaborators across multiple international institutions.
- Develop and deploy new statistical and artificial intelligence approaches for comprehensive pathogen surveillance across wastewater and clinical data streams.
- Utilize pre-existing resources and work with computational scientists and biologists to create new ways of openly disseminating data and analyses with a focus on global health.
Postdoctoral Associates are appointed positions for the purpose of developing scholarly competence, working under the supervision of a Scripps Research Faculty member. These appointments are normally not renewed beyond a total of five years. Postdoctoral Associates cannot apply for external funding either as a Principal Investigator or Co-Principal Investigator without prior approval from a Departmental Chair. Postdoctoral Associates do not have consulting privileges.
Scripps Research adheres to the National Institutes of Health (“NIH”) and National Science Foundation (“NSF”) definition of a Postdoctoral Scholar: An individual who has received a doctoral degree (or equivalent) and is engaged in a temporary and defined period of mentored, advanced training to enhance the professional skills and research independence needed to pursue their chosen career path.
Make Scripps Research your next step to advance and develop your career.
REQUIREMENTS:
Must possess a Ph.D., M.D., D. Phil., or equivalent degree in computational biology, epidemiology, biostatistics, computer science, or related field from a recognized institution of higher learning. A pending doctoral degree may be considered with approval of the Principal Investigator and Human Resources.
COMPENSATION:
Postdoctoral Associates will be hired following the National Institute of Health and California’s exempt salary guidelines, which provide for a starting range of $70,304 - $75,353. Consideration will be given to experience that exceeds the listed requirements.
COMPREHENSIVE BENEFITS INCLUDE:
- Eligibility for retirement plans with employer contribution.
- Full suite of Health and Welfare plans including four medical plan options (including an HSA available option), dental, vision, life insurance, disability, EAP and more.
- Access to Dependent Flexible Spending Accounts.
- Free on-site Counseling Center which provides confidential counseling services to benefits-eligible employees.
- Paid Time Off - 5 days annually.
- Free, on-site parking.
- Pet Insurance.
Apply
Interested candidates should apply, including a cover letter and up-to-date CV. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. Before applying, please make sure to read our FAQ.
The above statements describe the level of work performed and expected in general terms. The statements are not intended to list all the responsibilities, duties and/or skills required of employees so classified, and the content herein is subject to change due to the business needs of Scripps Research, with or without notice. Furthermore, nothing in this job description shall be interpreted to be in conflict with or to eliminate or modify in any way the employment-at-will status of Scripps Research staff.
EEO Statement: The Scripps Research Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We promote diversity of thought, culture and background in the fields of science. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and 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 legally protected characteristic or status.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
See All 12 Postdoctoral Associate Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Postdoctoral Associate JobsPostdoctoral Associate Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Postdoctoral Associate Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Scripps Research9
- Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute3
Top Industries Hiring
- Science & Research7
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals5
- Education4
- Healthcare & Medical Services1
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in postdoctoral associate jobs across California.
- PhD in a relevant field completed before or at the start date
- Demonstrated research output including peer-reviewed publications or manuscripts in preparation
- Proficiency in laboratory techniques or computational methods specific to the research area
- Experience with grant writing, data analysis software, or statistical modeling tools
- Ability to mentor graduate students and collaborate within multidisciplinary research teams
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for presenting findings and preparing reports
Postdoctoral Associate Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a postdoctoral associate in California?
Becoming a postdoctoral associate in California requires a doctoral degree, typically a PhD, MD, or equivalent, in a field relevant to the host laboratory or research group. California does not require a state-issued license for postdoctoral research positions. Candidates typically apply directly to university departments, research institutes, or industry labs, often through faculty connections, conference networks, or institutional postdoc office listings at UC campuses or California State University research centers.
Which companies hire postdoctoral associates in California?
Employers hiring postdoctoral associates in California right now include Scripps Research and Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's concentration of research universities, National Laboratories such as Lawrence Berkeley and the Scripps Research Institute, and biotech hubs in South San Francisco and San Diego means openings appear across both academic and industry settings.
Which California cities have the most postdoctoral associate jobs?
The cities with the most postdoctoral associate openings in California are San Diego. The San Francisco Bay Area dominates because of its density of UC campuses, Stanford, and a large biotech corridor, while Los Angeles draws volume from UCLA, USC, and Caltech, and San Diego benefits from a strong life sciences cluster anchored by UCSD, the Salk Institute, and numerous pharmaceutical companies.
Are there remote postdoctoral associate jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. Most postdoctoral associate work is bench research or hands-on laboratory work that requires an on-site presence. About 0% of postdoctoral associate openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, and those tend to be concentrated in computational, bioinformatics, or data-intensive research roles where all core work happens on a computer rather than at the bench.
How can I get hired as a postdoctoral associate in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic path for a candidate early in their postdoctoral career is to apply to structured postdoctoral fellowship programs run by UC campuses, such as the UC President's Postdoctoral Fellowship Program, which actively recruits early-career researchers. Adjacent roles like research associate or staff scientist at California biotech firms can also serve as an entry point. A strong publication record, even a single first-author paper, and a well-developed research proposal significantly improve competitiveness for California positions.
Where can I find and apply to postdoctoral associate jobs in California?
You can find and apply to postdoctoral associate jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across academic institutions, research hospitals, and industry employers. Find roles that fit your research background and apply directly to each one.
See All 12 Postdoctoral Associate Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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