Research Analyst Jobs in California
Research Analyst jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in technology, life sciences, finance, and public policy sectors, with openings at every level from entry-level associate through senior and principal analyst. The largest hiring metros are San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego, where anchor employers like Google, Kaiser Permanente, and Wells Fargo maintain significant research operations. The most in-demand specialties are quantitative analysis, market research, and health care analytics. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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To learn more about UC Irvine, visit www.uci.edu.
The NCI-designated Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center (CFCCC) is a campus-wide multidisciplinary matrix organization whose goal is to promote and enhance cancer-relevant research and patient care at UC Irvine. The CFCCC provides research resources to its Cancer Center members engaged in research and offers multidisciplinary cancer care to its patients. As the CFCCC's centralized office for cancer clinical research operations, the Stern Center provides high-quality, cost effective and efficient assistance with developing, activating and completing scientifically impactful cancer clinical trials. The Stern Center consolidates the management of cancer clinical research operations and is a visionary and best-practice leader in clinical research operations at the institution, managing the largest portfolio of clinical trials at UCI. At any given time, the CFCCC Stern Center manages a very large clinical trials portfolio (~500 active, or in-development). With this large and dynamic clinical trial portfolio, the CFCCC consistently maintains a proportional amount of accounts receivable (~$19M) for work performed and costs incurred. In order to minimize significant financial risk to the University and ensure the success of the mission of the CFCCC, it is critical these funds be paid in timely manner, requiring the highly focused attention of trained and dedicated staff.
Responsibilities:
The analyst evaluates study protocols and feasibility forms, identifies research-related costs, develops and negotiates clinical trial budgets, reviews sponsor payment terms, and ensures that all applicable institutional fees, indirect costs, and operational expenses are appropriately incorporated into proposed budgets. The position helps ensure that clinical research studies are financially viable, comply with institutional policies and applicable sponsor requirements, and are structured to support responsible financial management throughout the life cycle of the study.
Responsible for the business and finance operations for a portfolio of pre-award activations as well as managing investigator-initiated trials in both the pre- and post-award setting.Uses skills as a seasoned, experienced financial service professional with a full understanding of industry practices and organizational policies and procedures. Resolves a wide range of issues. Demonstrates good judgment in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions.
- Thorough knowledge of finance policies, practices, and systems.
- Ability to independently gather required information to organize, and perform financial analysis assignments.
- Proven ability to effectively present information verbally and in writing in a clear and concise manner.
- Proven ability using spreadsheet and database software for complex financial analysis, fiscal management, and financial reports.
- Proven interpersonal skills with peers throughout the organization; strong service orientation and critical thinking skills; and attention to detail. Proven ability using organizational skills to multi-task in a high volume environment.
- Ability to adapt to changing priorities.
- Ability to function as a member of a team.
- Thorough knowledge and understanding of internal control practices and their impact on protecting University resources.
- Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training
- 5-7 years of relevant work experience
Preferred:
- Experience working in a Clinical Trials Management System (CTMS), preferably Oncore
- Experience managing finances for oncology-specific trials
- Experience working in an Electronic Health Record (EHR), preferably Epic
- Experience managing pre-award budgets
Total Rewards
Conditions of Employment:
- Background Check and Live Scan
- Employment Misconduct*
- Legal Right to work in the United States
- Vaccination Policies
- Smoking and Tobacco Policy
- Drug Free Environment
- Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.
- California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act
- E-Verify
- Pre-Placement Health Evaluation
Closing Statement:
We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce along with honoring unique experiences, perspectives, and identities. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable, and welcoming.
UCI provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities upon request. For more information, please contact Human Resources at (949) 824-0500 or eec@uci.edu.
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Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Research Analyst Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Healthcare & Medical Services
- Law & Legal Services
- Technology & Software
- Government & Public Sector
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in research analyst jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in economics, statistics, social sciences, or a related analytical field
- Proficiency in data analysis tools such as R, Python, SQL, or Tableau
- Experience designing and executing primary or secondary research studies
- Strong written communication skills for presenting findings to non-technical stakeholders
- Familiarity with California-specific regulatory or industry data sources relevant to the sector
- Ability to manage multiple research projects and deliver results within deadline-driven environments
Research Analyst Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a research analyst in California?
Most research analyst roles in California require at minimum a bachelor's degree in economics, statistics, public policy, or a related field, with a master's degree preferred for senior positions. California does not require a state-issued license for most research analyst roles, but those working in financial services may need FINRA registration such as the Series 86 and 87 for equity research. Building a portfolio of research projects, published reports, or data work strengthens candidacy significantly in California's competitive market.
How much do research analysts make in California?
Research analysts in California earn a median of about $80,810 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $49,160 for the lowest 10% to over $163,120 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire research analysts in California?
Employers hiring research analysts in California right now include PIMCO, University of California - San Francisco, and Stanford University, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. California's mix of major technology companies, large health systems, financial institutions, and public agencies creates consistent demand for research analysts across multiple industries and specializations.
Which California cities have the most research analyst jobs?
San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Newport Beach have the most research analyst openings in California. San Francisco's concentration of technology and financial services firms drives the largest share of postings, Los Angeles draws demand through its entertainment, health care, and consumer goods industries, and San Diego's robust life sciences and biotech sector supports a strong base of research analyst positions outside the two largest metros.
Are there remote research analyst jobs in California?
Yes, and more than most fields, since research analyst work is desk-based and output-driven rather than requiring a physical presence. About 76% of research analyst openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting how well the role adapts to distributed work. Quantitative analysis, market research, and policy research positions are the most likely to be offered with full or partial remote flexibility.
How can I get hired as a research analyst in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is securing a research assistant or junior analyst role, which large California employers in health care, technology, and financial services post specifically for candidates without extensive experience. Organizations like Kaiser Permanente, UC system research centers, and California state agencies such as the California Department of Public Health run associate and analyst development programs that welcome new graduates. Building a portfolio through academic research, capstone projects, or freelance data work gives candidates a concrete edge when applying to these roles.
Where can I find and apply to research analyst jobs in California?
You can find and apply to research analyst jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across industries and experience levels. Find roles that fit your background and apply directly to the ones that match.
See All 72 Research Analyst Jobs in California
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