Research Assistant Jobs in California
Research Assistant jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in academic research, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and public health, with openings at every level from entry-level lab support through senior research coordinator. The largest hiring hubs are the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, and San Diego, where institutions like UC San Diego, Stanford University, and Genentech maintain a steady and substantial demand for research talent. Clinical research, genomics, and social science research are the most in-demand specialties across these markets. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 111+ Research Assistant jobs
INTRODUCTION:
Join a team that's shaping the future of pediatric care. Children’s Hospital Los Angeles is consistently ranked among the top 10 children's hospitals in the nation, delivering world-class care through more than 350 specialized programs and services. Here, world-class experts in medicine, research, and education work together to deliver family-centered care to more than 155,000 patients each year. At CHLA, your work will help build brighter tomorrows for the children and families we serve.
SCHEDULE: Part-time, variable schedule. Hours will vary based on business needs and may include mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
PURPOSE STATEMENT/POSITION SUMMARY: Assist in the conduct of highly specialized technical research; responsible for analysis of data for a variety of research projects; assists in preparation of manuscripts, grant applications and research reports. Perform preliminary statistical analysis for research projects.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Work Experience
Required:
- Ability to accurately interpret and enter data into the computer system.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and internet skills.
Preferred:
- 1+ years’ of related experience.
Education/Licensure/Certification
Required:
- High school graduate or equivalent.
This is a grant-funded position, in whole or part. Terms and conditions of employment are contingent upon the availability of grant funding, which may be subject to change without notice.
PAY SCALE INFORMATION: CHLA values the contribution each Team Member brings to our organization. Final determination of a successful candidate’s starting pay will vary based on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, education and experience within the job or the industry. The pay scale listed for this position is generally for candidates who meet the specified qualifications and requirements listed on this specific job description. Additional pay may be determined for those candidates who exceed these specified qualifications and requirements. We provide a competitive compensation package that recognizes your experience, credentials, and education alongside a robust benefits program to meet your needs.
POSTING RANGE: USD $47,840.00 - USD $48,880.00
CLOSING:
CHLA is a leader in pediatric and adolescent health, in our community, across the nation, and around the world. As a premier Magnet®-recognized teaching hospital, CHLA offers an environment rooted in learning, collaboration, and compassionate care. We are home to groundbreaking research, clinical innovation, and a culture that supports personal and professional growth. Since 1932, CHLA has been affiliated with the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California. Through this partnership and our own enduring mission, we remain committed to creating hope and building healthier futures.
EEO EXPLANATION:
At Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, our work matters. And so do each and every one of our valued team members. We consider qualified applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran or military status, genetic information or any other legally protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances. We will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of state and local laws, including the LA City Fair Chance Ordinance and SF Fair Chance Ordinance. Qualified Applicants with disabilities are entitled to reasonable accommodation under the California Fair Employment and Housing Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Please contact CHLA Human Resources if you need assistance completing the application process.
Our various experiences, perspectives and backgrounds allow us to better serve our patients and create a strong community at CHLA.
INTRODUCTION:
Join a team that's shaping the future of pediatric care. Children’s Hospital Los Angeles is consistently ranked among the top 10 children's hospitals in the nation, delivering world-class care through more than 350 specialized programs and services. Here, world-class experts in medicine, research, and education work together to deliver family-centered care to more than 155,000 patients each year. At CHLA, your work will help build brighter tomorrows for the children and families we serve.
SCHEDULE: Part-time, variable schedule. Hours will vary based on business needs and may include mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
PURPOSE STATEMENT/POSITION SUMMARY: Assist in the conduct of highly specialized technical research; responsible for analysis of data for a variety of research projects; assists in preparation of manuscripts, grant applications and research reports. Perform preliminary statistical analysis for research projects.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Work Experience
Required:
- Ability to accurately interpret and enter data into the computer system.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and internet skills.
Preferred:
- 1+ years’ of related experience.
Education/Licensure/Certification
Required:
- High school graduate or equivalent.
This is a grant-funded position, in whole or part. Terms and conditions of employment are contingent upon the availability of grant funding, which may be subject to change without notice.
PAY SCALE INFORMATION: CHLA values the contribution each Team Member brings to our organization. Final determination of a successful candidate’s starting pay will vary based on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, education and experience within the job or the industry. The pay scale listed for this position is generally for candidates who meet the specified qualifications and requirements listed on this specific job description. Additional pay may be determined for those candidates who exceed these specified qualifications and requirements. We provide a competitive compensation package that recognizes your experience, credentials, and education alongside a robust benefits program to meet your needs.
POSTING RANGE: USD $47,840.00 - USD $48,880.00
CLOSING:
CHLA is a leader in pediatric and adolescent health, in our community, across the nation, and around the world. As a premier Magnet®-recognized teaching hospital, CHLA offers an environment rooted in learning, collaboration, and compassionate care. We are home to groundbreaking research, clinical innovation, and a culture that supports personal and professional growth. Since 1932, CHLA has been affiliated with the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California. Through this partnership and our own enduring mission, we remain committed to creating hope and building healthier futures.
EEO EXPLANATION:
At Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, our work matters. And so do each and every one of our valued team members. We consider qualified applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran or military status, genetic information or any other legally protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances. We will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of state and local laws, including the LA City Fair Chance Ordinance and SF Fair Chance Ordinance. Qualified Applicants with disabilities are entitled to reasonable accommodation under the California Fair Employment and Housing Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Please contact CHLA Human Resources if you need assistance completing the application process.
Our various experiences, perspectives and backgrounds allow us to better serve our patients and create a strong community at CHLA.
See All 111+ Research Assistant Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Research Assistant JobsResearch Assistant Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Research Assistant Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Scripps Research10
- UC San Diego8
- University of Southern California8
- Stanford University6
- CenExel Clinical Research4
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Science & Research
- Healthcare & Medical Services
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in research assistant jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in a relevant science, social science, or health-related field
- Experience with data collection, analysis, or laboratory techniques specific to the role
- Proficiency in statistical software such as SPSS, R, SAS, or Python for data roles
- Familiarity with IRB protocols, informed consent procedures, and research ethics standards
- Strong written communication skills for preparing reports, manuscripts, or grant documents
- Ability to coordinate participant recruitment, scheduling, and study protocol adherence
Research Assistant Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a research assistant in California?
Most research assistant positions in California require at minimum a bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline such as biology, psychology, public health, or a social science. Clinical research roles at California hospitals and biotech firms often prefer candidates who have completed a clinical research coordinator certificate program through an accredited institution. California does not require a state-issued license specifically for research assistants, but roles in human subjects research expect demonstrated knowledge of IRB compliance and good clinical practice guidelines.
Which companies hire research assistants in California?
Employers hiring research assistants in California right now include Scripps Research, UC San Diego, and University of Southern California, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. California's dense concentration of research universities, public health agencies, and life sciences companies means demand is consistent across both academic and private-sector settings throughout the year.
Which California cities have the most research assistant jobs?
San Diego, Los Angeles, and Davis account for the largest share of research assistant openings in California. The Bay Area's concentration of biotech headquarters and research universities, Los Angeles's sprawling network of academic medical centers and social research institutions, and San Diego's life sciences corridor and UC San Diego campus together drive most of the statewide volume.
Are there remote research assistant jobs in California?
Yes, but they're less common than in purely desk-based fields, since many research assistant roles involve laboratory work, participant interaction, or on-site data collection. About 38% of research assistant openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, primarily in roles focused on data analysis, literature review, survey research, or social science studies that do not require physical presence.
How can I get hired as a research assistant in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through a volunteer or paid undergraduate research position at a University of California or California State University campus, where faculty labs regularly bring on beginners. Large California health systems like Kaiser Permanente and UCSF Health offer research associate and study coordinator trainee roles suited to new graduates. Adjacent roles such as clinical data entry specialist or lab technician can serve as stepping stones, and completing a clinical research certificate from an accredited California program strengthens any application.
Where can I find and apply to research assistant jobs in California?
You can find and apply to research assistant jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings updated regularly. Search the listings for roles that match your background and specialty, then apply directly to each position. No account creation is needed to view or apply to the jobs listed.
See All 111+ Research Assistant Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Research Assistant Jobs