Research Assistant Professor Jobs in California
Research Assistant Professor jobs in California are among the most active in the nation, concentrated in biomedical research, life sciences, engineering, and social and behavioral sciences, with openings at every level from newly minted Ph.D. to senior investigator. The heaviest hiring is in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, where institutions such as the University of California system, Stanford University, and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center maintain substantial research operations. Computational biology, translational medicine, and climate science are the most consistently in-demand specializations across the state. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 29+ Research Assistant Professor jobs
Mission Driven, Community Focused
About | Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (cdrewu.edu)
Charles R. Drew University is located in the Watts-Willowbrook area of south Los Angeles and was founded in 1966 in the wake of the Watts uprising. CDU was founded to address inadequate medical care in the region and to provide equitable medical education opportunities for underrepresented students. CDU is strongly invested in the local and regional community. The university leads multiple partnerships and programs to provide equitable healthcare resources in a variety of south Los Angeles neighborhoods.
Role
This role includes a CDU College of Medicine faculty appointment. Please ensure to include the following in your application; application will not be considered unless all requested documents are attached:
- Academic Curriculum Vitae (as an attachment): CV format template can be found at the following link: CV Template.pdf (cdrewu.edu)
- Academic Credentials (as an attachment) – Medical License, Cert/Training, Board(s) Certificate(s) and Fellowships (if any).
- List of 2-3 Evaluators (Provide contact information for evaluators/references during application questions)
- Personal Statement (as a one page attachment): Personal Statement format template can be found at the following link: Self-Statement Sample.pdf (cdrewu.edu)
The requested documents listed above will be compiled and presented to the appointments and promotions committee for review as part of our peer review process.
Job Summary
Under the general direction of Principal Investigator, performs independent research in support in molecular endocrinology, diabetes and obesity research laboratory. Current projects involve endocrine effects of e-cigarettes. Responsibilities includes project planning, data collection, experimental protocols and procedures; bench work involving lab techniques focused on molecular biology, and small animal studies.
Essential Duties And Responsibilities
- Design and plan research in collaboration with the Principal Investigator
- Organizing and implementing complex research plans, the development of methods of research, testing and data collection, analysis and evaluation, and writing reports containing descriptive, analytical and evaluative content.
- Responsible for conducting analyses and submission of findings for peer review publication.
- Provide formal mentorship support to students and trainees.
- Enhance opportunities for students and trainees to participate in research when possible.
- Designs, analyzes, implements, and reports findings on targeted statistical research studies; provides consultation to investigators and researchers on experimental design and statistical research approaches, requirements, and scientific standards to advance medical knowledge and improve research in public health.
- Works with investigators to formalize analysis plans and reporting specifications; advises as to choice of statistical analysis strategies, reliability of measurements and identifiability of models, and interpretation and presentation of statistical results.
- Builds and sustains collaborative relationships with individuals in different disciplines and serves as subject-matter expert for research teams, internal and external committees, and other constituencies and collaborators.
- Plans and documents computer data file structure; develops, programs, manages, and maintains complex statistical databases; performs or supervises data entry.
- Conduct literature searches, gather and summarize relevant findings from the published scientific literature.
- Engage weekly meetings with PI and other research team members.
- Assist with writing papers for submission to peer-reviewed journals.
Other Duties And Responsibilities
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications/Requirements
Education:
- MD, PhD or equivalent degree from an accredited institution required.
Experience
- Three (3) years as a postdoctoral fellow and experience in an academic research laboratory
- Experience communicating research in peer-reviewed publications, scientific meetings, and interdisciplinary stakeholder, regulatory, or policy related meetings.
- Prior experience writing and publishing peer-reviewed manuscripts.
- Evidence of successful grant applications preferred.
- Past evidence of designing and leading research studies preferred.
KNOWLEDGE/ABILITY/SKILLS (depending On Research Interests)
- Knowledge of scientific approach and methodologies.
- Knowledge and understanding of the principles, concepts, methods, and standards of statistical research.
- Protein and RNA extract from mouse tissues and mammalian cells.
- Mammalian tissues culture
- siRNA transfection in vivo and in vitro
- Real time RT-PCR
- Western blot
- Immunohistochemistry
- DNA cloning and plasmid purification
- Perform animal studies including diabetic animal model generation and treatment.
- Animal tissue collection
- Knowledge of scientific reporting and manuscript preparation requirements and standards.
- Ability to work in a team environment to design, analyze, and report on research projects.
- Strong analytical communication, critical thinking and problem solving skills.
- Ability to provide technical guidance and leadership to professional personnel in area of expertise.
- Excellent time management skills and ability to prioritize projects.
- In-depth knowledge and understanding of probability and medical statistics theory.
- Knowledge of data management principles and regulatory requirements for clinical trials and medical research.
- Strong focus and quality and timely delivery of work.
Complexity
The ability to perform highly detailed work with sustained attention and care while providing/obtaining information on numerous inquiries is paramount to success in this position.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Occasional stooping.
- Frequent standing.
- Constant walking, sitting, climbing, reaching high/low levels, finger movement, feeling, speaking clearly, hearing conversationally, and seeing far and near.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Occasionally required to work in confined space.
Mental Demands
The mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Frequent work on a variety of unrelated tasks.
- Constant calculating interrupted work, work on a variety of interrelated tasks, and use of sustained concentration, reasoning, judgment, resourcefulness, analytical ability, and ingenuity.
Special Requirements
As a health professions institution of higher education, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science seeks to protect the health and safety of the University community. As a condition of enrollment and employment, students, faculty, and staff must comply with the current CDU COVID-19 requirements as described on the CDU COVID-19 webpage. Please visit the CDU Return to Campus website https://www.cdrewu.edu/covid-policy/ or email the Campus Nursing Office at nurseofficer@cdrewu.edu.
- Ability to work effectively with a diverse community.
Compensation
- $90,000 annually
Position Status
- Full Time
Work Location:
- On-site
Conditional Statement:
The employment status of this position is classified as “Conditional.” Conditional employment means that the job exists contingent upon continued funding and limitations of restricted funds or, the duration of a specific program, project, grant, or contract. Since this position is funded by AIM, End Date: 07/31/2025 and R35, End Date: 04/30/2026, this position is contingent upon the continued receipt of these funds. Continuation of this position is dependent, in part, upon funding availability. Furthermore, no work may be performed after the grant end date(s) unless the position receives an extension in writing from a Dean, Division VP, or Human Resources.
EEO Statement:
Charles R. Drew University is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity. Applicants will be considered without regard to gender, race, age, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, marital status, disability or covered veteran status.
Fair Chance Statement:
Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science will consider qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with state and local “Fair Chance” laws.
Mission Driven, Community Focused
About | Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (cdrewu.edu)
Charles R. Drew University is located in the Watts-Willowbrook area of south Los Angeles and was founded in 1966 in the wake of the Watts uprising. CDU was founded to address inadequate medical care in the region and to provide equitable medical education opportunities for underrepresented students. CDU is strongly invested in the local and regional community. The university leads multiple partnerships and programs to provide equitable healthcare resources in a variety of south Los Angeles neighborhoods.
Role
This role includes a CDU College of Medicine faculty appointment. Please ensure to include the following in your application; application will not be considered unless all requested documents are attached:
- Academic Curriculum Vitae (as an attachment): CV format template can be found at the following link: CV Template.pdf (cdrewu.edu)
- Academic Credentials (as an attachment) – Medical License, Cert/Training, Board(s) Certificate(s) and Fellowships (if any).
- List of 2-3 Evaluators (Provide contact information for evaluators/references during application questions)
- Personal Statement (as a one page attachment): Personal Statement format template can be found at the following link: Self-Statement Sample.pdf (cdrewu.edu)
The requested documents listed above will be compiled and presented to the appointments and promotions committee for review as part of our peer review process.
Job Summary
Under the general direction of Principal Investigator, performs independent research in support in molecular endocrinology, diabetes and obesity research laboratory. Current projects involve endocrine effects of e-cigarettes. Responsibilities includes project planning, data collection, experimental protocols and procedures; bench work involving lab techniques focused on molecular biology, and small animal studies.
Essential Duties And Responsibilities
- Design and plan research in collaboration with the Principal Investigator
- Organizing and implementing complex research plans, the development of methods of research, testing and data collection, analysis and evaluation, and writing reports containing descriptive, analytical and evaluative content.
- Responsible for conducting analyses and submission of findings for peer review publication.
- Provide formal mentorship support to students and trainees.
- Enhance opportunities for students and trainees to participate in research when possible.
- Designs, analyzes, implements, and reports findings on targeted statistical research studies; provides consultation to investigators and researchers on experimental design and statistical research approaches, requirements, and scientific standards to advance medical knowledge and improve research in public health.
- Works with investigators to formalize analysis plans and reporting specifications; advises as to choice of statistical analysis strategies, reliability of measurements and identifiability of models, and interpretation and presentation of statistical results.
- Builds and sustains collaborative relationships with individuals in different disciplines and serves as subject-matter expert for research teams, internal and external committees, and other constituencies and collaborators.
- Plans and documents computer data file structure; develops, programs, manages, and maintains complex statistical databases; performs or supervises data entry.
- Conduct literature searches, gather and summarize relevant findings from the published scientific literature.
- Engage weekly meetings with PI and other research team members.
- Assist with writing papers for submission to peer-reviewed journals.
Other Duties And Responsibilities
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications/Requirements
Education:
- MD, PhD or equivalent degree from an accredited institution required.
Experience
- Three (3) years as a postdoctoral fellow and experience in an academic research laboratory
- Experience communicating research in peer-reviewed publications, scientific meetings, and interdisciplinary stakeholder, regulatory, or policy related meetings.
- Prior experience writing and publishing peer-reviewed manuscripts.
- Evidence of successful grant applications preferred.
- Past evidence of designing and leading research studies preferred.
KNOWLEDGE/ABILITY/SKILLS (depending On Research Interests)
- Knowledge of scientific approach and methodologies.
- Knowledge and understanding of the principles, concepts, methods, and standards of statistical research.
- Protein and RNA extract from mouse tissues and mammalian cells.
- Mammalian tissues culture
- siRNA transfection in vivo and in vitro
- Real time RT-PCR
- Western blot
- Immunohistochemistry
- DNA cloning and plasmid purification
- Perform animal studies including diabetic animal model generation and treatment.
- Animal tissue collection
- Knowledge of scientific reporting and manuscript preparation requirements and standards.
- Ability to work in a team environment to design, analyze, and report on research projects.
- Strong analytical communication, critical thinking and problem solving skills.
- Ability to provide technical guidance and leadership to professional personnel in area of expertise.
- Excellent time management skills and ability to prioritize projects.
- In-depth knowledge and understanding of probability and medical statistics theory.
- Knowledge of data management principles and regulatory requirements for clinical trials and medical research.
- Strong focus and quality and timely delivery of work.
Complexity
The ability to perform highly detailed work with sustained attention and care while providing/obtaining information on numerous inquiries is paramount to success in this position.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Occasional stooping.
- Frequent standing.
- Constant walking, sitting, climbing, reaching high/low levels, finger movement, feeling, speaking clearly, hearing conversationally, and seeing far and near.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Occasionally required to work in confined space.
Mental Demands
The mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Frequent work on a variety of unrelated tasks.
- Constant calculating interrupted work, work on a variety of interrelated tasks, and use of sustained concentration, reasoning, judgment, resourcefulness, analytical ability, and ingenuity.
Special Requirements
As a health professions institution of higher education, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science seeks to protect the health and safety of the University community. As a condition of enrollment and employment, students, faculty, and staff must comply with the current CDU COVID-19 requirements as described on the CDU COVID-19 webpage. Please visit the CDU Return to Campus website https://www.cdrewu.edu/covid-policy/ or email the Campus Nursing Office at nurseofficer@cdrewu.edu.
- Ability to work effectively with a diverse community.
Compensation
- $90,000 annually
Position Status
- Full Time
Work Location:
- On-site
Conditional Statement:
The employment status of this position is classified as “Conditional.” Conditional employment means that the job exists contingent upon continued funding and limitations of restricted funds or, the duration of a specific program, project, grant, or contract. Since this position is funded by AIM, End Date: 07/31/2025 and R35, End Date: 04/30/2026, this position is contingent upon the continued receipt of these funds. Continuation of this position is dependent, in part, upon funding availability. Furthermore, no work may be performed after the grant end date(s) unless the position receives an extension in writing from a Dean, Division VP, or Human Resources.
EEO Statement:
Charles R. Drew University is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity. Applicants will be considered without regard to gender, race, age, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, marital status, disability or covered veteran status.
Fair Chance Statement:
Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science will consider qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with state and local “Fair Chance” laws.
See All 29 Research Assistant Professor Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsResearch Assistant Professor Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Research Assistant Professor Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- University of California, San Francisco7
- University of the Pacific4
- Touro University3
- University of La Verne3
- Western University of Health Sciences3
Top Industries Hiring
- Education26
- Healthcare & Medical Services12
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in research assistant professor jobs across California.
- Earned Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree in a relevant field from an accredited institution
- Active extramural funding record or strong demonstrated potential to secure competitive grants
- Published peer-reviewed research in high-impact journals within the candidate's specialty area
- Experience mentoring graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, or undergraduate research assistants
- Ability to collaborate across interdisciplinary research centers or affiliated clinical programs
- Familiarity with California-specific research compliance requirements including IRB and IACUC protocols
Research Assistant Professor Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a research assistant professor in California?
Becoming a research assistant professor in California requires completing a doctoral degree in your field, followed by one or more postdoctoral appointments to build an independent research portfolio. California institutions typically expect a record of peer-reviewed publications and evidence of grant-seeking ability before extending a faculty appointment. While no state-issued license is required for the role itself, research involving human subjects or animals must comply with California-specific IRB and IACUC review processes administered through each hiring institution.
Which companies hire research assistant professors in California?
Employers hiring research assistant professors in California right now include University of California, San Francisco, University of the Pacific, and Touro University, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's density of research universities, academic medical centers, and private biotech and technology firms makes it one of the broadest hiring markets for this role in the country.
Which California cities have the most research assistant professor jobs?
San Francisco, Pomona, and Stockton have the most research assistant professor openings in California. Los Angeles draws volume through its major research universities and academic medical centers, San Francisco benefits from a concentration of biotechnology companies and UC San Francisco's expansive research programs, and San Diego's life sciences corridor anchors hiring in that region through institutions such as UC San Diego and the Salk Institute.
Are there remote research assistant professor jobs in California?
Yes, but they're uncommon. Research assistant professor work is largely laboratory, clinic, or campus-based, making fully remote arrangements the exception rather than the rule. About 0% of research assistant professor openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, and those tend to involve computational, data-intensive, or theoretical research that does not require physical lab access.
How can I get hired as a research assistant professor in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is completing a postdoctoral fellowship at a California research institution, which is the standard bridge from doctoral training to a faculty appointment. UC San Diego, UCLA, UC San Francisco, and Stanford all run structured postdoctoral programs that frequently convert to research faculty positions. Candidates can also transition from research scientist or staff scientist roles within California's large biotech sector, and holding a strong first-author publication record significantly improves appointment prospects even without prior independent faculty experience.
Where can I find and apply to research assistant professor jobs in California?
You can find and apply to research assistant professor jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across research universities, academic medical centers, and private research organizations. Search the available roles, find the ones that fit your background and specialization, and apply directly through each listing.
See All 29 Research Assistant Professor Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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