Research Associate Jobs in California
Research associate jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in life sciences, academic research, biotechnology, and public policy across a market that supports everything from entry-level lab positions through senior research scientist roles. The largest hiring centers are San Francisco, San Diego, and Los Angeles, where organizations like Genentech, Scripps Research, and UCLA Health sustain a consistent need for research associates. The most in-demand specialties are clinical research, molecular biology, and behavioral or social science research. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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The study will be using magnetic resonance (MR), spectroscopy (MRS), and imaging (MRI) to monitor normal and abnormal neonatal brain maturation with the long-term goal of understanding the anatomical and functional growth of the developing brain.
The MRS and MRI studies will be complemented with established and ongoing cell and molecular biological methods performed by collaborators in the study.
The Staff Research Associate (SRA) will be primarily involved in assisting the imaging scans at the hospital, data collection and storage, and helping collaborators and group members in data analyses. The position will also include some administrative work to aid the smooth operation of the lab. Duties include aiding in lab organization, order placement, and participating in the general care and maintenance of the equipment.
Required Qualifications:
BA/BS in biological/related science; or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Strong and proficient computer skills working with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; and prior experience working, maintaining on databases
- Demonstrated record of reliability and excellent attendance
Excellent organizational skills shown by the ability to set priorities, multi-task and work independently to meet various deadlines; and interpersonal skills dealing with a diverse group level of staff
Possess basic related scientific techniques, procedures and safety as learned from an academic laboratory or field experimental experience.
Strong analytical and problem solving skills; and familiarity with medical imaging and image processing
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience working or familiarity with magnetic resonance (MR), spectroscopy (MRS), and imaging (MRI)
The study will be using magnetic resonance (MR), spectroscopy (MRS), and imaging (MRI) to monitor normal and abnormal neonatal brain maturation with the long-term goal of understanding the anatomical and functional growth of the developing brain.
The MRS and MRI studies will be complemented with established and ongoing cell and molecular biological methods performed by collaborators in the study.
The Staff Research Associate (SRA) will be primarily involved in assisting the imaging scans at the hospital, data collection and storage, and helping collaborators and group members in data analyses. The position will also include some administrative work to aid the smooth operation of the lab. Duties include aiding in lab organization, order placement, and participating in the general care and maintenance of the equipment.
Required Qualifications:
BA/BS in biological/related science; or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Strong and proficient computer skills working with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; and prior experience working, maintaining on databases
- Demonstrated record of reliability and excellent attendance
Excellent organizational skills shown by the ability to set priorities, multi-task and work independently to meet various deadlines; and interpersonal skills dealing with a diverse group level of staff
Possess basic related scientific techniques, procedures and safety as learned from an academic laboratory or field experimental experience.
Strong analytical and problem solving skills; and familiarity with medical imaging and image processing
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience working or familiarity with magnetic resonance (MR), spectroscopy (MRS), and imaging (MRI)
See All 313+ Research Associate Jobs in California
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Find Research Associate JobsResearch Associate Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Research Associate Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- IQVIA29
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center14
- UC San Diego13
- Keck Medicine of USC11
- City of Hope9
Top Industries Hiring
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals24
- Healthcare & Medical Services9
- Science & Research8
- Education5
- Technology & Software4
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in research associate jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in a life science, social science, or related field required
- Experience with data collection, analysis, and interpretation using standard research methods
- Familiarity with IRB protocols and human subjects research compliance procedures
- Proficiency in statistical software such as R, SPSS, SAS, or Python for data analysis
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for preparing reports and presenting findings
- Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
Research Associate Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a research associate in California?
Most research associate roles in California require at minimum a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as biology, chemistry, psychology, or public health, with many positions at biotech firms and universities preferring a master's degree. Clinical research associates working on FDA-regulated trials are typically expected to hold or pursue certification through the Association of Clinical Research Professionals, which is widely recognized by California employers. Lab-based roles in regulated environments often require documented GLP or GCP training.
Which companies hire research associates in California?
Employers hiring research associates in California right now include IQVIA, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, and UC San Diego, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. California's dense concentration of biotech firms, academic medical centers, and public health agencies means hiring is spread across a wide range of organization types and sizes.
Which California cities have the most research associate jobs?
The California cities with the most research associate openings are Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco. San Francisco and San Diego dominate because of their established biotech and pharmaceutical corridors, while Los Angeles draws volume from its large university system, public health agencies, and growing life sciences campus developments in areas like Torrance and Pasadena.
Are there remote research associate jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare for most specializations. About 36% of research associate openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting that many positions require on-site lab work, patient interaction, or access to institutional equipment. The sub-roles most likely to offer remote or hybrid arrangements are literature review, data analysis, policy research, and health economics positions that don't depend on physical lab access.
How can I get hired as a research associate in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is securing a paid research assistant or junior research associate role at a California university or teaching hospital, where departments like those at UC San Francisco, UC San Diego, and USC regularly post new-graduate positions that provide on-the-job training. Internship programs at biotech companies such as Genentech and Illumina also give candidates without full-time experience a direct route in. Completing relevant coursework in GCP compliance, earning an entry-level clinical research certification, or building a portfolio through thesis or capstone research strengthens applications considerably.
Where can I find and apply to research associate jobs in California?
You can find and apply to research associate jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings across the state. Find roles that fit your background and apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 313+ Research Associate Jobs in California
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