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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Showing 5 of 478+ Research Associate jobs
Nature and Scope
The Research associate is responsible for performing analytical activities to provide support for formulation development and process development.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
- Develop methods for raw materials, in-process and finished drug product under cGLP/cGMP, ICH, USP/EP Guideline.
- Perform sample testing using HPLC, UPLC, UV/VIS, GC, particle sizer, pH meter, etc. to provide support for formulation and process development.
- Conduct analytical studies in support of formulation development, process development, process scale-up, and stability studies.
- Develop, modify, and optimize SOPs and test methods as appropriate.
- Conduct literature search for method development.
- Organize and prepare samples for analysis by external laboratories.
- Troubleshoot and maintain analytical equipment.
- Observe and maintain compliance, safety regulations, cGLP/GMP guidelines, and company policies and procedures.
- Perform any other tasks/duties as assigned by management.
Education Requirements and Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.
- BS degree in pharmaceutical science, chemistry, biology, or life science related field.
- Method development experience in the pharmaceutical industry, preferred.
- Prior experience in pharmaceutical, analytical, or research laboratory settings preferred.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced laboratory environment.
Physical Environment and Requirements
- Physically able to wear laboratory protective gowning and equipment, including but not limited to gowning, goggles, face shields, respirators, and protective gloves. PPE and Respirators are essential for the health and safety of employees.
- Specific vision requirements include 20/20 near vision (can be corrected with eyeglasses or contacts) and color vision.
- The employee is required to safely handle, use, and dispose of chemicals.
- Able to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and stand on feet for approximately 4-8 hours.
Expected Salary Range:
$70,100-$75,000
The salary range displayed is the minimum and maximum annual salary range of compensation for the role that the employer in good faith believes to be accurate at the time of the posting of an advertisement for the role. Actual compensation for the role will be based on a number of different factors including but not limited to the candidate’s qualifications, education, knowledge, skills and experience.
American Regent also offers a competitive total rewards package which includes healthcare, life insurance, profit sharing, paid time off, matching 401k as well as a wide range of other benefits.
American Regent celebrates diversity and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, or protected veteran status.
Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws.
- FMLA poster: https://www.dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/posters/fmlaen.pdf
- Know Your Rights: Know Your Rights: Workplace discrimination is illegal (eeoc.gov)
- Employee Polygraph Protection Act: https://www.dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/posters/eppac.pdf
Alert: We’re aware of individuals impersonating our staff to target job seekers. Please note:
- All legitimate communication will come directly from a verified ARI recruiter either by phone or via an americanregent.com email address.
- Our recruiting process includes multiple in person and/or video interviews and assessments.
- If you are unsure about the legitimacy of a message, contact John Rossini at jrossini@americanregent.com before responding.
- We never request payment, bank information, or personal financial details during our offer process.
Your security is important to us, and we encourage you to stay vigilant when job searching.
American Regent Inc. endeavors to make https://careers.americanregent.com/ accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please email hrtalentacquisition@americanregent.com.
Nature and Scope
The Research associate is responsible for performing analytical activities to provide support for formulation development and process development.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
- Develop methods for raw materials, in-process and finished drug product under cGLP/cGMP, ICH, USP/EP Guideline.
- Perform sample testing using HPLC, UPLC, UV/VIS, GC, particle sizer, pH meter, etc. to provide support for formulation and process development.
- Conduct analytical studies in support of formulation development, process development, process scale-up, and stability studies.
- Develop, modify, and optimize SOPs and test methods as appropriate.
- Conduct literature search for method development.
- Organize and prepare samples for analysis by external laboratories.
- Troubleshoot and maintain analytical equipment.
- Observe and maintain compliance, safety regulations, cGLP/GMP guidelines, and company policies and procedures.
- Perform any other tasks/duties as assigned by management.
Education Requirements and Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.
- BS degree in pharmaceutical science, chemistry, biology, or life science related field.
- Method development experience in the pharmaceutical industry, preferred.
- Prior experience in pharmaceutical, analytical, or research laboratory settings preferred.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced laboratory environment.
Physical Environment and Requirements
- Physically able to wear laboratory protective gowning and equipment, including but not limited to gowning, goggles, face shields, respirators, and protective gloves. PPE and Respirators are essential for the health and safety of employees.
- Specific vision requirements include 20/20 near vision (can be corrected with eyeglasses or contacts) and color vision.
- The employee is required to safely handle, use, and dispose of chemicals.
- Able to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and stand on feet for approximately 4-8 hours.
Expected Salary Range:
$70,100-$75,000
The salary range displayed is the minimum and maximum annual salary range of compensation for the role that the employer in good faith believes to be accurate at the time of the posting of an advertisement for the role. Actual compensation for the role will be based on a number of different factors including but not limited to the candidate’s qualifications, education, knowledge, skills and experience.
American Regent also offers a competitive total rewards package which includes healthcare, life insurance, profit sharing, paid time off, matching 401k as well as a wide range of other benefits.
American Regent celebrates diversity and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, or protected veteran status.
Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws.
- FMLA poster: https://www.dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/posters/fmlaen.pdf
- Know Your Rights: Know Your Rights: Workplace discrimination is illegal (eeoc.gov)
- Employee Polygraph Protection Act: https://www.dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/posters/eppac.pdf
Alert: We’re aware of individuals impersonating our staff to target job seekers. Please note:
- All legitimate communication will come directly from a verified ARI recruiter either by phone or via an americanregent.com email address.
- Our recruiting process includes multiple in person and/or video interviews and assessments.
- If you are unsure about the legitimacy of a message, contact John Rossini at jrossini@americanregent.com before responding.
- We never request payment, bank information, or personal financial details during our offer process.
Your security is important to us, and we encourage you to stay vigilant when job searching.
American Regent Inc. endeavors to make https://careers.americanregent.com/ accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please email hrtalentacquisition@americanregent.com.
See All 478+ Research Associate Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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
- Revolution Medicines35
- University of California, San Francisco27
- City of Hope16
- University of California - San Francisco14
- Environmental Systems Research Institute10
Top Industries Hiring
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals190
- Education77
- Science & Research67
- Healthcare & Medical Services60
- Technology & Software50
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 Revolution Medicines, University of California, San Francisco, and City of Hope, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 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 San Francisco, San Diego, and Redwood City. 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 9% of research associate openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 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 478+ Research Associate Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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