Research Associate Jobs in Los Angeles, CA
Research Associate jobs in Los Angeles are in strong demand, concentrated in Westwood, the UCLA Medical Center corridor, Downtown LA, and the South Bay biotech cluster, across life sciences, academic research, healthcare, and technology. Employers hiring right now include Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, University of Southern California, and UCLA Health. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
Find Research Associate JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 244+ Research Associate jobs











Salary & Compensation
*UCLA provides a full pay range. Actual salary offers consider factors, including budget, prior experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business considerations. Salary offers at the top of the range are not common. Visit UC Benefit package to discover benefits that start on day one, and UC Total Compensation Estimator to calculate the total compensation value with benefits.
Qualifications
- Lab Experience Relevant Experience (Required)
- Working knowledge of cell biology, molecular biology, virology, immunology, or biochemistry sufficient to understand assigned experimental objectives, controls, and expected outcomes. (Required)
- Skill in sterile mammalian cell culture, accurate micropipetting, solution preparation, and calculation of dilutions, concentrations, and molarity. (Required)
- Skill in one or more relevant laboratory methods, such as PCR and cloning, immunoblotting, ELISA, flow cytometry, microscopy, viral-entry or fusion assays, neutralization assays, or viral-vector and VLP production. (Required)
- Ability to follow detailed written protocols, manufacturer instructions, approved amendments, and laboratory SOPs accurately and reproducibly. Ability to comply with required biosafety, chemical, occupational health, exposure-control, PPE, decontamination, and waste-management procedures. (Required)
- Ability to plan sequential experiments, manage multiple samples and time points, prioritize competing tasks, and complete work within scientific and operational deadlines. (Required)
- Ability to recognize unexpected results or technical problems, troubleshoot routine procedures systematically, document corrective actions, and escalate non-routine issues appropriately. (Required)
- Skill in quantitative data analysis and use of software such as Excel, GraphPad Prism, ImageJ/Fiji, FlowJo, or equivalent applications. (Preferred)
- Ability to maintain complete, contemporaneous, and traceable research records, including raw data, calculations, sample identifiers, reagent lots, and protocol deviations. (Required)
- Skill in organizing biological samples, reagents, inventories, freezer locations, and digital data using established naming and tracking systems. Ability to operate common laboratory equipment and perform routine user maintenance after documented training. (Required)
- Ability to communicate technical information clearly in writing and orally, collaborate with individuals from varied scientific backgrounds, and provide task-specific instruction in established procedures. Skill in preparing concise experimental summaries, figures, tables, protocols, and technical documentation. (Required)
- Ability to complete all UCLA-required safety, medical surveillance, and containment-specific training before performing assigned regulated or higher-containment work. (Required)
- Ability to perform occasional evening or weekend work for time-sensitive experiments with reasonable advance notice. (Required)
Education, Licenses, Certifications & Personal Affiliations
- Bachelor's Degree In Biological Sciences or equivalent experience and education. (Preferred)
Special Conditions for Employment
- Background Check: Continued employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background investigation.
- Age Requirement: Candidate(s) must be 18 years or older to be eligible to be hired.
- COVID and Flu Vaccinations: The position is subject to providing evidence of inoculation.
- Ability to move and lift up to 25 lbs. (Required)
- Ability to perform repetitive fine-motor pipetting. (Required)
- Ability to wear personal protective equipment. (Required)
Schedule
M-F 8am-5pm
Union/Policy Covered
RX-Research Support Professionals
Complete Position Description
https://universityofcalifornia.marketpayjobs.com/ShowJob.aspx?EntityID=38&JDName=Staff%20Research%20Associate%202%20Non%20Exempt%20(TBD_1000151) Apply
- Full Salary Range:
See All 244+ Research Associate Jobs in Los Angeles
Find roles in Los Angeles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Research Associate JobsResearch Associate Job Market in Los Angeles
Who's Hiring
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center88

- University of Southern California47

- UCLA Health20

- Vera Institute of Justice14

- Children's Hospital Los Angeles14

Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services34
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals20
- Science & Research14
- Education7
- Manufacturing7
Research Associate Jobs in Los Angeles: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a research associate job in Los Angeles?
Focus your search on the sectors that drive the most hiring in Los Angeles: life sciences and biotech firms in Torrance and El Segundo, academic medical centers in Westwood and East LA, and tech and market research companies Downtown. Candidates who have hands-on lab or data analysis experience specific to one of those sectors move fastest. Networking through UCLA, USC, and Cedars-Sinai research programs also opens doors that cold applications typically do not.
Which companies hire research associates in Los Angeles?
Employers hiring research associates in Los Angeles right now include Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, University of Southern California, and UCLA Health, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Los Angeles hiring is spread across large academic medical centers, mid-size biotech and pharmaceutical firms, and corporate market research and consulting groups concentrated in the Westside and Downtown corridors.
Are there remote research associate jobs in Los Angeles?
Yes, though it depends on the role type: hands-on lab and clinical research positions are almost always on-site, while data analysis, literature review, and market research positions can often be done remotely. About 54% of research associate openings tied to Los Angeles are remote or hybrid as of August 2026. Analytical and social science research roles at tech and consulting firms in Los Angeles tend to offer the most remote flexibility.
How can I get a research associate job in Los Angeles with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path in Los Angeles is through a research assistant or lab technician role at UCLA, USC, Cedars-Sinai, or one of the city's teaching hospitals, where associate-level openings frequently require only a bachelor's degree. Internship programs at South Bay biotech firms and market research companies Downtown also hire entry-level candidates. Demonstrating familiarity with statistical software, clinical data platforms, or a specific disease area relevant to the employer sharpens any application significantly.
Which industries hire the most research associates in Los Angeles?
The sectors hiring the most research associates in Los Angeles are Healthcare & Medical Services, Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals, and Science & Research, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Los Angeles's combination of major research universities, a large hospital network, and a growing biotech and tech industry creates consistent demand for research associate talent across both scientific and analytical disciplines.
Related Jobs in California
See All 244+ Research Associate Jobs in Los Angeles
Find roles in Los Angeles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Research Associate Jobs