Research Associate Jobs in San Francisco, CA
Research Associate jobs in San Francisco concentrate in biotech and life sciences along the Mission Bay corridor, clinical research at UCSF Medical Center, and technology-driven research firms in SoMa and the Financial District. Employers hiring right now include University of California - San Francisco, Merge Labs, and Medra. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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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)
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Find Research Associate JobsResearch Associate Job Market in San Francisco
Who's Hiring
- University of California - San Francisco52
- Merge Labs30
- Medra22
- Northern California Institute for Research and Education22
- IQVIA15
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services15
- Education7
- Technology & Software7
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals7
Research Associate Jobs in San Francisco: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a research associate job in San Francisco?
Target the sectors that dominate San Francisco hiring: biotech and biopharma firms clustered in Mission Bay, academic medical centers like UCSF, and fintech or data research teams in SoMa. A science or analytics degree gets you in the door, but hands-on lab certifications or experience with clinical trial protocols give you a real edge with San Francisco's research-heavy employers. Apply directly through company career pages and keep your application materials tailored to the specific discipline.
Which companies hire research associates in San Francisco?
San Francisco research associate roles are posted by University of California - San Francisco, Merge Labs, and Medra and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. The local market is anchored by biopharma companies, academic health systems, and early-stage biotech startups that run continuous hiring cycles as studies and trials advance.
Are there remote research associate jobs in San Francisco?
Yes, though it depends heavily on the role type: analytical, literature review, and data-focused research associate positions can go fully remote, while wet-lab, clinical, or specimen-handling roles require on-site work. About 50% of research associate openings tied to San Francisco are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the mix of desk-based and hands-on work in this market. The strongest remote options tend to come from health tech and market research firms rather than traditional lab environments.
How can I get a research associate job in San Francisco with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path in San Francisco is through a research coordinator or research assistant role at one of the city's academic medical centers or biotech startups, where entry-level candidates regularly rotate into associate-level work within a year. UCSF and affiliated clinical research programs frequently post paid entry-level positions. Volunteering for a study team or completing a GCP certification strengthens any application, and many Mission Bay biotechs hire new graduates directly into associate roles tied to specific pipeline projects.
Which industries hire the most research associates in San Francisco?
Most research associate openings in San Francisco sit in Healthcare & Medical Services, Education, and Technology & Software, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. San Francisco's dense concentration of biopharma headquarters, UCSF's research enterprise, and a large fintech and data analytics sector create sustained demand for research associates well beyond what most comparably sized cities see.
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