Research Director Jobs in California
Research Director jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in biotechnology and life sciences, technology and AI research, public health, and academic medicine, with openings at every level from newly promoted associate director through senior and chief research officer. The largest hiring metros are San Francisco and the Bay Area, Los Angeles, and San Diego, where anchor institutions and employers such as UCSF, Genentech, and the RAND Corporation maintain deep, ongoing research leadership demand. The most in-demand specialties are clinical and translational research, AI and data science research, and health policy. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Job Description
Our goal is to build the next generation of AI: autonomous agents that can reason, plan, act, and learn to solve critical problems for an industry leading financial institution. We are looking for architects who will define the future of banking through Agentic AI. The Applied Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning team in Commercial and Investment Banking is transforming operations by leveraging the latest advancements in agentic AI and frontier models. As an Applied AI ML Researcher Director in the Applied AI Research team, you will be a builder, a scientific pioneer and mentor who bridges the gap between leading edge theory and enterprise-grade, large-scale, deployable systems.
Job Responsibilities
- Architect and develop GenAI and agentic solutions to automate complex operational processes
- Assist Lines of Business and teams to directly solve priority use cases within the domain
- Deliver multiple agents that collaborate to solve large, complex problems, orchestrate end-to-end workflows, and scale across JPMC
- Design and build services and libraries that AI teams want to use
- Mentor and inspire a team of AI engineers, fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and continuous learning
- Ensure the scalability, reliability, and security of AI/ML solutions in a production environment, with a focus on long-term sustainability
- Collaborate with stakeholders and technical partners across Lines of Business and firmwide to scale solutions and maximize impact
Required Qualifications, Capabilities, And Skills
- PhD in Computer Science or a related quantitative discipline with 8+ years of relevant experience or MS in Computer Science or a related field with 12+ years of relevant experience
- Research experience or work in a top commercial AI research lab
- Deep understanding of AI fundamentals and practical experience with data analysis and experimental design
- Proven track record of deploying AI/ML applications in a production environment at scale
- Familiarity with distributed computing patterns for training, serving, and persistence of state
- Experience integrating user feedback to establish agentic refinement and self-improving AI applications
- Experience in building and leading high-performing AI teams
Preferred Qualifications, Capabilities, And Skills
- Experience deploying models on AWS platforms such as SageMaker or Bedrock will be strongly considered, but not required
FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE ACT: This position is subject to Section 19 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act. As such, an employment offer for this position is contingent on JPMorganChase's review of criminal conviction history, including pretrial diversions or program entries.
About us
JPMorganChase, one of the oldest financial institutions, offers innovative financial solutions to millions of consumers, small businesses and many of the world's most prominent corporate, institutional and government clients under the J.P. Morgan and Chase brands. Our history spans over 200 years and today we are a leader in investment banking, consumer and small business banking, commercial banking, financial transaction processing and asset management. We offer a competitive total rewards package including base salary determined based on the role, experience, skill set and location. Those in eligible roles may receive commission-based pay and/or discretionary incentive compensation, paid in the form of cash and/or forfeitable equity, awarded in recognition of individual achievements and contributions. We also offer a range of benefits and programs to meet employee needs, based on eligibility. These benefits include comprehensive health care coverage, on-site health and wellness centers, a retirement savings plan, backup childcare, tuition reimbursement, mental health support, financial coaching and more. Additional details about total compensation and benefits will be provided during the hiring process. We recognize that our people are our strength and the diverse talents they bring to our global workforce are directly linked to our success. We are an equal opportunity employer and place a high value on diversity and inclusion at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of any protected attribute, including race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital or veteran status, pregnancy or disability, or any other basis protected under applicable law. We also make reasonable accommodations for applicants' and employees' religious practices and beliefs, as well as mental health or physical disability needs. Visit our FAQs for more information about requesting an accommodation. JPMorgan Chase & Co. is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including Disability/Veterans
About The Team
J.P. Morgan's Commercial & Investment Bank is a global leader across banking, markets, securities services and payments. Corporations, governments and institutions throughout the world entrust us with their business in more than 100 countries. The Commercial & Investment Bank provides strategic advice, raises capital, manages risk and extends liquidity in markets around the world.
Job Description
Our goal is to build the next generation of AI: autonomous agents that can reason, plan, act, and learn to solve critical problems for an industry leading financial institution. We are looking for architects who will define the future of banking through Agentic AI. The Applied Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning team in Commercial and Investment Banking is transforming operations by leveraging the latest advancements in agentic AI and frontier models. As an Applied AI ML Researcher Director in the Applied AI Research team, you will be a builder, a scientific pioneer and mentor who bridges the gap between leading edge theory and enterprise-grade, large-scale, deployable systems.
Job Responsibilities
- Architect and develop GenAI and agentic solutions to automate complex operational processes
- Assist Lines of Business and teams to directly solve priority use cases within the domain
- Deliver multiple agents that collaborate to solve large, complex problems, orchestrate end-to-end workflows, and scale across JPMC
- Design and build services and libraries that AI teams want to use
- Mentor and inspire a team of AI engineers, fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and continuous learning
- Ensure the scalability, reliability, and security of AI/ML solutions in a production environment, with a focus on long-term sustainability
- Collaborate with stakeholders and technical partners across Lines of Business and firmwide to scale solutions and maximize impact
Required Qualifications, Capabilities, And Skills
- PhD in Computer Science or a related quantitative discipline with 8+ years of relevant experience or MS in Computer Science or a related field with 12+ years of relevant experience
- Research experience or work in a top commercial AI research lab
- Deep understanding of AI fundamentals and practical experience with data analysis and experimental design
- Proven track record of deploying AI/ML applications in a production environment at scale
- Familiarity with distributed computing patterns for training, serving, and persistence of state
- Experience integrating user feedback to establish agentic refinement and self-improving AI applications
- Experience in building and leading high-performing AI teams
Preferred Qualifications, Capabilities, And Skills
- Experience deploying models on AWS platforms such as SageMaker or Bedrock will be strongly considered, but not required
FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE ACT: This position is subject to Section 19 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act. As such, an employment offer for this position is contingent on JPMorganChase's review of criminal conviction history, including pretrial diversions or program entries.
About us
JPMorganChase, one of the oldest financial institutions, offers innovative financial solutions to millions of consumers, small businesses and many of the world's most prominent corporate, institutional and government clients under the J.P. Morgan and Chase brands. Our history spans over 200 years and today we are a leader in investment banking, consumer and small business banking, commercial banking, financial transaction processing and asset management. We offer a competitive total rewards package including base salary determined based on the role, experience, skill set and location. Those in eligible roles may receive commission-based pay and/or discretionary incentive compensation, paid in the form of cash and/or forfeitable equity, awarded in recognition of individual achievements and contributions. We also offer a range of benefits and programs to meet employee needs, based on eligibility. These benefits include comprehensive health care coverage, on-site health and wellness centers, a retirement savings plan, backup childcare, tuition reimbursement, mental health support, financial coaching and more. Additional details about total compensation and benefits will be provided during the hiring process. We recognize that our people are our strength and the diverse talents they bring to our global workforce are directly linked to our success. We are an equal opportunity employer and place a high value on diversity and inclusion at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of any protected attribute, including race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital or veteran status, pregnancy or disability, or any other basis protected under applicable law. We also make reasonable accommodations for applicants' and employees' religious practices and beliefs, as well as mental health or physical disability needs. Visit our FAQs for more information about requesting an accommodation. JPMorgan Chase & Co. is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including Disability/Veterans
About The Team
J.P. Morgan's Commercial & Investment Bank is a global leader across banking, markets, securities services and payments. Corporations, governments and institutions throughout the world entrust us with their business in more than 100 countries. The Commercial & Investment Bank provides strategic advice, raises capital, manages risk and extends liquidity in markets around the world.
See All 125+ Research Director Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Research Director JobsResearch Director Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Research Director Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Revolution Medicines23
- AbbVie6
- Exelixis6
- Neurocrine Biosciences5
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals4
Top Industries Hiring
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals86
- Science & Research13
- Healthcare & Medical Services12
- Technology & Software10
- Education8
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in research director jobs across California.
- Doctoral degree (PhD, MD, or equivalent) in a relevant scientific or technical discipline
- Demonstrated leadership of multi-disciplinary research teams and large-scale study programs
- Strong record of peer-reviewed publication, grant acquisition, or industry R&D output
- Experience managing IRB submissions, regulatory compliance, or FDA research protocols
- Proficiency with California-relevant research infrastructure including UC system or state health data systems
- Ability to collaborate across California academic medical centers, biotech firms, or public agencies
Research Director Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a research director in California?
The most common path to a research director role in California starts with a doctoral degree in a relevant field followed by several years of progressively senior research or faculty experience. California does not issue a state license specific to research directors, but roles in clinical research often require compliance with California Health and Safety Code requirements and familiarity with CDPH or UC system protocols. A strong publication record, grant leadership experience, and prior management of research staff are the credentials that drive competitive candidacy.
How much do research directors make in California?
Research directors in California earn a median of about $210,230 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $130,730 for the lowest 10% to over $330,050 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire research directors in California?
Employers hiring research directors in California right now include Revolution Medicines, AbbVie, and Exelixis, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's density of biotechnology firms, academic medical centers, and technology companies makes it one of the deepest markets in the country for sustained research director demand.
Which California cities have the most research director jobs?
The cities with the most research director openings in California are Redwood City, San Francisco, and San Diego. The San Francisco Bay Area and San Diego lead because of their high concentrations of biotech headquarters, research universities, and life sciences campuses, while Los Angeles draws demand from its large academic medical centers, entertainment technology research divisions, and public health institutions.
Are there remote research director jobs in California?
Yes, and more than many senior research roles, because research directors often split their time between strategy, writing, and stakeholder work that can be done off-site. About 12% of research director openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, with the remote-eligible share concentrated in policy research, data science research, and program oversight roles rather than lab-based or clinical positions.
How can I get hired as a research director in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic path for candidates without director-level experience is to enter as a research manager, principal investigator, or senior scientist at a California academic medical center or major biotech company such as those in the UC system, Kaiser Permanente, or South San Francisco corridor firms, then build toward director promotion internally. UC campuses and large California health systems frequently run postdoctoral leadership development and research management training tracks. A completed doctoral degree paired with demonstrated grant management or team supervision, even at modest scale, gives candidates a credible entry point.
Where can I find and apply to research director jobs in California?
You can find and apply to research director jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings. Find the roles that fit your experience and apply directly.
See All 125+ Research Director Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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