Research Intern Jobs in California
Research Intern jobs in California are concentrated in the San Francisco Bay Area, San Diego, and Los Angeles, where universities, biotech firms, and technology companies drive consistent demand for intern-level researchers across life sciences, computer science, and social policy. Institutions like UC San Francisco, the Salk Institute, and Google have maintained long-standing research intern programs that recruit students and recent graduates at every stage, from first-year undergraduates to post-baccalaureate candidates. The most in-demand specialties in California are computational biology, machine learning research, and public health research, reflecting the state's dual strength in biotech and tech. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Key Responsibilities
- Develop, implement, and test novel algorithms for autonomous driving, focusing on uncertainty- and interaction-aware motion planning to address perception noise, state uncertainty, and multimodal motion prediction uncertainty in dynamic environments involving multiple vehicles and pedestrians, within a model predictive control (MPC) framework.
- Extend the MPC-based motion planning stack to incorporate uncertainty modeling (state, model, multimodal prediction), socially acceptable interaction-aware behaviors, real-time interactions, partial observability and occlusion.
- Evaluate the performance, safety, and robustness of the proposed algorithms in simulation environments, including uncertain dynamic scenarios involving pedestrians and other vehicles.
- Collaborate with HRI scientists and engineers to integrate findings into practical applications.
- Submit research findings to leading academic conferences or journals.
Minimum Qualifications
- Ph.D. candidate in Robotics, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, or similar fields.
- Strong background and experience in at least one of the following: motion planning and decision-making under uncertainty, interaction-aware motion planning, occlusion-aware planning, active learning, or reinforcement learning.
- Experience with model predictive control (MPC).
- Programming and software design skills in C++ and Python.
- Self-motivated and able to work independently.
Bonus Qualifications
- N/A
Uncertainty-aware, Interaction-aware, Motion planning, Model Predictive Control (MPC),
Multi-modal motion prediction uncertainty, Autonomous driving
Key Responsibilities
- Develop, implement, and test novel algorithms for autonomous driving, focusing on uncertainty- and interaction-aware motion planning to address perception noise, state uncertainty, and multimodal motion prediction uncertainty in dynamic environments involving multiple vehicles and pedestrians, within a model predictive control (MPC) framework.
- Extend the MPC-based motion planning stack to incorporate uncertainty modeling (state, model, multimodal prediction), socially acceptable interaction-aware behaviors, real-time interactions, partial observability and occlusion.
- Evaluate the performance, safety, and robustness of the proposed algorithms in simulation environments, including uncertain dynamic scenarios involving pedestrians and other vehicles.
- Collaborate with HRI scientists and engineers to integrate findings into practical applications.
- Submit research findings to leading academic conferences or journals.
Minimum Qualifications
- Ph.D. candidate in Robotics, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, or similar fields.
- Strong background and experience in at least one of the following: motion planning and decision-making under uncertainty, interaction-aware motion planning, occlusion-aware planning, active learning, or reinforcement learning.
- Experience with model predictive control (MPC).
- Programming and software design skills in C++ and Python.
- Self-motivated and able to work independently.
Bonus Qualifications
- N/A
Uncertainty-aware, Interaction-aware, Motion planning, Model Predictive Control (MPC),
Multi-modal motion prediction uncertainty, Autonomous driving
See All 210+ Research Intern Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Research Intern JobsResearch Intern Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Research Intern Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Meta56
- Honda Research Institute USA36
- ByteDance17
- TikTok13
- Together AI10
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software
- Automotive
- Science & Research
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in research intern jobs across California.
- Current enrollment or recent graduation from an accredited California university or college
- Demonstrated coursework or lab experience in a relevant scientific or technical discipline
- Proficiency with research tools such as Python, R, SPSS, or laboratory information management systems
- Ability to work on-site at California research facilities or campuses as required by the program
- Strong written communication skills for drafting reports, literature reviews, and research summaries
- Familiarity with IRB protocols, data privacy standards, or laboratory safety regulations
Research Intern Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a research intern in California?
Most research intern roles in California require current enrollment in or recent graduation from an accredited college or university program in a relevant field such as biology, computer science, psychology, or public health. California does not require a state-issued license for most research intern positions, but competitive candidates typically complete faculty-supervised research, secure a faculty or supervisor reference, and apply directly through university career centers or institutional research office postings.
Which companies hire research interns in California?
California research intern roles are posted by Meta, Honda Research Institute USA, and ByteDance and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. California's density of research universities, biotech campuses, and technology headquarters means new intern cohorts open throughout the year, not just in summer.
Which California cities have the most research intern jobs?
San Jose, Menlo Park, and San Francisco have the most research intern openings in California. The Bay Area leads because of its concentration of technology companies and UC campuses, San Diego draws heavily from its biotech corridor and institutions like UC San Diego and the Scripps Research Institute, and Los Angeles reflects demand from UCLA, USC, and a growing base of health sciences and social policy organizations.
Are there remote research intern jobs in California?
Yes, but they are less common than in purely desk-based fields, since many research intern roles require access to labs, equipment, or on-site data systems. About 30% of research intern openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, and those tend to be in data analysis, literature review, or computational research rather than wet-lab or clinical settings.
How can I get hired as a research intern in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying to formal undergraduate research programs run by California's UC and CSU campuses, which place students with no prior lab experience into faculty-mentored projects. Large California institutions such as Kaiser Permanente, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, and the Gladstone Institutes run structured internship cohorts designed for first-time researchers. Adjacent roles like research assistant, data entry coordinator, or lab technician helper are common stepping stones, and a strong academic transcript or a completed independent study project gives candidates a clear edge.
Where can I find and apply to research intern jobs in California?
You can find and apply to research intern jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across industries and locations. Search for roles that match your field and experience level, then apply directly to the ones that fit. No profile creation is required to view and apply to listings.
See All 210+ Research Intern Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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