Research Jobs in California
Research jobs in California are in high demand, with openings concentrated in biotechnology, academic institutions, technology, and public health across experience levels from research assistant through principal investigator and senior research scientist. The Bay Area, San Diego, and Los Angeles are the state's largest hiring hubs, anchored by employers such as Genentech, UCLA Health, and the Salk Institute, which maintain deep, long-term research operations throughout California. The most sought-after specialties include clinical research, computational biology, and applied data science. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 2,390+ Research jobs
Company Description
NBCUniversal is one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies. We create world-class content, which we distribute across our portfolio of film, television, and streaming, and bring to life through our global theme park destinations, consumer products, and experiences. We own and operate leading entertainment and news brands, including NBC, NBC News, NBC Sports, Telemundo, NBC Local Stations, Bravo, and Peacock, our premium ad-supported streaming service. We produce and distribute premier filmed entertainment and programming through our powerhouse film and television studios, including Universal Pictures, DreamWorks Animation, and Focus Features, and the four global television studios under the Universal Studio Group banner, and operate industry-leading theme parks and experiences around the world through Universal Destinations & Experiences, including Universal Orlando Resort, home to Universal Epic Universe, and Universal Studios Hollywood. NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation.
Our impact is rooted in improving the communities where our employees, customers, and audiences live and work. We have a rich tradition of giving back and ensuring our employees have the opportunity to serve their communities. We champion an inclusive culture and strive to attract and develop a talented workforce to create and deliver a wide range of content reflecting our world.
Job Description
As a researcher, you will work directly with associate producers, producers and senior producers to assist in the writing and production of original tape and live segments for TODAY.
Essential Responsibilities:
- Assist in producing original news content, primarily for broadcast, including elements and background research, assisting with set-up of and conducting of interviews, and supporting field producing and shooting.
- Researchers are expected to work on daily crash stories ranging from breaking news to politics to celebrity profiles.
- In addition to assigned tasks, researchers should take initiative to gather necessary visual elements, both new and archival, for spots. The researcher is heavily relied on to help shape visual storytelling and prepare the team for the edit process.
- Source and obtain permissions for user generated content to be used in pieces.
- Collaborate with teams across the network and field producers to catch and log incoming material.
- Log interviews and tapes, highlighting best sound and visual elements for producers and correspondents.
- Alert associate producers/producers of strong elements or editorial.
- Fact-check scripts and verify information for reporting as needed.
Qualifications
- 1 year of experience working in news production (could include internships)
- Bachelor’s Degree
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be willing to work in Los Angeles
- Must be willing to work long hours, evenings and weekends as needed.
- Must be organized, proactive and resourceful.
- Must be comfortable with going in the field to conduct interviews or assist with production set-up.
Desired Characteristics:
- Strong journalistic research, booking skills and editorial judgment.
- Demonstrated strong knowledge and interest in news, national affairs, current events and pop culture.
- Strong interpersonal skills.
- Strong time management / ability to multi-task and prioritize assignments.
- Knowledge of journalistic standards and practices.
- Experience with breaking news.
- Demonstrated understanding of what it takes to put together a full segment.
- Clear and timely communication.
Additional Requirements:
- Hybrid: This position currently has a hybrid schedule, which requires contributing from the office a minimum of four days per week. The Company reserves the right to change in-office requirements at any time.
This position is eligible for company sponsored benefits, including medical, dental and vision insurance, 401(k), paid leave, tuition reimbursement, and a variety of other discounts and perks.
Salary Range: $26.00/hr - $31.00/hr
Additional Information
As part of our selection process, external candidates may be required to attend an in-person interview with an NBCUniversal employee at one of our locations prior to a hiring decision. NBCUniversal's policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, membership in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law.
NBCUniversal will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories, or arrest or conviction records, in a manner consistent with relevant legal requirements, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative For Hiring Ordinance, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, and the California Fair Chance Act, where applicable.
If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and require support throughout the application and/or recruitment process as a result of your disability, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation. You can submit your request to AccessibilitySupport@nbcuni.com.
Company Description
NBCUniversal is one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies. We create world-class content, which we distribute across our portfolio of film, television, and streaming, and bring to life through our global theme park destinations, consumer products, and experiences. We own and operate leading entertainment and news brands, including NBC, NBC News, NBC Sports, Telemundo, NBC Local Stations, Bravo, and Peacock, our premium ad-supported streaming service. We produce and distribute premier filmed entertainment and programming through our powerhouse film and television studios, including Universal Pictures, DreamWorks Animation, and Focus Features, and the four global television studios under the Universal Studio Group banner, and operate industry-leading theme parks and experiences around the world through Universal Destinations & Experiences, including Universal Orlando Resort, home to Universal Epic Universe, and Universal Studios Hollywood. NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation.
Our impact is rooted in improving the communities where our employees, customers, and audiences live and work. We have a rich tradition of giving back and ensuring our employees have the opportunity to serve their communities. We champion an inclusive culture and strive to attract and develop a talented workforce to create and deliver a wide range of content reflecting our world.
Job Description
As a researcher, you will work directly with associate producers, producers and senior producers to assist in the writing and production of original tape and live segments for TODAY.
Essential Responsibilities:
- Assist in producing original news content, primarily for broadcast, including elements and background research, assisting with set-up of and conducting of interviews, and supporting field producing and shooting.
- Researchers are expected to work on daily crash stories ranging from breaking news to politics to celebrity profiles.
- In addition to assigned tasks, researchers should take initiative to gather necessary visual elements, both new and archival, for spots. The researcher is heavily relied on to help shape visual storytelling and prepare the team for the edit process.
- Source and obtain permissions for user generated content to be used in pieces.
- Collaborate with teams across the network and field producers to catch and log incoming material.
- Log interviews and tapes, highlighting best sound and visual elements for producers and correspondents.
- Alert associate producers/producers of strong elements or editorial.
- Fact-check scripts and verify information for reporting as needed.
Qualifications
- 1 year of experience working in news production (could include internships)
- Bachelor’s Degree
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be willing to work in Los Angeles
- Must be willing to work long hours, evenings and weekends as needed.
- Must be organized, proactive and resourceful.
- Must be comfortable with going in the field to conduct interviews or assist with production set-up.
Desired Characteristics:
- Strong journalistic research, booking skills and editorial judgment.
- Demonstrated strong knowledge and interest in news, national affairs, current events and pop culture.
- Strong interpersonal skills.
- Strong time management / ability to multi-task and prioritize assignments.
- Knowledge of journalistic standards and practices.
- Experience with breaking news.
- Demonstrated understanding of what it takes to put together a full segment.
- Clear and timely communication.
Additional Requirements:
- Hybrid: This position currently has a hybrid schedule, which requires contributing from the office a minimum of four days per week. The Company reserves the right to change in-office requirements at any time.
This position is eligible for company sponsored benefits, including medical, dental and vision insurance, 401(k), paid leave, tuition reimbursement, and a variety of other discounts and perks.
Salary Range: $26.00/hr - $31.00/hr
Additional Information
As part of our selection process, external candidates may be required to attend an in-person interview with an NBCUniversal employee at one of our locations prior to a hiring decision. NBCUniversal's policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, membership in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law.
NBCUniversal will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories, or arrest or conviction records, in a manner consistent with relevant legal requirements, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative For Hiring Ordinance, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, and the California Fair Chance Act, where applicable.
If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and require support throughout the application and/or recruitment process as a result of your disability, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation. You can submit your request to AccessibilitySupport@nbcuni.com.
See All 2,390+ Research Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Research JobsResearch Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Research Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Lam Research134
- University of California, San Francisco114
- University of California - San Francisco85
- ByteDance70
- Revolution Medicines67
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software497
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals490
- Education357
- Science & Research350
- Healthcare & Medical Services261
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in research jobs across California.
- Bachelor's or advanced degree in a relevant scientific or analytical field required
- Experience with California-regulated clinical trial or laboratory compliance protocols preferred
- Proficiency in statistical analysis software such as R, Python, or SAS
- Familiarity with IRB submission and human subjects research guidelines
- Strong scientific writing skills for grants, protocols, and peer-reviewed publications
- Ability to collaborate within multidisciplinary teams across academic or industry research environments
Research Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a research in California?
Most research roles in California require at minimum a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as biology, chemistry, psychology, or a social science, with advanced positions expecting a master's or doctorate. While California does not issue a general research license, those conducting clinical research must comply with requirements from the California Department of Public Health and follow IRB protocols. Many university and biotech employers expect familiarity with California-specific regulatory frameworks governing human and animal research.
Which companies hire researchs in California?
Employers hiring researchs in California right now include Lam Research, University of California, San Francisco, and University of California - San Francisco, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's concentration of biotech firms, university medical centers, and technology companies makes it one of the most active research hiring markets in the country.
Which California cities have the most research jobs?
San Francisco, San Diego, and San Jose have the most research openings in California. The Bay Area and San Diego lead because of their dense biotech and pharmaceutical ecosystems, while Los Angeles draws significant research hiring through its large academic medical centers, public health agencies, and entertainment-adjacent consumer research firms.
Are there remote research jobs in California?
Yes, but they're less common than in purely desk-based fields, since many research roles involve laboratory work, clinical settings, or on-site data collection. About 13% of research openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, and those positions tend to concentrate in literature review, data analysis, survey research, and health policy roles that do not require physical presence.
How can I get hired as a research in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through a research assistant or research coordinator role, which large California employers such as UC San Francisco, UCLA, Stanford Health Care, and major San Diego biotech firms regularly post as new-grad positions. Many UC campuses and Kaiser Permanente run formal research internship and post-baccalaureate fellowship programs designed for candidates without professional experience. Building a portfolio through a senior thesis, volunteer lab work, or a community college certificate in research methods gives applicants a concrete credential employers recognize.
Where can I find and apply to research jobs in California?
You can find and apply to research jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across industries and experience levels. Search the listings for roles that match your background and apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 2,390+ Research Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Research Jobs