Research Scientist Jobs in San Diego, CA
Research Scientist jobs in San Diego are in strong demand, concentrated in Torrey Pines, Sorrento Valley, and the UTC corridor across biotechnology, pharmaceutical development, and defense research. Employers hiring right now include UC San Diego, ByteDance, and ASML. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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ABOUT US:
Calibr-Skaggs Institute for Innovative Medicines, a division of Scripps Research, is a first-of-its-kind, nonprofit translational research institute dedicated to creating the next generation of medicines. Calibr-Skaggs was founded on the principle that the creation of new medicines can be accelerated by pairing world-class biomedical research with state-of-the-art drug discovery and development capabilities. Scripps Research is ranked one of the most influential institutions in the world for its impact on innovation. Our educational and training programs mold talented and committed students and postdocs into leading edge scientists. Leveraging the unique scientific environment of Scripps Research, impacting translational sciences, Calibr-Skaggs has created a portfolio of drug candidates, and is shaping a new paradigm for advancing nonprofit biomedical research to impact patients while re-investing in further innovative research. We expand basic knowledge in the biosciences and use these fundamental advancements to develop profound innovations that improve wellbeing. Calibr-Skaggs’ drug development portfolio spans a broad range of human diseases, including cancer, autoimmunity and inflammatory diseases, metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, infectious and neglected diseases, as well as age-related and degenerative diseases. If you have a passion for making a difference, this could be your opportunity to join our transformative team.
POSITION TITLE: Research Scientist
JOB SUMMARY:
In this role, will design and synthesize novel compounds for drug discovery programs across a wide range of targets and therapeutic areas, including metabolic, immunological, regenerative and infectious diseases. Will support programs from hit assessment through IND-enabling studies, contributing to analytical characterization and formulation development for multiple routes of administration.
RESPONSIBILITIE & DUTIES:
- Collaborate closely with Calibr scientists on lab-scale synthetic, analytical and formulation development projects.
- Work cross-functionally to deliver high-quality compounds that support Calibr’s preclinical drug discovery programs.
- Apply crystallization, filtration and chromatography-based processing methods, along with small-molecule analytical techniques.
- Prepare technical reports, patent application content, publications and oral presentations as needed.
POSITION REQUIREMENTS:
- Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, or related field required. PhD is highly preferred.
- Minimum 3+ years’ experience in the industry required.
- Impeccable attention to detail, and excellent ability to perform hands-on experiments, research, design, and organize project designs and maintain detailed documentation.
- Highly motivated, creative, and devoted to project goals.
- Team player who can work independently and thrives in a fast-paced, demanding environment.
- Able to collaborate proficiently and communicate effectively with colleagues and management teams.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
- This position works in a laboratory or vivarium environment.
- Details of established essential functions for this position will be addressed/discussed during the interview process.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
COMPENSATION:
The expected hiring range for this position is $77,000-$103,000 per year, commensurate with experience. Consideration will be given to experience that exceeds the listed requirements.
COMPREHENSIVE BENEFITS INCLUDE:
- Employer Contributed Retirement Plan – Depending on eligibility, employees receive an employer contributed retirement plan (no employee contribution required) and the option to contribute to a 403(b) (which is similar to a 401(k) using your own pre or post-tax dollars)
- Full Suite of Health and Welfare plans including three medical plan options (including an HSA available option), dental, vision, life insurance, disability, EAP and more
- Access to Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical/Dependent Care)
- Competitive vacation and sick leave policies
- Free, on-site parking
The above statements describe the level of work performed and expected in general terms. The statements are not intended to list all the responsibilities, duties and/or skills required of employees so classified, and the content herein is subject to change due to the business needs of Scripps Research, with or without notice. Furthermore, nothing in this job description shall be interpreted to be in conflict with or to eliminate or modify in any way the employment-at-will status of Scripps Research staff.
EEO Statement:
The Scripps Research Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We promote diversity of thought, culture, and background in the fields of science. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic or status.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
ABOUT US:
Calibr-Skaggs Institute for Innovative Medicines, a division of Scripps Research, is a first-of-its-kind, nonprofit translational research institute dedicated to creating the next generation of medicines. Calibr-Skaggs was founded on the principle that the creation of new medicines can be accelerated by pairing world-class biomedical research with state-of-the-art drug discovery and development capabilities. Scripps Research is ranked one of the most influential institutions in the world for its impact on innovation. Our educational and training programs mold talented and committed students and postdocs into leading edge scientists. Leveraging the unique scientific environment of Scripps Research, impacting translational sciences, Calibr-Skaggs has created a portfolio of drug candidates, and is shaping a new paradigm for advancing nonprofit biomedical research to impact patients while re-investing in further innovative research. We expand basic knowledge in the biosciences and use these fundamental advancements to develop profound innovations that improve wellbeing. Calibr-Skaggs’ drug development portfolio spans a broad range of human diseases, including cancer, autoimmunity and inflammatory diseases, metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, infectious and neglected diseases, as well as age-related and degenerative diseases. If you have a passion for making a difference, this could be your opportunity to join our transformative team.
POSITION TITLE: Research Scientist
JOB SUMMARY:
In this role, will design and synthesize novel compounds for drug discovery programs across a wide range of targets and therapeutic areas, including metabolic, immunological, regenerative and infectious diseases. Will support programs from hit assessment through IND-enabling studies, contributing to analytical characterization and formulation development for multiple routes of administration.
RESPONSIBILITIE & DUTIES:
- Collaborate closely with Calibr scientists on lab-scale synthetic, analytical and formulation development projects.
- Work cross-functionally to deliver high-quality compounds that support Calibr’s preclinical drug discovery programs.
- Apply crystallization, filtration and chromatography-based processing methods, along with small-molecule analytical techniques.
- Prepare technical reports, patent application content, publications and oral presentations as needed.
POSITION REQUIREMENTS:
- Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, or related field required. PhD is highly preferred.
- Minimum 3+ years’ experience in the industry required.
- Impeccable attention to detail, and excellent ability to perform hands-on experiments, research, design, and organize project designs and maintain detailed documentation.
- Highly motivated, creative, and devoted to project goals.
- Team player who can work independently and thrives in a fast-paced, demanding environment.
- Able to collaborate proficiently and communicate effectively with colleagues and management teams.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
- This position works in a laboratory or vivarium environment.
- Details of established essential functions for this position will be addressed/discussed during the interview process.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
COMPENSATION:
The expected hiring range for this position is $77,000-$103,000 per year, commensurate with experience. Consideration will be given to experience that exceeds the listed requirements.
COMPREHENSIVE BENEFITS INCLUDE:
- Employer Contributed Retirement Plan – Depending on eligibility, employees receive an employer contributed retirement plan (no employee contribution required) and the option to contribute to a 403(b) (which is similar to a 401(k) using your own pre or post-tax dollars)
- Full Suite of Health and Welfare plans including three medical plan options (including an HSA available option), dental, vision, life insurance, disability, EAP and more
- Access to Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical/Dependent Care)
- Competitive vacation and sick leave policies
- Free, on-site parking
The above statements describe the level of work performed and expected in general terms. The statements are not intended to list all the responsibilities, duties and/or skills required of employees so classified, and the content herein is subject to change due to the business needs of Scripps Research, with or without notice. Furthermore, nothing in this job description shall be interpreted to be in conflict with or to eliminate or modify in any way the employment-at-will status of Scripps Research staff.
EEO Statement:
The Scripps Research Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We promote diversity of thought, culture, and background in the fields of science. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic or status.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
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Find Research Scientist JobsResearch Scientist Job Market in San Diego
Who's Hiring
- UC San Diego179
- ByteDance60
- ASML30
- Intuit30
- Qualcomm30
Top Industries Hiring
- Education30
- Telecommunications30
- Technology & Software30
- Electronics & Hardware30
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals30
Research Scientist Jobs in San Diego: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a research scientist job in San Diego?
Target San Diego's dense biotech and pharma corridor, which runs from Torrey Pines through Sorrento Valley and into the Miramar area, where the highest concentration of research openings sits. Defense contractors in the Kearny Mesa and Chula Vista areas also hire steadily. Candidates who hold domain expertise in oncology, immunology, or materials science, and who have publications or patent contributions, tend to move faster through hiring pipelines in this market.
Which companies hire research scientists in San Diego?
San Diego research scientist roles are posted by UC San Diego, ByteDance, and ASML and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. The local employer mix skews heavily toward publicly traded biotech firms, large pharmaceutical companies with San Diego campuses, and federally funded research institutes concentrated along the North City corridor.
Are there remote research scientist jobs in San Diego?
Yes, though it depends heavily on the role: hands-on lab and wet-science positions are almost always on-site, while computational, bioinformatics, and regulatory research roles are far more likely to offer flexibility. About 67% of research scientist openings tied to San Diego are remote or hybrid as of November 2026. Data science and modeling-focused roles within San Diego's biotech sector represent the largest share of those flexible arrangements.
How can I get a research scientist job in San Diego with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path in San Diego is a postdoctoral appointment at one of the area's research institutions, including the Salk Institute, Scripps Research, or UC San Diego, which regularly place early-career scientists into industry roles nearby. Associate scientist and research associate positions at mid-size biotech companies in Sorrento Valley are also common first steps. Hands-on internship experience and a strong research portfolio developed during a graduate program give candidates a concrete edge in local screening processes.
Which industries hire the most research scientists in San Diego?
Most research scientist openings in San Diego sit in Education, Telecommunications, and Technology & Software, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. San Diego's status as one of the country's largest biotech clusters, anchored by decades of investment from institutions like the Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute and a deep pipeline of early-stage startups, drives that industry concentration.
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