Research Specialist Jobs in California
Research Specialist jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in biotech and pharmaceutical research, academic and policy research, and technology-driven market intelligence, with openings at every level from entry-level research associate through senior principal researcher. The largest hiring metros are San Francisco, San Diego, and Los Angeles, where employers like UC San Diego Health, Genentech, and RAND Corporation maintain deep research operations. The most in-demand specialties in the state are clinical research, life sciences, and data-driven policy analysis. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 47+ Research Specialist jobs
Job Description
Innovative care begins with research!
We invite you to consider this phenomenal opportunity to make a difference in the lives of countless patients by working together in the world of research!
The Research Grant Specialist I (RGSI) – Post-Award works with the Principal Investigator (PI) and senior level research administrators to monitor grant accounts and track expenses. Provides reconciliation and research related financial reporting of federal and non-federal grants. Serves as the liaison between departments or research groups, Sponsored Research & Funds Administration, Accounting and Finance departments. This role performs all post-award administrative functions including, but not limited to preparing and routing internal documents for signature and processing, maintaining clear understanding of grant budgets and expenditure restrictions. Ensures compliance with all federal, state and local agencies including National Institute of Health (NIH), Department of Defense (DOD), Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Institutional Review Board.
This position will report to senior level research administrators for day-to-day supervision of work.
This role follows a hybrid work schedule; however, we can only consider applicants who will be able to commute to our Los Angeles work location a few times per week. If hired you must reside in the commutable area.
Primary Job Duties and Responsibilities:
- Monitors federal and non-federal grant accounts, tracks expenses, project reconciliation and research-related financial reporting.
- Performs necessary funding corrections via direct cost transfer requests (DCTRs).
- Assists in the development of financial projections for project account management.
- Assists in the development and submission of progress reports.
- May enter Notice of Awards (NOAs) details into databases.
- May assist in the preparation and submission of documentation required for research compliance.
- Participates in required training and education programs.
- Assists senior level research administrators and leadership on other activities as assigned.
Qualifications
Education:
- High School Diploma is required.
- Bachelor's degree, preferred.
Experience and Skills:
- One year minimum experience in administration of research grants.
- Experience working with research groups, the Office of Research Administration, Finance, Purchasing, Academic Administration, highly preferred.
- Excellent verbal/written communication skills and understanding Grants, Manuscripts and Abstracts guidelines.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and related applications required.
About Us
Cedars-Sinai is a leader in providing high-quality healthcare encompassing primary care, specialized medicine and research. Since 1902, Cedars-Sinai has evolved to meet the needs of one of the most diverse regions in the nation, setting standards in quality and innovative patient care, research, teaching and community service. Today, Cedars- Sinai is known for its national leadership in transforming healthcare for the benefit of patients. Cedars-Sinai impacts the future of healthcare by developing new approaches to treatment and educating tomorrow's health professionals. Additionally, Cedars-Sinai demonstrates a commitment to the community through programs that improve the health of its most vulnerable residents.
About the Team
Cedars-Sinai is one of the largest nonprofit academic medical centers in the U.S., with 915 licensed beds, 2,993 physicians, 4,700+ nurses and thousands of other healthcare professionals and staff. Choose this if you want to work in a fast-paced environment that offers the highest level of care to people in the Los Angeles that need our care the most.
Diversity and Inclusion at Cedars-Sinai
We are caretakers and innovators committed to the pursuit of equitable healthcare. But health equity is not possible without representation. Our commitment to diversity goes beyond demographics or checking boxes. Our people must reflect the diverse identities, experiences and geographies of the communities and patients we serve – because that’s what our patients, colleagues and communities deserve Quality Care and Research—For All, By All.
Cedars-Sinai is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.
Cedars-Sinai does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of the race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, physical or mental disability, legally protected medical condition (cancer-related or genetic characteristics or any genetic information), marital status, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age (40 or older), military and/or veteran status or any other basis protected by federal or state law. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at Applicant_Accommodation@cshs.org and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.
Cedars-Sinai will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories, in accordance with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.
At Cedars-Sinai, we are dedicated to the safety, health and wellbeing of our patients and employees. This includes protecting our patients from communicable diseases, such as influenza (flu). For this reason, we require that all new employees receive a flu vaccine based on the seasonal availability of flu vaccine (typically during September through April each year) as a condition of employment, and annually thereafter as a condition of continued employment, subject to medical exemption or religious accommodation. For the same reason, you may also be required to receive other vaccines as a condition of employment. Cedars-Sinai reserves the right to make modifications to its required list of vaccines as required by law and/or policy.
Job Description
Innovative care begins with research!
We invite you to consider this phenomenal opportunity to make a difference in the lives of countless patients by working together in the world of research!
The Research Grant Specialist I (RGSI) – Post-Award works with the Principal Investigator (PI) and senior level research administrators to monitor grant accounts and track expenses. Provides reconciliation and research related financial reporting of federal and non-federal grants. Serves as the liaison between departments or research groups, Sponsored Research & Funds Administration, Accounting and Finance departments. This role performs all post-award administrative functions including, but not limited to preparing and routing internal documents for signature and processing, maintaining clear understanding of grant budgets and expenditure restrictions. Ensures compliance with all federal, state and local agencies including National Institute of Health (NIH), Department of Defense (DOD), Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Institutional Review Board.
This position will report to senior level research administrators for day-to-day supervision of work.
This role follows a hybrid work schedule; however, we can only consider applicants who will be able to commute to our Los Angeles work location a few times per week. If hired you must reside in the commutable area.
Primary Job Duties and Responsibilities:
- Monitors federal and non-federal grant accounts, tracks expenses, project reconciliation and research-related financial reporting.
- Performs necessary funding corrections via direct cost transfer requests (DCTRs).
- Assists in the development of financial projections for project account management.
- Assists in the development and submission of progress reports.
- May enter Notice of Awards (NOAs) details into databases.
- May assist in the preparation and submission of documentation required for research compliance.
- Participates in required training and education programs.
- Assists senior level research administrators and leadership on other activities as assigned.
Qualifications
Education:
- High School Diploma is required.
- Bachelor's degree, preferred.
Experience and Skills:
- One year minimum experience in administration of research grants.
- Experience working with research groups, the Office of Research Administration, Finance, Purchasing, Academic Administration, highly preferred.
- Excellent verbal/written communication skills and understanding Grants, Manuscripts and Abstracts guidelines.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and related applications required.
About Us
Cedars-Sinai is a leader in providing high-quality healthcare encompassing primary care, specialized medicine and research. Since 1902, Cedars-Sinai has evolved to meet the needs of one of the most diverse regions in the nation, setting standards in quality and innovative patient care, research, teaching and community service. Today, Cedars- Sinai is known for its national leadership in transforming healthcare for the benefit of patients. Cedars-Sinai impacts the future of healthcare by developing new approaches to treatment and educating tomorrow's health professionals. Additionally, Cedars-Sinai demonstrates a commitment to the community through programs that improve the health of its most vulnerable residents.
About the Team
Cedars-Sinai is one of the largest nonprofit academic medical centers in the U.S., with 915 licensed beds, 2,993 physicians, 4,700+ nurses and thousands of other healthcare professionals and staff. Choose this if you want to work in a fast-paced environment that offers the highest level of care to people in the Los Angeles that need our care the most.
Diversity and Inclusion at Cedars-Sinai
We are caretakers and innovators committed to the pursuit of equitable healthcare. But health equity is not possible without representation. Our commitment to diversity goes beyond demographics or checking boxes. Our people must reflect the diverse identities, experiences and geographies of the communities and patients we serve – because that’s what our patients, colleagues and communities deserve Quality Care and Research—For All, By All.
Cedars-Sinai is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.
Cedars-Sinai does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of the race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, physical or mental disability, legally protected medical condition (cancer-related or genetic characteristics or any genetic information), marital status, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age (40 or older), military and/or veteran status or any other basis protected by federal or state law. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at Applicant_Accommodation@cshs.org and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.
Cedars-Sinai will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories, in accordance with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.
At Cedars-Sinai, we are dedicated to the safety, health and wellbeing of our patients and employees. This includes protecting our patients from communicable diseases, such as influenza (flu). For this reason, we require that all new employees receive a flu vaccine based on the seasonal availability of flu vaccine (typically during September through April each year) as a condition of employment, and annually thereafter as a condition of continued employment, subject to medical exemption or religious accommodation. For the same reason, you may also be required to receive other vaccines as a condition of employment. Cedars-Sinai reserves the right to make modifications to its required list of vaccines as required by law and/or policy.
See All 47 Research Specialist Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Research Specialist JobsResearch Specialist Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Research Specialist Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Education10
- Healthcare & Medical Services8
- Medical Devices1
- Science & Research1
- Staffing & Recruiting1
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in research specialist jobs across California.
- Bachelor's or master's degree in a relevant scientific, social science, or analytical field
- Experience designing and executing research studies, surveys, or data collection protocols
- Proficiency with statistical or data analysis software such as SPSS, R, or Python
- Strong written communication skills for preparing research reports and presentations
- Familiarity with IRB protocols and human subjects research compliance requirements
- Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a collaborative research environment
Research Specialist Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a research specialist in California?
Most California research specialist roles require at least a bachelor's degree in a related field such as biology, public health, psychology, or data science, with a master's degree preferred for senior positions. There is no single state-issued license for the broad research specialist title, but clinical research roles often require or strongly favor a Certified Clinical Research Associate credential through ACRP or SOCRA. Large California employers in biotech and academia typically require demonstrated lab or research methodology experience alongside formal education.
Which companies hire research specialists in California?
Employers hiring research specialists in California right now include Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, UC Davis, and UC San Francisco Academic, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. California's concentration of biotech firms, university medical centers, and policy think tanks means research specialist demand is distributed well beyond a single sector.
Which California cities have the most research specialist jobs?
Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego have the most research specialist openings in California. San Francisco and San Diego drive the largest share through their dense biotech and life sciences ecosystems, while Los Angeles adds volume through its major academic medical centers, entertainment research, and policy institutions that together create consistent demand across specialties.
Are there remote research specialist jobs in California?
Yes, and more than many comparable roles, particularly for desk-based and analytical work such as market research, policy analysis, and literature review. About 50% of research specialist openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, reflecting the analytical nature of much of the work. Roles involving lab work, specimen handling, or in-person participant interaction remain largely on-site.
How can I get hired as a research specialist in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through a research assistant or research associate role at a California university, hospital system, or biotech company, where structured on-the-job training is common. UC system campuses and institutions like Kaiser Permanente and Cedars-Sinai run new-graduate and internship programs that feed into research specialist pipelines. Completing a relevant capstone project or thesis, earning a clinical research certification, or moving laterally from a data analyst or lab technician role significantly improves candidacy without prior specialist experience.
Where can I find and apply to research specialist jobs in California?
You can find and apply to research specialist jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across industries and experience levels. Find a role that fits and apply directly.
See All 47 Research Specialist Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Research Specialist Jobs