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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Job Posting: Forecasting Specialist
Department of Health Care Services
RESEARCH DATA SPECIALIST II
$7,640.00 - $9,561.00 per Month
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
Final Filing Date: 11/13/2026
Job Description and Duties
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
Working Conditions
Position Details
Department Information
Take a look at some of DHCS' recent projects and happenings that our Department has accomplished in the DHCS Newsroom.
The Fiscal Program’s Fiscal Forecasting Division (FFD) works to accomplish DHCS’s mission by preparing twice-annual caseload and funding projections for Medi-Cal, which provides health coverage to more than one in three Californians. These projections, encompassing more than $196.7 billion annually, play an important role in the state’s annual budget process. FFD also produces a twice-annual Family Health Estimate that covers certain state programs outside of Medi-Cal, prepares requests for federal funds for Medi-Cal, and is also responsible for fiscal analyses used for policy decisions, legislation, and regulations.
Special Requirements
Application Instructions
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 11/13/2026Who May Apply
Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).
How To Apply
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
Required Application Package Documents
The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:
- Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
- Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
- School Transcripts
Desirable Qualifications
Benefits
- Continuous and ongoing training
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion program activities
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Medical, including health, dental, and vision insurance.
- Paid Holidays and vacation/leave
- Defined retirement program
- Savings Plus Program (401(k), 457)
- Medical/Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts
DHCS 2023-2027 Strategic Plan provides more information about our commitment to serving Californians and organizational excellence.
Contact Information
The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Michael Eakins
(916) 345-7904
Michael.Eakins@dhcs.ca.gov
Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:EEO Officer
(916) 440-7370
civilrights@dhcs.ca.gov
Telework and Salary Information
Additional Information
Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.
It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.
See All 64 Research Specialist Jobs in California
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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
- Education
- Healthcare & Medical Services
- Retail
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 San Francisco Academic, and UC Davis, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 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?
San Francisco, Los Angeles, 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 63% of research specialist openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of November 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 64 Research Specialist Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Research Specialist Jobs