Research Specialist Jobs in San Francisco, CA
Research Specialist jobs in San Francisco are concentrated in Mission Bay, the Financial District, and SoMa, with strong demand across biotech, academic medical centers, and technology research. Employers actively hiring include UC San Francisco Academic, University of California - San Francisco, and University of California, San Francisco. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Application Window
Open date: October 26, 2026
Next review date: Tuesday, Nov 10, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.
Final date: Wednesday, Apr 26, 2028 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)
Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.
Position description
Proteomics Researcher, Krogan lab (Associate Specialist position)
The Quantitative Biosciences Institute (QBI) and the lab of Professor Nevan Krogan at the University of California, San Francisco, are recruiting a full-time basic science Researcher position with experience in proteomics and mass spectrometry. The candidate will work closely with senior members of the Krogan Lab to perform experiments in proteomics and mass spectrometry. This role is an excellent opportunity to learn several valuable, cutting-edge techniques while working with an ambitious and friendly research team. The Krogan Lab is a highly collaborative laboratory focusing on the molecular networks underpinning infectious disease, carcinogenesis, psychiatric, and neurodegenerative disorders. This role is an excellent opportunity to learn several valuable, cutting-edge techniques while working with an ambitious and friendly research team. Our ideal applicant is a problem-solver with a positive attitude, excellent organizational and interpersonal skills, and the ability to learn and implement methodologies efficiently. Additionally, they will have strong written, verbal, and presentation skills and an ability to communicate and work in an interdisciplinary team environment. Candidates must meet all the Required Qualifications by the time of appointment.
Required Qualifications:
- The applicant must have a M.S. degree (or equivalent degree) in systems biology, biochemistry, or a related field or five to ten years of relevant experience.
- Hands-on experience in proteomics experimental design and sample preparation.
- Hands-on experience in HPLC and mass spectrometer instrument operation and maintenance.
- Excellent teamwork skills and the ability to communicate effectively and collaboratively with students, postdoctoral fellows, staff, and faculty.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Candidate’s CV/cover letter must state qualifications (or if pending) upon submission.
Preferred Qualifications:
- A M.S. degree
- Extensive experience with molecular biology lab techniques and cell culture.
- Computer programming skills in R, Python, or a similar language.
- Experience managing a diverse portfolio of collaborative projects between laboratories.
See Table 24B for the salary range for this position. A reasonable estimate for this position is $78,300-$91,100.
INTERESTED CANDIDATES SHOULD APPLY HERE, with a CV, cover letter, and three reference contacts.
Application Requirements
Curriculum Vitae - CV must clearly list current and/or pending qualifications (e.g. board eligibility/certification, medical licensure, etc.).
Cover Letter
- 3 required (contact information only)
About UC San Francisco
As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.
UCSF is committed to welcoming and serving all people, honoring the dignity of every individual without preference or prejudice, in support of its public mission and in alignment with our PRIDE values and Principles of Community.
- “Misconduct” means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, or discrimination, as defined by the employer.
- UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
- UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
- APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment
Job location
See All 64 Research Specialist Jobs in San Francisco
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Find Research Specialist JobsResearch Specialist Job Market in San Francisco
Who's Hiring
- UC San Francisco Academic30

- University of California - San Francisco20

- University of California, San Francisco10

- Three Saints Bay5

Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Healthcare & Medical Services
Research Specialist Jobs in San Francisco: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a research specialist job in San Francisco?
Focus your search on Mission Bay's dense biotech corridor, the Financial District's market research and consulting firms, and SoMa's technology companies. UCSF, the Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, and major pharma offices consistently hire research specialists. Candidates who demonstrate familiarity with mixed-methods research, data analysis tools like R or Python, and peer-reviewed publication workflows tend to stand out in this competitive, credential-heavy market.
Which companies hire research specialists in San Francisco?
Companies currently hiring research specialists in San Francisco include UC San Francisco Academic, University of California - San Francisco, and University of California, San Francisco, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. San Francisco's employer base skews toward life sciences organizations, university-affiliated research centers, and technology firms running large-scale user or market research programs.
Are there remote research specialist jobs in San Francisco?
Yes, though it depends heavily on the role type. Desk-based and analytical research positions, such as market research, policy analysis, and UX research, are commonly remote, while wet-lab, clinical, or archival roles almost always require on-site presence. About 60% of research specialist openings tied to San Francisco are remote or hybrid as of November 2026. Technology and consulting employers in the city offer the most flexibility.
How can I get a research specialist job in San Francisco with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path in San Francisco is securing a research coordinator or research assistant role at UCSF, Stanford Medicine's San Francisco-area clinics, or one of the city's many biotech startups in Mission Bay. These positions train candidates on protocols, data management, and regulatory compliance before promoting into specialist roles. Volunteering with nonprofits conducting community health or policy research in the city also builds a competitive local portfolio.
Which industries hire the most research specialists in San Francisco?
The sectors hiring the most research specialists in San Francisco are Education and Healthcare & Medical Services, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. San Francisco's concentration of academic medical institutions, venture-backed biotech firms, and global technology headquarters makes it one of the most active research employment markets on the West Coast.
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