Research Technician Jobs in California
Research Technician jobs in California represent one of the most active markets in the country, concentrated in biotechnology, pharmaceutical research, academic science, and public health laboratories across the San Francisco Bay Area, San Diego, and Los Angeles. Employers like Genentech, UC San Diego Health, and Kaiser Permanente maintain consistent demand for research technicians, particularly those with backgrounds in molecular biology, clinical laboratory science, and environmental testing. Openings range from entry-level bench positions to senior lab technician roles supporting principal investigators and clinical trials. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
Find Research Technician JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 22+ Research Technician jobs
We are currently looking for a proactive, detail-oriented Research Technician to work in the lab of Dr. Massimo Scanziani at the University of California, San Francisco. The Scanziani lab works to understand the mechanisms by which elementary circuits of neurons control the spatial and temporal structure of cortical activity. Towards this goal, they use in vivo and in vitro electrophysiological, imaging, and anatomical techniques as well as behavioral approaches. Their model system is the rodent’s sensory cortex. Their work is revealing the logic and the mechanisms by which elementary circuits, the building blocks of cortical architecture, orchestrate cortical activity. More information about the Scanziani lab can be found by visiting https://scanzianilab.ucsf.edu/
About the Role
The ideal candidate is a professional, collegial individual who will enjoy working with mice, can work well independently and as part of a larger team, and is looking to grow professionally while supporting multiple projects in a medium-sized collaborative academic laboratory. The chosen candidate will be responsible for genotyping, handling, and breeding necessary to maintain the Scanziani lab’s colony of mice, histology and IF staining’s and provide them for various experiments in the lab. This is an excellent opportunity for a candidate who would like to gain a couple more years of academic research experience before applying to graduate school.
What we provide:
A lab culture that values initiative, technical rigor, careful record keeping, collaboration, and responsible use of modern tools.
A highly interdisciplinary research environment at UCSF.
Opportunity to work in a diverse and encouraging work environment.
This position will provide valuable hands-on research experience, helping you develop a deeper understanding of how scientific research is conducted while preparing you for future graduate studies or building your career.
A competitive compensation package with comprehensive health and welfare benefits including an employee education assistance program.
What you’ll do:
Perform regular checks of every cage in the mouse colony to monitor health and presence of new litters.
Address any necessary health issues with the colony and take appropriate action in a timely manner.
Establish new breeding pairs of mice to fulfill experimental needs of the laboratory.
Read and adhere to all relevant protocols, assist with drafting animal protocol amendments and renewals, and ensure mouse health and safety by adhering to all regulatory bodies’ standards for mouse maintenance.
Perform PCR reactions.
Prepare slides (vibratome and cryostat) and antibody staining’s
What you bring:
A bachelor’s degree in biology or a closely related discipline is required.
Previous hands-on academic laboratory experience along with a solid understanding of molecular biology techniques (PCR, genotyping, etc.) is strongly preferred. Significant laboratory experience obtained during undergraduate studies is acceptable and will be considered.
Previous experience with handling mice would be a plus.
Excellent written and verbal communication, with the ability to work well with staff at all levels.
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to prioritize and manage time across shifting demands.
Self-motivated and proactive, with a creative approach to problem solving.
Proficient with PC or Mac and Microsoft Office Suite.
Eager to learn new techniques and skills.
Comfortable handling and working with live mice on a regular basis.
Prior experience with immunofluorescent staining a plus.
Physical Requirements
Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about workspace. The position requires mobility, including the ability to move materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet). Work may involve possible exposure to malodorous vapors, low dose radiation, contamination by toxic chemicals and acids and presence of carcinogenic substances or other hazardous materials.
Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.
Please Note:
This job description sets forth the job’s principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however. Unless they begin with the word “may,” the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are “essential functions” of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.
#LI-LL1
Compensation and Benefits
Our employees are compensated from a total rewards perspective in many ways for their contributions to our mission, including competitive pay, exceptional health benefits, retirement plans, time off, and a range of recognition and wellness programs. Visit our Benefits at HHMI site to learn more.
Hiring Pay Range
$20.08 - $25.14Pay Type:
HourlyThe posted range reflects HHMI’s good faith estimate of the anticipated hiring salary range for this role at the time of posting. Actual hiring compensation is determined by a candidate’s qualifications, experience, and internal equity.
HHMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer
We use E-Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires.
We are currently looking for a proactive, detail-oriented Research Technician to work in the lab of Dr. Massimo Scanziani at the University of California, San Francisco. The Scanziani lab works to understand the mechanisms by which elementary circuits of neurons control the spatial and temporal structure of cortical activity. Towards this goal, they use in vivo and in vitro electrophysiological, imaging, and anatomical techniques as well as behavioral approaches. Their model system is the rodent’s sensory cortex. Their work is revealing the logic and the mechanisms by which elementary circuits, the building blocks of cortical architecture, orchestrate cortical activity. More information about the Scanziani lab can be found by visiting https://scanzianilab.ucsf.edu/
About the Role
The ideal candidate is a professional, collegial individual who will enjoy working with mice, can work well independently and as part of a larger team, and is looking to grow professionally while supporting multiple projects in a medium-sized collaborative academic laboratory. The chosen candidate will be responsible for genotyping, handling, and breeding necessary to maintain the Scanziani lab’s colony of mice, histology and IF staining’s and provide them for various experiments in the lab. This is an excellent opportunity for a candidate who would like to gain a couple more years of academic research experience before applying to graduate school.
What we provide:
A lab culture that values initiative, technical rigor, careful record keeping, collaboration, and responsible use of modern tools.
A highly interdisciplinary research environment at UCSF.
Opportunity to work in a diverse and encouraging work environment.
This position will provide valuable hands-on research experience, helping you develop a deeper understanding of how scientific research is conducted while preparing you for future graduate studies or building your career.
A competitive compensation package with comprehensive health and welfare benefits including an employee education assistance program.
What you’ll do:
Perform regular checks of every cage in the mouse colony to monitor health and presence of new litters.
Address any necessary health issues with the colony and take appropriate action in a timely manner.
Establish new breeding pairs of mice to fulfill experimental needs of the laboratory.
Read and adhere to all relevant protocols, assist with drafting animal protocol amendments and renewals, and ensure mouse health and safety by adhering to all regulatory bodies’ standards for mouse maintenance.
Perform PCR reactions.
Prepare slides (vibratome and cryostat) and antibody staining’s
What you bring:
A bachelor’s degree in biology or a closely related discipline is required.
Previous hands-on academic laboratory experience along with a solid understanding of molecular biology techniques (PCR, genotyping, etc.) is strongly preferred. Significant laboratory experience obtained during undergraduate studies is acceptable and will be considered.
Previous experience with handling mice would be a plus.
Excellent written and verbal communication, with the ability to work well with staff at all levels.
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to prioritize and manage time across shifting demands.
Self-motivated and proactive, with a creative approach to problem solving.
Proficient with PC or Mac and Microsoft Office Suite.
Eager to learn new techniques and skills.
Comfortable handling and working with live mice on a regular basis.
Prior experience with immunofluorescent staining a plus.
Physical Requirements
Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about workspace. The position requires mobility, including the ability to move materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet). Work may involve possible exposure to malodorous vapors, low dose radiation, contamination by toxic chemicals and acids and presence of carcinogenic substances or other hazardous materials.
Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.
Please Note:
This job description sets forth the job’s principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however. Unless they begin with the word “may,” the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are “essential functions” of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.
#LI-LL1
Compensation and Benefits
Our employees are compensated from a total rewards perspective in many ways for their contributions to our mission, including competitive pay, exceptional health benefits, retirement plans, time off, and a range of recognition and wellness programs. Visit our Benefits at HHMI site to learn more.
Hiring Pay Range
$20.08 - $25.14Pay Type:
HourlyThe posted range reflects HHMI’s good faith estimate of the anticipated hiring salary range for this role at the time of posting. Actual hiring compensation is determined by a candidate’s qualifications, experience, and internal equity.
HHMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer
We use E-Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires.
See All 22 Research Technician Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Research Technician JobsResearch Technician Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Research Technician Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Science & Research
- Non-Profit & Social Services
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in research technician jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, or a closely related life science field
- Hands-on laboratory experience with techniques such as PCR, cell culture, or ELISA
- Familiarity with laboratory safety protocols, GLP, and California OSHA regulations
- Experience maintaining accurate laboratory notebooks and scientific data records
- Ability to operate and troubleshoot standard lab instrumentation and analytical equipment
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for reporting results to research teams
Research Technician Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a research technician in California?
Most research technician positions in California require at minimum a bachelor's degree in a life science, chemistry, or engineering discipline. Roles in clinical or public health laboratories may require a California State Department of Public Health laboratory scientist or laboratory technician license, issued through the CDPH Laboratory Field Services program. Academic and biotech positions typically prioritize hands-on research experience gained through undergraduate labs, internships, or university research programs alongside the degree.
Which companies hire research technicians in California?
Companies currently hiring research technicians in California include University of Southern California, California Institute of Technology, and Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI), per current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. California's dense concentration of biotech firms in the Bay Area and San Diego, combined with major university health systems and public agencies, makes it one of the broadest hiring markets for this role in the country.
Which California cities have the most research technician jobs?
San Francisco, Pasadena, and San Diego consistently lead California for research technician openings. The San Francisco Bay Area draws the highest volume from biotech and pharmaceutical headquarters clustered in South San Francisco, Berkeley, and Emeryville, while San Diego's Torrey Pines and Sorrento Valley corridors anchor Southern California demand, and Los Angeles reflects large academic medical centers and county public health laboratories.
Are there remote research technician jobs in California?
Yes, but they are rare. Research technician work is primarily hands-on and laboratory-based, so fully remote positions are uncommon by the nature of the role. About 0% of research technician openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, and those tend to cover data analysis, bioinformatics support, or administrative research coordination rather than bench or field work.
How can I get hired as a research technician in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying to research assistant or laboratory assistant postings at University of California campuses, California State University campuses, or large health systems like UCLA Health and UCSF, which regularly hire candidates without professional experience for support roles in active research labs. Completing relevant coursework in molecular techniques and volunteering in a university lab or community college research program builds the hands-on record California employers expect. A CDPH laboratory technician license, where the role qualifies, also gives entry-level candidates a competitive edge.
Where can I find and apply to research technician jobs in California?
You can find and apply to research technician jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across biotechnology, healthcare, academic research, and environmental science. Search the listings for roles that match your background and experience level, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 22 Research Technician Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Research Technician Jobs