Scientist Jobs in California
Scientist jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in biotechnology, pharmaceutical research, environmental science, and defense, with openings from entry-level research associate through principal scientist and beyond. The largest hiring centers are San Diego, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Los Angeles, where employers like Genentech, Pfizer, and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory maintain deep and ongoing research operations. Life sciences and environmental compliance specialists are consistently among the most sought-after sub-areas across the state. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find Scientist JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 770+ Scientist jobs
Job Overview
Position Overview:
The Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource (SSRL), a Directorate of the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, is developing a state-of-the-art Hard X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy / Photoemission Electron Microscopy (HAXPES/PEEM) beamline with a strong focus on probing electronic and chemical states in buried layers of functional devices, particularly for microelectronics applications. We seek an outstanding Associate Scientist to contribute to the design, construction, commissioning of this new beamline and, once it is in operation, to scientific program development and user support.
The successful candidate will join the Materials Science Division and become an integral member of a highly collaborative, interdisciplinary research environment that combines staff-led scientific programs with close engagement and collaboration with the SSRL user community. This position offers an excellent opportunity to contribute to a flagship SSRL beamline while developing independent research in microelectronics, semiconductor materials, quantum information science, and related fields.
Your specific responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Beamline and Endstation Development
- Contribute to the design, development, and commissioning of the HAXPES/PEEM beamline and associated endstation.
- Define and translate scientific requirements into technical specifications for beamline optics, monochromators, electron analyzer, and sample environments optimized for hard X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.
- Work closely with the project manager, engineers, technical staff, and scientists to develop robust, high-performance instrumentation.
- Participate in system integration, testing, commissioning, and performance optimization.
Scientific Research and Leadership
- Develop a research program using HAXPES/PEEM, aligned with the mission of the SSRL Materials Science Division.
- Conduct innovative research in areas such as microelectronics, semiconductor devices, thin films, heterostructures, and buried interfaces.
- Collaborate with SSRL scientists, academic users, and external partners.
- Publish research results and present research at conferences and workshops.
User Program Development and Collaboration
- Play a central role in establishing and growing the HAXPES/PEEM user program at SSRL.
- Engage with the user community to identify emerging scientific opportunities and guide the evolution of beamline capabilities.
- Support users throughout the experimental lifecycle, including experimental design, beamtime execution, and data analysis.
- Develop and maintain comprehensive user training and outreach activities, including workshops, tutorials, and documentation.
Operations, Service, and Division Engagement
- Manage routine beamline operations, endstation maintenance, and continuous performance improvement.
- Ensure safe operation of the beamline in accordance with SLAC and DOE requirements.
- Contribute to division-wide scientific initiatives, mentoring, outreach, and strategic planning.
Note: This position is posted at the Associate Staff Scientist level. The Associate Scientist position is a 3-to-5-year fixed-term position and the entry level in the Staff Scientist career path. The Associate Scientist position is scheduled to be assessed after the 3-to-5-year period, with the possibility of appointment to the Staff Scientist level.
Application materials must include a cover letter, a research statement (including a brief-summary of accomplishments), a curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references for future letters of recommendation.
SLAC is a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) laboratory operated by Stanford University and based in Menlo Park, CA.
To be successful in this position, you will bring:
- Ph.D. in physics, applied physics, materials science, or a related discipline, with a minimum of two years of post-PhD research experience.
- Demonstrated research excellence in materials science, supported by publications and experimental achievements.
- Extensive knowledge and hands-on experience with HAXPES and/or PEEM techniques.
- Demonstrated competence in developing, operating, and maintaining complex experimental systems at a synchrotron radiation facility.
- Experience with facility operations and user support.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
In addition, preferred qualifications include:
- Research experience in microelectronics or closely related fields.
- Technical expertise in synchrotron beamline or endstation development, including operando or in situ sample environments.
- Proficiency in data analysis, scripting, and scientific programming tools.
Responsibilities
Minimum Qualifications
- Pay Frequency Annually
- Fixed Term Y
- SLAC Business Area Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource Directorate (SSRL)
- Full time or Part time Full Time
- Locations 2575 Sand Hill Rd, Menlo Park, CA, 94025, US (On-site)
- Job Schedule Full time
- Regular or Temporary Regular
- Job Category Research - Other
- Posting Date 11/02/2026, 01:04 PM
- Job Identification 200994
Benefits that support you, and your future
18+ PTO days per year
Health benefits start when you start
Flexible work options
World-class exercise facilities
$6000+ annual tuition and training assistance
403k plan
Mental health and wellness programs
Free and discounted commuter transportation
Applies to regular full-time positions.
The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classifications and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.
Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of their job.
Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer.
All qualified applicants 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 characteristic protected by law.
As a national laboratory, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is responsible for Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires employees to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, employees must successfully complete the applicable tier of federal background investigation post hire and receive a favorable federal adjudication. The tier of federal background investigation will be determined by job duties and national security or public trust responsibilities associated with the job. All tiers of investigation include a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last 1 to 7 years (depending on the applicable tier of investigation), illegal drug activities include marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.
For foreign national candidates
If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) Federal risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment. The tier of federal background investigation required to obtain the credential will be determined by job duties at the time you become eligible for the PIV credential.
Job Overview
Position Overview:
The Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource (SSRL), a Directorate of the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, is developing a state-of-the-art Hard X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy / Photoemission Electron Microscopy (HAXPES/PEEM) beamline with a strong focus on probing electronic and chemical states in buried layers of functional devices, particularly for microelectronics applications. We seek an outstanding Associate Scientist to contribute to the design, construction, commissioning of this new beamline and, once it is in operation, to scientific program development and user support.
The successful candidate will join the Materials Science Division and become an integral member of a highly collaborative, interdisciplinary research environment that combines staff-led scientific programs with close engagement and collaboration with the SSRL user community. This position offers an excellent opportunity to contribute to a flagship SSRL beamline while developing independent research in microelectronics, semiconductor materials, quantum information science, and related fields.
Your specific responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Beamline and Endstation Development
- Contribute to the design, development, and commissioning of the HAXPES/PEEM beamline and associated endstation.
- Define and translate scientific requirements into technical specifications for beamline optics, monochromators, electron analyzer, and sample environments optimized for hard X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.
- Work closely with the project manager, engineers, technical staff, and scientists to develop robust, high-performance instrumentation.
- Participate in system integration, testing, commissioning, and performance optimization.
Scientific Research and Leadership
- Develop a research program using HAXPES/PEEM, aligned with the mission of the SSRL Materials Science Division.
- Conduct innovative research in areas such as microelectronics, semiconductor devices, thin films, heterostructures, and buried interfaces.
- Collaborate with SSRL scientists, academic users, and external partners.
- Publish research results and present research at conferences and workshops.
User Program Development and Collaboration
- Play a central role in establishing and growing the HAXPES/PEEM user program at SSRL.
- Engage with the user community to identify emerging scientific opportunities and guide the evolution of beamline capabilities.
- Support users throughout the experimental lifecycle, including experimental design, beamtime execution, and data analysis.
- Develop and maintain comprehensive user training and outreach activities, including workshops, tutorials, and documentation.
Operations, Service, and Division Engagement
- Manage routine beamline operations, endstation maintenance, and continuous performance improvement.
- Ensure safe operation of the beamline in accordance with SLAC and DOE requirements.
- Contribute to division-wide scientific initiatives, mentoring, outreach, and strategic planning.
Note: This position is posted at the Associate Staff Scientist level. The Associate Scientist position is a 3-to-5-year fixed-term position and the entry level in the Staff Scientist career path. The Associate Scientist position is scheduled to be assessed after the 3-to-5-year period, with the possibility of appointment to the Staff Scientist level.
Application materials must include a cover letter, a research statement (including a brief-summary of accomplishments), a curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references for future letters of recommendation.
SLAC is a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) laboratory operated by Stanford University and based in Menlo Park, CA.
To be successful in this position, you will bring:
- Ph.D. in physics, applied physics, materials science, or a related discipline, with a minimum of two years of post-PhD research experience.
- Demonstrated research excellence in materials science, supported by publications and experimental achievements.
- Extensive knowledge and hands-on experience with HAXPES and/or PEEM techniques.
- Demonstrated competence in developing, operating, and maintaining complex experimental systems at a synchrotron radiation facility.
- Experience with facility operations and user support.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
In addition, preferred qualifications include:
- Research experience in microelectronics or closely related fields.
- Technical expertise in synchrotron beamline or endstation development, including operando or in situ sample environments.
- Proficiency in data analysis, scripting, and scientific programming tools.
Responsibilities
Minimum Qualifications
- Pay Frequency Annually
- Fixed Term Y
- SLAC Business Area Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource Directorate (SSRL)
- Full time or Part time Full Time
- Locations 2575 Sand Hill Rd, Menlo Park, CA, 94025, US (On-site)
- Job Schedule Full time
- Regular or Temporary Regular
- Job Category Research - Other
- Posting Date 11/02/2026, 01:04 PM
- Job Identification 200994
Benefits that support you, and your future
18+ PTO days per year
Health benefits start when you start
Flexible work options
World-class exercise facilities
$6000+ annual tuition and training assistance
403k plan
Mental health and wellness programs
Free and discounted commuter transportation
Applies to regular full-time positions.
The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classifications and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.
Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of their job.
Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer.
All qualified applicants 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 characteristic protected by law.
As a national laboratory, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is responsible for Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires employees to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, employees must successfully complete the applicable tier of federal background investigation post hire and receive a favorable federal adjudication. The tier of federal background investigation will be determined by job duties and national security or public trust responsibilities associated with the job. All tiers of investigation include a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last 1 to 7 years (depending on the applicable tier of investigation), illegal drug activities include marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.
For foreign national candidates
If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) Federal risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment. The tier of federal background investigation required to obtain the credential will be determined by job duties at the time you become eligible for the PIV credential.
See All 770+ Scientist Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Scientist JobsScientist Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Scientist Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Meta76
- Intuit35
- Amazon26
- Google15
- Genentech15
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software22
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals15
- Healthcare & Medical Services11
- Education3
- Medical Devices3
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in scientist jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree minimum in biology, chemistry, or a closely related physical science
- Graduate degree preferred for independent research or senior scientist positions
- Hands-on laboratory experience with standard techniques such as PCR, cell culture, or spectroscopy
- Familiarity with California Environmental Quality Act compliance for environmental scientist roles
- Experience with FDA or EPA regulatory submissions for pharmaceutical and environmental sectors
- Proficiency in data analysis tools and scientific software relevant to the specialty area
Scientist Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a scientist in California?
Most scientist roles in California require at minimum a bachelor's degree in a relevant natural science, with graduate degrees expected for independent research positions. Environmental scientists working on regulated projects often pursue certification through the California Association of Environmental Professionals. Life sciences roles at California biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies typically require demonstrated laboratory experience, and many employers look for candidates with research experience gained at California's public university system, including UC and CSU campuses.
Which companies hire scientists in California?
Employers hiring scientists in California right now include Meta, Intuit, and Amazon, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. California's dense cluster of biotechnology firms, national laboratories, and environmental consulting companies means demand is spread across sectors, with particularly deep hiring pipelines in the San Diego and Bay Area corridors.
Which California cities have the most scientist jobs?
San Francisco, San Diego, and Menlo Park have the most scientist openings in California. San Diego and the Bay Area drive volume through their established biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, while Los Angeles openings reflect a mix of environmental consulting, aerospace research, and an expanding life sciences corridor anchored by institutions like UCLA and Cedars-Sinai.
Are there remote scientist jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. About 54% of scientist openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting that most scientist work requires physical access to laboratory equipment, field sites, or regulated research environments. The sub-areas most likely to offer remote or hybrid arrangements are data-heavy roles such as computational biology, regulatory affairs, and scientific writing.
How can I get hired as a scientist in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a research associate or laboratory technician role, which large California biotechnology and pharmaceutical employers use as a structured on-ramp for candidates without independent research experience. Companies like Genentech and San Diego's network of mid-size biotech firms regularly post associate scientist and lab technician openings aimed at recent graduates from California's UC and CSU campuses. Completing a California-based internship through a university research program or a national laboratory such as Lawrence Berkeley or SLAC strengthens a candidate's application considerably.
Where can I find and apply to scientist jobs in California?
You can find and apply to scientist jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across biotechnology, environmental science, pharmaceutical research, and related fields. Find roles that fit your background and apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 770+ Scientist Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Scientist Jobs