Clinical Research Scientist Visa Sponsorship Jobs in California
California hosts one of the largest concentrations of clinical research scientist jobs in the country, driven by biotech hubs in the San Francisco Bay Area and San Diego, major pharmaceutical employers like Genentech, Gilead Sciences, and AstraZeneca, and a steady pipeline from institutions like UCSF and Stanford. Visa sponsorship is common across the state's life sciences sector.
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Get Access To All JobsOpen date: Immediately
Next review date: December 1, 2026
Final date: March 1, 2027
The anticipated start date is January 2027, with flexibility depending on candidate availability.
Location: School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis.
Position Description
The Segarra Lab at the University of California, Davis (UC Davis) seeks a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher with expertise in fish physiology and behavior to join our team. The successful candidate will join a collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment involving faculty, staff and students studying the physiological ecology of California fishes and their responses to environmental change, with the ultimate goal of improving conservation and management strategies. The initial appointment will be for one year, with the possibility of extension for a second or third year, subject to funding availability.
The primary responsibility of the Postdoctoral Researcher will be to oversee and conduct experiments investigating the effects of environmental conditions and contaminant exposure on the physiology and behavior of juvenile Chinook salmon. These projects aim to provide critical information on how environmental stressors influence fish performance during outmigration and the potential implications for salmon conservation and management.
The researcher will participate in field-based exposure studies, including fish cage deployments in collaboration with the Fangue Lab at UC Davis, followed by laboratory assessments of fish physiology and behavior. Experiments may include swimming performance (Ucrit), thermal tolerance (CTmax), physiological stress indicators (e.g., cortisol and blood glucose), and behavioral assays. These assessments will be complemented by contaminant analyses of fish tissues and water samples conducted in collaboration with Southern Illinois University (SIU).
The successful candidate will play an active role throughout the research process, from experimental design and data collection to statistical analysis, interpretation, and scientific communication. The candidate will also be responsible for supervising undergraduate students and coordinating their involvement in research activities. The position offers opportunities to serve as lead author on peer-reviewed publications, present research findings at scientific conferences, and interact with academic collaborators and stakeholders involved in fisheries conservation and management.
Qualifications
- Ph.D. in Physiology, Ecology, Animal Biology, Animal Behavior, or a closely related field.
- Demonstrated hands-on experience conducting fish physiology experiments and interpreting physiological data.
- Experience in experimental design, planning, and project coordination, including the ability to meet research objectives and deadlines.
- Strong statistical and analytical skills, including proficiency with R or comparable statistical software.
- Strong organizational, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
Preferred Qualifications
- Fish physiology: Experience with physiological techniques such as swimming performance (Ucrit), thermal tolerance (CTmax), and physiological stress measurements.
- Fish behavior: Experience designing behavioral experiments and using behavioral analysis software (e.g., EthoVision).
- Field research: Experience with fish handling, cage deployments, boat-based fieldwork, and small-boat operation.
- Salmonid research: Previous experience working with salmonids, particularly Chinook salmon, including fish husbandry and experimental handling.
- Scientific productivity: Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals, demonstrating scientific independence and effective communication of research findings.
- Research leadership: Experience independently managing research activities, troubleshooting experimental challenges, and mentoring undergraduate students or research assistants.
- Environmental toxicology: Previous experience would be an asset.
Salary and Appointment
Salary and benefits will be consistent with UC Davis policies and commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Application Requirements
Interested candidates should submit:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV), including publications, presentations, and relevant laboratory and field research experience.
- Cover letter (1–2 pages) describing their research background, relevant technical expertise, professional interests, and motivation for applying.
- Contact information for three professional references familiar with their research experience and qualifications.
Please email your application to asegarra@ucdavis.edu with the subject line: “Post-Doc in fish physiology”. For more information about our research, please visit https://segarralab.faculty.ucdavis.edu
Pay: $56,000.00 - $73,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Education:
- Doctorate (Preferred)
License/Certification:
- driver's license (Required)
Location:
- Davis, CA 95616 (Preferred)
Willingness to travel:
- 25% (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
Open date: Immediately
Next review date: December 1, 2026
Final date: March 1, 2027
The anticipated start date is January 2027, with flexibility depending on candidate availability.
Location: School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis.
Position Description
The Segarra Lab at the University of California, Davis (UC Davis) seeks a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher with expertise in fish physiology and behavior to join our team. The successful candidate will join a collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment involving faculty, staff and students studying the physiological ecology of California fishes and their responses to environmental change, with the ultimate goal of improving conservation and management strategies. The initial appointment will be for one year, with the possibility of extension for a second or third year, subject to funding availability.
The primary responsibility of the Postdoctoral Researcher will be to oversee and conduct experiments investigating the effects of environmental conditions and contaminant exposure on the physiology and behavior of juvenile Chinook salmon. These projects aim to provide critical information on how environmental stressors influence fish performance during outmigration and the potential implications for salmon conservation and management.
The researcher will participate in field-based exposure studies, including fish cage deployments in collaboration with the Fangue Lab at UC Davis, followed by laboratory assessments of fish physiology and behavior. Experiments may include swimming performance (Ucrit), thermal tolerance (CTmax), physiological stress indicators (e.g., cortisol and blood glucose), and behavioral assays. These assessments will be complemented by contaminant analyses of fish tissues and water samples conducted in collaboration with Southern Illinois University (SIU).
The successful candidate will play an active role throughout the research process, from experimental design and data collection to statistical analysis, interpretation, and scientific communication. The candidate will also be responsible for supervising undergraduate students and coordinating their involvement in research activities. The position offers opportunities to serve as lead author on peer-reviewed publications, present research findings at scientific conferences, and interact with academic collaborators and stakeholders involved in fisheries conservation and management.
Qualifications
- Ph.D. in Physiology, Ecology, Animal Biology, Animal Behavior, or a closely related field.
- Demonstrated hands-on experience conducting fish physiology experiments and interpreting physiological data.
- Experience in experimental design, planning, and project coordination, including the ability to meet research objectives and deadlines.
- Strong statistical and analytical skills, including proficiency with R or comparable statistical software.
- Strong organizational, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
Preferred Qualifications
- Fish physiology: Experience with physiological techniques such as swimming performance (Ucrit), thermal tolerance (CTmax), and physiological stress measurements.
- Fish behavior: Experience designing behavioral experiments and using behavioral analysis software (e.g., EthoVision).
- Field research: Experience with fish handling, cage deployments, boat-based fieldwork, and small-boat operation.
- Salmonid research: Previous experience working with salmonids, particularly Chinook salmon, including fish husbandry and experimental handling.
- Scientific productivity: Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals, demonstrating scientific independence and effective communication of research findings.
- Research leadership: Experience independently managing research activities, troubleshooting experimental challenges, and mentoring undergraduate students or research assistants.
- Environmental toxicology: Previous experience would be an asset.
Salary and Appointment
Salary and benefits will be consistent with UC Davis policies and commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Application Requirements
Interested candidates should submit:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV), including publications, presentations, and relevant laboratory and field research experience.
- Cover letter (1–2 pages) describing their research background, relevant technical expertise, professional interests, and motivation for applying.
- Contact information for three professional references familiar with their research experience and qualifications.
Please email your application to asegarra@ucdavis.edu with the subject line: “Post-Doc in fish physiology”. For more information about our research, please visit https://segarralab.faculty.ucdavis.edu
Pay: $56,000.00 - $73,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Education:
- Doctorate (Preferred)
License/Certification:
- driver's license (Required)
Location:
- Davis, CA 95616 (Preferred)
Willingness to travel:
- 25% (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
Clinical Research Scientist Job Roles in California
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Search Clinical Research Scientist Jobs in CaliforniaClinical Research Scientist Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies sponsor visas for clinical research scientists in California?
Several major life sciences employers in California have consistent histories of sponsoring work visas for clinical research scientists. These include Genentech, Gilead Sciences, AstraZeneca, Amgen, Pfizer, and Biogen, as well as contract research organizations like IQVIA and Labcorp Drug Development. Mid-size biotechs concentrated in South San Francisco, San Diego's Torrey Pines area, and Los Angeles also file sponsorship petitions regularly, particularly for scientists with specialized clinical trial expertise.
Which visa types are most common for clinical research scientist roles in California?
The H-1B visa is the most common visa category for clinical research scientists in California, as the role typically requires a bachelor's degree or higher in a specific scientific discipline, meeting the specialty occupation standard. Candidates with advanced degrees may also be considered under the H-1B advanced degree exemption. O-1A visas appear for scientists with significant publications or awards. Candidates from Canada or Mexico may qualify for TN visa status under the scientist category.
Which cities in California have the most clinical research scientist sponsorship jobs?
South San Francisco and the broader Bay Area lead the state, anchored by Genentech's headquarters and a dense cluster of biotech companies. San Diego is the second-largest hub, particularly in the Torrey Pines and Sorrento Valley corridors, home to companies like Illumina and Neurocrine Biosciences. Los Angeles has a growing life sciences presence, with institutions like UCLA and Cedars-Sinai supporting clinical research hiring. Sacramento sees smaller but consistent demand tied to UC Davis Health.
How to find clinical research scientist visa sponsorship jobs in California?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically by visa sponsorship availability, making it straightforward to search for clinical research scientist roles in California without sorting through positions that don't offer sponsorship. You can narrow results by location, filtering for Bay Area, San Diego, or Los Angeles. Because sponsoring employers in California's biotech sector file LCAs publicly, Migrate Mate surfaces roles from companies with verified sponsorship activity rather than relying on self-reported employer claims.
Are there state-specific considerations for clinical research scientists seeking sponsorship in California?
California's prevailing wage requirements under DOL rules apply to H-1B petitions, and the state's high cost of living in cities like San Francisco and San Diego means prevailing wages for clinical research scientists are generally higher than national averages. California also has strong employee protections that apply regardless of visa status. The state's concentration of NIH-funded research institutions and FDA-regulated biotech companies means employers are generally experienced with the sponsorship process, including LCA filings and I-129 petitions.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored clinical research scientist jobs in California?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.