Research Associate Visa Sponsorship Jobs in California
California is one of the strongest states for research associate visa sponsorship, driven by a concentration of biotech and pharmaceutical companies in the San Francisco Bay Area and San Diego, alongside major research universities like UC San Francisco, Stanford, and UCLA. Employers such as Genentech, Gilead Sciences, and UCSF Medical Center regularly sponsor international candidates for research associate positions.
Find Research Associate JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 2,248+ Research Associate Jobs in California with Visa Sponsorship
See all 2,248+ Research Associate Jobs in California with Visa Sponsorship
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Research Associate Jobs in California with Visa Sponsorship.
Get Access To All JobsOverview:
Founded in 1965, UC Irvine is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities and is ranked among the nation’s top 10 public universities by U.S. News & World Report. The campus has produced five Nobel laureates and is known for its academic achievement, premier research, innovation and anteater mascot. Led by Chancellor Howard Gillman, UC Irvine has more than 36,000 students and offers 224 degree programs. It’s located in one of the world’s safest and most economically vibrant communities and is Orange County’s second-largest employer, contributing $7 billion annually to the local economy and $8 billion statewide.
The UC Irvine Department of Chemistry is one of four departments in the School of Physical Sciences. Our Department provides world-class education and training for our student population while pushing the frontiers of knowledge through cutting edge research. The Special Project Coordinator is a key part of a collaborative management team in the Department of Chemistry that works together to find innovative solutions and practices to achieve goals and improve administrative practices. The Department of Chemistry is committed to excellence through inclusion and diversity. We welcome, respect, and are strengthened by our diversity as women, men, and people of all gender identities, gender expressions, and sexual orientations. We benefit from our common humanity, as well as our difference in race, ethnicity, age, national origins, socioeconomic backgrounds, abilities, religions, and point of view. Come be part of our excellent team!
Responsibilities:
Under the direct supervision of the Facility Director, the Staff Research Associate I (SRA I) is an entry-level research support position in the Department of Chemistry’s Mass Spectrometry Facility (MSF) responsible for assisting faculty, Principal Investigators (PIs), Project Scientists, and senior laboratory personnel with analytical research activities in academic, clinical, or field research settings. The MSF in the Department of Chemistry is a component of UCI’s MS Shared Matrix Facility supported by UCI’s Cancer Research Center.
The MSF supports a large userbase of >250 users and operates 20 instruments from multiple vendors including: Waters Corporation, ThermoFisher Scientific, Bruker Corporation, Agilent Technologies and Shimadzu Scientific Instruments. Modalities include LC-MS, GC-MS, MALDI-MS and MALDI Imaging MS. Major software applications include: Waters MassLynx, Thermo Scientific Chromeleon, Agilent MassHunter, Bruker flexcontrol and SCiLS Lab Pro and Shimadzu ImageReveal.
The incumbent will perform standardized laboratory and mass spectrometry research procedures, collect and organize experimental data, maintain research materials and MS equipment, and support ongoing research projects under close supervision.
Key Responsibilities:
- Research and Experimental Support:
- Assist with laboratory experiments, method development, and research studies under the direction of faculty and senior research personnel.
- Perform routine technical procedures according to established protocols, including procedures involving liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS).
- Prepare reagents, samples, cultures, and other research materials for laboratory experiments and analyses.
- Collect, record, organize, and maintain experimental and observational data.
- Maintain accurate and complete laboratory notebooks, research records, and associated databases.
- Perform routine review and validation of research data, including small-molecule molecular formula validation and analyte identification.
-
Assist with literature searches and other research-related information gathering in support of laboratory projects.
-
Laboratory Operations, Equipment Maintenance, and Safety:
- Operate mass spectrometry and related laboratory equipment according to established procedures and protocols.
- Perform routine instrument maintenance, including weekly maintenance activities and operation of quality control (QC) standards to support reliable instrument performance.
- Clean and maintain laboratory instruments, equipment, and workspaces in accordance with established laboratory procedures.
- Monitor laboratory supply and consumable inventories and coordinate routine ordering and restocking.
- Follow laboratory safety procedures and applicable institutional requirements for the handling, storage, and disposal of research materials.
-
Properly collect and dispose of hazardous materials and laboratory waste in accordance with established institutional procedures.
-
Research Documentation and Administrative Support:
- Enter, verify, organize, and maintain research data and supporting documentation.
- Prepare charts, spreadsheets, summaries, and other materials to support research activities and reporting.
- Assist with preparation and maintenance of research documentation, records, and reports.
-
Provide routine coordination and scheduling support for laboratory and research activities as needed.
-
Laboratory Training and Support:
- Participate in laboratory meetings, technical training, and other activities necessary to maintain proficiency in laboratory procedures, instrumentation, research protocols, and safety requirements.
- Complete required institutional and laboratory-specific safety and compliance training.
- Assist with routine laboratory activities and operational needs that support the effective functioning of the research laboratory.
- Perform other related duties as assigned consistent with the scope and level of the position.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required:
- Knowledge of and adherence to laboratory safety procedures
- Strong organizational/teamwork capabilities and effective communication skills
- Ability to apply basic scientific analytical workflows and follow detailed technical protocols
- Accurate recordkeeping and data management
- Ability to work independently on routine assignments
- Bachelor’s degree in: Chemistry or related scientific field and research/laboratory experience or combination of education and experience.
Preferred:
- Practical experience with mass spectrometry applications (LC-MS, GC-MS and/or MALDI-MS) is preferred but not essential
- Familiarity with MS data analysis software
- 1-3 years
TOTAL REWARDS:
In addition to the salary range listed below, we offer a wealth of benefits to make working at UCI even more rewarding. These benefits may include medical insurance, sick and vacation time, retirement savings plans, and access to a number of discounts and perks. Please utilize the links listed here to learn more about our compensation practices and benefits.
The expected pay range for this recruitment is $29.99 - $30.64 (Hourly).
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
The University of California, Irvine (UCI) seeks to provide a safe and healthy environment for the entire UCI community. As part of this commitment, all applicants who accept an offer of employment must comply with the following conditions of employment:
- Background Check and Live Scan
- Employment Misconduct
- Legal Right to work in the United States
- Vaccination Policies
- Smoking and Tobacco Policy
- Drug Free Environment
- Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.
The following additional conditions may apply, some of which are dependent upon business unit or job specific requirements:
- California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act
- E-Verify
- Pre-Placement Health Evaluation
Details of each policy may be reviewed by visiting the following page - https://hr.uci.edu/new-hire/conditions-of-employment.php
CLOSING STATEMENT:
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 categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.
We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce along with honoring unique experiences, perspectives, and identities. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable, and welcoming.
UCI provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities upon request. For more information, please contact Human Resources at (949) 824-0500 or eec@uci.edu.
Overview:
Founded in 1965, UC Irvine is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities and is ranked among the nation’s top 10 public universities by U.S. News & World Report. The campus has produced five Nobel laureates and is known for its academic achievement, premier research, innovation and anteater mascot. Led by Chancellor Howard Gillman, UC Irvine has more than 36,000 students and offers 224 degree programs. It’s located in one of the world’s safest and most economically vibrant communities and is Orange County’s second-largest employer, contributing $7 billion annually to the local economy and $8 billion statewide.
The UC Irvine Department of Chemistry is one of four departments in the School of Physical Sciences. Our Department provides world-class education and training for our student population while pushing the frontiers of knowledge through cutting edge research. The Special Project Coordinator is a key part of a collaborative management team in the Department of Chemistry that works together to find innovative solutions and practices to achieve goals and improve administrative practices. The Department of Chemistry is committed to excellence through inclusion and diversity. We welcome, respect, and are strengthened by our diversity as women, men, and people of all gender identities, gender expressions, and sexual orientations. We benefit from our common humanity, as well as our difference in race, ethnicity, age, national origins, socioeconomic backgrounds, abilities, religions, and point of view. Come be part of our excellent team!
Responsibilities:
Under the direct supervision of the Facility Director, the Staff Research Associate I (SRA I) is an entry-level research support position in the Department of Chemistry’s Mass Spectrometry Facility (MSF) responsible for assisting faculty, Principal Investigators (PIs), Project Scientists, and senior laboratory personnel with analytical research activities in academic, clinical, or field research settings. The MSF in the Department of Chemistry is a component of UCI’s MS Shared Matrix Facility supported by UCI’s Cancer Research Center.
The MSF supports a large userbase of >250 users and operates 20 instruments from multiple vendors including: Waters Corporation, ThermoFisher Scientific, Bruker Corporation, Agilent Technologies and Shimadzu Scientific Instruments. Modalities include LC-MS, GC-MS, MALDI-MS and MALDI Imaging MS. Major software applications include: Waters MassLynx, Thermo Scientific Chromeleon, Agilent MassHunter, Bruker flexcontrol and SCiLS Lab Pro and Shimadzu ImageReveal.
The incumbent will perform standardized laboratory and mass spectrometry research procedures, collect and organize experimental data, maintain research materials and MS equipment, and support ongoing research projects under close supervision.
Key Responsibilities:
- Research and Experimental Support:
- Assist with laboratory experiments, method development, and research studies under the direction of faculty and senior research personnel.
- Perform routine technical procedures according to established protocols, including procedures involving liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS).
- Prepare reagents, samples, cultures, and other research materials for laboratory experiments and analyses.
- Collect, record, organize, and maintain experimental and observational data.
- Maintain accurate and complete laboratory notebooks, research records, and associated databases.
- Perform routine review and validation of research data, including small-molecule molecular formula validation and analyte identification.
-
Assist with literature searches and other research-related information gathering in support of laboratory projects.
-
Laboratory Operations, Equipment Maintenance, and Safety:
- Operate mass spectrometry and related laboratory equipment according to established procedures and protocols.
- Perform routine instrument maintenance, including weekly maintenance activities and operation of quality control (QC) standards to support reliable instrument performance.
- Clean and maintain laboratory instruments, equipment, and workspaces in accordance with established laboratory procedures.
- Monitor laboratory supply and consumable inventories and coordinate routine ordering and restocking.
- Follow laboratory safety procedures and applicable institutional requirements for the handling, storage, and disposal of research materials.
-
Properly collect and dispose of hazardous materials and laboratory waste in accordance with established institutional procedures.
-
Research Documentation and Administrative Support:
- Enter, verify, organize, and maintain research data and supporting documentation.
- Prepare charts, spreadsheets, summaries, and other materials to support research activities and reporting.
- Assist with preparation and maintenance of research documentation, records, and reports.
-
Provide routine coordination and scheduling support for laboratory and research activities as needed.
-
Laboratory Training and Support:
- Participate in laboratory meetings, technical training, and other activities necessary to maintain proficiency in laboratory procedures, instrumentation, research protocols, and safety requirements.
- Complete required institutional and laboratory-specific safety and compliance training.
- Assist with routine laboratory activities and operational needs that support the effective functioning of the research laboratory.
- Perform other related duties as assigned consistent with the scope and level of the position.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required:
- Knowledge of and adherence to laboratory safety procedures
- Strong organizational/teamwork capabilities and effective communication skills
- Ability to apply basic scientific analytical workflows and follow detailed technical protocols
- Accurate recordkeeping and data management
- Ability to work independently on routine assignments
- Bachelor’s degree in: Chemistry or related scientific field and research/laboratory experience or combination of education and experience.
Preferred:
- Practical experience with mass spectrometry applications (LC-MS, GC-MS and/or MALDI-MS) is preferred but not essential
- Familiarity with MS data analysis software
- 1-3 years
TOTAL REWARDS:
In addition to the salary range listed below, we offer a wealth of benefits to make working at UCI even more rewarding. These benefits may include medical insurance, sick and vacation time, retirement savings plans, and access to a number of discounts and perks. Please utilize the links listed here to learn more about our compensation practices and benefits.
The expected pay range for this recruitment is $29.99 - $30.64 (Hourly).
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
The University of California, Irvine (UCI) seeks to provide a safe and healthy environment for the entire UCI community. As part of this commitment, all applicants who accept an offer of employment must comply with the following conditions of employment:
- Background Check and Live Scan
- Employment Misconduct
- Legal Right to work in the United States
- Vaccination Policies
- Smoking and Tobacco Policy
- Drug Free Environment
- Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.
The following additional conditions may apply, some of which are dependent upon business unit or job specific requirements:
- California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act
- E-Verify
- Pre-Placement Health Evaluation
Details of each policy may be reviewed by visiting the following page - https://hr.uci.edu/new-hire/conditions-of-employment.php
CLOSING STATEMENT:
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 categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.
We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce along with honoring unique experiences, perspectives, and identities. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable, and welcoming.
UCI provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities upon request. For more information, please contact Human Resources at (949) 824-0500 or eec@uci.edu.
Research Associate Job Roles in California
See all 2,248+ Research Associate Jobs in California
Sign up for free to filter by visa type, set job alerts, and find employers with verified sponsorship history.
Search Research Associate Jobs in CaliforniaResearch Associate Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies in California sponsor visas for research associates?
Biotech and pharmaceutical companies are the most active sponsors for research associate roles in California. Genentech, Gilead Sciences, Amgen, and Regeneron all have a track record of sponsoring H-1B visa and other work visas for research staff. Major academic medical centers including UCSF, UCLA Health, and Stanford Medicine also sponsor research associates, particularly for clinical and translational research positions.
What visa types are most common for research associate roles in California?
The H-1B is the most common visa for research associate positions in California, as most roles require at least a bachelor's degree in a specific scientific discipline, meeting the specialty occupation standard. J-1 visa research scholar visas are also common for university and nonprofit research settings. Candidates with extraordinary research credentials may qualify for the O-1A, and some positions at academic institutions are cap-exempt for H-1B purposes.
Which California cities have the most research associate sponsorship jobs?
San Francisco and the broader Bay Area lead in research associate sponsorship, driven by the high concentration of biotech firms in South San Francisco and life sciences campuses affiliated with UCSF and Stanford. San Diego is a close second, home to a dense biotech cluster anchored by companies like Illumina and Pfizer's local operations. Los Angeles also has a growing presence, particularly through UCLA and USC-affiliated research programs.
How to find research associate visa sponsorship jobs in California?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for international candidates seeking visa sponsorship jobs, including research associate roles in California. You can filter by state and job title to see verified sponsorship-willing employers across the Bay Area, San Diego, and Los Angeles. Migrate Mate pulls from employers with active LCA filings and H-1B histories, so you're focusing your search on companies that have already demonstrated willingness to sponsor.
Are there any California-specific considerations for research associates seeking visa sponsorship?
California's high cost of living means prevailing wage requirements under the H-1B program are generally higher than the national average for research associate roles, which employers must meet when filing a Labor Condition Application. California also has a strong university-to-industry pipeline, so candidates completing graduate programs or postdocs at UC system schools are often well-positioned to transition directly into sponsored industry roles. Some positions at UC campuses and affiliated hospitals are cap-exempt institutions, which can streamline H-1B timing.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored research associate 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.