Research Technician Visa Sponsorship Jobs in California
California hosts some of the highest concentrations of research technician roles in the country, driven by major biotech corridors in San Diego and the Bay Area, world-class research universities like UC Berkeley, UCLA, and Stanford, and life sciences employers including Genentech, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and the Salk Institute. Many actively sponsor H-1B visa and other work visas for qualified candidates.
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Scripps Research is a nonprofit biomedical institute ranked as one of the most influential in the world for its impact on innovation. We are celebrating our 100-year legacy. This significant milestone marks a century of seminal discoveries in immunology, infectious diseases (such as COVID-19, flu, HIV), neuroscience, heart disease, cancer, and more. Located in La Jolla, California, the institute houses six research departments, multiple Nobel laureates, a top-ranked graduate school and a leading postdoctoral training program. We work hand-in-hand with researchers of the Scripps Research Translational Institute and Calibr to merge foundational studies in biology, chemistry and computer science with translational science to produce pioneering drugs and advances in digital and precision medicine. Together, we cultivate new scientific leaders and expand the frontiers of knowledge to deliver medical breakthroughs impacting human health around the globe. If you have a passion for making a difference, this could be your opportunity to join our transformative team.
POSITION TITLE: Research Technician
Position Summary:
Perform a variety of routine scientific tasks; may prepare test specimens; set up and operate standard lab equipment of moderate complexity.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:
- Record data providing basic analyses and interpretations
- Perform a limited number of non-repetitive procedures
- Other related duties, tasks and responsibilities as required or assigned
REQUIREMENTS
- Requires a bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific discipline and up to one (1) year of related experience.
- Three (3) to six (6) years of related laboratory experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
COMPENSATION:
The expected hiring range for this position is $18.67 to $24 per hour, commensurate with experience. Consideration will be given to experience that exceeds the listed requirements.
COMPREHENSIVE BENEFITS INCLUDE:
- Employer Contributed Retirement Plan – Depending on eligibility, employees receive an employer contributed retirement plan (no employee contribution required) and the option to contribute to a 403(b) (which is similar to a 401(k) using your own pre or post-tax dollars)
- Full Suite of Health and Welfare plans including three medical plan options (including an HSA available option), dental, vision, life insurance, disability, EAP and more
- Access to Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical/Dependent Care)
- Competitive vacation and sick leave policies
- Free, on-site parking
The above statements describe the level of work performed and expected in general terms. The statements are not intended to list all the responsibilities, duties and/or skills required of employees so classified, and the content herein is subject to change due to the business needs of Scripps Research, with or without notice. Furthermore, nothing in this job description shall be interpreted to be in conflict with or to eliminate or modify in any way the employment-at-will status of Scripps Research staff.
EEO Statement:
The Scripps Research Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We promote diversity of thought, culture and background in the fields of science. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and 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 legally protected characteristic or status.
About us:
Scripps Research is a nonprofit biomedical institute ranked as one of the most influential in the world for its impact on innovation. We are celebrating our 100-year legacy. This significant milestone marks a century of seminal discoveries in immunology, infectious diseases (such as COVID-19, flu, HIV), neuroscience, heart disease, cancer, and more. Located in La Jolla, California, the institute houses six research departments, multiple Nobel laureates, a top-ranked graduate school and a leading postdoctoral training program. We work hand-in-hand with researchers of the Scripps Research Translational Institute and Calibr to merge foundational studies in biology, chemistry and computer science with translational science to produce pioneering drugs and advances in digital and precision medicine. Together, we cultivate new scientific leaders and expand the frontiers of knowledge to deliver medical breakthroughs impacting human health around the globe. If you have a passion for making a difference, this could be your opportunity to join our transformative team.
POSITION TITLE: Research Technician
Position Summary:
Perform a variety of routine scientific tasks; may prepare test specimens; set up and operate standard lab equipment of moderate complexity.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:
- Record data providing basic analyses and interpretations
- Perform a limited number of non-repetitive procedures
- Other related duties, tasks and responsibilities as required or assigned
REQUIREMENTS
- Requires a bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific discipline and up to one (1) year of related experience.
- Three (3) to six (6) years of related laboratory experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
COMPENSATION:
The expected hiring range for this position is $18.67 to $24 per hour, commensurate with experience. Consideration will be given to experience that exceeds the listed requirements.
COMPREHENSIVE BENEFITS INCLUDE:
- Employer Contributed Retirement Plan – Depending on eligibility, employees receive an employer contributed retirement plan (no employee contribution required) and the option to contribute to a 403(b) (which is similar to a 401(k) using your own pre or post-tax dollars)
- Full Suite of Health and Welfare plans including three medical plan options (including an HSA available option), dental, vision, life insurance, disability, EAP and more
- Access to Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical/Dependent Care)
- Competitive vacation and sick leave policies
- Free, on-site parking
The above statements describe the level of work performed and expected in general terms. The statements are not intended to list all the responsibilities, duties and/or skills required of employees so classified, and the content herein is subject to change due to the business needs of Scripps Research, with or without notice. Furthermore, nothing in this job description shall be interpreted to be in conflict with or to eliminate or modify in any way the employment-at-will status of Scripps Research staff.
EEO Statement:
The Scripps Research Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We promote diversity of thought, culture and background in the fields of science. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and 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 legally protected characteristic or status.
Research Technician Job Roles in California
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Search Research Technician Jobs in CaliforniaResearch Technician Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies in California sponsor visas for research technicians?
Several large life sciences and biotech employers in California have documented histories of sponsoring work visas for research technicians. Companies including Genentech, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Bio-Rad Laboratories, and Gilead Sciences have filed Labor Condition Applications for technician-level roles. University-affiliated research centers at UC San Diego, UCLA, and UC San Francisco also sponsor international researchers through institutional visa programs.
Which visa types are most common for research technician roles in California?
The H-1B visa is the most frequently used category for research technicians in California, provided the role qualifies as a specialty occupation requiring a relevant bachelor's degree or higher. Some positions at universities or nonprofit research institutions may qualify for cap-exempt H-1B status. The J-1 visa Research Scholar category is also used at academic institutions, though it carries a two-year home residency requirement for some participants.
Which cities in California have the most research technician visa sponsorship jobs?
San Diego and the San Francisco Bay Area, including San Jose and Oakland, account for the largest share of research technician sponsorship activity in California. San Diego's Torrey Pines and Sorrento Valley biotech clusters are particularly active. Los Angeles also has significant demand, anchored by UCLA, USC, and a growing number of biopharma companies. Sacramento sees smaller but steady volume through UC Davis and state health agencies.
How to find research technician visa sponsorship jobs in California?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically by visa sponsorship availability, making it easier to identify California employers actively hiring research technicians who need work authorization. Rather than sorting through thousands of general postings, you can focus on roles where sponsorship is confirmed. Migrate Mate covers positions across San Diego, the Bay Area, and Los Angeles, spanning biotech, academic medical centers, and pharmaceutical research environments.
Are there any California-specific considerations for research technicians seeking visa sponsorship?
California's high concentration of biotech and academic research employers means prevailing wage requirements for H-1B filings in cities like San Francisco and San Diego tend to reflect competitive local labor markets, which employers must meet regardless of the applicant's expectations. Many research technician roles in California are tied to grant-funded projects, so position availability and sponsorship capacity can shift with funding cycles. University positions often move through institutional H-1B filing processes rather than direct employer petitions.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored research technician 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.