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Academic Research Associate Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Murphy Research

Research Associate

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$50K - $52K/yr

We are actively seeking full-time Research Associates to join the Murphy Research consulting team ... You've made the decision not to pursue a career in academic research. Instead, you're eager to ...

Murphy Research

Research Associate

Los Angeles, CA

$50K - $52K/yr

We are actively seeking full-time Research Associates to join the Murphy Research consulting team ... You've made the decision not to pursue a career in academic research. Instead, you're eager to ...

Murphy Research

Research Associate

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$50K - $52K/yr

We are actively seeking full-time Research Associates to join the Murphy Research consulting team ... You've made the decision not to pursue a career in academic research. Instead, you're eager to ...

BioPhase Solutions

Research Associate

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

We are currently looking for a Research Associate, Discovery Biology and Pharmacology to work for a ... experience in academia or industry. * A four-year degree is desired. * Ability to lift lab ...

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All JobsAcademic Research Associate JobsAcademic Research Associate Jobs in California

Academic Research Associate information

See California salary details

$15

$32

$49

How much do academic research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for academic research associate in California is $32.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.44 and $37.40 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an academic research associate?

Academic Research Associates are professionals who support research projects within universities or other educational institutions. Their responsibilities typically include collecting and analyzing data, conducting literature reviews, and assisting with the preparation of papers, presentations, and grant applications. They often work under the supervision of principal investigators or faculty members. This role is critical in advancing knowledge within a specific field and often serves as a stepping stone for those pursuing academic or research-focused careers.

What is the difference between Academic Research Associate vs Research Scientist?

AspectAcademic Research AssociateResearch Scientist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's degree in relevant fieldMaster's or PhD in related discipline
Work EnvironmentUniversities, academic labs, research institutionsResearch labs, industry R&D departments
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily academia and educational institutionsIndustry, government agencies, private sector
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between an Academic Research Associate and a Research Scientist lies in their work environment and typical employer. Academic Research Associates usually work within universities or academic institutions focusing on educational research, while Research Scientists are often employed in industry or government labs working on applied research and product development. Both roles require strong research skills and relevant degrees, but their career paths and daily tasks differ based on their organizational setting.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an academic research associate?

To thrive as an Academic Research Associate, you need strong analytical skills, research methodology expertise, and a relevant degree (often a master's or PhD in a related field). Familiarity with statistical analysis software (such as SPSS or R), academic databases, and citation management tools is typically required. Excellent written communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills help distinguish top candidates. These abilities are crucial for producing high-quality research, interpreting data accurately, and contributing effectively to academic projects.

What are some common challenges academic research associates face when managing multiple projects simultaneously?

Academic Research Associates often juggle several research projects at once, which can make time management and prioritization challenging. Balancing data collection, literature reviews, and collaboration with faculty or external partners requires strong organizational skills and adaptability. It’s common to encounter competing deadlines, so effective communication with supervisors and team members is key to ensuring projects stay on track. Utilizing project management tools and regular check-ins can help manage workload and maintain high-quality research outcomes.
What are the most commonly searched types of Academic Research jobs in California? The most popular types of Academic Research jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Academic Research Associate jobs in California? For Academic Research Associate jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Academic Research Associate jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Academic Research Associate jobs in California are:
Academic Research Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Academic Research Associate job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,511 per year, or $32.9 per hour.

Senior Research Associate In Vivo

CEDENT

Pasadena, CA

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

We are seeking a highly skilled and well-organized Senior Research Associate to contribute to our research programs and drive scientific progress. The Senior Research Associate will work closely with client scientists, executing and refining experimental protocols with precision. The ideal candidate will have experience handling rodents and be adept at following detailed protocols meticulously while also demonstrating the ability to propose improvements when necessary.
Responsibilities:
  • Design, execute and manage in vivo experiments assessing the efficacy and safety of test agents in various rodent models.
  • Perform a range of in vivo techniques, including rodent handling, various routes of compound administration (IV, ICV, IT), tissue collection, and behavioral assessments.
  • Manage mouse colonies and perform breeding, weaning, and genotyping.
  • Conduct various laboratory assays, including immunohistochemistry, microscopy, and biochemistry/molecular biology.
  • Analyze and interpret experimental data, and prepare scientific documents including study reports, protocols, and other related materials for presentations, regulatory submissions and publications.
  • Maintain accurate records of experimental data and protocols in accordance with client guidelines.
  • Collaborate effectively with internal/external resources to schedule and execute tasks independently with minimal training/guidance from manager.
  • Independently conducts multiple complex experiments and provides technical guidance and problem solving related to methods, procedures and processes, and obtain optimum solutions.
  • Provide technical guidance and problem-solving related to methods, procedures, and processes to the work group.
  • Mentor and train junior lab members, promoting a positive and collaborative research environment.
Desired Skills and Experience:
  • Minimum 6+ years of hands-on experience conducting in vivo research with mice or rats.
  • B.S. in Biology, Neuroscience, Bioengineering, or a related discipline, with 4+ years of industry experience or 6+ years of academic research experience.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills for effective collaboration and documentation.
  • Strong organizational and analytical skills to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Proven ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
  • Knowledge of and adherence to Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) procedures
Additional Information:
  • Scheduling Flexibility: Availability for late evening, weekend, and holiday work as needed to support animal welfare needs.
  • Travel Requirement: Frequent travel (>50%) to various client laboratory sites in Los Angeles.
  • Work Authorization: Candidate must be currently in the USA and authorized to work immediately.
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About Cedent

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

CEDENT strives to attract and retain the best people and provide an environment where they can all develop professionally and build a rewarding career. As a result, we create an inclusive environment that is rich in diversity, acknowledges each individual's uniqueness and promotes respect, personal achievement and stewardship. Our clients are global and so is CEDENT. We build and maintain a global workforce that includes people from different backgrounds, with a vast range of skills and experience all united by a common culture and commitment to help our clients achieve high performance. Cultivating a diverse workforce and inclusive work environment makes business sense. Our peoples varied skills are the talent engine that powers CEDENT, enabling it in turn to deliver the innovative solutions that help our clients outperform competitors.

Industry

It services

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Plano, TX, US

Year founded

2008

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