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Associate Researcher Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

AcuraStem

Research associate

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

AcuraStem is seeking a research associate to support our iNeuroRx disease modeling platform. This platform will be employed for target discovery/validation, biomarker evaluation and the construction ...

AcuraStem

Research associate

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

AcuraStem is seeking a research associate to support our iNeuroRx disease modeling platform. This platform will be employed for target discovery/validation, biomarker evaluation and the construction ...

Abbott

Research Scientist

San Diego, CA

Associate Research Scientist, Staff Scientist, Senior Scientist, R&D Project Lead Consultants Eligible Benefits Upon Waiting Period: Medical and Prescription Drug Plans Dental Plan Vision Plan Health ...

Scout AI

AI Researcher

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

You will lead research in core areas including reinforcement learning, vision-language-action ... Backed by Draper Associates, Booz Allen Ventures, and other top investors Benefits * Competitive ...

Moffitt

Research Associate I

West Covina, CA · On-site

$18.64 - $28.53/hr

The Research Associate provides technical and analytical support for various research programs across all Moffitt divisions and may have administrative and training responsibilities, as assigned.

Scout AI

AI Researcher

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$160K - $400K/yr

You will lead research in core areas including reinforcement learning, vision-language-action ... Backed by Draper Associates, Booz Allen Ventures, and other top investors Benefits * Competitive ...

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Showing results 41-60

All JobsAssociate Researcher JobsAssociate Researcher Jobs in California

Associate Researcher information

See California salary details

$29.6K

$111.6K

$162.3K

How much do associate researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate researcher in California is $111,621.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,100.00 and $152,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an associate researcher?

Associate Researchers are professionals who assist in conducting scientific studies, experiments, or investigations in a specific field. They typically work under the supervision of a principal investigator or senior researcher, helping with data collection, analysis, and documentation. Their responsibilities can also include preparing laboratory materials, conducting literature reviews, and ensuring compliance with research protocols. Associate Researchers are often found in academic, government, or private sector research settings and may have a background in science, engineering, or social sciences.

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

To thrive as an Associate Researcher, you need a strong background in scientific methodology, data analysis, and a relevant bachelor's or master's degree in your field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, statistical software (like SPSS or R), and research management systems is typically required. Attention to detail, critical thinking, and effective communication help you collaborate and contribute meaningful insights to research projects. These skills and qualities are crucial for producing valid, reliable results and advancing the goals of research teams.

What are some common challenges associate researchers face when managing multiple projects simultaneously?

Associate Researchers often juggle several projects at once, which can be challenging in terms of time management and prioritization. Balancing deadlines, coordinating with various team members, and ensuring high-quality data collection and analysis requires strong organizational skills. Proactive communication with supervisors and collaborators is essential to manage expectations and address any bottlenecks early. Utilizing project management tools and regularly updating progress can help alleviate these challenges and keep research activities on track.

What is the difference between Associate Researcher vs Research Assistant?

AspectAssociate ResearcherResearch Assistant
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's degree, research experienceTypically Bachelor's degree, entry-level
Work EnvironmentIndependent research, data analysis, project managementSupporting research tasks, data collection
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutes, corporate R&DUniversities, labs, research projects

The main difference between an Associate Researcher and a Research Assistant lies in experience and responsibilities. Associate Researchers usually have more research experience, handle independent tasks, and contribute to project design, while Research Assistants support data collection and basic tasks. Both roles are common in academic and research settings, but Associate Researchers typically have higher qualifications and more autonomy.

What are the most commonly searched types of Researcher jobs in California?

The most popular types of Researcher jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Associate Researcher jobs?

Cities in California with the most Associate Researcher job openings:

Associate Researcher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Researcher job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,621 per year, or $53.7 per hour.

Research Associate II, NAMkind Assays

San Diego, CA

Organovo
Biotechnology Research and Development • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Organovoexternal

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Research Associate II, NAMkind Assays


Position Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated Junior Research Associate to support expansion of our NAMkind Tissue platform for drug-induced tissue injury and drug efficacy studies. The successful candidate will perform cell culture-based experiments, execute biomarker assays including ELISA, maintain high-quality laboratory documentation, and contribute to the generation of reproducible data supporting internal R&D and client-facing studies.


This role is ideal for an early-career scientist with strong tissue culture skills who is interested in applying advanced human-relevant in vitro models to drug discovery and safety assessment.


Key Responsibilities


Cell Culture & Tissue Model Support

  • Maintain and culture primary mammalian cell types using aseptic technique.
  • Thaw, expand, count, and prepare relevant cell populations for experimental studies.
  • Assist with preparation and maintenance of multicellular cultures.
  • Perform routine media exchanges, compound dosing, and sample collection according to SOPs.
  • Monitor tissue morphology and culture health using microscopy and imaging systems.

Assay Execution

  • Perform ELISA and other biochemical assays to evaluate tissue function and toxicity.
  • Conduct viability, cytotoxicity, and functional endpoint assays.
  • Prepare reagents, standards, controls, and assay plates.
  • Operate plate readers and analyze assay quality metrics.

Experimental Operations

  • Support execution of screening and mechanistic studies under the guidance of senior scientists.
  • Maintain detailed electronic laboratory notebooks and experimental records.
  • Assist with inventory management, reagent preparation, and laboratory organization.

Data Analysis & Reporting

  • Compile, organize, and perform basic analysis of experimental data.
  • Generate figures, tables, and summaries for study reports and internal presentations.
  • Contribute to continuous improvement of protocols and laboratory workflows.


Qualifications

Required

  • B.S. in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Biomedical Engineering, or related life science discipline.
  • 1-3 years of laboratory experience in cell culture or tissue culture.
  • Hands-on experience performing ELISA assays.
  • Familiarity with standard laboratory instrumentation and aseptic technique.
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a multidisciplinary team.

Preferred

  • Experience working with primary cells or 3D tissue models.
  • Familiarity with GraphPad Prism, Microsoft Excel, or other data analysis software.
  • Experience following SOPs and Good Documentation Practices (GDP).

Key Competencies

  • Excellent laboratory technique and reproducibility
  • Strong problem-solving skills
  • Effective written and verbal communication
  • Ability to manage multiple studies simultaneously
  • Commitment to data integrity and scientific rigor.
  • Strong organizational and time-management skills.
  • Positive attitude, willingness to learn, and strong team-oriented mindset.

Apply