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Associate Researcher Jobs in Ladera Ranch, CA (NOW HIRING)

Bio-Rad Laboratories

Research Associate I

Irvine, CA · On-site

$70K - $77K/yr

Overview The Research Associate I , will spend the day executing laboratory experiments in support of sustaining and product support activities, following established protocols under the guidance of ...

Bio-rad Laboratories, Inc.

Research Associate I

Irvine, CA · On-site

$70K - $77K/yr

Overview The Research Associate I , will spend the day executing laboratory experiments in support of sustaining and product support activities, following established protocols under the guidance of ...

Bio-Rad Laboratories

Research Associate I

Irvine, CA · On-site

$70K - $77K/yr

The Research Associate I , will spend the day executing laboratory experiments in support of sustaining and product support activities, following established protocols under the guidance of senior ...

KPMG

Senior Associate, R&D Tax Credits (AMCS)

Irvine, CA · On-site

$85K - $172K/yr

KPMG is currently seeking a Tax Senior Associate to join our Accounting Methods and Credit Services practice. Responsibilities: * Work with multi-disciplinary teams to conduct research and ...

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All JobsAssociate Researcher JobsAssociate Researcher Jobs in Ladera Ranch, CA

Associate Researcher information

See Ladera Ranch, CA salary details

$31.9K

$120.2K

$174.9K

How much do associate researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate researcher in Ladera Ranch, CA is $120,231.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,200.00 and $163,700.00 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 Ladera Ranch, CA?

The most popular types of Researcher jobs in Ladera Ranch, CA are:

What cities near Ladera Ranch, CA are hiring for Associate Researcher jobs?

Cities near Ladera Ranch, CA with the most Associate Researcher job openings:

Associate Researcher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Researcher job openings in Ladera Ranch, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $120,231 per year, or $57.8 per hour.

Post-Doctoral Research Scientist - Infectious Disease Assay Development

Zymo Research Corporation

Irvine, CA

$85K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Job Summary:

 

As a Post-Doctoral Research Scientist at Zymo Research, you will develop innovative infectious disease molecular assays from concept to completion, advancing Zymo's infectious disease product portfolio. You will conceptualize, design, perform, and optimize laboratory experiments supporting PCR- and NGS-based assay development, and contribute to related activities such as business development, marketing, product development, and networking, as needed.

As a Post-Doctoral Research Scientist at Zymo Research, you will lead and/or collaborate with a talented, multidisciplinary team of scientists and researchers developing tools that shape the biomedical industry, innovating, developing, and delivering PCR- and NGS-based infectious disease assays from early development through real-world application. As a Post-Doctoral Research Scientist, you will contribute to Zymo's strategic planning and be encouraged to explore new ideas as we navigate this highly competitive field. Zymo Research offers tremendous room for growth as we continue to explore new directions and expand.

Join us in making a meaningful impact!

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

 

  • Design, execute, analyze, interpret, and troubleshoot experiments supporting infectious disease assay development.
  • Design and optimize PCR primers/probes and NGS-based workflows for sensitive, specific detection of infectious agents.
  • Develop, optimize, and validate assays and workflows end-to-end, including sample preparation and nucleic acid extraction.
  • Stay current with scientific literature and emerging technologies in infectious disease diagnostics to inform assay design and troubleshooting.
  • Effectively communicate results, contribute original ideas, and help plan future project directions.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including manufacturing, marketing, commercialization, and business development, to advance projects and support technology transfer.
  • Establish and maintain collaborations with outside scientists and key opinion leaders relevant to projects.
  • Maintain accurate, complete documentation of experiments and results in compliance with applicable quality and regulatory standards.
  • Author technical reports, white papers, scientific publications, and conference presentations to communicate findings internally and externally.

Additional Responsibilities

  • Train and mentor junior employees.

Education and Experience:

 

  • Requires a PhD in molecular biology, biochemistry, virology, microbiology, or a related field, with at least one first-author publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
  • Strong background in molecular biology, with hands-on experience designing, optimizing, and troubleshooting PCR-based assays, including primer/probe design. NGS-based assay development and data analysis experience is a plus.
  • Experience in infectious disease, virology, microbiomics, or microbiology preferred, but not required.
  • Candidate should have good knowledge of both basic and the latest nucleic acid analysis methodologies, including PCR, qPCR, multiplex PCR, and NGS.
  • Familiarity with bioinformatics tools and NGS data analysis pipelines is a plus.
  • Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to build effective working relationships across diverse teams; open, customer-focused communication style.
  • Highly flexible and results-oriented, able to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.


About Us:

 

Since its inception in 1994, Zymo Research has been proudly serving the scientific community by providing innovative, reliable, and high-quality research tools and products. Whether it's DNA, RNA, epigenetics, microbiomics, protein, or yeast-based research, our philosophy remains the same: To provide the highest quality products in the industry while ensuring they are both simple to use and reliable in their performance.

Recognized as a Top Workplace by the Orange County Register in 2021, 2022, and named a Top Workplace USA in 2023, Zymo Research continues to be a vibrant community where employees thrive, feel connected, and are inspired by their work. If you are passionate about contributing to scientific advancement and want to be part of an exceptional team in a dynamic, growing company, we'd love to hear from you!

 

Compensation, Benefits, and Perks:                                 

The estimated base compensation range for this position is $85,000-100,000 at the time of posting. Actual compensation details will be provided in writing at the time of offer, if applicable, and is based on several factors we believe fairly and accurately impact compensation, including geographic location, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and other job permitted factors.

Zymo Research also offers competitive benefits and perks including:

  • Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance Coverages
  • EAP Sessions
  • Vacation Time plus Company Holidays
  • Paid Sick Leave
  • Generous 401(K) with matching 
  • Employee Referral Bonus
  • Complimentary fruit, snacks, and beverages
  • Complimentary catered lunches on Thursdays 
  • Complimentary EV Charging 
  • Cell phone stipend


Equal Employment Opportunity Employer:

Zymo Research welcomes candidates of all backgrounds. These include sex, age, color, race, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, physical & mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military and veteran status, or any other protected status as defined by federal, state, or local law.

 

Location:

Onsite - Zymo Research HQ - 17062 Murphy Ave, Irvine, CA, 92614

Disclaimer: At Zymo, we take the integrity of our hiring process seriously. Please be aware of fraudulent recruitment activities that may use our name to deceive job seekers. We will never ask for payment, sensitive personal information, or financial details during the recruitment process.

All legitimate communications will come from an official Zymo or TriNet Hiring email address. If you are contacted by anyone claiming to represent us using a free email service (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail) or asking for payment, please treat this as fraudulent and report it immediately to careers@zymoresearch.com

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