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Background Researcher Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Staff Threat Researcher

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$194K - $233K/yr

Background in network segmentation, zero-trust architecture, or micro-segmentation. * Proven ... Track record of publishing threat research or speaking at industry conferences. * Experience ...

The Safety Oversight Research team aims to fundamentally advance our capabilities to maintain ... Background checks for applicants will be administered in accordance with applicable law, and ...

In this role, you'll drive mixed-methods research from foundational discovery to rapid, iterative ... Background or interest in health, wellness, or behavioral science. * Highly motivated, adaptable ...

In this role, you'll drive mixed-methods research from foundational discovery to rapid, iterative ... Background or interest in health, wellness, or behavioral science. * Highly motivated, adaptable ...

Senior UX Researcher

Glendale, CA · On-site

$120 - $160/hr

As our first Senior UX Researcher, you'll establish the research foundation for three growing ... Background in e‑commerce, consumer products, or DTC strongly preferred * Familiarity with ...

Showing results 41-60

Background Researcher information

See California salary details

$29.6K

$111.6K

$162.3K

How much do background researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for background 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 does a background researcher do?

A Background Researcher is responsible for gathering, verifying, and analyzing information about individuals, organizations, or topics to support decision-making, due diligence, or investigative processes. Their work often involves checking public records, media reports, social media, and other databases to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information provided. Background Researchers are commonly employed in industries such as journalism, law, corporate hiring, and security services, where accurate background information is crucial. They must possess strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to ethical research practices.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a background researcher?

To thrive as a Background Researcher, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a background in research or investigative fields, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with online databases, public records systems, and research management tools is typically required. Excellent written communication, discretion, and persistence help you stand out in gathering and reporting sensitive information. These skills ensure thorough, accurate, and ethical background checks, which are crucial for informed decision-making in hiring, security, or due diligence processes.

How does a background researcher typically collaborate with other departments during the research process?

Background Researchers frequently work closely with departments such as editorial, legal, and production. They gather, verify, and organize information based on requests from these teams to ensure accuracy and compliance in content or reporting. Regular communication and clear documentation are crucial, as researchers must provide timely updates and adapt to shifting project priorities. This collaborative dynamic helps maintain high standards of credibility and efficiency in the final output.

What is the difference between Background Researcher vs Data Analyst?

AspectBackground ResearcherData Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in social sciences, research methods, or related fieldsBachelor's or higher in statistics, mathematics, or data science
Work EnvironmentResearch firms, government agencies, academic institutionsCorporate, finance, healthcare, or tech industries
Employer & Industry UsageUsed for gathering background info, verifying facts, and supporting investigationsUsed for interpreting data, creating reports, and informing business decisions
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding research roles, job requirements, and career pathsComparing data analysis skills, tools, and job functions

While both roles involve working with information, a Background Researcher focuses on collecting and verifying background information for investigations or research projects. In contrast, a Data Analyst interprets data sets to generate insights and support decision-making. Both roles require analytical skills and research abilities but serve different purposes within organizations.

Infographic showing various Background Researcher job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,621 per year, or $53.7 per hour.

Machine Learning Researcher

jobs.frontdoordefense.com - Jobboard

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$189 - $260/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Machine Learning Researcher

Location: San Francisco Bay Area

Compensation: $189,000 – 260,000 USD / year

Job Tags: Software

Develop and refine cutting-edge AI models for the world's best deep learning cloud. About The Role

Lambda's GPU cloud is used by deep learning engineers at Stanford, Berkeley, and Carnegie Mellon. Lambda's on-prem systems power research and engineering at Intel, Microsoft, Kaiser Permanente, major universities, and the Department of Defense.

If you'd like to build the world's best deep learning cloud, join us.

*Note: This position requires presence in one of our San Francisco Bay Area office locations (Currently San Jose, expanding to Peninsula/SF) 4 days per week; Lambda’s designated work from home day is currently Tuesday.

What You’ll Do
  • You will work on developing and refining AI models. Publishing research outcomes in the form of dataset, model, demo apps and publications.
  • You will also collaborate with colleagues across the organization to benchmark and optimize ML workloads on our GPU platforms.
  • The ideal candidate will possess a solid research background with experience in generative models.
You
  • Demonstrate a proven track record of enhancing existing machine learning methodologies, evidenced by significant achievements such as first author publications or notable projects.
  • Manage and advance a research agenda, including selecting meaningful research problems and independently conducting long-term projects.
  • Execute model training at scale, either by managing multiple experiments concurrently or overseeing critical high-cost runs to ensure optimal performance.
Nice to Have
  • Experience in MLOps within a collaborative environment.
  • Experience in training large models using distributed systems.
  • Experience in creating high-performance implementations of deep learning algorithms.
Salary Range Information

Based on market data and other factors, the salary range for this position is $189,000 – 260,000. However, a salary higher or lower than this range may be appropriate for a candidate whose qualifications differ meaningfully from those listed in the job description.

About Lambda
  • We offer generous cash & equity compensation
  • Investors include Gradient Ventures, Google’s AI-focused venture fund
  • We are experiencing extremely high demand for our systems, with quarter over quarter, year over year profitability
  • Our research papers have been accepted into top machine learning and graphics conferences, including NeurIPS, ICCV, SIGGRAPH, and TOG
  • We have a wildly talented team of 300, and growing fast
  • Health, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents
  • Commuter/Work from home stipends for select roles
  • 401k Plan with 2% company match
  • Flexible Paid Time Off Plan that we all actually use
A Final Note

You do not need to match all of the listed expectations to apply for this position. We are committed to building a team with a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and skills.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Lambda is an Equal Opportunity employer. Applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, age, sex, gender, marital status, sexual orientation and identity, genetic information, veteran status, citizenship, or any other factors prohibited by local, state, or federal law.

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