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Biophysics Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

About Astera: Astera is a private foundation on a mission to steer science and technology toward an abundant future. We believe the coming years will bring an era of unprecedented scientific and ...

South San Francisco, CA 94080 Education Requirement: • BS/BA degree in Biophysics/Biochemistry or related field with 4+ years of relevant experience or MS degree in Biophysics/Biochemistry or ...

Job Title Education Requirement: BS/BA degree in Biophysics/Biochemistry or related field with 4+ years of relevant experience or MS degree in Biophysics/Biochemistry or related field with 2+ years ...

Job Title Education Requirement: BS/BA degree in Biophysics/Biochemistry or related field with 4+ years of relevant experience or MS degree in Biophysics/Biochemistry or related field with 2+ years ...

South San Francisco, CA 94080 Education Requirement: • BS/BA degree in Biophysics/Biochemistry or related field with 4+ years of relevant experience or MS degree in Biophysics/Biochemistry or ...

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Biophysical Assays: Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) preferred. * Assay Technologies: HTRF, AlphaLISA, MSD, ELISA, Fluorescence Polarization (FP), and Luminescence-based assays. * Lab Automation:

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Biophysics information

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$62.2K

$132.9K

$211.7K

How much do biophysics jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for biophysics in California is $132,941.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,600.00 and $156,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a biophysicist do?

A Biophysicist applies principles of physics and mathematics to study biological systems at a molecular or cellular level. They use techniques like spectroscopy, microscopy, and computational modeling to understand processes such as protein folding, DNA mechanics, and neural signaling. Their work contributes to advancements in medicine, biotechnology, and environmental science. Biophysicists often work in academic research, pharmaceuticals, or healthcare industries.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in biophysics?

To thrive in Biophysics, you need a strong background in physics, biology, mathematics, and computational modeling, typically with an advanced degree such as a Ph.D. or M.S. in biophysics or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory instruments (like spectroscopy and microscopy), simulation software, and possibly certifications in relevant computational tools is often required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are standout soft skills in this interdisciplinary field. These competencies are crucial for designing experiments, interpreting complex data, and facilitating collaboration between scientific teams.

What are some common career paths or advancement opportunities for someone working in biophysics?

A career in Biophysics offers several avenues for advancement, depending on your interests and expertise. Professionals in this field can progress from research assistant or associate roles to lead scientist or principal investigator positions in academic, government, or private-sector labs. With experience, biophysicists may transition into management roles, such as laboratory director, or pivot into related fields like biotechnology, pharmaceutical development, or scientific consulting. Additionally, there are opportunities to move into teaching or science policy roles, and ongoing professional development can help open doors to leadership or interdisciplinary project management positions.

Do biophysicists make good money?

Biophysicists typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $70,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Advanced roles in research, industry, or academia may offer higher compensation, especially with specialized skills and advanced degrees such as a Ph.D.

Is biophysics a good career?

Biophysics is a multidisciplinary field combining biology and physics, often requiring advanced degrees such as a Ph.D. for research roles. Careers in biophysics can include research, academia, or industry positions, with job prospects influenced by scientific expertise, technical skills, and experience in laboratory tools and data analysis. The field offers opportunities in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology sectors.

What can a biophysicist do?

A biophysicist studies the physical principles underlying biological systems, often working in research laboratories, academia, or industry. They may analyze biomolecules, develop imaging techniques, or model biological processes using tools like spectroscopy, microscopy, and computational methods. Their work supports advancements in medicine, biotechnology, and environmental science.

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

The most popular types of Biophysics jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Biophysics jobs?

Cities in California with the most Biophysics job openings:

Infographic showing various Biophysics job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 55% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 6% Temporary, and 33% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $132,941 per year, or $63.9 per hour.

Scientist 2, Separations and Biophysics Assays

BIOMARIN PHARMACEUTICAL

Novato, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


BioMarin Pharmaceutical rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

50th of 86 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

DESCRIPTION
BioMarin is a leading rare disease biotechnology company focused on genetically defined conditions.
Guided by our purpose to develop medicines that make a profound impact on people's lives, our global teams have delivered a portfolio of therapies since our founding in 1997. Our revolutionary treatments for conditions like achondroplasia (the most common form of dwarfism), PKU (phenylketonuria), CLN2, a form of Batten disease, and a number of forms of MPS (mucopolysaccharidosis) offer new possibilities for patients and families who previously had few, if any, available options. More recently, with the close of the Amicus acquisition, our portfolio has expanded to include therapies for Fabry disease and Pompe disease, expanding our ability to reach more people living with rare genetic conditions.
Our success comes from our unwavering commitment to excellence, our deep understanding of patient needs, our scientific expertise, and our world-class manufacturing capabilities. At the heart of BioMarin is a dedicated team of the brightest minds in the industry working together to deliver innovative therapies to patients and families around the world.
About Technical Operations
BioMarin's Technical Operations group is responsible for creating our drugs for use in clinical trials and for scaling production of those drugs for the commercial market. These engineers, technicians, scientists and support staff build and maintain BioMarin's cutting-edge manufacturing processes and sites, provide quality assurance and quality control to ensure we meet regulatory standards, and procure the needed goods and services to support manufacturing and coordinating the worldwide movement of our drugs to patients.

SUMMARY

The Analytical Sciences team within Technical Development Services at BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc. is seeking Scientist 2to support protein/enzyme replacement therapy, small molecule, peptide and oligo programs. Reporting to the Associate Director of Analytical Sciences, this person will be a member of Glycan Analysis and Biophysical Characterization team.

The successful candidate will lead the development, qualification, transfer, and lifecycle management of analytical methods, with a strong emphasis on glycan characterization and product quality attribute assessment. The role requires hands-on expertise in LC-MS, HILIC, CE, cIEF/icIEF, SEC, IEX, RP chromatography, and other orthogonal analytical techniques to support product characterization, control strategy development, comparability assessments, process and formulation development, and regulatory submissions.

The ideal candidate is a self-motivated, agile scientist with deep expertise in glycan analysis, a broad analytical background across multiple modalities, and the ability to rapidly learn new technologies. Strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills are essential, as this individual will partner closely with cross-functional teams across Analytical Sciences, Process Development, Formulation Development, Quality, Regulatory Affairs, and Research in a fast-paced environment. Experience supporting CMC development, regulatory submissions, and compliance with USP, ICH, and global regulatory expectations is highly desirable.

We are seeking a scientifically curious and collaborative analytical scientist who combines deep glycan characterization expertise with the versatility to address diverse analytical challenges across multiple therapeutic modalities.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Lead analytical method development, qualification, transfer, remediation in support of process development and product characterization activities for clinical and commercial portfolio consisting of various modalities across different phases of CMC development.
  • Support pre- and post-IND regulatory submission by authoring and reviewing analytical sections and responding to queries from regulatory agencies.
  • Develop and optimize chromatography-, capillary-, spectroscopy-, and mass spectrometry-based analytical methods with a focus on Glycan Analysis.
  • Prepare, review, and approve analytical and technical protocols and reports.
  • Document experiments, data, and findings electronically in an accessible manner for inspections.
  • Participate in the general lab and instrument maintenance.
  • Mentor junior scientist(s) and research associate(s) in the team as needed.

EXPERIENCE

Required Skills:

  • Strong expertise in glycan characterization and analysis, including method development, qualification, troubleshooting, and data interpretation using LC-MS, CE-based methods, cIEF, HILIC-FLD/MS, and other orthogonal analytical techniques relevant to biologics and complex modalities.
  • Hands-on experience with separation science and mass spectrometry, including LC-MS and chromatographic techniques such as SEC, IEX, RP, and HILIC, along with common detection platforms (UV, CAD, ELSD, FLD, and MS). Ability to integrate data from multiple analytical platforms to solve complex characterization challenges.
  • Experience developing and executing phase-appropriate analytical methods to support drug substance (DS), drug product (DP), formulation development, process characterization, comparability, and control strategy activities across clinical and commercial stages.
  • Broad analytical development experience with biologics and an interest in applying scientific knowledge across multiple molecular modalities and platforms.
  • Working knowledge of USP, ICH, and global regulatory expectations from health authorities including FDA, EMA, PMDA, and other international agencies.
  • Excellent scientific communication skills with demonstrated ability to effectively present data, write technical reports, influence cross-functional teams, and communicate complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences.
  • Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills with the ability to independently drive investigations and make technically sound, data-driven decisions.
  • Demonstrated ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, manage multiple priorities simultaneously, and rapidly learn and apply new analytical technologies and scientific concepts.

Desired Skills:

  • Experience with advanced characterization techniques such as CE-SDS, icIEF/cIEF, intact mass analysis, peptide mapping, glycan profiling, and other mass spectrometry-based workflows.
  • Familiarity with small molecules and conjugated molecules, analytical techniques and characterization approaches is a plus.
  • Experience authoring, reviewing, or supporting regulatory submissions, including INDs, BLAs, MAAs, and responses to health authority questions.
  • Demonstrated ability to quickly learn new technologies, expand technical expertise beyond a primary specialty area, and contribute across a broad range of analytical activities.

EDUCATION

Scientist 2:

PhD degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, pharmaceutical chemistry or related field with 4+years of relevant post-graduate experience.

(OR)

Master's degree in chemistry, Biochemistry, pharmaceutical chemistry or related field with 8+ years of relevant post-graduate experience.

Sr. Scientist 1:

PhD degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, pharmaceutical chemistry or related field with 6+ years of relevant post-graduate experience.

(OR)

Master's degree in chemistry, Biochemistry, pharmaceutical chemistry or related field with 10+ years of relevant post-graduate experience.

CONTACTS

Will report to Associate Director of Analytical Sciences and interface with internal department leaders and external partners from Research and Early Development, Technical Development, Quality, and Regulatory

ONSITE, REMOTE, OR FLEXIBLE

Full-time onsite Mon-Friday in Novato, CA

TRAVEL REQUIRED

None to minimal (0-5%). Occasional travel is only based on business needs.


Note: This description is not intended to be all-inclusive, or a limitation of the duties of the position. It is intended to describe the general nature of the job that may include other duties as assumed or assigned.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled
An Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.


Employment Type: Fulltime-Regular

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