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Biotechnology Research Associate Jobs in Riverside, CA

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Biotechnology Research Associate information

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$17

$33

$48

How much do biotechnology research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for biotechnology research associate in Riverside, CA is $33.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.36 and $38.61 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a biotechnology research associate do?

A Biotechnology Research Associate supports scientific research projects in the field of biotechnology. Their responsibilities typically include conducting experiments, analyzing data, maintaining laboratory equipment, and preparing reports or presentations about research findings. They often work under the supervision of senior scientists and collaborate with other research staff. This role is essential in both academic and industry settings, as it helps drive innovation in areas such as medicine, agriculture, and environmental science.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a biotechnology research associate?

To thrive as a Biotechnology Research Associate, you need a solid background in molecular biology, biochemistry, or related fields, usually supported by a bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, data analysis software, and techniques such as PCR, gel electrophoresis, and cell culture is typically required. Strong attention to detail, critical thinking, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for producing reliable research results, ensuring safety and compliance, and contributing meaningfully to scientific advancements.

What opportunities for professional growth and advancement are available to biotechnology research associates?

Biotechnology Research Associates often have opportunities to advance by taking on more complex research projects, specializing in niche areas such as genomics or cell culture, or pursuing supervisory roles. Many organizations encourage continued education and may support attendance at conferences or workshops to stay current with emerging technologies. Collaborating closely with senior scientists and cross-functional teams also helps expand skill sets and build valuable professional networks, opening pathways to roles such as Research Scientist or Project Manager.

What is the difference between Biotechnology Research Associate vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectBiotechnology Research AssociateLaboratory Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor’s or Master’s in Biology, Biotechnology, or related fieldAssociate degree or certification in laboratory sciences
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, biotech companies, academic institutionsClinical, industrial, or research laboratories
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in biotech research, pharmaceutical development, academiaCommon in clinical labs, manufacturing, quality control

The Biotechnology Research Associate typically holds a higher degree and engages in experimental design and data analysis, whereas Laboratory Technicians focus on routine testing and sample preparation. Both roles are essential in biotech and lab settings, but the Research Associate often takes on more complex research tasks.

What job categories do people searching Biotechnology Research Associate jobs in Riverside, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Biotechnology Research Associate jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Biotechnology Research Associate jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Biotechnology Research Associate job openings:

Biotechnology Research Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Biotechnology Research Associate job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,614 per year, or $33.9 per hour.

Research Associate, Upstream Process Development

Kelly Services

Tustin, CA

$34 - $43/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

Kelly® Science & Clinical is seeking Research Associates/Senior Research Associates, Process Development for contract-to-hire opportunities with one of our clients, a leading biologics CDMO in the Los Angeles, CA area. If you are driven by the prospect of translating cutting-edge scientific discoveries into tangible advancements and are poised to advance your career, join us as we pioneer progress in the biotechnology industry.
Workplace: Onsite in the Los Angeles area
Position Title: Research Associate/Senior Research Associate, Upstream Process Development
Position Type: Contract-to-hire
Pay rate:
  • Research Associate: $28-35 per hour
  • Senior Research Associate: $34-43 per hour
Advance Your Career in Biopharmaceutical Innovation
Are you passionate about transforming scientific breakthroughs into life-saving therapies? Join an energetic team at the forefront of biologics, where your expertise in cell culture and process development helps shape the next generation of protein therapeutics.
Your Role:
As a Research Associate in Upstream Process Development, you’ll play a key part in designing, optimizing, and scaling mammalian cell culture processes for recombinant protein production. You’ll interface with manufacturing teams to facilitate seamless tech transfer, ensuring processes are robust and ready for clinical and commercial production. Key responsibilities include:
  • Develop and optimize mammalian cell culture processes—adapting cell lines to suspension/serum-free conditions, screening media/feed formulations, and producing recombinant proteins in shake flasks, wave, and stirred tank bioreactors.
  • Lead seed train development, inoculation, maintenance, sampling, feeding, and harvest/clarification of production bioreactors.
  • Work with diverse mammalian cell lines (such as CHO, NSO, HEK), applying advanced aseptic techniques and a strong understanding of metabolic, physical, and mechanical parameters impacting cell growth and productivity.
  • Prepare cell culture media and feed formulations from scratch, and operate/troubleshoot state-of-the-art cell culture equipment, including bioreactors and analytical instruments.
  • Analyze cell growth, productivity, and nutrient utilization data; document findings for traceability and regulatory compliance; generate comprehensive reports, spreadsheets, graphs, and presentations.
  • Scale up and transfer upstream processes to Manufacturing, collaborating closely with cross-functional teams to ensure successful implementation.
  • Research, propose, and implement new technologies and methods to drive operational excellence.
  • Communicate findings, participate in scientific discussions, and engage with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Work with minimal supervision on projects of routine to moderate complexity and take initiative to expand your skill set.
Qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences (or related field)
  • 1–6 years of relevant industry experience in mammalian cell culture process development
  • Strong working knowledge of scientific principles and laboratory practices
  • Experience with various mammalian cell lines, bioreactors, and analytical techniques strongly preferred

#P1
As part of our promise to talent, Kelly supports those who work with us through a variety of benefits, perks, and work-related resources. Kelly offers eligible employees voluntary benefit plans including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, term life, whole life, accident insurance, critical illness, a legal plan, and short-term disability. As a Kelly employee, you will have access to a retirement savings plan, service bonus and holiday pay plans (earn up to eight paid holidays per benefit year), and a transit spending account. In addition, employees are entitled to earn paid sick leave under the applicable state or local plan. Click here for more information on benefits and perks that may be available to you as a member of the Kelly Talent Community.

Why Kelly® Science & Clinical?

Kelly Science & Clinical is your connection to premier scientific and clinical companies looking to hire industry experts just like you. Our team creates expert talent solutions to solve the world’s most critical challenges. Every day, we match science professionals with dream jobs that fit their skills, interests, and career goals-it’s the way we think job searching should be. Nearly 100 percent of our science recruiters have a professional background and education in science, so we know a thing or two about the science market and how to get your expertise noticed.

About Kelly

Work changes everything. And at Kelly, we’re obsessed with where it can take you. To us, it’s about more than simply accepting your next job opportunity. It’s the fuel that powers every next step of your life. It’s the ripple effect that changes and improves everything for your family, your community, and the world. Which is why, here at Kelly, we are dedicated to providing you with limitless opportunities to enrich your life-just ask the 300,000 people we employ each year.
Kelly is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants regardless of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and we take affirmative action to recruit, employ, and advance qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in the workforce. Requests for accommodation related to our application process can be directed to the Kelly Human Resource Knowledge Center. Kelly complies with the requirements of California’s state and local Fair Chance laws. A conviction does not automatically bar individuals from employment. Kelly participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.
Kelly may use AI-powered tools during the recruitment and hiring process. For full details, including how Kelly uses AI, your rights, and how to request a reasonable accommodation, visit the Recruitment Artificial Intelligence Notice.