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Cancer Research Assistant Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Research Assistant

Stanford, CA · On-site

$22.50 - $31.25/hr

The Department of Neurology is seeking a full-time Research Assistant (Life Science Research ... Nagaraja et al, 2017, Cancer Cell; Mount et al, 2018 Nature Medicine) in order to translate new ...

Research Assistant

Stanford, CA · On-site

$22.50 - $31.25/hr

The Department of Neurology is seeking a full-time Research Assistant (Life Science Research ... Nagaraja et al, 2017, Cancer Cell; Mount et al, 2018 Nature Medicine) in order to translate new ...

Participate in basic and translational research focused on cancer biology, aging, and metabolic disease. * Observe and assist with laboratory experiments under supervision. * Participate in research ...

Participate in basic and translational research focused on cancer biology, aging, and metabolic disease. * Observe and assist with laboratory experiments under supervision. * Participate in research ...

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Cancer Research Assistant information

What does a cancer research assistant do?

A Cancer Research Assistant supports scientific studies focused on understanding, preventing, and treating cancer. They assist with laboratory experiments, data analysis, literature reviews, and administrative tasks. Their responsibilities may include handling biological samples, maintaining lab equipment, and documenting research findings. They work closely with researchers and healthcare professionals to contribute to advancements in cancer treatment and therapies.

What does a typical day look like for a cancer research assistant?

A typical day for a Cancer Research Assistant often includes preparing and conducting laboratory experiments, recording and analyzing data, and maintaining lab equipment and inventory. You may also assist in the preparation of reports, contribute to scientific publications, and ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards. Collaboration with research scientists, clinicians, and other lab staff is common, as projects often require teamwork and interdisciplinary input. This dynamic environment offers the opportunity to learn new techniques and directly contribute to ongoing cancer research efforts.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the cancer research assistant position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cancer Research Assistant, you need a background in biology or a related field, with experience in laboratory techniques and data analysis. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), statistical software, and compliance protocols such as Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) is highly beneficial. Strong attention to detail, effective communication, and the ability to work collaboratively are important soft skills for this position. These skills enable accurate experimentation, reliable results, and seamless teamwork in advancing cancer research projects.

Do cancer research assistants get paid a lot?

Cancer research assistants typically earn a moderate salary that varies based on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions may pay around $30,000 to $50,000 annually, with higher salaries for those with advanced degrees or specialized skills. Compensation often includes benefits such as health insurance and opportunities for professional development.

What degree do I need to work in cancer research?

A cancer research assistant typically needs at least a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as biology, biochemistry, or molecular biology. Advanced positions may require a master's degree or Ph.D., along with laboratory skills and experience in research methods.

What qualifications do I need to be a cancer research assistant?

A cancer research assistant typically needs at least a bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, or a related field. Relevant skills include laboratory techniques, data analysis, and familiarity with research protocols; some positions may require prior research experience or certification in laboratory safety. Strong attention to detail and the ability to work in a team are also important.

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

The most popular types of Cancer Research jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Cancer Research Assistant jobs in California?

For Cancer Research Assistant jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Cancer Research Assistant jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Cancer Research Assistant jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Cancer Research Assistant jobs?

Cities in California with the most Cancer Research Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Cancer Research Assistant job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Program Coordinator, Cancer Research and Training

Irvine, CA • On-site


University of California, Irvine
10K+ employees

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 42 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

45th of 622 rated colleges and universities

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students


$75K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Who We Are
Founded in 1965, UC Irvine is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities and is ranked among the nation's top 10 public universities by U.S. News & World Report. The campus has produced five Nobel laureates and is known for its academic achievement, premier research, innovation and anteater mascot. Led by Chancellor Howard Gillman, UC Irvine has more than 36,000 students and offers 224 degree programs. It's located in one of the world's safest and most economically vibrant communities and is Orange County's second-largest employer, contributing $7 billion annually to the local economy and $8 billion statewide.
To learn more about UC Irvine, visit www.uci.edu.
The Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center (CFCCC) is a campus-wide multidisciplinary matrix organization whose goal is to promote and enhance cancer- relevant research and patient care at UC Irvine. The CFCCC provides research resources to its 250+ faculty and clinician members and offers multidisciplinary cancer care to its patients.
Your Role on the Team
Uses skills as a seasoned, experienced professional with a full understanding of analytical practices, policies and procedures; researches, analyzes and develops solutions to a wide range of issues. Demonstrates good judgment in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions. Primarily deals with policies, programs and proposals which are complex in nature and diverse in scope. Develops new programs, policies or procedures for possible implementation.
The Coordinator reports to the Manager, Cancer Research and Training and supports a portfolio of programs and activities at the UCI Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center (CFCCC) that advance cancer research and training initiatives. The Coordinator assists with the implementation, coordination, administration, tracking, monitoring and evaluation of education, training, and research support programs aligned with Cancer Center priorities. This includes the following:
Training and Education
• Coordinate and administer education, training and workforce development portfolio across the cancer career continuum (from high school to faculty levels) spanning basic, translational, clinical and population science.
• Support the development, implementation and continuous improvement of cancer- focused education and training initiatives, including experiential summer training programs for high school students, undergraduate research training, faculty leadership and mentorship development programs, and educational activities such as journal clubs, seminars, symposia, lectures and workshops.
• Collect and organize program information to support identification of gaps in the training pathway and coordinate new initiatives to address these gaps
• Coordinate and support education and training activities across the Cancer Center, to ensure integration with the three Research Programs, eight Shared Resource units, the Community Outreach and Engagement Office and the Sue & Ralph Stern Center for Cancer Clinical Trials & Research.
• Engage faculty, trainees and institutional partners to expand participation and strengthen interdisciplinary training opportunities.
• Assist in ensuring education, training and workforce development activities align with Cancer Center strategic priorities, NIH expectations, and NCI Cancer Center Support Grant (CCSG) requirements.
Research Oversight and Support
• Provide administration and operations for programs and initiatives that support cancer research activities, support services, research development, training grants and collaborative funding opportunities.
• Assist with coordination of cancer-focused training and research funding mechanisms, including T32 programs, R25 initiatives, ACS-IRG, ACS-DICR and related research support services.
• Support logistics and coordination for the development of programs and resources that support research activities, support services, and collaborative and multidisciplinary cancer research funding proposals.
• Coordinate and provide administrative support for activities that strengthen research and grant competitiveness, including pilot support, mentoring structures, proposal development efforts and coordination with institutional research development service units.
• Track and monitor program performance, funding outcomes and alignment with Cancer Center research priorities.
Program Evaluation, Tracking and Outcomes Monitoring
• Assist in maintaining systems to monitor participation, outcomes and program impact across research and training initiatives.
• Coordinate data collection and documentation to support tracking and monitoring of trainee progression across the cancer career pipeline, including academic advancement, publications, funding success and career placement.
• Track, monitor and organize program metrics to inform program improvement and decision-making.
• Assist in preparation of reports, summaries and documentation for leadership, university units (e.g., Office of Research, School of Medicine, etc.), advisory committees and external funding agencies, including materials supporting NCI CCSG and training grant reporting requirements.
These are mandatory components of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) P30 Cancer Center Support Grant (CCSG) and are vital to NCI's continued designation to the CFCCC. The NCI designation has a vital reputational and financial impact for CFCCC, UCI and UCI Health. Adherence to the guidelines of the CCSG is mandatory and involves ongoing monitoring of the organization for structure, direction, and fiscal management. All decisions at the CFCCC are taken within the context of the CCSG requirements.
What It Takes to be Successful
Required:
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships across UC Irvine and the Health System with leadership, faculty, staff and students.
  • Must demonstrate customer service skills appropriate to the job.
  • Must possess the skill, knowledge, and ability essential to the successful performance of assigned duties.
  • Knowledge of common organization- or research-specific and other computer application programs (e.g., Microsoft Office, Adobe).
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills in English to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing with all levels of leadership, faculty and staff.
  • Ability to use discretion and maintain all confidentiality.
  • Knowledge of organizational or initiative processes, protocols and procedures.
  • Knowledge of pertinent policies, procedures, regulations and requirements of the University of California, State, Federal, and other external agencies.
  • Strong analytical / problem-solving skills. Strong ability to apply and implement creative solutions to complex problems.
  • Strong skills in analyzing, researching and synthesizing large amounts of data for preparing sound and relevant proposals / analyses with strong attention to detail.
  • Strong organizational and time management skills with ability to multi-task with demanding timeframes and maintain work pace appropriate to the workload to meet deadlines.
  • Experienced program and project management skills, strong analysis techniques and demonstrated attention to detail.
  • Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training
  • A minimum of 4-6 years of progressively responsible experience in an academic research environment, medical center, community non-profit setting, or other large matrix organization.

Preferred:
  • Project Management Professional certification, Lean Six Sigma certification, or similar certification.
  • 4-6 years of experience is higher education is required, within the UC system.
  • 4-6 years of experience with large multidisciplinary, multi-component research grants (e.g., Cancer Center Support Grant).

Total Rewards
In addition to the salary range listed below, we offer a wealth of benefits to make working at UCI even more rewarding. These benefits may include medical insurance, sick and vacation time, retirement savings plans, and access to a number of discounts and perks. Please utilize the links listed here to learn more about our compensation practices and benefits.
Conditions of Employment:
The University of California, Irvine (UCI) seeks to provide a safe and healthy environment for the entire UCI community. As part of this commitment, all applicants who accept an offer of employment must comply with the following conditions of employment:
  • Background Check and Live Scan
  • Employment Misconduct*
  • Legal Right to work in the United States
  • Vaccination Policies
  • Smoking and Tobacco Policy
  • Drug Free Environment

*Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.
The following additional conditions may apply, some of which are dependent upon business unit or job specific requirements.
  • California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act
  • E-Verify
  • Pre-Placement Health Evaluation

Details of each policy may be reviewed by visiting the following page - https://hr.uci.edu/new-hire/conditions-of-employment.php
Closing Statement:
The University of California is 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, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.
We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce along with honoring unique experiences, perspectives, and identities. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable, and welcoming.
UCI provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities upon request. For more information, please contact Human Resources at (949) 824-0500 or eec@uci.edu.
Consideration for Work Authorization Sponsorship
Must be able to provide proof of work authorization


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