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Computational Scientist Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

PhD in computational physics, applied mathematics, computational engineering, or a closely related ... Solid understanding of AI for Science methodology: how to design datasets from simulations, handle ...

PhD in computational physics, applied mathematics, computational engineering, or a closely related ... Solid understanding of AI for Science methodology: how to design datasets from simulations, handle ...

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Computational Scientist information

See California salary details

$49.8K

$109.9K

$135.7K

How much do computational scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for computational scientist in California is $109,885.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,300.00 and $135,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a computational scientist?

A Computational Scientist uses advanced computing techniques, algorithms, and simulations to solve complex scientific and engineering problems. They work across various fields, such as physics, biology, chemistry, and engineering, developing models and running simulations to analyze large datasets. Their role often involves programming, data analysis, and collaboration with domain experts to gain insights and make predictions.

What does a computational scientist do?

A typical day for a Computational Scientist may involve developing and running computer simulations, analyzing large datasets, or creating algorithms to address complex scientific problems. You might spend time coding, troubleshooting computational models, collaborating with researchers or engineers, and documenting your findings. The work often involves both independent problem-solving and teamwork within multidisciplinary groups. Additionally, presenting results, preparing research papers, or contributing to grant proposals could be regular tasks, depending on your specific employer and industry. This dynamic role offers a blend of technical challenges and opportunities for innovation.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a computational scientist?

To thrive as a Computational Scientist, you need strong analytical skills, advanced knowledge of mathematics and computer science, and typically a graduate degree in a quantitative field such as physics, engineering, or computer science. Familiarity with programming languages like Python, R, or C++, experience with high-performance computing, and tools such as MATLAB or scientific visualization software are vital. Excellent problem-solving abilities, collaboration, and effective communication skills make someone stand out in this position. These skills are crucial for developing models, analyzing complex data, and communicating scientific insights to interdisciplinary teams.

What are the career paths in computational science?

Computational scientists can pursue career paths in academia, industry, or government research, often specializing in areas like data analysis, modeling, or simulation. They may advance to senior scientist, research director, or interdisciplinary roles, and typically develop skills in programming, statistical analysis, and domain-specific knowledge. Certifications in programming languages or data management can enhance career progression.

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

The most popular types of Computational Scientist jobs in California are:

What job categories do people searching Computational Scientist jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Computational Scientist jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Computational Scientist jobs?

Cities in California with the most Computational Scientist job openings:

Infographic showing various Computational Scientist job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 84% In-person, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,885 per year, or $52.8 per hour.

Computational Scientist

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

About Tamarind Bio
We enable any scientist to access AI-powered drug discovery. Thousands of scientists from large pharma companies, top biotechs, and academic institutions use Tamarind to design protein drugs, improve industrial enzymes, and create cutting edge molecules that weren't feasible until now.
New AI models are quickly eclipsing physics-based tools in computational drug discovery. Scientists often struggle to fine-tune, deploy, and scale these models, leaving breakthroughs on the table. Tamarind provides a simple interface to the vast array of tools being released daily.
About the Role
We're hiring a Computational Scientist to help curate, build, and scale Tamarind's library of AI-powered drug discovery tools.
In this role, you'll work closely with the founders and engineering team to operationalize cutting-edge models for structure prediction, protein design, docking, scoring, and other core biological AI workloads. You'll help transform fragmented research tools into production-ready workflows that scientists can run reliably at scale.
You'll collaborate directly with customers to understand their discovery challenges and help them leverage Tamarind's platform to run real biological AI pipelines. This often involves chaining multiple tools together, troubleshooting workflows, and identifying opportunities to improve the platform.
This role sits at the intersection of computational biology, machine learning, and scientific infrastructure, and is ideal for someone excited about applying the latest advances in AI to real-world drug discovery programs.
Our techstack:
  • Python, PyTorch, TensorFlow, CUDA, Conda, Docker, AWS (EC2, S3, DynamoDB), molecular modeling tools, protein design frameworks, structural biology tooling, APIs and workflow orchestration.

Week in the Life:
  • Work with founders and engineers to integrate and deploy biological ML models on the Tamarind platform.
  • Build and refine workflows connecting tools like structure prediction, docking, and scoring models.
  • Partner with customers to troubleshoot pipelines and help them run large-scale discovery workflows.
  • Evaluate new research tools and integrate promising models into the platform
    Contribute to improving reliability, performance, and scalability of scientific pipelines

Qualification requirements:
  • Strong background in computational biology, computational chemistry, bioinformatics, or related field
  • Familiarity with ML and physics-based tools in structural biology, molecular dynamics, protein-ligand docking, or virtual screening
  • Experience working with biological data such as molecular structures, compounds, sequences, and databases
  • Programming experience in Python and scientific computing workflows
  • Comfort working with cloud infrastructure and ML tooling (AWS, Docker, CUDA, Conda, PyTorch, TensorFlow)
  • Located in the SF Bay Area or able to relocate
Our Interview Process
We keep our process focused, transparent, and designed to give both sides a clear sense of fit.
1. Recruiter Screen (15-30 minutes) - Virtual
2. Technical Interview (90 minutes) - Virtual
3. Onsite (1 day) - San Francisco