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Computer Science Research Assistant Jobs in California

Exagen Inc.

Research Assistant I

Vista, CA

$31 - $35/hr

Exagen is a patient-focused and discovery-driven life sciences company dedicated to transforming ... The Research Assistant I will assist with the development of new assays for diagnostics and ...

Exagen Inc.

Research Assistant I

Vista, CA

$31 - $35/hr

Overview Exagen is a patient-focused and discovery-driven life sciences company dedicated to ... The Research Assistant I will assist with the development of new assays for diagnostics and ...

Exagen Inc.

Research Assistant I

Vista, CA · On-site

$31 - $35/hr

Overview Exagen is a patient-focused and discovery-driven life sciences company dedicated to ... The Research Assistant I will assist with the development of new assays for diagnostics and ...

Exagen Inc.

Research Assistant I

Vista, CA · On-site

$31 - $35/hr

Overview Exagen is a patient-focused and discovery-driven life sciences company dedicated to ... The Research Assistant I will assist with the development of new assays for diagnostics and ...

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How much do computer science research assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for computer science research assistant in California is $21.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $25.14 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Computer Science Research Assistant job?

A Computer Science Research Assistant supports professors or researchers in conducting experiments, analyzing data, and developing software or algorithms. They may assist with literature reviews, coding, debugging, or testing to advance research projects. The role often involves working with programming languages, machine learning, cybersecurity, or other specialized topics. It provides valuable experience for students or professionals looking to deepen their knowledge in the field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Computer Science Research Assistant position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Computer Science Research Assistant, you need strong analytical skills, proficiency in programming languages (such as Python, Java, or C++), and a solid understanding of algorithms and data structures, usually evidenced by coursework or a relevant degree. Familiarity with research tools, version control systems (like Git), and possibly certifications in data analysis or machine learning are advantageous. Excellent problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective written and verbal communication help individuals excel when collaborating on research projects. These competencies enable you to support rigorous research, contribute to innovative solutions, and work efficiently as part of an academic or industry research team.

What are typical duties and daily responsibilities of a Computer Science Research Assistant?

As a Computer Science Research Assistant, your daily responsibilities often include assisting with data collection and analysis, developing or testing software prototypes, conducting literature reviews, and helping prepare reports or presentations for research findings. You may also collaborate closely with faculty, graduate students, or industry partners, contributing to coding tasks, experimental setups, and troubleshooting technical issues as they arise. The role frequently involves both independent problem-solving and teamwork, providing a supportive environment to deepen technical skills and gain hands-on research experience. This position is an excellent opportunity to develop your research portfolio, learn advanced computing concepts, and prepare for potential graduate study or specialized tech careers.

What are the most commonly searched types of Computer Science Research jobs in California? The most popular types of Computer Science Research jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Computer Science Research Assistant jobs in California? For Computer Science Research Assistant jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Computer Science Research Assistant jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Computer Science Research Assistant jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Computer Science Research Assistant jobs? Cities in California with the most Computer Science Research Assistant job openings:
Computer Science Research Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Computer Science Research Assistant job openings in California as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,974 per year, or $21.6 per hour.
Research Assistant (Maoz - 3mo)

Research Assistant (Maoz - 3mo)

Chapman University

Orange, CA

$18 - $20/hr

Part-time

Posted 7 days ago

Chapman University rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

283rd of 534 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Position Information
Position Title Research Assistant (Maoz - 3mo) Position Type Limited-Term Job Number SA81224 Full or Part Time part-time 0-19 hours weekly Fair Labor Standard Act Classification Non-Exempt Anticipated Pay Range $18.00 - $20.00 Pay Range Information
Chapman University is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this position. This range takes into account a variety of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. Salary offers are determined based on the final candidate's qualifications and experience, as well as internal equity and other internal factors. The anticipated pay range is not a promise of a particular wage.
Position Summary Information
Job Description Summary
Under the direction and supervision of the Principal Investigator, the Research Assistant will provide research support to ongoing projects and grants related to mechanistic interpretability of large language models and its connections to neuroscience. Responsibilities include construction of datasets required to study language models and implementation of novel methodologies for parsing the internals of AI systems. The Research Assistant will also conduct literature reviews on AI alignment, explainability, and safety. Additional responsibilities include interacting with high performance compute resources to produce benchmarks for proposed methodologies. This position also involves collaborative software development and research documentation; possibly assisting with preparation of presentations, grant materials, and academic manuscripts; and supporting collaborative research activities within an interdisciplinary team.
Responsibilities
Research Activities
  • Independently perform research-related activities supporting projects in mechanistic interpretability of large language models.
  • Assist with implementation of algorithms related to AI explainability.
  • Interact with compute resources to validate and iterate upon proposed methodologies.
  • Analyze advanced AI systems with respect to intentions, deception, alignment faking, and related phenomena.
  • Conduct literature reviews and synthesize findings relevant to AI alignment, explainability, and safety.
Research Documentation and Dissemination
  • Construct technical documentation for software and proposed machine learning methods.
  • Utilize source control software for collaboration and reproducibility of research work.
  • Assist with preparing presentations, research reports, grant materials, and academic manuscripts when needed.
  • Compile and organize research findings for internal and external dissemination.
  • Collaborate with interdisciplinary team members to support ongoing research initiatives.

Required Qualifications
  • Baseline proficiency with concepts surrounding neural networks and large language models.
  • Minimal level of prior research experience, including knowledge of research methods and terminology
  • Analytical skills including the ability to define problems through research and fact finding
  • Ability to communicate clearly and effectively both verbally and in writing
  • Ability to work collaboratively as a supportive member of an interdisciplinary research team
  • Ability to work independently and manage research tasks with minimal supervision
Desired Qualifications
  • High School Diploma or GED and/or equivalent combination of education and work experience in machine learning, mathematics, computer science, psychology, neuroscience, or related fields
  • Working knowledge of LaTeX for typesetting technical documentation and academic manuscripts
  • Experience using PyTorch and NumPy to implement AI systems
  • Experience with source control software for collaborative software development
  • Prior work or research experience in mechanistic interpretability of large language models
Special Instructions to Applicants
Chapman University is an equal opportunity employer that provides equal employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless of their protected characteristics.  All qualified applicants and employees are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.
Applicants for Staff and Administrator positions must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. 
The offer of employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion and outcomes of a criminal background screening and returning to the Office of Human Resources a signed original acceptance of the Chapman University Agreement to Arbitrate.
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