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Computer Science Research Assistant Jobs in Goleta, CA

Flight Software C++ Engineer

Goleta, CA · On-site

$130K - $220K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

A bachelor's degree encompassing a strong academic background in Computer Science, Electrical ... Toyon Research Corporation will consider the individual candidate's education, work experience ...

Flight Software C++ Engineer

Goleta, CA · On-site

$130K - $220K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

A bachelor's degree encompassing a strong academic background in Computer Science, Electrical ... Toyon Research Corporation will consider the individual candidate's education, work experience ...

AI/ML Software Engineer

Goleta, CA · On-site

$120K - $200K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... researchers and customers to create state-of-the-art solutions. Experience with Computer Vision (CV ... computer science, physics, and/or mathematics. An advanced degree (M.S./Ph.D.) or a Bachelor ...

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Computer Science Research Assistant information

See Goleta, CA salary details

$9

$23

$34

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

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for computer science research assistant in Goleta, CA is $23.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.95 and $27.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a computer science research assistant?

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 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 key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a computer science research assistant?

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 job categories do people searching Computer Science Research Assistant jobs in Goleta, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Computer Science Research Assistant jobs in Goleta, CA are:

What cities near Goleta, CA are hiring for Computer Science Research Assistant jobs?

Cities near Goleta, CA with the most Computer Science Research Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Computer Science Research Assistant job openings in Goleta, CA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, 29% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,170 per year, or $23.6 per hour.

Assistant Specialist (Director, Industrial & Energy Policy Research) - 2035 Initiative, Institute fo

University of California Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, CA • On-site

Other

Re-posted 27 days ago


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Job description

Position description
Through the UCSB Institute for Energy Efficiency, the 2035 Initiative is seeking an Assistant Specialist (Director, Industrial Energy Policy Research) who will work closely with Principal Investigators, researchers, and the 2035 Initiative's Director on domestic and international projects. The 2035 Initiative brings together engineers and social scientists to clean up our energy systems and address the climate crisis. We use cutting-edge empirical research, policy development, and media engagement to support transformational policy change in the United States and across the planet. We are looking for a mission-driven Director, Industrial Energy Policy Research with deep expertise in energy and climate policy research, strong project management capabilities, and the ability to work effectively across engineering and social science teams. The Director, Industrial Energy Policy Research will serve as a key intellectual contributor and operational anchor for the Initiative's research portfolio-leading and managing projects from inception through publication, coordinating across internal and external collaborators, and helping translate empirical findings into actionable policy recommendations.
Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to:
  • Manage a portfolio of technical and policy research projects end-to-end, including scoping, milestone planning, coordination across research teams, and delivery of final products on time and to a high standard
  • Lead and co-author policy research reports, working papers, and memos on topics including industrial decarbonization, clean energy policy, and regulatory strategy, translating complex empirical findings for policy and public audiences
  • Coordinate multi-disciplinary project teams composed of faculty, postdoctoral researchers, and graduate and undergraduate students, providing direction, feedback, and day-to-day oversight
  • Contribute substantively to technical and policy analyses, including collecting and processing energy, political, and regulatory data at the global, national, and state levels
  • Design and conduct quantitative and qualitative research, including survey research, to assess the policy landscape and public or stakeholder attitudes on climate and energy issues
  • Provide statistical analysis and coding support for Initiative research projects, primarily in R and/or Python
  • Collaborate with engineering and social science research teams to ensure technical analysis is policy-relevant and that findings are communicated clearly to non-technical audiences
  • Present research findings to government clients, policy audiences, and partner organizations
  • Engage with external stakeholders, policy advocates, and partner organizations as relevant to ongoing research projects
  • Broadly lend support to the Initiative team where needed and tackle special projects where appropriate

Qualifications
Basic qualifications (required at time of application)
Bachelor's degree in political science, public policy, economics, environmental science, environmental studies, data science, statistics, or a related field.
Preferred qualifications
Advanced degree (PhD or Master's) in political science, public policy,
environmental policy, or a related social science or environmental
field
  • Demonstrated experience managing complex, multi-component research projects involving multiple collaborators, timelines, and deliverables
  • Substantial experience contributing to and leading policy research on climate, energy, or environmental topics, including authorship of published reports or peer-reviewed work
  • Experience coordinating and providing direction to teams of researchers, including graduate and undergraduate students
  • Proficiency in statistical programming (R and/or Python) for data analysis and visualization
  • Knowledge of industrial decarbonization strategies and policy pathways, including clean heat, electrification, and emerging energy technologies
  • Knowledge of U.S. and international clean energy policy landscapes, regulatory frameworks, and political dynamics
  • Experience designing and analyzing survey or other empirical research to assess attitudes or behavior related to energy or climate policy
  • Ability to manage a diverse portfolio of responsibilities simultaneously with rigor, speed, and attention to detail
  • Strong written communication skills, with experience producing policy memos, public-facing reports, and similar content
  • Experience presenting research findings to government, policy, or public audiences
  • Experience engaging with external partners, advocates, or stakeholders in a research or policy context

Application Requirements
Document requirements
  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
  • Cover Letter
  • Writing Sample - A policy report, working paper, or published article of which you are the lead or sole author

Reference requirements
  • 2-3 required (contact information only)

Please provide the names and complete contact information for at least 2 references. In the event the applicant is selected as the finalist, the committee may contact the references before making their final selection.
Apply link: https://recruit.ap.ucsb.edu/JPF03117
Help contact: madeleineforrest@ucsb.edu
About UC Santa Barbara
As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.
  • "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination as defined by the employer.
  • UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
  • UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, students and third parties
  • APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

Additionally, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs , as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.
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 status under state or federal law.
Job location
Santa Barbara, California

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