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Dna Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Dna information

See California salary details

$35K

$78.8K

$111K

How much do dna jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for dna in California is $78,799.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,100.00 and $87,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What careers involve working with DNA?

Careers involving working with DNA include geneticists, molecular biologists, forensic scientists, and biomedical researchers. These roles often require skills in laboratory techniques, DNA analysis, and understanding of genetics, with work typically conducted in research labs, hospitals, or forensic laboratories.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a DNA analyst, and why are they important?

To thrive as a DNA analyst, you need a strong background in molecular biology, genetics, and laboratory techniques, typically supported by a degree in biology or forensic science. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), PCR machines, and DNA sequencing tools is essential. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and strong written communication are vital soft skills for interpreting results and compiling clear reports. These skills ensure the accuracy and reliability of DNA analysis, which is critical for research, clinical, or forensic applications.

What is a DNA analyst?

DNA analysts are professionals who specialize in examining and interpreting DNA evidence, often in forensic laboratories. Their main responsibility is to extract, analyze, and compare genetic material from biological samples such as blood, hair, or saliva. DNA analysts play a crucial role in criminal investigations, paternity testing, and identifying remains. They use advanced laboratory equipment and techniques to ensure accurate results, and their findings can be used as evidence in legal cases.

What is the difference between Dna vs Genetic Counselor?

AspectDnaGenetic Counselor
Required CredentialsTypically a degree in biology, genetics, or related field; certifications varyMaster's degree in genetics, counseling, or related field; certification (e.g., ABGC)
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research facilities, hospitalsClinics, hospitals, counseling centers
Industry UsageResearch, diagnostics, biotechHealthcare, patient counseling
Common Search/ComparisonOften compared for roles in genetics and researchCompared for patient interaction and counseling roles

While Dna professionals focus on genetic research, analysis, and laboratory work, Genetic Counselors specialize in communicating genetic information to patients and providing counseling. Both roles require a background in genetics but differ in work environment and responsibilities.

Is it hard to get a job as a DNA analyst?

Securing a job as a DNA analyst typically requires a relevant degree in biology, genetics, or a related field, along with laboratory skills and experience with DNA analysis techniques such as PCR and sequencing. Competition can be high, and certifications or advanced training may improve job prospects, but opportunities exist in forensic labs, research institutions, and healthcare settings.

What are some common challenges faced by DNA analysts when working in a forensic laboratory setting?

DNA analysts in forensic laboratories often encounter challenges such as handling degraded or limited biological samples, maintaining strict chain-of-custody protocols, and adhering to rigorous quality assurance standards. They must also stay updated with rapidly evolving technologies and ensure that their findings are communicated clearly to law enforcement and, occasionally, in court. Collaboration with other forensic experts and law enforcement professionals is frequent, requiring strong teamwork and communication skills.

What are careers that work with DNA?

Careers that work with deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) typically fall into two categories: research and manufacturing. Research jobs often focus on studies like how genetics impact vulnerability to diseases while manufacturing roles help to create samples for testing and examining how changes to DNA impact organisms. In this field, your responsibilities may include working to analyze samples from humans, animals, or plants, testing a variety of chemicals and medicines, or helping people understand their ancestry and biological relationships. DNA jobs also include adhering to a professional code of ethics and confidentiality. Many DNA-focused positions are found in the criminal justice field, such as victim identification, and the industry in which you work has a significant impact on how you use DNA on a day-to-day basis.

More about Dna jobs

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

The most popular types of Dna jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Dna jobs in California?

For Dna jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

The top searched job categories for Dna jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Dna jobs?

Cities in California with the most Dna job openings:

Dna jobs near you
Infographic showing various Dna job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,799 per year, or $37.9 per hour.

Molecular Design & DNA Nanotechnology Lead

Astera

Emeryville, CA • On-site

$180K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

About Astera
Astera is a private foundation on a mission to steer science and technology toward an abundant future. We believe the coming years will bring an era of unprecedented scientific and technological advancement as exponential progress in AI converges with central advances in other fields to dramatically accelerate innovation. This inflection point provides an unparalleled opportunity to fundamentally rethink the institutions, systems, and tools that drive scientific progress.
Unlike traditional non-profit research organizations, projects supported by Astera operate like high-velocity startups, allowing us to focus on ambitious goals, match structure to problem, and attract strong technical talent and leadership. You can read more about our mission, vision, and programming here.
Position Summary
The Astera Institute is seeking a Molecular Design & DNA Nanotechnology Lead to lead the design and wet-lab fabrication of a DNA-origami electrostatic actuator - a charged origami plate/polymer/electrode stack that, driven by an applied field, produces controlled nanometer-scale motion through a force-transmitting linkage. This position reports to Dr. Jeremy Barton (Astera Institute Resident, Project Lead). This is a full-time position.
Responsibilities
  • Design the DNA-origami actuator mechanism - the charged drive plate, the force-transmitting structure, and the amplifying lever or four-bar linkage - that turns a small electrostatic deflection of the plate into a larger, controlled output displacement within a sub-200-nanometer footprint.
  • Use coarse-grained molecular-dynamics simulation (e.g., oxDNA) to predict the mechanism's mechanical behavior - stiffness, compliance, and thermal stability of its motion - and iterate the design.
  • Fold and optimize the DNA origami in the wet lab (annealing, buffer, and magnesium conditions), and design the site-specific chemistry that anchors the plate and mechanism to the device surface.
  • Own folding yield and quality control, and prepare structures for characterization by atomic-force microscopy (AFM), cryo-electron microscopy, and single-molecule fluorescence.
  • Lead a small, interdisciplinary founding team and collaborate closely with device-physics, controls, and computational colleagues.

Qualifications and Experience
  • PhD in structural DNA nanotechnology, biophysics, bioengineering, chemistry, or a related field, with demonstrated DNA-origami design and folding experience.
  • Proficiency with DNA-nanostructure design tools and coarse-grained molecular-dynamics simulation (e.g., caDNAno, oxDNA).
  • Hands-on wet-lab command of folding, gel and AFM quality control, and purification.
  • A track record of taking nanoscale structures from design through to characterized, functional devices.
  • Ability to lead a small interdisciplinary team and communicate across disciplines.

Location
This position is on site at our office in Emeryville, CA. Some travel may be required from time-to-time for in-person collaboration and work.
Compensation
The posted salary range is based on location in the Bay Area. The successful candidate will receive a competitive compensation package, commensurate with their experience and location.
  • See the Benefits Summary.

Cultural Alignment
  • Bias to action - you launch and iterate on thoughtful experiments rather than waiting for perfect plans, and you're energized by novel problems.
  • Flexible by default - you don't draw hard lines around your job description and expect your role to evolve significantly over 6-12 months.
  • High standards, internally driven - you hold yourself to the bar of building world-class public goods without benchmarking against others.
  • Operate with the highest levels of integrity, judgment, and stewardship - you treat residents, peers, and vendors with genuine respect for their time and contributions.
  • Embrace the tools that define great work today - Astera is building for an AI-driven future and equips the team accordingly; we see these as genuine force multipliers, not optional extras.

Apply