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Entry Level Life Science Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

millenniumsoft

Chemist I

San Diego, CA · On-site

Research & Development Level Of Experience: Entry Level Employment Type: Contract on W2 (Need US ... S. Degree in Chemistry, Engineering, or Life Science • Strong attention to detail and ...

Microbac

Analyst I

Turlock, CA · On-site

... life science, food and nutrition, and environmental industries and serves our clients with the ... entry level laboratory duties, resulting in the timely and accurate reporting of data * Gather ...

Climet Instruments

Be Seen First

Field Service Technician (Electronics & Calibration)

Redlands, CA · On-site

$45K - $52K/yr

... life science industry in general. As a valuable member of our team, you will quickly learn that ... None required as this is an entry-level position. 2+ years of electronics repair or calibration ...

Fortis Life Sciences

Research Associate

San Diego, CA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

The Opportunity Fortis is a global leader in life sciences and diagnostics reagents and solutions ... Additional experience through internship or entry-level work experience in laboratory environments ...

Fortis Life Sciences

Research Associate

San Diego, CA

The Opportunity Fortis is a global leader in life sciences and diagnostics reagents and solutions ... Additional experience through internship or entry-level work experience in laboratory environments ...

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All JobsLife Science JobsEntry Level Life Science JobsEntry Level Life Science Jobs in California

Entry Level Life Science information

See California salary details

$24.7K

$47.2K

$67.6K

How much do entry level life science jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level life science in California is $47,205.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,000.00 and $51,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What kind of job can you get with a life science degree?

An entry-level life science degree can lead to roles such as laboratory technician, research assistant, quality control analyst, or biological technician. These jobs often require knowledge of lab techniques, data analysis, and familiarity with scientific tools and equipment.

What careers can I go into with life science?

Entry level life science positions open pathways to careers in research, laboratory technician roles, quality control, and regulatory affairs. These roles often require knowledge of laboratory techniques, data analysis, and sometimes certifications such as CPR or safety training. Many careers in life science also involve working in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, or environmental science sectors.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Entry Level Life Science position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Life Science professional, you typically need a bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, or a related field, along with strong analytical and laboratory skills. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, basic data analysis software, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) is often required. Attention to detail, effective teamwork, and strong communication skills help you contribute positively to collaborative research or lab environments. These skills and qualities are critical for ensuring accurate data collection, effective collaboration, and consistent progress in scientific projects.

What can I do with my life science degree?

An entry level life science degree prepares individuals for roles such as laboratory technician, research assistant, or quality control analyst. These positions often require knowledge of lab techniques, data analysis, and familiarity with scientific tools and protocols. Career options can also include positions in healthcare, environmental science, or pharmaceutical industries, sometimes requiring certifications or additional training.

What are some common responsibilities and tasks for entry-level positions in the life science field?

Entry-level life science professionals are often responsible for supporting laboratory experiments, maintaining lab equipment, and preparing samples for analysis. You might also help gather and record experimental data, ensure compliance with safety protocols, and assist senior scientists or research associates with ongoing projects. The role typically involves a mix of hands-on laboratory work and administrative or documentation tasks. This provides an excellent opportunity to learn a wide range of techniques while gaining valuable experience and exposure to different areas within the life sciences field.

What is an Entry Level Life Science job?

An Entry Level Life Science job is a position for recent graduates or individuals with minimal experience in fields like biology, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, or environmental science. These roles often involve laboratory work, data analysis, quality control, or regulatory compliance. Employers typically seek candidates with a degree in a life science discipline and a strong foundation in scientific principles. Entry-level roles provide hands-on experience and career growth opportunities in research, healthcare, or industry settings.

What jobs make $10,000 a month without a degree?

Entry-level life science roles typically do not pay $10,000 a month without advanced education or specialized certifications. High-paying jobs in this field usually require experience, advanced degrees, or specialized skills, such as research scientist positions or biotech sales, which often start with lower salaries and increase with expertise. Generally, earning such high income without a degree is uncommon in entry-level life science positions.
What are the most commonly searched types of Life Science jobs in California? The most popular types of Life Science jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Life Science jobs in California? For Entry Level Life Science jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Life Science jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Life Science jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Life Science jobs? Cities in California with the most Entry Level Life Science job openings:
Entry Level Life Science jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Life Science job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 6% Contract, and 6% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $47,205 per year, or $22.7 per hour.
Technician, Sensory Science - San Diego, CA

Technician, Sensory Science - San Diego, CA

DSM

San Diego, CA • On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

Position Title: Technician, Sensory Science, Science & Research
Location: San Diego, CA
Onsite
We have an immediate opportunity for a Technician, Sensory Science to join the Science & Research team based in San Diego, CA. The sensory technician role performs a wide variety of research laboratory tasks and/or experiments in conjunction with S&R operations. The role is responsible for preparation of novel taste compounds for taste evaluation by our trained panelists, analytical evaluations of samples, and executing taste panels. Join our flavor discovery team in this entry-level role that supports a wide variety of research project activities onsite in our taste lab.
Your Key Responsibilities:
  • Prepares samples for taste testing, including weighing compounds, dilutions, and calculations
  • Organization of samples and laboratory management
  • Works with software and databases to collect research data
  • Lab maintenance, such as test set up, clean up, inventory and supply maintenance
  • Maintains documentation for sensory testing results and associated files
  • Creates and maintains Standard Operating Procedures for sample preparation

We Bring
  • Empowerment to make meaningful contributions while upholding ethical standards.
  • Opportunities for growth and advancement for those who embrace innovation and take initiative.
  • Collaboration with experts in health, nutrition, and beauty to drive progress.
  • Opportunity to build a career making a significant impact on billions of lives, with the freedom to shape your own path.
  • Responsibility and accountability in living company values and driving sustainable solutions.
  • Supportive environment where individuals are empowered to progress and contribute to meaningful change.

You Bring
  • Bachelor's degree in life science or applicable science (Biology, Chemistry, Food Science) with 0-2+ years' experience in laboratory environment
  • Must have strong chemistry experience, strong mathematical and technical reasoning skills, knowledge of statistics, and experimental design techniques
  • Strong organizational, communication and project management skills
  • Must be self-directing and contribute to or facilitate cross-functional project teams
  • High initiative, creative, exceptional problem-solving skills and solutions-driven
  • Ideal candidate will be eager, energetic, reliable and self-motivated

The salary provided reflects the pay range dsm-firmenich expects to pay the successful candidate for the position. Individual pay offered will be based on the applicant's job-related skills, experience, relevant education, or training, and primary work location. Salary: $65,000-$75,000 per year.
About dsm-firmenich
At dsm-firmenich, we don't just meet expectations - we go beyond them.
Join our global team powered by science, creativity, and a shared purpose: to bring progress to life.
From elevating health to making fortified food and sustainable skincare, the impact of your work here will be felt by millions - every single day. Whether it's fragrance that helps you focus, alternative meat that's better for the planet, or reducing sugar without losing flavor, this is where you help shape the future of nutrition, health, and beauty for everyone, everywhere.
And while you're making a difference, we'll make sure you're growing too. With learning that never stops, a culture that lifts you up and the freedom to move across businesses, teams, and borders. Your voice matters here. And your ideas? They're essential to our future.
Because real progress only happens when we go beyond, together.
Inclusion, belonging and equal opportunity statement
At dsm-firmenich, we believe being a force for good starts with the way we treat each other. When people feel supported, included, and free to be themselves, they do their best work - and that's exactly the kind of culture we're building. A place where opportunity is truly equal, authenticity is celebrated, and everyone has the chance to grow, contribute, and feel they belong.
We're proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and we're serious about making our hiring process as fair and inclusive as possible. From inclusive language and diverse interview panels to thoughtful sourcing, we're committed to reflecting the world we serve.
We welcome candidates from all backgrounds - no matter your gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or anything else that makes you, you.
And if you have a disability or need any support through the application process, we're here to help - just let us know what you need, and we'll do everything we can to make it work.
Agency statement
We're managing this search directly at dsm-firmenich. If you're applying as an individual, we'd love to hear from you. We're not accepting agency submissions or proposals involving fees or commissions for this role.

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