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Entry Level Research Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

May involve supervision of entry level research coordinator(s) NATURE AND SCOPE: Internal contacts include students, faculty and staff. External contacts include study sponsors, clinical trials staff ...

Research Assistant

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

This is an entry-level research role for individuals with less than 3 years of research experience, and is designed to be a potential career path towards eventually contributing as a Research ...

Onsite - onsite Hours: 40.0 hours per week Overview Leading pharmaceutical company looking for an entry level Research Operations Associate. Ideal candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in ...

POSITION SUMMARY The Research Assistant provides an opportunity for intern-level introductory ... The candidates will have completed at least a basic entry-level college biology course and be ...

POSITION SUMMARY The Research Assistant provides an opportunity for intern-level introductory ... The candidates will have completed at least a basic entry-level college biology course and be ...

How This Role Makes a Difference The Clinical Research Assistant is an entry level clinical position and is designed to fully integrate the individual in the Care Access Research process while ...

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Entry Level Research information

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$9

$21

$32

How much do entry level research jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level research in California is $21.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.01 and $24.25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level research professionals, and how can they overcome them?

Entry level research professionals often encounter challenges such as mastering new research methodologies, managing large amounts of data, and adapting to fast-paced project timelines. To overcome these, it's important to proactively seek guidance from more experienced team members, regularly communicate progress with supervisors, and take advantage of available training resources. Building strong organizational skills and being open to feedback will help you navigate complex tasks while developing your expertise within a collaborative team environment.

What is the difference between Entry Level Research vs Research Assistant?

AspectEntry Level ResearchResearch Assistant
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or bachelor's degreeBachelor's degree often preferred
Work EnvironmentAcademic, corporate, or market research settingsLaboratory, academic, or field research environments
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research firms, corporationsUniversities, labs, research institutions
Common Search & ComparisonEntry Level Research vs Research Assistant

Entry Level Research roles typically require a high school diploma or bachelor's degree and involve basic research tasks in various settings. Research Assistants usually have a similar educational background but may require additional skills or experience, often working under supervision in academic or laboratory environments. Both roles serve as entry points into research careers, with overlapping responsibilities but differing in specific work environments and expectations.

What is an entry level research job?

An entry level research job typically refers to a position designed for individuals who are new to the research field, often recent graduates or those with limited professional experience. These roles usually involve assisting with data collection, literature reviews, basic data analysis, and supporting more senior researchers on projects. Entry level research jobs are common in academic, scientific, and corporate environments and may include titles such as research assistant or junior researcher. These positions help build foundational skills and experience for a future career in research.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Researcher, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a relevant bachelor's degree in a field such as science or social sciences. Familiarity with research databases, statistical analysis software (like SPSS or Excel), and literature review tools is often required. Strong written and verbal communication, curiosity, and the ability to collaborate effectively are essential soft skills. These abilities enable researchers to collect accurate data, draw meaningful conclusions, and contribute to successful research projects.
What are the most commonly searched types of Research jobs in California? The most popular types of Research jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Research jobs? Cities in California with the most Entry Level Research job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Research job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,020 per year, or $21.2 per hour.
Research Assistant - Orthopedic Research (Children's Specialists of San Diego)

Research Assistant - Orthopedic Research (Children's Specialists of San Diego)

Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego

San Diego, CA • On-site

$23 - $30.27/hr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Rady Children's Hospital rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 46 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

96th of 1,051 rated hospitals


Job description

This employment opportunity is being recruited by Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego on behalf of Children's Specialists of San Diego.
JOB SUMMARY:
Under general supervision, the Research Assistant position is responsible for providing administrative, entry-level research support to the assigned division. The Research Assistant works under direct supervision of the Research Associate/Coordinator to assist with data collection and data entry phase duties for various studies. This position supports the department in assisting with project specific duties to carry study to completion and provides support to Research Associates or Coordinators as needed.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor's Degree
0-3 Years of Experience in a research division
Knowledge of general research prac tices
Strong computer skills including MS Office software
Knowledge of basic anatomy
Good communication skills, both written and oral
Proficient on database & spreadsheet software
The expected hiring range for this position is $23.00 to $30.27
Children's Specialists of San Diego is committed to compensation that is externally competitive and internally equitable. We demonstrate this commitment by conducting regular market reviews to remain competitive with organizations of similar size in the healthcare sector. The range listed above does not represent the full salary range for the position but is the expected hiring range for qualified candidates. Compensation decisions consider a variety of factors including experience, education, licensure, unique skillsets, organizational need, and internal equity.

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