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Entry Level Scientist Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Orion Group

Associate Scientist I

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$36 - $40/hr

... entry level scientists to support cell culture processes on an exciting contract opportunity in South San Francisco! Don't pass on the chance to gain industry experience within a market leading ...

Beta Soft System Inc.

Entry level jobs

Fremont, CA

Masters/Bachelors preferably in Computer Science, Engineering, MBA and also for the people who have ... JOB Title - Beta Soft Systems is looking to hire Entry level QA Engineers. ( ) Beta Soft Systems is ...

Verdantas

Staff Scientist I

San Ramon, CA · On-site

$50K - $60K/yr

Verdantas is seeking a Scientist I to support our Environmental and Stormwater team across the Bay ... This is an entry-level stormwater professional role and is a great fit for someone who is eager to ...

Verdantas

Staff Scientist I

West Sacramento, CA · Hybrid

$50K - $60K/yr

Verdantas is seeking a Scientist I to support our Environmental and Stormwater team across the Bay ... This is an entry-level stormwater professional role and is a great fit for someone who is eager to ...

Verdantas

Staff Scientist I

Marysville, CA · Hybrid

$50K - $60K/yr

Verdantas is seeking a Scientist I to support our Environmental and Stormwater team across the Bay ... This is an entry-level stormwater professional role and is a great fit for someone who is eager to ...

Verdantas

Staff Scientist I

Fresno, CA · Hybrid

$50K - $60K/yr

Verdantas is seeking a Scientist I to support our Environmental and Stormwater team across the Bay ... This is an entry-level stormwater professional role and is a great fit for someone who is eager to ...

Verdantas

Staff Scientist I

San Ramon, CA · Hybrid

$50K - $60K/yr

Verdantas is seeking a Scientist I to support our Environmental and Stormwater team across the Bay ... This is an entry-level stormwater professional role and is a great fit for someone who is eager to ...

Tata Consultancy Services

This is a unique entry-level opportunity to blend your academic knowledge of computer science with hands-on experience in prompt engineering and AI-assisted development. You will join a collaborative ...

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All JobsScientist JobsEntry Level Scientist JobsEntry Level Scientist Jobs in California

Entry Level Scientist information

See California salary details

$49.8K

$109.9K

$135.7K

How much do entry level scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level scientist in California is $109,885.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,300.00 and $135,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of an entry level scientist?

As an Entry Level Scientist, your daily responsibilities can include conducting laboratory experiments, preparing samples, recording and analyzing data, and maintaining lab equipment. You will often support senior scientists with ongoing research projects and assist in troubleshooting experimental issues. Collaboration is common, as you may work closely with team members to share findings and ensure best practices are followed. This hands-on experience helps you build foundational skills necessary for career progression in scientific research or industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level scientist?

To thrive as an Entry Level Scientist, a bachelor's degree in a scientific discipline, proficiency in laboratory techniques, and a solid understanding of data analysis are generally required. Familiarity with lab equipment, software such as Microsoft Excel or specialized analysis tools, and laboratory safety certifications are often expected. Attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and strong collaboration and communication skills help individuals excel in this position. Mastery of these skills ensures accurate scientific results, safe lab environments, and effective teamwork in research or industry settings.

What is an entry level scientist?

An Entry Level Scientist is a professional starting their career in a scientific field, typically working in research, laboratory analysis, or data collection. They assist senior scientists with experiments, documentation, and reporting findings. Responsibilities vary by industry but often involve conducting tests, analyzing results, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a background in science are essential. This role provides foundational experience for career growth in scientific research or applied sciences.

What are the most commonly searched types of Scientist jobs in California? The most popular types of Scientist jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Scientist jobs in California? For Entry Level Scientist jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Scientist jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Scientist jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Scientist jobs? Cities in California with the most Entry Level Scientist job openings:
Entry Level Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Scientist job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 47% Part Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $109,885 per year, or $52.8 per hour.

Associate Scientist I

Orion Group

San Mateo, CA • On-site

$36 - $40/hr

Contractor

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Associate Scientist I
$36 - $40/hr with medical benefits available at a cost
2 year contract
100% Onsite out of South San Francisco
Normal first shift lab hours, Monday - Friday (occasional weekend requirements to maintain active cell lines)
Orion Project Services and our largest US client are seeking entry level scientists to support cell culture processes on an exciting contract opportunity in South San Francisco! Don't pass on the chance to gain industry experience within a market leading pharmaceutical company.
Job Summary:
The Associate Scientist I will be a member of the CMC Biologics Cell Culture Development group, responsible for providing support for the development of novel biologics and bioprocess innovation projects, performing laboratory maintenance, and executing tasks to support departmental and project goals. The candidate should have experience with standard cell culture, biochemistry, and molecular biology techniques and is expected to clearly communicate scientific rationale, methodology and results in written and oral formats.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Follow established experimental protocols and assess results with supervision
  • Maintain a "can-do" attitude to complete innovative projects while being flexible in work priorities based on business needs
  • Perform routine tasks such as media/buffer preparation, thawing of cryopreserved cells, cell culture passaging, aseptic flask sampling, bioreactor sampling, and cell banking to support ongoing projects
  • Take routine analytical measurements for cell growth, culture gas-content, pH, osmolality, nutrient and metabolite measurements and HPLC analysis of antibody titers
  • Prepare bench top bioreactors and supporting equipment for sterile operation
  • Maintain instrumentation, consumables inventory and general cleanliness of a developmental lab to create a safe, effective and efficient scientific working environment
  • Display effective organization, verbal and written communication skills for effective explanation of experimental results, and adherence to good documentation practices
  • Weekend work to support bioreactor and other vessel sampling and feeding, as required
Qualifications:
Basic:
  • BS in Biological Sciences or Chemical/Biochemical Engineering or related field with 0-3 years of experience
  • Experience with aseptic technique, preferably mammalian cell culture
  • Hands-on experience with analytical instrumentation (Vi-Cell, BGA, HPLC and Cedex Bio) and cell culture equipment (biosafety cabinet, incubators, and microscopes)
  • Experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Preferred:
  • Experience in bioreactor operation and cell culture media preparation
  • Experience in single use cell culture tools employed in bioprocess development, including but not limited to deep well plates, shake flasks, ambr250 bioreactors, or other stirred tank bioreactors
  • Experience with programming (VBA, Python, Javascript, C++)
  • Understand statistical analysis using software (JMP, SIMCA, Minitab, Design Expert, R) and statistical design of experiments (DOE)
Physical Demands:
  • Capable of pushing heavy containers on wheels
  • Must be comfortable with physical activities of constant standing, walking, and sitting with arm stretching into biosafety cabinets for cell culture work and occasionally lifting 25 lbs

People are our business worldwide
Orion Group was founded in 1987 and is now one of the largest, independent, international recruitment companies. We have a network of 200 employees working from 24 offices, delivering a range of services - Talent Acquisition, Recruitment Outsourcing Services, Retained Search, Global Workforce Solutions, Completions & Commissioning and Materials Management - across 68 countries. As a global leader in workforce solutions, we recruit personnel across the Engineering & Technical, Office & Commercial, Scientific and Skilled Trades disciplines, for sectors including Oil & Gas, Life Science, Power & Utilities, Constructions & Infrastructure, Manufacturing and Renewables.

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