1

Graduate Research Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

RESEARCH ASSISTANT I - Dik Lab

San Diego, CA · On-site

$20.67 - $25.06/hr

Scripps Research is ranked the most influential institution in the world for its impact on innovation. Our educational and training programs mold talented and committed students and postdocs into ...

Scripps Research is ranked the most influential institution in the world for its impact on innovation. Our educational and training programs mold talented and committed students and postdocs into ...

Showing results 41-60

Graduate Research information

See California salary details

$6

$19

$30

How much do graduate research jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate research in California is $19.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.71 and $22.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a graduate research?

A graduate research position typically refers to a role held by a graduate student, such as a master's or doctoral candidate, in which they conduct original research under the supervision of a faculty member. These positions are often part of graduate degree programs and may involve laboratory experiments, data analysis, fieldwork, or scholarly writing. The goal is to contribute new knowledge to a specific field while developing advanced research skills. Graduate research positions can also provide financial support through stipends or assistantships.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a graduate researcher?

To thrive as a Graduate Researcher, you need a strong academic background in your field, critical thinking abilities, and experience with research methodologies, usually supported by enrollment in a graduate program. Proficiency with data analysis tools (such as SPSS, R, or MATLAB), academic databases, and referencing software is often required. Strong written and verbal communication, perseverance, and effective time management set standout researchers apart. These skills and qualities are crucial for producing high-quality research, meeting deadlines, and contributing meaningfully to academic or scientific advancements.

What are some common challenges faced by individuals in graduate research roles, and how can they be overcome?

Graduate research positions often involve managing complex projects with minimal supervision, which can be challenging for those new to independent work. Balancing research deadlines, coursework, and potential teaching responsibilities can also be demanding. To overcome these challenges, it's helpful to develop strong time management skills, proactively seek feedback from advisors, and collaborate with peers for support and idea exchange. Building a network within your department can also provide valuable guidance and resources throughout your research journey.

Is a graduate research assistant a job?

Yes, a graduate research assistant is a paid position typically held by graduate students to support research projects. It involves tasks such as data collection, analysis, and reporting, often requiring specific skills and adherence to a schedule set by the supervising faculty or institution.

What jobs can you get with a graduate research degree?

A graduate research degree can qualify you for roles such as research scientist, data analyst, research associate, or university faculty. These positions often require strong analytical skills, familiarity with research methodologies, and proficiency with tools like statistical software or laboratory equipment.

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

The most popular types of Graduate Research jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Graduate Research jobs in California?

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

Infographic showing various Graduate Research job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,673 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

RESEARCH ASSISTANT I

Sanford Burnham Prebys

San Diego, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

Job Summary:
Sanford Burnham Prebys is a vibrant global community of scientists and researchers dedicated to advancing biomedical sciences. They are seeking a highly motivated Research Assistant I in computational biology and Artificial Intelligence to support their lab in developing ML/AI tools for analyzing cellular systems and human diseases.
Responsibilities:
• Perform integrative analyses across single-cell and multi-omics datasets to derive biological insights.
• Develop, document, and maintain computational pipelines for data processing, modeling, and visualization.
• Contribute to figure generation, results summaries, and manuscript preparation.
• Collaborate with experimental scientists to translate questions into analysis plans and interpretable outputs.
• Practice reproducible research workflows (version control, well-annotated code, and shareable reports).
Qualifications:
Required:
• B.Sc. in a quantitative discipline (computer science, computational biology, bioinformatics, systems biology)
• Experience with single-cell analysis tools (Scanpy/Seurat) and multi-omics integration.
• Familiarity with machine learning, including deep learning frameworks (PyTorch/TensorFlow) and/or imaging analysis.
• Evidence of prior coding projects (GitHub, course projects, notebooks, or publications).
Preferred:
• M.Sc. in quantitative disciplines
• Experience with single-cell analysis tools (Scanpy/Seurat) and multi-omics integration.
• Familiarity with machine learning, including deep learning frameworks (PyTorch/TensorFlow) and/or imaging analysis.
• Evidence of prior coding projects (GitHub, course projects, notebooks, or publications).
Company:
Sanford Burnham Prebys is a preeminent, independent biomedical research institute dedicated to understanding basic human biology and disease and advancing scientific discoveries to profoundly impact human health. Founded in 1976, the company is headquartered in La Jolla, USA, with a team of 501-1000 employees. The company is currently Late Stage.