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Phd Program Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Mercor

ML Research Engineer - PhD

San Francisco, CA · Remote

$75 - $90/hr

Time in a PhD program counts. * Attended a top-100 university or worked at FAANG or a comparable company . * Experience with PyTorch , JAX , or TensorFlow . * Deep expertise in at least one focus ...

Polymath AI Labs

AI Research Resident

San Francisco, CA · On-site

About the role We're looking for talented researchers currently enrolled in MS / PhD programs to collaborate on a research project focused around frontier benchmarks and environments for long-horizon ...

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Phd Program information

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$24.7K

$89.4K

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How much do phd program jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for phd program in California is $89,370.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,800.00 and $115,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs do PhD Program holders get?

PhD program graduates often pursue careers in academia as university professors or researchers, as well as roles in industry such as data scientists, research scientists, or policy analysts. They typically work in environments requiring advanced research skills, critical thinking, and specialized knowledge, often utilizing tools like statistical software and laboratory equipment.

What are some common challenges students face during a PhD program and how can they be addressed?

PhD students often encounter challenges such as managing a heavy workload, maintaining motivation during long research projects, and balancing research with teaching or other commitments. Navigating ambiguous research directions and handling setbacks are also frequent hurdles. Building a strong support network, seeking regular feedback from advisors, and engaging with peers can help address these challenges. Many universities offer resources like counseling, writing workshops, and career guidance to support PhD students throughout their journey.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a PhD program?

To thrive in a PhD program, you need advanced subject knowledge, strong research skills, and typically a master's or bachelor's degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with academic databases, data analysis software (like SPSS, R, or Python), and citation management tools is often required. Exceptional critical thinking, time management, perseverance, and written and verbal communication skills set successful candidates apart. These abilities are crucial for conducting independent research, contributing original knowledge, and navigating the rigorous demands of doctoral study.

What is a PhD program?

A PhD program is an advanced academic course of study that culminates in a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree. It typically involves several years of original research, coursework, and comprehensive exams, followed by the completion and defense of a dissertation. PhD programs are designed for individuals who wish to pursue careers in academia, research, or highly specialized professional fields. Admission is competitive and usually requires a master's degree or equivalent experience. Successful graduates are recognized as experts in their chosen fields.

What jobs can a PhD program get you?

A PhD program prepares individuals for careers in academia, research, and specialized industry roles such as data scientist, research scientist, university professor, or policy analyst. It develops advanced skills in critical thinking, analysis, and project management, often requiring proficiency with research tools and methodologies. These roles typically demand a high level of expertise and may involve publishing, grant writing, or teaching responsibilities.

What is the difference between Phd Program vs Research Scientist?

AspectPhd ProgramResearch Scientist
Required CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's or master's degree; pursuing or completed PhDUsually requires a PhD or equivalent research experience
Work EnvironmentAcademic institutions, universities, research labs during studyIndustry labs, corporate R&D, research institutions
Employer & Industry UsageEducational and research institutionsPrivate companies, government agencies, biotech, tech firms
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding educational pathways and research rolesCareer progression and industry research roles

The main difference is that a Phd Program is an educational pathway focused on earning a doctorate degree, often in academia or research training, while a Research Scientist is a professional role in industry or research institutions, typically requiring a PhD and involving applied research work.

What cities in California are hiring for Phd Program jobs? Cities in California with the most Phd Program job openings:
Phd Program jobs near you

Open Rank (Assistant, Associate, or Full) (PhD Program Director)

University of South Carolina

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Posting Summary
Logo Posting Number FAC00148PO25 Advertised Title Open Rank (Assistant, Associate, or Full) (PhD Program Director) Campus Columbia College/Division Arnold School of Public Health Department ASPH Health Services Policy and Management Advertised Salary Range Salary commensurate with experience Location of Vacancy Part/Full Time Full Time Hours per Week 37.5 Position Category Full-time Equivalent (FTE) Basis 9 months Work County Richland Tenure Information Tenure-Track/Tenured Job Search Category Faculty
About USC
About University of South Carolina
From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor's degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service - helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.
Veterans' Preference Statement
Benefits for FTE Positions
The University of South Carolina (USC), through the State of SC and Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), offers state employees a valuable benefits package, including health and life insurance, generous paid leave and retirement programs. To learn more about USC benefits, access the "Working at USC" section on the Applicant Portal at https://uscjobs.sc.edu.
Position Description
Advertised Job Summary
University of South Carolina
PhD Program Director - Open Rank Tenure-Track Faculty Position

The University of South Carolina Arnold School of Public Health invites applications for an open rank tenure-track faculty position in the Department of Health Services Policy and Management (HSPM) to serve as our next PhD Program Director. This 9-month faculty position is fully supported by state funds and includes a substantial start-up package and administrative supplement. We seek an experienced faculty member who shares our vision of a world in which health care is accessible, affordable, effective, and equitable for all, who is passionate about conducting rigorous research that informs policy and practice, and who takes seriously the responsibility of training the next generation of health services researchers. In addition to overseeing all aspects of the doctoral program, the successful candidate will be expected to develop or sustain an independent extramurally-funded research program; teach undergraduate and/or graduate courses in the department; advise and mentor students and postdoctoral fellows; and provide service to the University, profession, and community. We are especially interested in individuals whose research and/or teaching interests are in the areas of health economics, econometric methods, outcomes research, health equity, social determinants of health, and/or health politics and policy, broadly defined.
About the Department and the School of Public Health
HSPM is home to 15 full-time faculty who are actively engaged in research to address public health and health care challenges in areas such as rural health, behavioral health, infectious disease, health economics, primary care, maternal and child health, health insurance, and hospital care. Our faculty lead or co-lead four major centers on campus: the Rural Health Research Center, the Big Data Health Sciences Center, the South Carolina Center for Effectiveness Research in Orthopedics, and the Patient Engagement Studio. Our location in the state capital near government agencies and an array of non-profit organizations facilitates collaborative community-engaged partnerships focused on public health priorities important to the people of our state and nation. Our faculty teach courses in the undergraduate public health major, and we also offer three fully-accredited graduate degree programs: a Master of Health Administration, a Master of Public Health, and a PhD in Health Services Policy and Management. HSPM is a full Graduate Member of the Association of University Programs in Health Administration.
Our newly redesigned doctoral program curriculum just launched in Fall 2025, including an expansion of course offerings in analytic methods and health policy, the creation of 3 new concentration areas (health economics and outcomes research, health policy and politics, and health equity and social determinants of health), and the establishment of a new state-of-the-art research computing environment for use by faculty and students. The PhD Program Director will be responsible for continuing to build upon this momentum while identifying innovative ways to make their own mark on the program.

HSPM is housed within the Arnold School of Public Health at USC-the state's public flagship university. The Arnold School hosts a rich portfolio of extramurally funded research totaling more than $54 million last year. The school ranks 6th nationally in National Institutes of Health funding among all public schools of public health, and offers numerous resources for faculty engaged in research, including generous salary release and indirect return policies.
Columbia is a lively and diverse city with a reasonable cost of living, an excellent quality of life, and a wide variety of things to see and do. Jogging and walking paths line the downtown and riverfront greenway, with parks scattered throughout the rest of the city, and the popularity of downtown living has sparked the growth of independent restaurants, coffee houses, wine bars, breweries, galleries, boutiques, and street fairs. Other Columbia highlights include: the Columbia Museum of Art with continuous high-profile traveling exhibits; the Nickelodeon art house cinema; the South Carolina State Museum with its planetarium, observatory, and 4-D movie theatre; the nationally recognized Riverbanks Zoo and Garden; and Lake Murray. Columbia has a lively local music scene and national entertainment tours that visit the Colonial Life Arena and the Koger Center for the Arts. Known for its college athletics teams as a member of the SEC, the city also hosts a minor league baseball team (the Columbia Fireflies). On top of that, our central location means you are just a few hours (or less) from world-class beaches, the Blue Ridge Mountains, and popular urban destinations such as Charlotte, NC, Atlanta, GA, and Charleston, SC.


Required Education and Experience
Required Qualifications:
  • Applicants must have a doctoral degree in health policy, health services research, health care management, health economics, public policy, or a closely related field by the employment start date.
  • Applicants at the rank of Assistant Professor must have a clear research agenda with high potential for both extramural funding and excellence in teaching and a minimum of 3 years of experience in rank by the employment state date.
  • Applicants at the rank of Associate or Full Professor must have an established record of securing extramural funding, publishing research in high-impact peer-reviewed journals, impactful teaching, and years of relevant experience commensurate with rank and academic policy.
Preferred Qualifications
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Posting Detail Information
Desired Start Date 08/16/2026 Job Open Date 08/27/2025 Job Close Date Open Until Filled Yes Special Instructions to Applicant
Interested candidates should submit: 1) a cover letter outlining their research and teaching interests and experience, their interest in (and any experience with) directing an academic degree program, and their ideal vision for a doctoral program in health services research; 2) curriculum vitae; and 3) contact information for three references.
If you have questions, please contact David Anderson, PhD, Search Committee Chair at da29@mailbox.sc.edu. The anticipated start date for these positions is Fall 2026.
This position is open until filled. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.

Quicklink for Posting https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/192947 EEO Statement
The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.

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