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Preclinical Development Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Jj

CMSO, APAC and Preclinical Advisor

Irvine, CA

Accelerate regional innovation through partnerships with Global R&D, local preclinical, Global CMSO and commercial teams to identify and convey region-specific clinical evidence needs. Represent J&J ...

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Preclinical Development information

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$32.6K

$83.9K

$127.3K

How much do preclinical development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for preclinical development in California is $83,932.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,000.00 and $88,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in preclinical development, and why are they important?

To excel in Preclinical Development, you need a solid background in biology, pharmacology, or related life science fields, often supported by an advanced degree and experience with laboratory research. Familiarity with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) regulations, data analysis software, and animal study management systems is expected. Strong attention to detail, effective problem-solving skills, and the ability to communicate complex findings clearly are valuable soft skills. These competencies are essential to ensure the successful and compliant progression of drug candidates toward clinical trials.

What is preclinical development?

A Preclinical Development job involves overseeing the research and testing of drug candidates before they enter clinical trials. Professionals in this role design and conduct studies to assess a drug’s safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetics using laboratory and animal models. They collaborate with scientists, regulatory experts, and project managers to generate data required for regulatory approval. Their work helps identify potential risks and optimize drug formulations before human testing begins.

What are the typical responsibilities of someone working in preclinical development?

Professionals in Preclinical Development are responsible for designing, conducting, and analyzing laboratory and animal studies to evaluate the safety and efficacy of new drug candidates before clinical trials. They often collaborate closely with research scientists, regulatory teams, and project managers to ensure studies meet compliance standards and scientific objectives. Daily tasks may include developing protocols, interpreting data, preparing regulatory documentation, and troubleshooting experimental issues. This role offers opportunities to gain broad exposure to the drug discovery process and can lead to advancement into project leadership or regulatory affairs positions.

What are the most commonly searched types of Preclinical Development jobs in California? The most popular types of Preclinical Development jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Preclinical Development jobs in California? For Preclinical Development jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Preclinical Development jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Preclinical Development jobs in California are:
Preclinical Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Preclinical Development job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,932 per year, or $40.4 per hour.

Sr. Bioengineer, Preclinical Development (In Vivo)

Pulse Biosciences

Hayward, CA

$135K - $155K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

About the Role

The Sr. Bioengineer of Preclinical Development is a key technical contributor responsible for independently executing complex preclinical studies, developing experimental models, and supporting engineering and scientific initiatives that advance the CellFX nsPFA platform. This role leads portions of preclinical programs, troubleshoots technical challenges, and provides engineering insight that informs device design, treatment algorithms, and clinical strategy. This role mentors junior staff, supports crossfunctional teams, and contributes to the generation of highquality scientific and engineering evidence. 

To Make an Impact, You Will:

  • Lead execution of preclinical studies, including protocol development, experimental design input, data collection, and report authorship. 
  • Develop and refine benchtop, ex vivo, and in vivo models to support engineering and scientific objectives. 
  • Troubleshoot technical issues related to devices, instrumentation, and experimental workflows. 
  • Analyze engineering and biological data to generate insights that inform product development. 
  • Support design engineers with device testing, verification activities, and treatment parameter optimization. 
  • Maintain and improve histology and tissueprocessing workflows; ensure data integrity and traceability. 
  • Mentor Associate and Engineerlevel staff in laboratory techniques, data analysis, and documentation. 
  • Collaborate with Clinical, Regulatory, and Engineering teams to support evidence generation for regulatory submissions and clinical programs. 
  • Prepare technical presentations and documentation for internal and external stakeholders. 
  • Manage vendor relationships related to histology, imaging, and preclinical services. 
  • Mentor junior staff and contribute to team development.

To Excel, You Will Bring:

  • Bachelor's Degree with 5+ years of experience or Master's Degree 3+ years of experience in Bioengineering, Biomedical Engineering, Biology, or related field. 
  • Strong understanding of anatomy, imaging, surgical workflows, tissue processing, and histology. 
  • Experience with energybased delivery systems is preferred. 
  • Experience supporting preclinical or translational research required. 
  • Startup experience preferred. 
  • Proficient knowledge and skill in Microsoft Office Suite applications.
  • Strong analytical, problemsolving, and experimental design skills. 
  • Strong communication skills, including technical writing and data presentation. 
  • Ability to independently execute complex preclinical studies. 
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment. 
  • Ability to independently execute complex preclinical studies. 
  • Ability to work as a team member, multi-task and be very flexible to adapt to the ever-changing work priorities and requirements of a dynamic, fast growing company.
  • Ability to travel up to 25% of the time, including overnight travel may be required.
  • Ability to lift 25 pounds.

Pay Range:

Compensation is determined based on a wide range of factors including location, job-related skills, experience, education, and training. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role. This pay range is specific to Northern California location. Base salary range: $135K-$155K. This position is located onsite in Hayward, CA and candidates must reside in the San Francisco Bay Area. No relocation offered.

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