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Preclinical Development Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Mithrl

Application Scientist

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$130K - $180K/yr

Strong expertise in discovery and preclinical development * Ability to interpret multi modal biological data and produce high quality analyses * Strong publication record or equivalent scientific ...

Mithrl

Application Scientist

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$130K - $180K/yr

Strong expertise in discovery and preclinical development * Ability to interpret multi modal biological data and produce high quality analyses * Strong publication record or equivalent scientific ...

Deep Origin

VP/SVP of Drug Discovery

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$200 - $300/hr

Deep understanding of translational strategy, preclinical development, and clinical considerations in drug development * Experience working closely with clinical development teams and supporting ...

Deep Origin

VP/SVP of Drug Discovery

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Deep understanding of translational strategy, preclinical development, and clinical considerations in drug development * Experience working closely with clinical development teams and supporting ...

Deep Origin

VP/SVP of Drug Discovery

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Deep understanding of translational strategy, preclinical development, and clinical considerations in drug development * Experience working closely with clinical development teams and supporting ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsPreclinical Development JobsPreclinical Development Jobs in California

Preclinical Development information

See California salary details

$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.

Preclinical Technologist I

The Jackson Laboratory

Sacramento, CA • On-site

$23.73 - $34.41/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago

The Jackson Laboratory rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

33rd of 120 rated laboratories

Job description

Preclinical Pharmacology runs pre-clinical studies for external customers in areas of Oncology, Neurobiology, Autoimmune Diseases. Working under general supervision, the Preclinical Technologist learns all the basic procedures required to support Preclinical Pharmacology, and performs study tasks to consistently execute procedures according to protocol and associated SOPs. The work schedule and work list for the incumbents is established based on operational demands and resource availability and may fluctuate based on the changing needs of the department. Staff members may be required to work weekend shifts, holidays, and overtime.
The salary range is $23.73 - $34.41. Salary will be determined based on qualifications and experience.
Key Responsibilities
  • Technical Execution - Perform basic procedures as required from the functional group requirements and study needs. Adhere to all SOPs, policies and regulatory procedures.
  • Accurate data entry including lab IT systems and databases. Maintain appropriate documentation as required by protocols and SOP's.
  • Training to perform above procedures to proficiency levels and/or participate in the development of new procedures.
  • Lab Maintenance - Perform basic room sanitation, organize and restock lab spaces, and help the lab monitor equipment operational status. Take pride in the general stewardship of the Preclinical working environment.
  • Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications:
  • BS degree in applicable field of study in a laboratory/animal care setting or High School Diploma with 2+ years' applicable work experience in a laboratory/animal care setting.
  • Excellent communication and listening skills with proven ability to effectively communicate with others both verbally and in writing to clearly and effectively exchange information. Proven excellent writing skills.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work effectively in a team environment.
  • Ability to perform all SOPs, policies and regulatory procedures. Ability to be flexible and to multitask.
  • Able to work in preclinical environments, especially with animal handling.
  • Able to work flexible shifts (evening/week-end/holiday)

#CA-DS5
About JAX:
The Jackson Laboratory is an independent, nonprofit biomedical research institution with a National Cancer Institute-designated Cancer Center and nearly 3,000 employees in locations across the United States (Maine, Connecticut, California), Japan and China. Its mission is to discover precise genomic solutions for disease and empower the global biomedical community in the shared quest to improve human health.
Founded in 1929, JAX applies over nine decades of expertise in genetics to increase understanding of human disease, advancing treatments and cures for cancer, neurological and immune disorders, diabetes, aging and heart disease. It models and interprets genomic complexity, integrates basic research with clinical application, educates current and future scientists, and provides critical data, tools and services to the global biomedical community. For more information, please visit www.jax.org.
EEO Statement:
The Jackson Laboratory provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, age, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition, gender, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, marital status, national origin, veteran status, and other classifications protected by applicable state and local non-discrimination laws.

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