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Professional Researcher Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Turo Inc.

Staff UX Researcher

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$200 - $250/hr

Qualifications * 8+ years of professional research experience, with at least 4 years of quantitative UX research on consumer software. * Strong portfolio of quantitative studies that demonstrably ...

Turo

Staff UX Researcher

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$200 - $250/hr

Your profile * 8+ years of professional research experience, with at least 4 years of quantitative UX research on consumer software across multiple surfaces (Desktop, Mobile Web, iOS, Android). * A ...

Turo Inc

Staff UX Researcher

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$200 - $250/hr

Your profile***** 8+ years of professional research experience, with at least 4 years of quantitative UX research on consumer software across multiple surfaces (Desktop, Mobile Web, iOS, Android).* A ...

Turo

Staff UX Researcher

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Your profile * 8+ years of professional research experience, with at least 4 years of quantitative UX research on consumer software across multiple surfaces (Desktop, Mobile Web, iOS, Android). * A ...

Turo

Staff UX Researcher

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Your profile * 8+ years of professional research experience, with at least 4 years of quantitative UX research on consumer software across multiple surfaces (Desktop, Mobile Web, iOS, Android). * A ...

White and Case LLP

Researcher

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$113K - $170K/yr

Ensures continuing professional development and keeps abreast of the legal industry. * Provides ... Substantial legal research experience required, with five or more years preferred. * J.D., Master ...

Apollo Research

AI Security Researcher

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$214K - $280K/yr

A yearly $1,000 (USD) professional development budget * Relocation support and visa fees (if ... At Apollo Research, we're primarily concerned with risks from Loss of Control, i.e. risks coming ...

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All JobsProfessional Researcher JobsProfessional Researcher Jobs in California

Professional Researcher information

See California salary details

$29.6K

$111.6K

$162.3K

How much do professional researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for professional researcher in California is $111,621.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,100.00 and $152,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a professional researcher?

A Professional Researcher is responsible for gathering, analyzing, and interpreting information to support decision-making in various fields such as academia, business, science, or government. They use various research methods, including data collection, literature reviews, and qualitative or quantitative analysis. Their work often involves synthesizing findings into reports, presentations, or publications. Professional Researchers must have strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate complex information clearly.

What does a professional researcher do?

A Professional Researcher typically engages in designing and conducting studies, gathering and analyzing data, and synthesizing findings into reports or presentations. They may collaborate closely with other researchers, subject matter experts, or stakeholders to shape research questions and ensure the validity of results. Daily tasks often include literature reviews, data collection (such as interviews or surveys), drafting grant proposals, and presenting outcomes at team meetings. This role combines independent work with frequent collaboration, offering variety and opportunities to build deep expertise in a chosen field.

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

To thrive as a Professional Researcher, you need strong analytical abilities, expertise in data collection and analysis, and a relevant advanced degree, such as a master's or Ph.D., depending on the field. Proficiency with research databases, statistical software (e.g., SPSS, R), and familiarity with citation management tools or industry-specific certifications are often required. Excellent written and verbal communication, critical thinking, and attention to detail help researchers excel in compiling and reporting their findings. These competencies are crucial for producing rigorous, high-quality research and effectively disseminating insights to stakeholders.

Do I need a PhD to be a professional researcher?

A PhD is not always required to be a professional researcher, as many roles value relevant experience, analytical skills, and subject matter expertise. However, certain research positions, especially in academia or specialized fields, may prefer or require a doctoral degree. Skills in data analysis, critical thinking, and familiarity with research tools are also important for success in this role.

What kind of professional researcher makes the most money?

Senior-level research positions such as market research directors, data science researchers, or scientific research managers tend to earn the highest salaries among professional researchers. These roles often require advanced degrees, specialized skills in data analysis or scientific methods, and leadership responsibilities, which contribute to higher compensation.

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

The most popular types of Researcher jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Professional Researcher jobs?

Cities in California with the most Professional Researcher job openings:

Professional Researcher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Professional Researcher job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,621 per year, or $53.7 per hour.

Morrison Lab - Assistant/Associate/Full Professional Research Series

University of California, San Francisco

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

University Of California San Francisco rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

236th of 631 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Application Window
Open date: July 16, 2025
Most recent review date: Thursday, Jul 31, 2025 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Applications received after this date will be reviewed by the search committee if the position has not yet been filled.
Final date: Saturday, Jan 16, 2027 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time) Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.
Position description
Morrison Lab - Assistant/Associate/Full Professional Research Series
The Morrison lab at the Department of Radiology & Biomedical Imaging is looking for an individual who is interested in a Professional Research position at UCSF. This position is for an Assistant, Associate, or Full Professional Researcher. The researcher will conduct and support research at the intersection of MRI and neuromodulation specifically deep brain stimulation therapy for movement disorders and neuropsychiatric conditions. They will be responsible for building computational imaging tools for clinicians and translating them into clinical practice. The researcher will closely collaborate with Radiology support staff and clinicians specializing in DBS.
Required Qualifications:
  • Appointees in the Professional Research series must possess a doctorate or its equivalent.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Prior neuroimaging research experience in the field of multimodal MRI (fMRI, DTI, & QSM)
  • Prior experience optimizing MRI scanner protocols
  • Prior experience working in clinical research environments with clinicians
  • Strong programming skills and experience developing software-based tools
  • Strong independent project management skills
  • Mentoring experience and interest in mentoring
  • Previous experience in the field of neuromodulation is also desired

See Table 13B for the salary range for this position. A reasonable estimate for this position is $93,400-$248,400.
Please apply online at https://aprecruit.ucsf.edu/JPF05690 with a cover letter, CV, and contact information for three references. In your cover letter, please provide your GitHub URL. Applicant materials must list current and/or pending qualifications upon submission. The selected candidate must meet all of the qualifications at the time of appointment.
Application Requirements
Document requirements
  • Cover Letter - In your cover letter, please provide your GitHub URL.
  • Curriculum Vitae - CV must clearly list current and/or pending qualifications (e.g. board eligibility/certification, medical licensure, etc.).
  • Statement of Research (Optional)

Reference requirements
  • 3 required (contact information only)

About UC San Francisco
As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.
UCSF is committed to welcoming and serving all people, honoring the dignity of every individual without preference or prejudice, in support of its public mission and in alignment with our PRIDE values and Principles of Community.
As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.
• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, or discrimination, as defined by the employer.
• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
• APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment
Job location
San Francisco, CA

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