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Project Scientist Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Project Scientist information

See California salary details

$37.5K

$80.2K

$149K

How much do project scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for project scientist in California is $80,212.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,300.00 and $100,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a project scientist?

Project scientists are assigned research tasks on a project. You find project scientists in many different industries. As a project scientist, you may work to create new products in a specific industry to meet projected market demands, or you may research ways to improve an established product. For example, a project scientist in the textile industry may try to discover a soft yet durable fabric to be used in making clothing. To become a project scientist, you need at least a bachelor’s degree in the science field in which you wish to work and extensive research experience.

What is a project scientist?

A Project Scientist is a professional who manages and conducts scientific research within specific projects, often in academic, government, or industry settings. They are responsible for designing experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and ensuring that the scientific goals of the project are met. Project Scientists often collaborate with other researchers, supervise laboratory staff, and contribute to scientific publications or reports. Unlike principal investigators, they may not lead their own research groups but play a critical role in advancing project objectives.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a project scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Project Scientist, you need advanced scientific knowledge, research experience, and typically a master's or doctoral degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with data analysis software, laboratory instruments, and project management tools is common in this role. Strong problem-solving abilities, effective communication, and collaboration skills are crucial soft skills for success. These competencies enable Project Scientists to efficiently lead research initiatives, ensure data integrity, and achieve project goals within multidisciplinary teams.

What are the typical collaboration dynamics for a project scientist within a research team?

As a Project Scientist, you will frequently collaborate with principal investigators, research associates, technicians, and sometimes external partners to execute project goals. You are often responsible for coordinating experimental design, data analysis, and reporting findings, ensuring that all project milestones are met. Regular meetings, interdisciplinary teamwork, and clear communication are crucial to address challenges, share progress, and integrate diverse expertise within the group. This collaborative environment fosters learning and may open opportunities for leading sub-projects or mentoring junior staff.

What is the difference between Project Scientist vs Research Scientist?

AspectProject Scientist

Required CredentialsTypically requires a Ph.D. or equivalent in a relevant scientific field
Work EnvironmentWorks on specific projects, often within research institutions or industry labs
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed in government agencies, biotech, pharmaceuticals, and research organizations
Primary FocusConducts research, experiments, and data analysis to support project goals

Research Scientists and Project Scientists both hold advanced degrees and work in research settings. However, Research Scientists often focus on fundamental research and long-term scientific inquiry, while Project Scientists are more involved in applying research to specific projects with defined objectives. The roles overlap in credentials and work environment, but Project Scientists tend to work more closely with project management and deliverables.

Infographic showing various Project Scientist job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,212 per year, or $38.6 per hour.

Project Scientist Series Pool Ad - Open Ranks in the Department of Urology

University of California, Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$79K - $139K/yr

Other

Re-posted 19 days ago


UCLA rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 76 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

188th of 618 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Position description
Project Scientist
Department of Urology
The Department of Urology at the University of California, Los Angeles, anticipates openings for ambitious independent Ph.D. researchers in its various divisions. These openings will be at the level of Assistant Project Scientist or above (associate and full rank), depending upon the candidate's qualification.
Criteria for the Project Scientist Series:
The Project Scientist Series make significant and creative contributions to a research or creative project related to Surgery. They carry out research or creative programs with supervision by a member of the Professor or Professional Research Series.
The divisions include: Bladder Cancer, Endourology, Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery, Urologic Oncology, Kidney Cancer, Male Urology, Pediatric Urology, Prostate Cancer
Duties: The position will perform independent research under the direction of the Principal Investigator. The Assistant Project Scientist will also be responsible for helping to supervise graduate and undergraduate student researchers, preparing manuscripts for publication in scientific journals, and assisting with the preparation of grant proposals.
Additional Duties:
• Ability to work on multiple projects efficiently and effectively. Ability to work independently on scientific projects. Assist with preparation of grant proposals.
• Preparation of manuscripts for publication in top-tier scientific journals.
• Required to communicate well with other scientists worldwide.
• Candidate should have 5 years research experience in an academic setting or equivalent.
• Experience in small animal surgical procedures, if required.
• Experience of a specific laboratory procedure, data processing as required in the study.
• The candidate will report directly to the Principal Investigator and will successfully carry out experiments and analyze the data generated with minimal supervision.
• Equipment maintenance, if needed
• Required to communicate well with other scientists worldwide.
• Ability to help and train various personnel in data analysis and make significant contributions to the design and execution of other laboratory members' experiments.
Requirements: This position requires a Ph.D. in a relevant field and a minimum of 5 years of postdoctoral experience.
The Project Scientist position is an academic non-faculty position. Initial appointments are for one year and renewal is dependent upon funding and availability. While salary and rank will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Interested candidates should apply through UC RECRUIT: JPF11171
To be considered for a position, submit the required application materials:
• 3 Required; 2 Optional References (contact information only)
• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover Letter
• Research/Personal Statement
The University of California seeks to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as a reflection of our commitment to serve the people of California, to maintain the excellence of the University, and to offer our students richly varied disciplines, perspectives and ways of knowing and learning.
The posted UC salary scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and step at appointment. See Table 37
The salary range for this position is $79,400-$139,400; according to candidate's qualifications and experience, and the division's requirements.
Cultural North Star: The shared values of the DGSOM are expressed in the Cultural North Star, which was developed by members of our community and affirms our unswerving commitment to doing what's right, making things better, and being kind. These are the standards to which we hold ourselves, and one another. Please read more about this important DGSOM program at Medical School | Cultural North Star | UCLA Medical School
UC Regents Statement on Ethical Values and Standards of Conduct: All aspects of searches are confidential and all candidates are expected to review and abide by UC Regents Policy 1111 on Statement on Ethical Values and Standards of Conduct Policies
Qualifications
Basic qualifications
This position requires a Ph.D. in a relevant field.
Application Requirements
Document requirements
  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
  • Cover Letter
  • Statement of Research
  • Reference check authorization release form - Complete and upload the reference check authorization release form
  • UCLA Mission Statement - As the nation's premier public research university, UC's mission is the creation, dissemination, preservation and application of knowledge for the betterment of our global society. We have a particular responsibility to the people of California which we express in the excellence of the education we provide, the impact of the research we do, the comprehensive, life-saving medical services we provide, and the public service mission we are devoted to. The University of California promotes the social mobility of its students, equips them with the tools and experience that furthers their ambitions, and regards their accomplishments across the life span as evidence of the profoundly positive impact of higher education.
    The UCLA campus has expressed these goals in its strategic plan as follows:
    Deepen our engagement with Los Angeles
    Expand our reach as a global university
    Enhance our research and creative activities
    Elevate how we teach
    Become a more effective institution
    Prompt for candidates for recruitment:
    Reflecting on your personal and professional experiences, highlight your past contributions and future commitments to advancing UCLA's mission as embodied in the 2023-28 strategic plan. These accomplishments and ambitions may be discussed in the context of describing your teaching, scholarship, and service
  • Statement of Teaching (Optional)

Reference requirements
  • 3-5 required (contact information only)

Name and email address only
Apply link: https://recruit.apo.ucla.edu/JPF11171
Help contact: cristinagomez@mednet.ucla.edu
About UCLA
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.
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, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.
  • UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
  • UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
  • APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

Job location
Los Angeles, CA

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Colleges, universities, and professional schools, e-learning, scientific research and development services, non-profits, business management consulting, clean energy semiconductors manufacturing, investment clubs and venture capital companies and human resources consulting services

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Los Angeles, CA, US

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