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Research Assistant Software Developer Jobs in Santa Ana, CA

Apply object-oriented programming principles and software engineering best practices * Assist in troubleshooting software defects and performance issues * Support the enhancement and modernization of ...

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Research Assistant Software Developer information

See Santa Ana, CA salary details

$30.7K

$104.3K

$251.3K

How much do research assistant software developer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for research assistant software developer in Santa Ana, CA is $104,334.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,100.00 and $110,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a research assistant software developer?

Research Assistant Software Developers are professionals who support research projects by developing, maintaining, and optimizing software tools and applications. They work alongside researchers, helping to design experiments, process data, and create algorithms or simulations necessary for the research. Their role bridges the gap between software engineering and academic research, ensuring that technical solutions meet the specific needs of scientific studies. This position often requires strong programming skills, familiarity with research methodologies, and the ability to collaborate in interdisciplinary teams.

What are some common challenges faced by research assistant software developers when working on interdisciplinary research projects?

Research Assistant Software Developers often collaborate with researchers from diverse academic backgrounds, which can introduce challenges in communication and aligning technical requirements with research goals. Adapting software solutions to evolving project needs and integrating new methodologies or datasets can require quick learning and flexibility. Balancing rigorous coding standards with rapid prototyping, especially under tight research deadlines, is another frequent challenge. However, this role provides valuable exposure to cutting-edge research and fosters strong problem-solving and teamwork skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a research assistant software developer, and why are they important?

A Research Assistant Software Developer should have solid programming skills, a background in computer science or a related field, and experience with software development methodologies. Familiarity with tools like Git, Python or Java, and data analysis libraries, as well as knowledge of research-specific platforms, is commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills ensure the development of robust research software, facilitate collaboration with research teams, and contribute to the advancement of scientific projects.

What is the difference between Research Assistant Software Developer vs Data Analyst?

AspectResearch Assistant Software DeveloperData Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's in CS, Software Engineering, or related fieldBachelor's in Statistics, Data Science, or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academic institutions, tech companiesBusiness, finance, healthcare, or tech industries
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutions, tech firmsCorporations, consulting firms, government agencies
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a Research Assistant Software Developer and a Data Analyst lies in their focus areas. Research Assistant Software Developers primarily work on developing software tools for research purposes, often within academic or research settings. Data Analysts focus on interpreting data to inform business decisions. Both roles require programming skills and analytical thinking, but their end goals and work environments differ.

What are popular job titles related to Research Assistant Software Developer jobs in Santa Ana, CA?

For Research Assistant Software Developer jobs in Santa Ana, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Research Assistant Software Developer jobs in Santa Ana, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Research Assistant Software Developer jobs in Santa Ana, CA are:

What cities near Santa Ana, CA are hiring for Research Assistant Software Developer jobs?

Cities near Santa Ana, CA with the most Research Assistant Software Developer job openings:

Student Research Assistant - AI and Qualitative Research

Chapman University School of Pharmacy

Irvine, CA • On-site

$20.50 - $28/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

Job Summary:
Chapman University School of Pharmacy is seeking a Student Research Assistant to contribute to the development of AI systems with a user-friendly web interface. The role involves responsibilities such as writing and documenting code, implementing a modular system architecture, and assisting with interface design.
Responsibilities:
• Responsibilities include writing and documenting code, implementing a modular system architecture, supporting secure data-handling practices, and assisting with interface design and usability testing.
Qualifications:
Required:
• strong programming skills (Python required)
• Experience with AI/ LLM APIs
• conversational systems
• web development frameworks (e.g., React, Next.js, or similar)
• Familiarity with human-computer interaction
• prompt design
• experimental testing
• research methods
Preferred:
• An interest in the social implications of AI
• research ethics
Company:
A top 50 research school, Chapman Pharmacy is an ACPE and WASC-accredited institution located in Irvine, California. Founded in , the company is headquartered in US, , with a team of 501-1000 employees. The company is currently Late Stage.