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Research Associate I Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

RD Partners

Research Associate I

Foster City, CA · On-site

$39.85/hr

R&D Partners is seeking to hire a Research Associate I in Foster City, CA . Your main responsibilities as a Research Associate I: · Responsible for the expansion, maintenance, cryopreservation, and ...

Moffitt

Research Associate I

West Covina, CA

$18.19 - $27.83/hr

Summary The Research Associate I assumes the responsibility of performing basic, biological, behavioral, social science or public health research within the specified research program. The Research ...

CEDARS-SINAI

Research Associate I, Dou Lab

Tarzana, CA

$25 - $30.46/hr

The Research Associate I in the Dou Lab at Cedars-Sinai will create and lead research to improve translational cancer research by leveraging clinical and image data. In the Dou Lab we use advanced ...

WuXi AppTec

Research Associate I

San Diego, CA · On-site

$18 - $23/hr

We're seeking a highly motivated Research Associate I to support our in vivo pharmacology team for various projects. • Assist with in vivo pharmacology experiments for preclinical contract research ...

WuXi AppTec

Research Associate I

San Diego, CA

$18 - $23/hr

We're seeking a highly motivated Research Associate I to support our in vivo pharmacology team for various projects. • Assist with in vivo pharmacology experiments for preclinical contract research ...

WuXi AppTec

Research Associate I

San Diego, CA · On-site

$18 - $23/hr

We're seeking a highly motivated Research Associate I to support our in vivo pharmacology team for various projects. Responsibilities • Assist with in vivo pharmacology experiments for preclinical ...

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All JobsResearch Associate I JobsResearch Associate I Jobs in California

Research Associate I information

See California salary details

$16

$32

$46

How much do research associate i jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for research associate i in California is $32.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.87 and $36.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Research Associate I vs Research Associate II?

AspectResearch Associate IResearch Associate II
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in relevant fieldBachelor's or Master's degree, more experience
Work EnvironmentEntry-level research settings, laboratoriesSimilar environments, with increased responsibilities
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in biotech, pharma, academiaSame industries, higher expectations

The main difference between Research Associate I and Research Associate II lies in experience and responsibility. Research Associate II typically requires more experience or advanced education and involves more complex tasks. Both roles are found in similar environments and industries, but Research Associate II often takes on greater responsibilities and may supervise junior staff.

How to become a research associate I?

To become a Research Associate I, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as science, engineering, or social sciences. Relevant skills include data analysis, laboratory techniques, and familiarity with research tools; some positions may require prior research experience or internships. Entry-level roles often require strong communication skills and attention to detail.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Research Associate I?

To thrive as a Research Associate I, you need a solid background in scientific research methods, data analysis, and a relevant bachelor's or master's degree in a scientific field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, statistical software (such as SPSS, R, or Excel), and adherence to standard operating procedures is often required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help you excel in collaborative research environments. These skills ensure accurate data collection, reliable results, and successful teamwork in advancing research objectives.

What does a Research Associate I do?

A Research Associate I is an entry-level professional who assists in conducting scientific research, experiments, and data analysis under the supervision of senior researchers. Their responsibilities often include preparing laboratory materials, collecting and analyzing data, maintaining accurate records, and helping to write reports or papers. This role is typically found in academic, medical, or industrial research settings and provides valuable experience for those pursuing a career in research or laboratory sciences.

What are some common challenges faced by a Research Associate I, and how can they be addressed?

As a Research Associate I, one common challenge is balancing multiple projects with tight deadlines while maintaining accuracy in data collection and analysis. This role often requires adapting quickly to shifting priorities and collaborating with both senior researchers and laboratory teams. Developing strong organizational and communication skills can help manage these demands effectively. Additionally, proactively seeking feedback and clarifying expectations with supervisors can ensure research objectives are met efficiently.
What are the most commonly searched types of Research I jobs in California? The most popular types of Research I jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Research Associate I jobs? Cities in California with the most Research Associate I job openings:
Research Associate I jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Associate I job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,799 per year, or $32.1 per hour.

Research Associate I

RD Partners

Foster City, CA • On-site

$39.85/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

R&D Partners is seeking to hire a Research Associate I in Foster City, CA.

Your main responsibilities as a Research Associate I:

·      Responsible for the expansion, maintenance, cryopreservation, and thawing of multiple cell lines.

·      Collaborate with team members to assess cell culture needs and provide necessary support for ongoing research activities.

·      Engage with various functional areas to evaluate cell culture and cell banking needs and deliver materials according to defined timelines.

·      Understand quality control procedures to validate cell lines as needed to ensure experimental integrity.

·      Maintain accurate, detailed laboratory notebooks and relevant documentation for all laboratory activities.



What we are looking for in a Research Associate I:

·      B.S. degree in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Cancer Biology, or a related life science field, with a minimum of 3 years of hands-on experience working with cancer cell lines, primary cells, and genetically engineered cell lines.

·      Expertise in aseptic technique and mammalian cell culture, including handling multiple cell lines simultaneously and preparing media with complex supplements.

·      Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and proficiency in record keeping.

·      Familiarity with cell culture quality control practices such as mycoplasma testing and cell line authentication.

·      Proficiency in using electronic lab notebooks for experiment documentation, inventory management, and workflow execution (Preferred).

Why Choose R&D Partners?

As an employee, you have access to a comprehensive benefits package including:

  • Medical insurance – PPO, HMO &
  • Dental & Vision insurance
  • 401k plan
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Long-term disability
  • Weekly payroll
  • Expense reimbursement
  • Online timecard approval

 

Pay Scale:

$66,310 – $82,888 Dependent on Experience)

R&D Partners is a global functional service provider and strategic staffing resource specializing in scientific, clinical research & engineering. We provide job opportunities within major pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device companies.  

R&D Partners is an equal-opportunity employer.   

Company Description

R&D Partners is a national staffing firm focused in the areas of: Scientific, Clinical Research and Engineering. Our team offers well over 200 years of combined staffing experience providing consulting, direct hire & outsourcing solutions with our west coast offices in San Francisco, Redwood City and San Diego, CA and our east coast offices located in Harrisburg, PA and Tampa, FL.

The cornerstone of our success: a knowledgeable and experienced recruiting team.

Our life sciences recruiters, clinical research recruiters and engineering recruiters are uniquely specialized. After a detailed assessment of our clients’ needs, we can then identify appropriate candidates utilizing our established network of professionals. R&D Partners takes a proactive approach to recruiting, establishing relationships with experienced passive candidates so when the time is right, we can combine our candidates’ talents with our clients’ opportunities.