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Research Associate Jobs in Novato, CA (NOW HIRING)

Merge Labs

Research Associate

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$95K - $120K/yr

About the role As a Research Associate, you'll join a multidisciplinary group advancing core biological research at Merge. You'll work closely with scientists to design, execute, and iterate on ...

Slope

Research Associate

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

As a Research Associate, you'll join a multidisciplinary group advancing core biological research at Merge in one of two tracks: Science-Track RAs work directly in active scientific programs. You'll ...

Merge

Research Associate

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$70 - $100/hr

About the role As a Research Associate, you'll join a multidisciplinary group advancing core biological research at Merge. You'll work closely with scientists to design, execute, and iterate on ...

NewLimit

Senior/Research Associate

South San Francisco, CA · On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

Position NewLimit is seeking an Senior/Research Associate with experience in discovery biology to join our Vascular therapeutic team. Our Vascular program is developing reprogramming medicines to ...

Belcan

Senior Research Associate

South San Francisco, CA · On-site

$48/hr

Senior Research Associate Location: South San Francisco, CA Zip Code: 94080 Duration: 7 Months Pay Rate: $48/hr. Keyword's: #SouthSanFranciscojobs; #ResearchAssociatejobs; Start Date: Immediate We ...

NewLimit

Senior/Research Associate

South San Francisco, CA · On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

Position NewLimit is seeking an Senior/Research Associate with experience in discovery biology to join our Vascular therapeutic team. Our Vascular program is developing reprogramming medicines to ...

Freenome

Senior Research Associate

Brisbane, CA · On-site

$97K - $126K/yr

As a Senior Research Associate, you will participate in the development of genomic assay technologies and contribute to Freenome's multiomic product portfolio aimed at early cancer detection. You ...

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All JobsResearch Associate JobsResearch Associate Jobs in Novato, CA

Research Associate information

See Novato, CA salary details

$19

$38

$55

How much do research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for research associate in Novato, CA is $38.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30.77 and $43.46 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a research associate?

Research Associates are professionals who support research projects in academic, scientific, or business settings. They assist with designing studies, collecting and analyzing data, and preparing reports or publications. Research Associates often work under the supervision of principal investigators or senior researchers, contributing their expertise to advance the goals of the project. Their responsibilities can vary depending on the field, but typically involve both administrative and hands-on research tasks.

What does a research associate do?

As a research associate, you conduct research and analysis as directed by a senior researcher or project manager. Researchers work in a number of fields, including medical science, the social sciences, natural sciences, finance, management, and academia. Your specific duties and responsibilities differ depending on the field in which you work, but some features of your work are similar across industries. You typically do primary and secondary source research, organize and process data, analyze said data, and report on your findings to lead researchers or clinicians.

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

To thrive as a Research Associate, you need a strong background in research methodology, data analysis, and subject-specific knowledge, typically supported by a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with statistical software (such as SPSS, R, or Python), laboratory equipment, and research databases is often essential. Attention to detail, critical thinking, and clear written and verbal communication skills set outstanding Research Associates apart. These skills ensure accurate data collection, effective collaboration, and the production of reliable, impactful research outcomes.

What are some typical challenges a research associate might face when managing multiple research projects simultaneously?

As a Research Associate, juggling multiple projects often requires strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize tasks effectively. You might encounter challenges such as balancing deadlines, coordinating with various team members, and adapting to shifting project goals or data requirements. Effective communication and proactive time management are essential to ensure each project progresses smoothly and meets its milestones. Many teams use project management tools and regular check-ins to help mitigate these challenges and support collaboration.

What is the difference between Research Associate vs Research Scientist?

AspectResearch AssociateResearch Scientist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's degree in relevant fieldMaster's or PhD in relevant field
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research institutions, universitiesLaboratories, research institutions, industry settings
Employer & Industry UsageAcademic, government, non-profitAcademic, industry, biotech, pharma
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a Research Associate and a Research Scientist lies in their educational requirements and level of experience. Research Associates typically hold a bachelor's or master's degree and assist in research projects, while Research Scientists usually have a PhD and lead research efforts. Both roles work in similar environments like labs and research institutions, but Research Scientists often have more independence and responsibility.

What qualifications do you need to be a research associate?

Research associates typically need a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as science, engineering, or social sciences. Many positions prefer or require a master's degree or higher, along with strong analytical skills, proficiency with research tools, and experience in data collection and analysis.
More about Research Associate jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Research jobs in Novato, CA?

The most popular types of Research jobs in Novato, CA are:

What cities near Novato, CA are hiring for Research Associate jobs?

Cities near Novato, CA with the most Research Associate job openings:

Research Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Associate job openings in Novato, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 72% In-person, and 28% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,467 per year, or $38.2 per hour.

Research Associate

Merge Labs

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$95K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Merge Labs is a frontier research lab with the mission of bridging biological and artificial intelligence to maximize human ability, agency and experience. We're pursuing this goal by developingfundamentally new approaches to brain-computer interfaces that interact with the brain at high bandwidth, integrate with advanced AI, and are ultimately safe and accessible for anyone to use.
About the team
Our Bio team designs, builds, and characterizes the biotechnologies that form the foundation of next-generation brain-computer interfaces. We combine molecular engineering, synthetic biology, neuroscience and advanced physical methods such as ultrasound to establish less invasive, high-bandwidth connections with neurons. The Bio team develops our core molecular technologies, validates their performance in vitro and in vivo, and demonstrates their advanced capabilities in animal models. We build custom experimental setups and pipelines and collaborate closely with engineers and data scientists. We work across disciplines to come up with creative ideas and solve some of the most challenging problems in biotechnology.
About the role
As a Research Associate, you'll join a multidisciplinary group advancing core biological research at Merge. You'll work closely with scientists to design, execute, and iterate on experiments spanning protein engineering, cell biology, synthetic biology, neuroscience and/or translational biology. You'll see your experiments feed directly into experimental decisions, execution, and technical strategy. This track is designed to identify and develop high-potential early scientists and place them on an accelerated path toward independent scientific roles.
In this role, you will:
  • Execute experiments in one or more areas such as:
    • Molecular biology (cloning, mutagenesis, plasmid prep)
    • Protein biochemistry (expression, purification, assays)
    • Cell biology (culture, transfection, imaging)
    • Neuroscience (in vivo experiments, tissue prep, sample handling, data collection)
  • Maintain accurate lab records, inventories, and shared resources.
  • Analyze and present data to help guide experimental design.
  • Learn new techniques and collaborate across scientific disciplines.

You might thrive in this role if you have:
  • A BS, BA, or MS in Biology, Biochemistry, Neuroscience, Bioengineering, or a related field.
  • Hands-on experience in one or more of the following: molecular cloning, protein purification, mammalian cell culture, or in vivo biology.
  • Strong attention to detail, curiosity, and willingness to learn beyond your core domain.
  • A collaborative, organized approach to experimental work and data integrity.
  • Prior experience in an academic or industry research lab.
  • The desire to be part of a fast-paced team working on frontier scientific and technical problems.

Nice to have:
  • Experience with standard biochemical or imaging assays (e.g., SDS-PAGE, fluorescence microscopy, enzymatic assays).
  • Familiarity with rodent models or in vivo experimental workflows.

If you're excited about this role but don't meet every qualification, please apply. As we build, we're hiring for complementary strengths to form a high-impact team.
For more information about hiring at Merge, please visit our Hiring FAQ
Merge Labs does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, family status, ancestry, citizenship, U.S. military (state and federal) and veteran status, or any other legally protected status. It is our intention that all applicants be given equal opportunity and that selection decisions are based on job related factors. We are an equal opportunity employer.
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities, and requests can be made by emailing accommodations@merge.io.

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