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Science Researcher Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Abbott

Research Scientist

San Diego, CA · On-site

OVERVIEW The Research Scientist leads and contributes to research and development initiatives, applying scientific expertise to design experiments, analyze data, solve technical challenges, and ...

Abbott

Research Scientist

San Diego, CA · On-site

OVERVIEW The Research Scientist leads and contributes to research and development initiatives, applying scientific expertise to design experiments, analyze data, solve technical challenges, and ...

Abbott

Research Scientist

San Diego, CA · On-site

OVERVIEW The Research Scientist leads and contributes to research and development initiatives, applying scientific expertise to design experiments, analyze data, solve technical challenges, and ...

Abbott

Research Scientist

San Diego, CA

OVERVIEW The Research Scientist leads and contributes to research and development initiatives, applying scientific expertise to design experiments, analyze data, solve technical challenges, and ...

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All JobsScience Researcher JobsScience Researcher Jobs in California

Science Researcher information

See California salary details

$29.6K

$111.6K

$162.3K

How much do science researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for science 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a science researcher?

To thrive as a Science Researcher, you need strong analytical skills, a solid grounding in scientific methodology, and typically an advanced degree (such as a master's or Ph.D.) in a relevant field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, statistical analysis software (like SPSS or R), and data collection systems is commonly required. Critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective written and verbal communication are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies are crucial for conducting reliable research, interpreting results accurately, and sharing findings with the scientific community.

What are some common challenges science researchers face when collaborating on interdisciplinary projects?

Science Researchers often encounter challenges such as differing methodologies, terminologies, and expectations when working on interdisciplinary teams. Effective communication and flexibility are key to bridging gaps between fields, ensuring that all team members understand project goals and processes. Additionally, managing data integration and balancing various timelines can be complex, but these experiences ultimately foster innovation and professional growth. Cultivating strong collaborative skills is essential for success in such dynamic research environments.

What is the difference between Science Researcher vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectScience ResearcherLaboratory Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. in a scientific fieldAssociate's or Bachelor's degree in science or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, universities, industry research centersLaboratories, clinical settings, manufacturing facilities
Employer & Industry UsageAcademic, government, private researchHealthcare, manufacturing, quality control

Science Researchers typically hold advanced degrees and focus on designing experiments, analyzing data, and publishing findings. Laboratory Technicians usually have technical diplomas or degrees, performing routine tests, maintaining equipment, and supporting research activities. Both roles are essential in scientific settings but differ mainly in education level, responsibilities, and scope of work.

How do you become a science researcher?

To become a science researcher, typically a bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific field is required, often followed by a master's or Ph.D. for advanced positions. Gaining experience through internships, research projects, and developing skills in laboratory techniques and data analysis are also important steps in pursuing this career.

How much does a science researcher get paid?

The average salary for a science researcher varies depending on experience, education, and location, but typically ranges from $45,000 to $85,000 per year. Entry-level positions often start around $40,000, while experienced researchers with advanced degrees can earn over $100,000. Salaries may also include benefits such as research funding, conference allowances, and access to specialized equipment.

How much does a science researcher make?

The average salary for a science researcher varies depending on experience, education, and location, but typically ranges from $50,000 to $80,000 annually. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced researchers with advanced degrees and specialized skills can earn over $100,000. Salaries are often complemented by benefits such as research funding and professional development opportunities.

What does a science researcher do?

A science researcher conducts experiments, collects data, and analyzes results to advance knowledge in a specific scientific field. They often work in laboratories or research institutions, using tools like microscopes, software, and laboratory equipment, and may publish findings in scientific journals.
Science Researcher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Science Researcher job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 73% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 23% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,621 per year, or $53.7 per hour.

Hybrid | Senior Biochemistry & Life Sciences Research Scientist $55-$95/hour

24-MAG LLC

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$55 - $95/hr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Senior Life Sciences Researcher Opportunity

We are sharing a specialised full-time opportunity for senior life sciences researchers with deep expertise in biochemistry, molecular and cell biology, genetics, immunology, neuroscience, structural biology, or related research disciplines. This role supports advanced research focused on improving how AI systems reason through complex life sciences work. Selected scientists will review technical research tasks and outputs, develop authoritative reference solutions and instructions, and translate expert scientific judgement into rigorous standards for evaluating research-level reasoning.

Key Responsibilities

  • Evaluate scientific tasks and outputs for accuracy, completeness, and research quality
  • Identify unsupported causal claims, weak mechanistic reasoning, missing controls, and flawed assumptions
  • Assess whether conclusions are appropriately supported by experimental evidence
  • Distinguish scientifically rigorous reasoning from plausible but poorly supported explanations
  • Apply senior-level judgement across complex biological research scenarios

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

  • Develop and review problems involving biochemical pathways, molecular mechanisms, and cellular processes
  • Evaluate protein function, molecular interactions, signalling, and regulatory mechanisms
  • Assess experimental interpretations and mechanistic conclusions
  • Identify gaps between observed data and proposed biological explanations
  • Create reference solutions reflecting current research practice

Cell Biology & Structural Biology

  • Review tasks involving cellular organisation, signalling, trafficking, and molecular structure
  • Evaluate experimental approaches used to investigate cellular and structural mechanisms
  • Assess whether proposed interpretations are consistent with available evidence
  • Identify methodological limitations and alternative explanations
  • Apply practical research knowledge to complex experimental scenarios

Genetics & Genomics

  • Develop and evaluate tasks involving genetics, genomics, gene regulation, and functional analysis
  • Review conclusions drawn from genomic and molecular datasets
  • Assess experimental design, controls, and interpretation
  • Identify unsupported associations or causal claims
  • Apply current research standards to genomic reasoning and analysis

Immunology & Immuno-Oncology

  • Contribute expertise to scenarios involving immune biology, signalling, disease mechanisms, and therapeutic response
  • Evaluate mechanistic reasoning across innate and adaptive immune systems
  • Review experimental evidence supporting immune-related conclusions
  • Assess biomarker, pathway, and cellular-response interpretations
  • Identify overextended or insufficiently supported claims

Neuroscience & Systems Biology

  • Review research problems involving neural systems, cellular neuroscience, or systems-level biological interactions
  • Evaluate complex multiscale biological reasoning
  • Assess relationships between molecular, cellular, and organism-level findings
  • Identify missing evidence or alternative interpretations
  • Develop reference outputs reflecting expert scientific judgement

Research Task & Reference Solution Development

  • Write detailed task instructions grounded in authentic research workflows
  • Produce high-quality reference solutions to complex life sciences problems
  • Define what constitutes a complete, scientifically sound, and defensible response
  • Translate tacit research judgement into explicit evaluation criteria
  • Develop new tasks reflecting how experienced scientists approach real research problems

Quality Standards & Calibration

  • Collaborate with research teams and specialists from adjacent scientific disciplines
  • Help maintain consistent standards across life sciences evaluation work
  • Identify recurring weaknesses and failure patterns in model outputs
  • Refine evaluation criteria based on observed performance
  • Contribute domain expertise to new scientific research workflows

Ideal Profile

  • PhD in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Genetics, Immunology, Neuroscience, or a closely related life sciences discipline
  • 4+ years of substantive research experience at a recognised research university, academic medical centre, national laboratory, industrial research organisation, or comparable institution
  • Genuine specialisation in at least one area such as: molecular and cell biology, biochemistry and structural biology, immunology and immuno-oncology, genetics and genomics, neuroscience, systems biology
  • Clear progression into senior research responsibility, such as Senior Scientist, Staff Scientist, Research Scientist, Instructor, Principal Investigator, faculty member, or comparable level
  • Demonstrated ownership of research direction, experimental programmes, or major scientific workstreams
  • Strong record of peer-reviewed research is highly valued, particularly first-author or otherwise substantial contributions
  • Practical experience using large language models in professional or research workflows
  • Strong judgement when distinguishing rigorous scientific reasoning from superficially plausible conclusions
  • Excellent written communication and ability to provide precise, structured scientific feedback

Engagement Details

  • Full-time position
  • Hybrid — Bay Area, California
  • Expected commitment of 40 hours per week
  • Initial engagement of approximately 6 months
  • Compensation: $55–$95/hour
  • Candidates must live in the Bay Area and be available to work on-site with the assigned team multiple days per week when required
  • Candidates not currently based in the Bay Area must be willing to relocate there at their own expense before the engagement begins
  • Relocation assistance is not provided
  • Client-issued accounts and equipment may be provided for work within designated systems and workflows
  • Projects may be extended, shortened, or concluded based on organisational needs and performance

About the Platform

This opportunity is available through 24-MAG LLC. We connect experienced professionals with remote consulting opportunities across technical, evaluation, and project-based workstreams.

By submitting this application, you acknowledge that your information may be processed by 24-MAG LLC for recruitment and opportunity matching in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

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