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Senior Research Associate Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

System One

Sr Research Associate I

San Rafael, CA · On-site

$39 - $42.93/hr

Job Title: Sr Research Associate I Location: San Rafael, CA Type: Contract Compensation: $39-$42.93 Work Model: Onsite Hours: 40.0 hours per week Overview Leading biotechnology company looking for an ...

System One

Sr Research Associate I

San Rafael, CA · On-site

$39 - $42.93/hr

Job Title: Sr Research Associate I Location: San Rafael, CA Type: Contract Compensation: $39-$42.93 Work Model: Onsite Hours: 40.0 hours per week Overview Leading biotechnology company looking for an ...

Karius

Senior Research Associate

Redwood City, CA

Position Summary As a Sr. Research Associate, you will work alongside scientific leaders in NGS-based infectious disease diagnostics providing meaningful contributions to making an impact in the ...

Karius

Senior Research Associate

Redwood City, CA · On-site

Position Summary As a Sr. Research Associate, you will work alongside scientific leaders in NGS-based infectious disease diagnostics providing meaningful contributions to making an impact in the ...

Karius

Senior Research Associate

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$88K - $102K/yr

Position Summary As a Sr. Research Associate, you will work alongside scientific leaders in NGS-based infectious disease diagnostics providing meaningful contributions to making an impact in the ...

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All JobsResearch Associate JobsSenior Research Associate JobsSenior Research Associate Jobs in California

Senior Research Associate information

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$44

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How much do senior research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for senior research associate in California is $44.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37.50 and $49.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior research associate?

A senior research associate is a clinical or social scientist who runs experiments or studies at a medical center, think tank, university, or for a pharmaceutical company. As a senior research associate, your job duties include performing clinical research, complex testing of samples, data collection, and analysis of results. In this job, you direct researchers in your lab and collaborate with other scientific professionals to design experiments or compare results. Qualifications and skills needed for this career include a bachelor’s degree in a field related to your work and several years of experience as a research associate. A master’s degree or Ph.D. with significant research or laboratory components can substitute for some job experience.

What is a senior research associate?

A Senior Research Associate is an experienced professional who leads and conducts advanced research projects within academic, scientific, or corporate environments. They are responsible for designing experiments, analyzing data, supervising junior staff, and contributing to publications and grant proposals. Senior Research Associates often act as key members of research teams, providing expertise and ensuring projects are completed efficiently and accurately. Their role requires a strong background in their field, excellent analytical skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior research associate?

To thrive as a Senior Research Associate, you need advanced research skills, data analysis expertise, and a relevant degree (often a master's or PhD) in a scientific or technical field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, statistical software (such as SPSS or R), and compliance with regulatory standards is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication make someone stand out in this position. These skills and qualities are essential for ensuring accurate research outcomes, fostering innovation, and supporting collaboration within research teams.

What are some common challenges faced by senior research associates in managing multiple projects simultaneously?

Senior Research Associates often juggle several projects at once, which can make prioritization and time management challenging. Balancing hands-on experimental work, data analysis, and documentation while meeting project deadlines requires strong organizational skills and clear communication with team members. Proactively coordinating with principal investigators and cross-functional teams helps ensure that expectations are aligned, resources are available, and progress stays on track. Utilizing project management tools and regular team meetings can also aid in overcoming these challenges.

What is the difference between Senior Research Associate vs Research Scientist?

AspectSenior Research AssociateResearch Scientist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's degree, relevant experienceMaster's or Ph.D., specialized research training
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research teams, industry or academiaAdvanced research settings, independent projects
Employer & Industry UsagePharmaceuticals, biotech, academia, governmentResearch institutions, biotech firms, academia
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for career progression, responsibilitiesMore specialized, higher-level research roles

The main difference between a Senior Research Associate and a Research Scientist lies in their experience, level of independence, and research responsibilities. Senior Research Associates typically support research projects with substantial experience, while Research Scientists often lead projects and require advanced degrees like a Ph.D. for more independent research roles. Both roles are vital in research environments, but Research Scientists usually hold a higher level of expertise and responsibility.

Do I need a PhD to be a senior research associate?

A senior research associate typically does not require a PhD, but many employers prefer candidates with a master's degree or equivalent experience in the relevant field. Relevant skills, research experience, and technical proficiency often play a more significant role than the highest degree held.

How much does a senior research associate make in the US?

A senior research associate in the US typically earns between $60,000 and $90,000 annually, depending on the industry, location, and level of experience. Salaries can vary based on the organization and whether the role requires specialized skills or advanced degrees.
More about Senior Research Associate jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Senior Research jobs in California?

The most popular types of Senior Research jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Senior Research Associate jobs in California?

For Senior Research Associate jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Senior Research Associate jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Research Associate jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Senior Research Associate jobs?

Cities in California with the most Senior Research Associate job openings:

Senior Research Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Research Associate job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,461 per year, or $44.5 per hour.

Sr Research Associate I

System One

San Rafael, CA • On-site

$39 - $42.93/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Sr Research Associate I Location: San Rafael, CA Type: Contract Compensation: $39-$42.93 Work Model: Onsite Hours: 40.0 hours per week

Overview Leading biotechnology company looking for an experienced Sr. Research Associate I. Ideal candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry, Biology, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline with 4–6 years of relevant industry experience OR a Master's degree with 2–4 years of relevant industry experience.

Responsibilities

  • Independently perform purification of recombinant enzymes and other therapeutic biologics, including proteins, antibodies, and peptides, using ÄKTA Pure and ÄKTA Avant chromatography systems.
  • Execute and optimize purification workflows including affinity chromatography, ion exchange chromatography (AEX/CEX), size-exclusion chromatography (SEC), hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HIC), desalting, and buffer exchange.
  • Perform concentration and buffer exchange using tangential-flow filtration (TFF), ultrafiltration/diafiltration (UF/DF), or centrifugal filtration.
  • Evaluate purification performance and recommend process improvements to enhance yield, purity, and recovery.
  • Troubleshoot chromatography, filtration, and purification processes with minimal supervision.
  • Prepare buffers, reagents, and chromatography columns according to established procedures.
  • Perform routine instrument checks, preventative maintenance, and basic troubleshooting of purification equipment.
  • Perform analytical assays to assess purity, identity, concentration, and quality of biologics, including SDS-PAGE, CE-SDS, SEC-HPLC, RP-HPLC, UV/Vis spectrophotometry, and additional protein and peptide analytical methods.
  • Interpret analytical data to support purification process optimization and project decision-making.
  • Analyze experimental results using GraphPad Prism, JMP, Microsoft Excel, or similar software.
  • Communicate experimental findings through technical summaries, presentations, and discussions with cross-functional project teams.
  • Support analytical method development, qualification, or technology transfer activities as needed.
  • Maintain accurate and complete electronic and/or paper laboratory notebooks.
  • Follow established SOPs and document deviations with guidance.
  • Communicate results, observations, and progress updates clearly within the team.
  • Contribute to a safe, clean, and well-organized laboratory environment in compliance with COMPANY safety standards.

Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry, Biology, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline with 4–6 years of relevant industry experience, or Master's degree with 2–4 years of relevant industry experience.
  • Demonstrated experience purifying recombinant enzymes, proteins, antibodies, or peptide therapeutics.
  • Hands-on experience operating ÄKTA Pure, ÄKTA Avant, or equivalent FPLC chromatography systems.
  • Experience with protein analytical techniques including SEC-HPLC, RP-HPLC, CE-SDS, SDS-PAGE, and UV/Vis spectroscopy.
  • Experience with tangential-flow filtration (TFF) and ultrafiltration/diafiltration (UF/DF) is preferred.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with excellent attention to detail.
  • Experience with electronic laboratory notebooks (Benchling or similar) and data analysis software such as GraphPad Prism or JMP.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present technical data effectively.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining high-quality scientific documentation.
  • Strong collaboration skills and the ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary research teams.

System One, and its subsidiaries including Joulé and Mountain Ltd., are leaders in delivering outsourced services and workforce solutions across North America. We help clients get work done more efficiently and economically, without compromising quality. System One not only serves as a valued partner for our clients, but we offer eligible employees health and welfare benefits coverage options including medical, dental, vision, spending accounts, life insurance, voluntary plans, as well as participation in a 401(k) plan.

System One is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, family care or medical leave status, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Ref: #558-Scientific