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Stem Cell Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

UC San Diego Health

$19 - $26.25/hr

Under supervision, the Stem Cell Research Technician assists with generating and analyzing stem-cell based models of neurodevelopmental disorders. The incumbent will perform routine maintenance of ...

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How much do stem cell jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for stem cell in California is $21.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $26.83 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by stem cell researchers in a laboratory setting?

Stem cell researchers often encounter challenges such as maintaining the sterility and viability of cell cultures, troubleshooting differentiation protocols, and ensuring reproducibility of experimental results. Additionally, working with sensitive stem cell lines can require precise attention to detail and strict adherence to ethical guidelines. Collaborating effectively with interdisciplinary teams—including biologists, clinicians, and bioinformaticians—is also essential, as projects often span multiple areas of expertise.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a stem cell researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Stem Cell Researcher, you need a strong background in cellular biology, molecular techniques, and a relevant advanced degree such as a PhD in a life science field. Mastery of laboratory technologies like flow cytometry, cell culture systems, and specialized software for data analysis is common, and certifications in laboratory safety may be required. Critical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for designing experiments and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. These skills drive scientific discovery, ensure accurate results, and foster advancement in regenerative medicine and related fields.

What is the difference between Stem Cell vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectStem CellLaboratory Technician
Required CredentialsAdvanced degrees in biology, biotechnology, or related fields; specialized training in stem cell researchAssociate's or bachelor's degree in life sciences; technical training in lab procedures
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, biotech companies, academic institutionsHospitals, research labs, diagnostic labs
Industry UsageBiotech, regenerative medicine, research institutionsHealthcare, research, diagnostics

Stem Cell professionals focus on research and development involving stem cells, requiring advanced education and specialized skills. Laboratory Technicians support various lab functions, including processing samples and maintaining equipment. While both roles work in laboratory settings, Stem Cell roles are more research-intensive, whereas Laboratory Technicians provide essential technical support across multiple scientific disciplines.

What is a stem cell researcher?

Stem cell researchers are scientists who study stem cells, which are unique cells capable of developing into many different cell types in the body. Their work focuses on understanding how stem cells function, how they can be used to treat diseases, and how to safely and effectively use them in regenerative medicine. They may work in laboratories conducting experiments, developing therapies, or researching ways to use stem cells to repair or replace damaged tissues and organs.
What are popular job titles related to Stem Cell jobs in California? For Stem Cell jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Stem Cell jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Stem Cell jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Stem Cell jobs? Cities in California with the most Stem Cell job openings:
Stem Cell jobs near you
Infographic showing various Stem Cell job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $44,432 per year, or $21.4 per hour.

Developmental & Stem Cell Biology

Becoming

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

About Becoming
Becoming is building Developmental Intelligence: AI for predicting how organisms change over time.
Development is intelligence in motion. Most experimental systems fail when metabolic demands become too high. We are building systems that don't - combining engineered metabolic environments, longitudinal measurement, and predictive models to turn development into something that can be understood, tested, and controlled.
This is frontier tech with real stakes. We value speed, rigor, integrity, and ownership.
The Role
We are hiring a Developmental & Stem Cell Biology to own and scale critical biological systems within Becoming's platform.
This is a high-agency, industry-caliber role. You will not be handed a task list. You will be expected to identify problems, propose solutions, and drive experiments from idea to impact. You will build and operate long-horizon developmental systems from stem and primary cells, integrate them with engineered environments, and generate data that directly informs platform decisions.
You will work closely with scientists, engineers, and AI researchers, with increasing ownership as the platform scales.
What You'll Own
  • Design and execution of long-horizon developmental systems derived from stem and primary cells
  • Day-to-day ownership of biological performance: stability, progression, and reproducibility
  • Development of benchmarks and readouts for developmental state, patterning, and functional maturation
  • Execution of contextual perturbations (signaling, nutrients, mechanics, metabolic conditions) and interpretation of outcomes
  • Generation of clean, interpretable datasets suitable for modeling and decision-making
  • Iteration on protocols and systems to improve robustness, scalability, and reliability
  • Clear, direct communication of results, failures, and next steps across disciplines
Who You Are
You are someone who:
  • Operates with high agency - you take initiative and don't wait to be told what to do
  • Takes ownership of outcomes, not just experiments
  • Brings high energy and momentum to ambitious scientific problems
  • Acts with high integrity - you are honest about data, limitations, and uncertainty
  • Communicates directly and clearly, especially when things aren't working
  • Is self-aware and receptive to sharing and receiving feedback
  • Thinks like a systems integrator, connecting biology, environment, hardware, and data
  • Thrives in fast-moving tech environments where priorities evolve quickly

Requirements
Required
  • PhD (or equivalent experience) in developmental biology, stem cell biology, or a related field
  • At least 1 year of industry experience in tech, biotech, pharma, or a startup, with exposure to real-world timelines, cross-functional collaboration, and delivery expectations
  • Strong hands-on experience with stem cell-derived early developmental systems and/or mammalian developmental processes
  • Solid intuition for temporal dynamics and context-dependent biology
  • Demonstrated ability to take loosely defined goals and turn them into executed, decision-relevant experiments
  • Comfort making progress with incomplete information and iterating quickly

Strong Signals
  • Experience with mouse developmental systems, lineage progression, or early tissue organization
  • Prior work building or scaling new experimental systems, not just running established assays
  • Exposure to long-term cultures, perfusion, or engineered microenvironments
  • Interest in how biological data feeds into predictive or computational models

Benefits
  • Competitive salary and meaningful equity depending on experience level
  • Full benefits
  • High-trust, high-ownership environment
  • The opportunity to define a new scientific category from the ground up

Apply