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Student Researcher Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The Undergraduate Student Researcher supports ongoing research activities within the laboratory or research program by assisting with data collection, analysis, and general project coordination. This ...

Student Title Classification Information Quick Link Job Number SE234824 Position Information Department or Unit Name Sociology Position Headcount 1 Position Title Student Research Assistant Academic ...

... Student Research Assistant Academic Year Academic Year 2026-2027 Term or Semester All Academic Year Is this Role for an Undergrad or Grad Student? Undergrad Anticipated Pay Range $18.00 Pay Range ...

Hours are arranged around the student's class schedule, making this an excellent opportunity to gain experience in an academic research environment while maintaining academic commitments. Hourly ...

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Student Researcher information

See California salary details

$29.6K

$111.6K

$162.3K

How much do student researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for student 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 is a student researcher?

Student researchers are individuals, typically enrolled in high school, college, or graduate programs, who conduct academic or scientific research under the supervision of a faculty member or research advisor. Their work often involves gathering and analyzing data, conducting experiments, and contributing to scholarly publications or projects. Student researchers gain valuable hands-on experience in their field of study, develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and may present their findings at conferences or in academic journals.

What are some common challenges faced by student researchers, and how can they be overcome?

Student Researchers often juggle multiple responsibilities, such as coursework, research projects, and sometimes part-time jobs. Time management and balancing competing priorities can be challenging. To overcome these challenges, it's helpful to set clear goals, communicate regularly with faculty advisors, and use project management tools. Collaborating with other students and seeking mentorship can also provide valuable support throughout the research process.

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

To thrive as a Student Researcher, you need strong analytical abilities, attention to detail, and foundational knowledge in your academic field, often supported by current enrollment in a degree program. Familiarity with research methodologies, data analysis tools like SPSS or Excel, and academic databases is typically required. Excellent communication, time management, and problem-solving skills help you collaborate effectively and manage complex projects. These skills are crucial for producing rigorous research, meeting deadlines, and contributing meaningfully to academic or scientific advancements.

What is the difference between Student Researcher vs Research Assistant?

AspectStudent ResearcherResearch Assistant
Required CredentialsTypically enrolled in a degree program, may have limited or no formal research certificationsOften has completed coursework or holds a relevant degree, sometimes with research certifications
Work EnvironmentAcademic labs, university settings, research projects under supervisionResearch labs, academic or industry settings, supporting research activities
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, academic research projects, internshipsUniversities, research institutions, industry research teams

Both roles involve assisting with research activities, but Student Researchers are usually students gaining experience, while Research Assistants often have more formal qualifications and may work in broader research settings. The roles overlap in environment and industry but differ mainly in credentials and employment status.

What are the most commonly searched types of Student Researcher jobs in California?

The most popular types of Student Researcher jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Student Researcher jobs in California?

For Student Researcher jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Student Researcher jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Student Researcher jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Student Researcher jobs?

Cities in California with the most Student Researcher job openings:

Infographic showing various Student Researcher job openings in California as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 53% Full Time, 42% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,621 per year, or $53.7 per hour.

Student Researcher, PhD, Fall 2026

Mountain View, CA • On-site

Google
Software Development • 10K+ employees

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Re-posted 22 days ago


Google rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 103 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

info_outline
X
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and it's in the applicant's best interest to apply early. The anticipated application window is open until November 27, 2026, but may close earlier if all available projects are full. Applications submitted after the application window or once the role is closed/projects are full will not be considered.
Participation in this program requires that you are located in the United States for the duration of the engagement.
This opportunity is intended for students who are pursuing a PhD degree program in Computer Science or a related field. Our Student Researcher opportunities are flexible in time commitment, length of opportunity, and onsite/remote nature, depending on the specific project and host needs. Start dates for this role are typically August through December.
This program is intended for students who will not be seeking full time employment following this role, as this program is non-conversion eligible.
Google is a global company and, in order to facilitate efficient collaboration and communication globally, English proficiency is a requirement for this internship program.
To start the application process, you will need an updated CV or resume and a current unofficial or official transcript in English (PDFs preferred).
Please ensure your anticipated graduation dates (in MM/YY) and any proficiency in coding languages are listed on the resume.
In accordance with Washington state law, we are highlighting our comprehensive benefits package, which is available to all eligible US based Interns. Benefits for this role include:
  • Health, dental, vision insurance
  • Sick Time: 40 hours/year (increased to 69 hours/year for Seattle) including 5 discretionary sick days per instance
  • Holidays: 13 paid days per year

Applicants in the County of Los Angeles: Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.
Applicants in San Francisco: Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.
Note: By applying to this position you will have an opportunity to share your preferred working location from the following: Mountain View, CA, USA; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Atlanta, GA, USA; Austin, TX, USA; Cambridge, MA, USA; Chicago, IL, USA; Irvine, CA, USA; Kirkland, WA, USA; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Madison, WI, USA; New York, NY, USA; Palo Alto, CA, USA; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Goleta, CA, USA; San Bruno, CA, USA; Seattle, WA, USA; San Francisco, CA, USA; Sunnyvale, CA, USA; Washington D.C., DC, USA.
Minimum qualifications:
  • Currently enrolled in a PhD degree in Computer Science, Linguistics, Statistics, Biostatistics, Applied Mathematics, Operations Research, Economics, Natural Sciences, or a related technical field.
  • Experience in one area of computer science (e.g., Natural Language Understanding, Human Computer Interactions, Computer Vision, Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Algorithmic Foundations of Optimization, Quantum Information Science, Data Science, Software Engineering, or similar areas).

Preferred qualifications:
  • Currently enrolled in a full-time degree program and returning to the program after completion of the internship.
  • Currently attending a degree program in the United States.
  • Experience as a researcher, including internships, full-time, or at a lab.
  • Experience contributing to research communities or efforts, including publishing papers in major conferences or journals.
  • Experience with one or more general purpose programming languages (e.g., Python, Java, JavaScript, C/C , etc.).

About the job
The Student Researcher Program fosters academic collaborations by hiring students onto research projects aligned to company priorities in scientific advancement. The program offers placements on teams across Google, for research, engineering, and science roles. As a Student Researcher, you will have the opportunity to participate in research projects focused on developing solutions for real-world, large-scale problems.
Student Researcher projects are exploratory and experiences that drive scientific advancement across a multitude of research areas. Students will work collaboratively on projects that explore innovative research challenges and support the creation of breakthrough technologies.
Projects vary in duration and location based on team and student requirements. It is required that you are located in one of the specific country locations identified for this role for the full duration of the engagement. When you apply, you will be considered for Student Researcher positions across all of Google's research teams including Google DeepMind, Google Research, Google Cloud and more. This allows us to find the right project match for your skills and interests.
Researchers across Google are working to advance the state of the art in computing and build the next generation of intelligent systems for all Google products. To achieve this, we invest in foundational research and work on projects that utilize the latest computer science techniques developed by skilled software developers and research scientists. Whether we're shaping the future of sustainability, optimizing algorithms, or pioneering AI systems, our teams strive to continuously progress science, advance society, and improve the lives of billions of people.
The US base salary range for this full-time position is $118,000-$157,000. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process.
Please note that the compensation details listed in US role postings reflect the base salary only, and do not include bonus, equity, or benefits. Learn more about benefits at Google .
Responsibilities
  • Participate in research to develop solutions for real-world, large-scale problems.

Information collected and processed as part of your Google Careers profile, and any job applications you choose to submit is subject to Google's Applicant and Candidate Privacy Policy .
Google is proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. We are committed to building a workforce that is representative of the users we serve, creating a culture of belonging, and providing an equal employment opportunity regardless of race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related condition (including breastfeeding), expecting or parents-to-be, criminal histories consistent with legal requirements, or any other basis protected by law. See also Google's EEO Policy , Know your rights: workplace discrimination is illegal , Belonging at Google , and How we hire .
If you have a need that requires accommodation, please let us know by completing our Accommodations for Applicants form .
Google is a global company and, in order to facilitate efficient collaboration and communication globally, English proficiency is a requirement for all roles unless stated otherwise in the job posting.
To all recruitment agencies: Google does not accept agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, Google employees, or any other organization location. Google is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.
Equity is granted exclusively and discretionarily by Alphabet Inc. on the basis of an agreement concluded between you and Alphabet Inc. Alphabet Inc. is your sole contractual partner with respect to equity grants. GSU grants are not guaranteed, are discretionary, are subject to approval by the Alphabet Inc. board of directors or its delegate, the terms of the relevant Alphabet Inc. stock plan, and your grant agreement. They have no impact on statutory payments. Current or past grants do not confer an acquired right.

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