ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Temporary Research Associate Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Lancesoft INC

Research Associate

Foster City, CA · On-site

$36 - $39.85/hr

Temporary About the Role We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Research Associate to join the Flow Cytometry Core within the Research organization. This individual will play an ...

MEDVACON

Research Associate - pharma

Foster City, CA · On-site

... to hire temporary and full-time employees to join their organization. We're providing hiring ... This is a sample management and a logistics role for a Research Associate to join the Analytical ...

MEDVACON

Research Associate - pharma

Foster City, CA

... to hire temporary and full-time employees to join their organization. We're providing hiring ... This is a sample management and a logistics role for a Research Associate to join the Analytical ...

Cellanome

Research Associate II (Temporary)

San Diego, CA · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

We are currently hiring a Research Associate 2 for a temporary six-month project . The Research Associate 2 will be responsible for executing high-quality end-to-end workflows on the Cellanome R3200 ...

Heluna Health

Research Associate

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$34.33/hr

The Research Associate (RA) for the San Francisco Department of Public Health's (SFDPH) STI/HIV ... This is a temporary, full time, grant-funded, and benefitted position. Employment is provided by ...

Heluna Health

Research Associate

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$34.33/hr

The Research Associate (RA) for the San Francisco Department of Public Health's (SFDPH) STI/HIV ... This is a temporary, full time, grant-funded, and benefitted position. Employment is provided by ...

Heluna-Health

Research Associate

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$34.33 - $37.85/hr

The Research Associate (RA) for the San Francisco Department of Public Health's (SFDPH) STI/HIV ... This is a temporary, full time, grant-funded, and benefitted position. Employment is provided by ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsResearch Associate JobsTemporary Research Associate JobsTemporary Research Associate Jobs in California

Temporary Research Associate information

See California salary details

$9

$25

$48

How much do temporary research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for temporary research associate in California is $25.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.01 and $31.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a temporary research associate?

A Temporary Research Associate is a professional hired for a limited period to assist with research projects in academic, scientific, or industrial settings. Their responsibilities typically include collecting and analyzing data, conducting experiments, and supporting senior researchers. The position is usually project-based or covers a specific timeframe, and it is ideal for gaining hands-on experience in research. Temporary Research Associates often work under the supervision of principal investigators and may contribute to publications or presentations. This role can serve as a stepping stone to permanent research positions or further academic study.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a temporary research associate?

To thrive as a Temporary Research Associate, you generally need a bachelor's or master's degree in a relevant field, strong analytical skills, and experience with data collection and analysis. Familiarity with technical tools such as statistical software (e.g., SPSS, R, or Python), laboratory equipment, and data management systems is typically required. Excellent attention to detail, time management, and effective communication help set top candidates apart. These skills ensure accurate research outcomes, efficient project contribution, and effective collaboration within research teams.

What are common challenges faced by temporary research associates in adapting to new research projects quickly?

Temporary Research Associates often join projects that are already underway, requiring them to rapidly familiarize themselves with existing data, protocols, and team dynamics. A common challenge is efficiently learning the specifics of the research methodology and tools in use, while also building rapport with the team in a short time frame. Successful associates typically demonstrate adaptability, strong communication skills, and the ability to ask clarifying questions to quickly get up to speed. Proactively seeking guidance from colleagues and utilizing available documentation can help ease the transition and contribute effectively to project goals.

What is the difference between Temporary Research Associate vs Research Assistant?

AspectTemporary Research AssociateResearch Assistant
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's degree in relevant field; research experienceTypically pursuing or holding a Bachelor's or Master's degree
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academic institutions, industry settingsResearch labs, academic institutions, fieldwork
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutes, biotech companiesUniversities, research labs, government agencies
Job DurationTemporary, project-basedUsually ongoing, part-time, or temporary

The main difference is that a Temporary Research Associate is often a more advanced, project-specific role requiring relevant research experience and a higher level of responsibility, while a Research Assistant typically supports research activities and may be a student or early-career professional. Both roles are common in research environments but differ in scope and experience level.

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

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

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

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

Temporary Research Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Temporary Research Associate job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 66% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,817 per year, or $25.4 per hour.

Temporary Research Associate/Senior Research Associate - IHC

San Jose, CA • On-site

Integratedcooling
See more jobs at Integratedcoolingexternal

Other

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

About Oxford BioTherapeutics:

Oxford Biotherapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focusing on the development of antibody therapeutics for the treatment of cancer. OBT’s OGAP-verify® platform is the world's largest, cancer specific, membrane protein library, directly measuring plasma membrane protein expression in patient tumors. OGAP is used to identify novel, highly tumor specific antigens for novel first-in-class ADC, T-cell Engager (TCE) and Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR-T) targets. Our lead asset, OBT076, is an Antibody Drug Conjugate (ADC) in Phase 1b clinical development. Our clinical and pre-clinical pipeline of novel biologics is balanced between internal programs, focused on ADCs and checkpoint regulators, and externally partnered programs with key innovators in oncology such as Roche, GSK and BMS.

Purpose of the Role

We are seeking a highly motivated and adaptable Research Associate/Senior Research Associate to support a fast-paced histology laboratory in a temporary role expected to last approximately 3-4 months. The ideal candidate will have hands‑on histology lab experience, strong technical skills in tissue processing and sectioning, and the ability to adapt to changing priorities and experimental needs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Perform routine histology workflows, including processing and sectioning of FFPE and fresh‑frozen (FF) tissues.
  • Prepare high‑quality tissue sections for downstream staining and analysis.
  • Support day‑to‑day histology laboratory operations and ensure timely completion of experiments.
  • Maintain accurate experimental records and follow established laboratory procedures and safety guidelines.
  • Troubleshoot technical challenges and adapt workflows as project needs change.
  • Collaborative with scientists and other laboratory team members to support research objectives.
  • Maintain laboratory equipment, supplies, and an organized working environment.

Please note the roles and responsibilities for the position include but are not limited to the above.

Qualifications Required
  • Bachelor’s degreefrom an accredited college or university in Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Histology, Medical Laboratory Science, or a related field.
  • Strong interest in working with lab tissues, preparing histology specimens, and performing standard histology laboratory procedures.
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to follow SOPs and laboratory safety requirements.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast‑paced laboratory environment.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate clearly, professionally, and effectively with colleagues and stakeholders.
Preferred
  • Master’s degree or additional education in a relevant scientific discipline.
  • Histotechnology certification or specialized laboratory training.
  • Hands‑on experience in a histology laboratory strongly preferred.
  • Demonstrated ability to cut FFPE and fresh‑frozen (FF) tissue strongly preferred.
  • Experience with microtomy, cryostat sectioning, tissue processing, embedding, and staining.
  • Experience with IHC, IF, or other tissue‑based assays.
  • Experience with automated slide scanners and automated staining platforms (in particular, the Leica Bond Rx).
  • Experience in an academic, clinical, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or biomedical research laboratory.
  • Strong interpersonal and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively, ask thoughtful questions, and approach challenges with a solutions‑oriented mindset.
EqualOpportunitiesStatement

OBT is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits unlawful discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin or ancestry, age, disability, marital status, and veteran status.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.

One of our top priorities is to maintain the health and wellbeing of our employees and their families.

To achieve this goal, we offer comprehensive benefits

#J-18808-Ljbffr

Apply