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Think Tank Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

MWA Inc

Architect/Drafter Level 2

Truckee, CA · On-site

$33.92 - $44.68/hr

MWA, Inc. specializes in unique snow country design projects that focus on creativity, innovation and collaboration within a vibrant, open think-tank environment. Our goal is a sustainable balance of ...

PepsiCo

Transportation Supervisor

Hayward, CA

$73K - $123K/yr

We are a think tank, bringing our ideas into action and are determined to find ways to drive efficiencies, improve processes and achieve the highest level of safety... all while meeting the demands ...

PepsiCo

Automation Controls Leader

Oakland, CA · On-site

$88K - $147K/yr

We are a think tank, bringing our ideas into action and are determined to find ways to drive efficiencies, improve processes and achieve the highest level of safety... all while meeting the demands ...

Cushman & Wakefield

Data Engineer

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$122K - $147K/yr

Ensure Global Think Tank, Americas Research and other stakeholders have access to relevant time series (and forecast) data via various tools and capabilities in coordination with QIG leads. Work ...

PepsiCo

Transportation Supervisor

Hayward, CA

$73K - $123K/yr

We are a think tank, bringing our ideas into action and are determined to find ways to drive efficiencies, improve processes and achieve the highest level of safety... all while meeting the demands ...

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Think Tank information

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How much do think tank jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for think tank in California is $19.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.91 and $20.87 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What do think tanks do?

Think tanks are organizations dedicated to research and analysis on public policy issues. They gather experts to develop ideas, provide insights, and offer recommendations to policymakers, businesses, and the public. Their work often includes publishing reports, hosting events, and engaging in advocacy to influence decision-making on topics such as economics, security, healthcare, and education. Think tanks can be independent, affiliated with universities, or associated with political parties, and they play a key role in shaping public debate.

What is a think tank?

A think tank is an institute or organization that performs advocacy and research on one or more topics. Think tanks frequently address topics like proposed political and social policies, economic matters, use of technology, and culture. The structure and goals of a think tank often reflect its source of support, which can be anything from a non-profit to a government-, corporation-, or university-sponsored guarantee of support. Think tanks range from large and diversified groups to smaller setups focused on specific and specialized topics. Some think tanks provide help with writing legislation, finding experts on particular issues, determining what topics should be studied, or bringing people together.

What is the difference between Think Tank vs Policy Analyst?

AspectThink TankPolicy Analyst
Required CredentialsAdvanced degrees in political science, public policy, or related fieldsSimilar credentials, often with a focus on specific policy areas
Work EnvironmentResearch-focused, often non-profit or think tank organizationsGovernment agencies, NGOs, or consulting firms
Employer & Industry UsageUsed for research, policy development, and advocacyUsed for analyzing, developing, and recommending policies

While both roles require advanced education and involve policy work, a Think Tank primarily conducts research and advocacy within specialized organizations, whereas a Policy Analyst often works within government or consulting firms to analyze and develop policies based on research findings.

How do I get a job at a think tank?

To get a job at a think tank, candidates typically need a strong background in policy analysis, research, or related fields, often demonstrated through relevant degrees or experience. Building expertise in specific policy areas, developing research skills, and networking with professionals in the field can improve chances. Familiarity with data analysis tools and a track record of published work or policy contributions are also valuable.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals working in think tanks, and how can new hires best navigate them?

Professionals in think tanks often face challenges such as tight deadlines for delivering research, the need to balance rigorous analysis with clear communication, and staying current with rapidly evolving policy landscapes. New hires can navigate these challenges by cultivating strong time management skills, actively seeking feedback from senior researchers, and engaging in continuous learning through seminars and networking events. Collaboration is key, as projects often require input from experts in various disciplines, so building relationships within and outside the organization is essential for success.

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

To thrive as a Think Tank Researcher, you need strong analytical abilities, research expertise, and advanced degrees in relevant fields such as political science, economics, or public policy. Familiarity with data analysis tools, academic databases, and sometimes statistical software like Stata or R is common. Excellent communication, critical thinking, and collaboration skills set standout candidates apart in producing and presenting impactful research. These abilities are crucial for generating credible policy recommendations and influencing decision-makers in fast-evolving policy landscapes.

Who gets hired at think tanks?

Think tanks typically hire individuals with strong research skills, relevant academic backgrounds, and expertise in policy areas such as economics, international relations, or public policy. Candidates often have advanced degrees, experience in research or analysis, and proficiency with data analysis tools or policy writing. Hiring also considers communication skills and the ability to work in a collaborative environment.

What jobs are there in a think tank?

Jobs in a think tank include research analyst, policy analyst, program manager, communications specialist, and administrative staff. These roles often require strong analytical skills, expertise in specific policy areas, and proficiency with research tools and data analysis software.
More about Think Tank jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Think Tank jobs in California? The most popular types of Think Tank jobs in California are:
What job categories do people searching Think Tank jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Think Tank jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Think Tank jobs? Cities in California with the most Think Tank job openings:
Think Tank jobs near you
Infographic showing various Think Tank job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 61% Full Time, and 39% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $39,905 per year, or $19.2 per hour.

Peptide Synthesis Specialist

Ellison Institute, LLC

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$87K - $115K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Peptide Synthesis Specialist
Annual Base Salary: DOE, $87,000-$115,000 along with bonus eligibility and a comprehensive benefits package
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Our Mission
Formerly known as the Ellison Institute of Technology Los Angeles, the Ellison Medical Institute strives to spark innovation, leverage technology, and drive interdisciplinary, patient-centered research to continually enhance health, reimagine and redefine cancer care, and transform lives.
Established in 2016 as a medical research and development center, the Institute features innovation labs for artificial intelligence and molecular analytics and was among the first organizations to vertically integrate the interdisciplinary study and treatment of disease. We offer multifaceted programs, including a preventative medicine and cancer clinic, cross-disciplinary research laboratories, a health policy think-tank, and community outreach and educational programs.
Please visit emila.org for more details.
Job Summary
The Ellison Medical Institute is seeking a Peptide Synthesis Specialist to design, execute, and optimize peptide synthesis workflows, including solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS), purification, and analytical characterization.
The role will involve hands-on peptide production, collaboration with cross-functional teams, and continuous process improvement to deliver high-quality, reproducible peptides that support preclinical research and therapeutic development efforts. The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in peptide synthesis chemistry, HPLC-based purification methods, and peptide analysis techniques.
Why You Should Join Us
  • Build a New Capability from the Ground Up: Help establish high-throughput peptide and protein synthesis and purification operations within an organization expanding its therapeutic discovery capabilities.
  • Direct Scientific Impact: Drive the production and optimization of peptides synthesis to support drug discovery, lead optimization, and preclinical testing.
  • Collaborative Environment: Work closely with design, biological evaluation, and analytical teams to translate synthetic peptides into therapeutic development projects.
  • Technical Ownership: Play a key role in shaping technical standards, designing workflows, and selecting synthesis and characterization methodologies.
  • Innovation and Quality: Contribute to continuous improvement of peptide synthesis optimization, quality and efficiency.

Job Accountabilities:
  • Peptide Synthesis: Perform and optimize peptide synthesis using solid-phase and Fmoc and Boc chemistries; manage automated peptide synthesizer operations and workflows.
  • Purification & Characterization: Execute peptide purification using chromatographic techniques and perform analytical characterization (e.g., LC-MS, UPLC/HPLC) to ensure material meets defined quality standards. Support recombinant protein expression and purification for select targets as required.
  • Quality, Documentation & Compliance: Maintain accurate and complete documentation of synthesis procedures, analytical data, and standard operating procedures, while ensuring adherence to laboratory safety protocols and consistent quality standards across synthesis, purification, and characterization processes.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate with design, discovery, analytical, and biology teams to align synthesis outputs with experimental needs, and provide scientific insights to support downstream evaluation. Communicate findings clearly with scientific teams.
  • Culture & Leadership: Promote and uphold a team culture of efficient time management, transparency, innovation, collaboration, and accountability, while maintaining high scientific and technical standards.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Required Education:
  • Bachelor's in Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry, Peptide Chemistry, Chemical Biology, or a closely related discipline
  • Master's of Science preferred
Required Experience:
  • Hands-on experience planning and executing peptide synthesis using SPPS and related methodologies.
  • Strong experience with purification and analytical characterization techniques (e.g., HPLC, LC-MS).
  • Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot synthesis challenges and optimize peptide workflows.
  • Solid understanding of peptide chemistry principles, including protecting group strategies and coupling methods.
  • Excellent time management, teamwork, documentation, and communication abilities.
  • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in an interdisciplinary research environment.
Preferred Additional Skills:
  • Experience with recombinant protein expression and purification
  • Familiarity with biophysical techniques for characterizing biomolecular interactions (e.g., SPR)

For the safety and health of employees, guests, and patients, the Ellison Medical Institute may mandate vaccination requirements for employment. The Ellison Medical Institute's policies are always subject to review and change to ensure they are appropriate under the circumstances.
The Ellison Medical Institute is an equal opportunity employer. We believe that an inclusive, collaborative team environment is just as important to our mission as stethoscopes and microscopes. We strive to always provide employees a supportive atmosphere, so they feel confident taking creative risks toward innovation. The Ellison Medical Institute values emotional intelligence and communication with empathy and respect for others. We seek to build a diverse group of people who are curious, have a deep sense of responsibility, and the grit needed to achieve excellence.

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