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Virtual Researcher Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Our UX Research team is designing for the global spectrum of human needs, which requires us to ... Now, Meta is moving beyond 2D screens toward immersive experiences like augmented and virtual ...

Our UX Research team is designing for the broad spectrum of human needs, which requires us to ... Now, Meta is moving beyond 2D screens toward immersive experiences like augmented and virtual ...

Our researchers tackle some of the most complex challenges to gain insights into how people ... Now, Meta is moving beyond 2D screens toward immersive experiences like augmented and virtual ...

Experience conducting research in Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality product environments. * Experience in physical product environments conducting research to drive ergonomics and physical design ...

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Virtual Researcher information

See California salary details

$29.6K

$111.6K

$162.3K

How much do virtual researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for virtual 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.

How does a virtual researcher typically collaborate with remote teams and stakeholders?

As a Virtual Researcher, collaboration is often conducted through digital platforms such as video conferencing, project management tools, and shared documents. You’ll frequently communicate findings, coordinate tasks, and gather input from team members and stakeholders located in different geographical areas. Being proactive in sharing updates and adapting to various communication styles is key to maintaining workflow efficiency and building strong professional relationships in a remote setting.

What does a virtual researcher do?

As a virtual researcher, your primary responsibilities are to conduct online research and produce reports on your findings. Your duties may involve developing research designs, analyzing literature reviews, collecting information through focus groups and interviews, or supporting research projects. You can find virtual researcher positions in various industries, including healthcare, academics, and finance. You might be asked to review market trends and process data to support strategies and action taken by a business. A virtual researcher can work for one employer or provide freelance services. While a freelance researcher can find work in multiple industries, it is common to specialize in a specific field.

What is the difference between Virtual Researcher vs Virtual Assistant?

AspectVirtual ResearcherVirtual Assistant
Primary RoleConducts in-depth research, data analysis, and information gathering for projectsProvides administrative support, manages schedules, and handles correspondence
Required SkillsResearch methods, data analysis, critical thinkingOrganization, communication, basic tech skills
Work EnvironmentRemote, project-based, often specializedRemote, administrative, routine tasks
Common EmployersConsulting firms, academic projects, market research companiesSmall businesses, entrepreneurs, corporate teams

While both roles are remote and require strong organizational skills, Virtual Researchers focus on gathering and analyzing information for specific projects, whereas Virtual Assistants handle administrative tasks and support daily operations. The choice depends on whether the task involves research expertise or administrative support.

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

To thrive as a Virtual Researcher, you need strong analytical and critical thinking skills, excellent written communication, and a background in research methods, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with digital research databases, advanced search engines, data analysis tools, and citation management systems is typically required. Attention to detail, self-motivation, and effective time management are crucial soft skills for excelling in a remote setting. These competencies ensure high-quality, accurate research outcomes and enable efficient, independent work in a virtual environment.

What is a virtual researcher?

Virtual Researchers are professionals who conduct research remotely, often using online databases, digital libraries, and internet resources to gather and analyze information. They may work in various fields, such as academic research, market analysis, or business intelligence, and typically communicate findings through digital reports or presentations. Virtual Researchers collaborate with teams or clients online, making their role flexible and adaptable to different industries and project needs.
What are the most commonly searched types of Researcher jobs in California? The most popular types of Researcher jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Virtual Researcher jobs? Cities in California with the most Virtual Researcher job openings:
Infographic showing various Virtual Researcher job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,621 per year, or $53.7 per hour.

Associate Researcher, Consumer Insights

Sega of America

Irvine, CA • On-site

$30 - $38/hr

Full-time

Posted yesterday

New


Job description

Hybrid Work Model
#LI-hybrid
Job Summary:
SEGA West Consumer Insights (SWCI) sits within the Business Strategy organization and plays a critical role in informing product greenlighting, portfolio strategies, and ongoing product health tracking.
SWCI delivers end-to-end mixed-methods consumer research across games, franchises, and live services, supporting critical business decisions from early concept through post-launch performance. The team conducts custom primary research including quantitative and qualitative methodologies, alongside secondary and syndicated analysis to help stakeholders understand player needs, behaviors, motivations, and trade-offs. Common study types include Total Addressable Market (TAM) Surveys, Audience Segmentations, Concept Tests, Playtests, Messaging and Positioning, Pricing Surveys, Discrete Choice Modelling, Brand Lift Surveys, Virtual Diaries, and Product and Brand Health Tracking.
Working in close partnership with Product, Brand, Corporate Planning, and SEGA West Publishing, SWCI translates business questions into rigorous research approaches and actionable insights. The team manages the full research lifecycle including stakeholder intake and study design, execution, analysis, synthesis, and reporting, ensuring insights are grounded in sound methodology and directly tied to business outcomes.
The Associate Researcher role is an individual contributor role focused on developing strong fundamentals in mixed-methods research, analytical thinking, and CI operating standards. The role provides executional support across a broad range of initiatives while developing the knowledge and expertise to independently contribute to high-quality, actionable insights.
Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Support the execution of primary and secondary research projects under the guidance of more senior team members.
  • Assist with research intake, project setup, and stakeholder coordination activities.
  • Develop, review, and quality-check research materials including screeners, surveys, discussion guides, and research reports.
  • Conduct foundational quantitative analysis including cross-tabs, indices, market sizing, and other descriptive analyses.
  • Support qualitative research efforts through note synthesis and theme tagging.
  • Assist in the development of presentations, data visualizations, and research deliverables that communicate findings and recommendations.
  • Coordinate and track vendor timelines and deliverables.
  • Maintain organized research files and datasets in accordance with department standards.
  • Participate in meetings and support follow-up actions, documentation, and stakeholder communication.
  • Other responsibilities are performed as assigned or needed.

Qualifications and Skills:
  • Working in-office is an essential function of this position. This requirement of face-to-face interaction is in place to ensure effective supervision, collaboration, and teamwork. In-office attendance is required for the following reasons:
    • For effective supervision of employees and our work product, which includes ensuring all employees have necessary oversight of their work and access to supervisory assistance, which includes meetings to review work product, deadlines, and status.
    • To foster communication and collaboration among team members, which includes the following: allowing for spontaneous brainstorming sessions and exchanges of ideas, quick access to team members to enable collaborative problem-solving, and stronger cohesion among co-workers and within teams.
    • To enhance the sharing of information necessary to effective job performance and product creation.
    • To enhance understanding of our stakeholders' work and business needs, facilitate a more seamless and organic workflow, and ultimately increase efficiency and successful outcomes.
  • Typically has 1-3 years of applied custom research experience in market research, consumer insights, analytics or related field.
  • Familiarity with DIY survey platforms like Alchemer or Qualtrics.
  • Familiarity with syndicated and secondary research tools like GWI, YouGov Profiles, Circana, or similar platforms.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
  • Effective written and verbal communications skills.
  • Strong attention to detail, organization, and follow-through.

Bonus:
  • Interest in and knowledge of video games, including SEGA's portfolio and competitor products.