Surf Search specializes in life science recruiting in the San Francisco area. As recruiters focused on this niche for many years, we have deep knowledge of life science industries, strong relationships with our partner companies, and an enormous candidate talent pool. We are recognized in the life sciences recruiting industry as recruiters who source and place highly desirable life science candidates across the country.

The Bay Area is a beautiful region filled with iconic landmarks, trendsetting residents and booming business opportunities. San Francisco has long followed the beat of its own drum, molded by its progressive and diverse communities and artistic impulses.   The metro areas also attract independently-minded entrepreneurs and artists, as well as those on the forefront of technological innovation. Its proximity to the Silicon Valley tech boom has led to a robust job market. Home to the UCSF Medical Center and the UCSF School of Medicine, San Francisco has generated top scientific research and spawned industry-leading biotech, medical device and pharmaceutical start-ups.

Your San Francisco life sciences recruitment team

Trust Surf Search. We have an understanding of the life sciences job market in San Francisco, both from the candidate’s and hiring manager’s perspective. We know how important it is to identify top biotech, healthcare, medical device and pharma talent. Our extensive regional network means top candidates AND top companies. Our detailed screening and interviewing process identifies uniquely qualified candidates who not only excel technically but are also a cultural fit for your company.

Searches we have filled

Principal Scientist, Oncology · San Francisco · Biotech

Finding the scientist a biotech start-up couldn't reach

Challenge: A small biotech start-up needed an oncology scientist with an unusual combination of scientific skills and experience in both large and small companies. Its own job posting and targeted outreach had not found the right person. Another client referred the company to Surf Search.

Solution: We worked our Bay Area candidate network and targeted companies whose scientists had the specific experience the role required. The search produced a shortlist of three candidates.

Timeline: Two months to shortlist three candidates; three months to offer.

Result: We filled the role and placed another candidate with the company. The client has since engaged us on two more searches.

2026 salary guide

Budget for your next San Francisco hire

Compare the guide’s low, median and high salary figures before setting your hiring budget.

Biotech
San Francisco · Biotech · 2026
RoleLowMedianHigh
Chief Scientific Officer (CSO)$226,000$436,000$737,000
Clinical Specialist, Biotechnology$122,000$181,000$294,000
Epidemiologist$109,000$158,000$228,000
Genetic Counselor$122,000$160,000$200,000
Microbiologist$82,000$107,000$148,000
Quality Control Analyst, Biotechnology$86,000$115,000$156,000
Research Scientist, Biotechnology$105,000$181,000$278,000
Toxicologist$105,000$183,000$288,000
Healthcare
San Francisco · Healthcare · 2026
RoleLowMedianHigh
Clinical Operations Manager$105,000$181,000$271,000
Family Physician / Doctor$187,000$398,000$586,000
Hospital Administrator$118,000$196,000$322,000
Medical Director, Medicine$341,000$608,000$884,000
Medical Director, Utilization Review (UR)$341,000$608,000$884,000
Nurse Case Manager$133,000$162,000$193,000
Nurse Practitioner (NP)$179,000$228,000$294,000
Physician / Doctor, General Practice$187,000$398,000$586,000
Physician / Doctor, Internal Medicine$232,000$452,000$649,000
Physician Assistant (PA)$162,000$217,000$292,000
Product Manager, Healthcare$137,000$215,000$282,000
Quality Management (QM) Director$166,000$288,000$434,000
Registered Nurse (RN)$109,000$137,000$166,000
Research Analyst, Healthcare$72,000$137,000$185,000
Medical devices
San Francisco · Medical devices · 2026
RoleLowMedianHigh
Clinical Engineer, Medical Devices$118,000$183,000$255,000
Clinical Specialist, Medical Devices$113,000$177,000$249,000
Manufacturing Engineer, Medical Devices$111,000$156,000$208,000
Medical Device Sales Representative$93,000$160,000$249,000
Product Manager, Medical Devices$171,000$204,000$255,000
Quality Engineer, Medical Devices$124,000$168,000$213,000
Pharmaceutical
San Francisco · Pharmaceutical · 2026
RoleLowMedianHigh
Clinical Coordinator$86,000$133,000$202,000
Clinical Manager$131,000$187,000$259,000
Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC)$95,000$124,000$160,000
Director, Quality Management, Pharmaceuticals$193,000$304,000$446,000
Medical Director, Medicine$341,000$608,000$884,000
Medical Science Liaison$196,000$331,000$421,000
Project Manager, Pharmaceuticals$133,000$196,000$282,000
Research Scientist$113,000$173,000$253,000
Sales Representative, Pharmaceuticals$113,000$189,000$246,000
What salary figures can we use to budget for a San Francisco hire?

Surf Search’s 2026 guide publishes these median annual salary figures for San Francisco: Chief Scientific Officer (CSO): $436,000; Quality Management (QM) Director: $288,000; Medical Device Sales Representative: $160,000; Quality Engineer, Medical Devices: $168,000; Director, Quality Management, Pharmaceuticals: $304,000; Medical Science Liaison: $331,000; Sales Representative, Pharmaceuticals: $189,000. Compare the low and high figures in the tables above as well. The roles represent different responsibilities and levels, so use the matching role as a starting point and discuss your particular assignment with our team.

Source: Surf Search Life Sciences 2026 Salary Guide. Published annual salary figures; individual offers depend on the role, experience and compensation package.

Download the full 2026 guide

Talk to a recruiter about your hiring plans

We recruit for life sciences clients and candidates across the San Francisco region

  • Berkeley
  • Burlingame
  • Campbell
  • Davis
  • Emeryville
  • Hayward
  • Hercules
  • Marin
  • Morgan Hill
  • Mountain View
  • Novato
  • Oakland
  • Palo Alto
  • Redwood City
  • San Jose
  • San Mateo
  • San Rafael
  • San Ramon
  • Santa Clara
  • Santa Cruz
  • Santa Rosa
  • Sunnyvale
  • Watsonville
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