ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Clinical Quality Associate Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Grifols

Quality Associate III

Vista, CA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Quality Associate III, Quality Assurance demonstrates consistent application of technical ... clinical studies, stability studies. * Develops alternative solutions to roadblocks and delays

GRIFOLS, S.A.

Quality Associate III

Vista, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Quality Associate III, Quality Assurance demonstrates consistent application of technical ... clinical studies, stability studies. * Develops alternative solutions to roadblocks and delays

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsClinical Quality Associate JobsClinical Quality Associate Jobs in California

Clinical Quality Associate information

See California salary details

$12

$31

$54

How much do clinical quality associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for clinical quality associate in California is $31.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.87 and $41.06 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Clinical Quality Associate vs Clinical Research Coordinator?

AspectClinical Quality AssociateClinical Research Coordinator
Required CredentialsTypically a bachelor's degree in life sciences or related field; certifications like CQA are a plusBachelor's degree in health sciences, biology, or related field; often requires research-specific certifications
Work EnvironmentQuality assurance departments, regulatory compliance teams, pharmaceutical or biotech companiesClinical trial sites, hospitals, research institutions
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in pharmaceutical, biotech, and healthcare industries focusing on quality and complianceCommon in academic, hospital, and clinical research settings

The Clinical Quality Associate primarily focuses on ensuring compliance with quality standards and regulatory requirements within the industry, while the Clinical Research Coordinator manages the day-to-day operations of clinical trials. Both roles require strong attention to detail and knowledge of clinical processes but differ in their core responsibilities and work environments.

What are the main challenges clinical quality associates face when ensuring compliance across multiple clinical trial sites?

Clinical Quality Associates often encounter the challenge of maintaining consistent quality and regulatory compliance across diverse clinical trial sites, each with their own procedures and personnel. Coordinating with site staff, monitoring documentation, and ensuring adherence to Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines require strong communication and organizational skills. Additionally, adapting to frequent regulatory updates and handling discrepancies in real time can be demanding, but these challenges also offer opportunities to develop expertise in quality assurance processes and regulatory requirements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a clinical quality associate?

To thrive as a Clinical Quality Associate, you need a solid understanding of clinical research processes, regulatory compliance, and quality assurance principles, typically supported by a degree in life sciences or a related field. Familiarity with Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines, clinical trial management systems (CTMS), and quality management software is often required. Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication skills make candidates stand out in this role. These skills ensure clinical trials adhere to regulatory standards and deliver reliable, high-quality data for patient safety and successful study outcomes.

What is a clinical quality associate?

Clinical Quality Associates are professionals who support the quality assurance processes within clinical trials or healthcare settings. They are responsible for ensuring that clinical practices comply with regulatory requirements, internal protocols, and industry standards. Their duties often include auditing clinical documents, monitoring study processes, and identifying areas for improvement. By maintaining high-quality standards, Clinical Quality Associates help ensure patient safety and the integrity of clinical data.

What are the most commonly searched types of Clinical Quality jobs in California?

The most popular types of Clinical Quality jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Clinical Quality Associate jobs?

Cities in California with the most Clinical Quality Associate job openings:

Clinical Quality Associate jobs near you

Senior Staff Clinical Quality Associate (Onsite)

Stryker

Fremont, CA • On-site

$143K - $238K/yr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Work Flexibility: Hybrid or Onsite
Stryker is hiring a Senior Staff Clinical Quality Associate for our Neurovascular division. This is an onsite role based in Fremont, CA or Salt Lake City, UT.
As the Senior Staff Clinical Quality Associate, you will focus on clinical quality, compliance governance, and regulatory readiness across global clinical research activities. You will provide oversight of quality systems, compliance programs, audits, inspections, and clinical processes to ensure clinical services, documentation, and operations align with applicable regulations and quality standards. You will work across functions to identify risks, strengthen controls, and support the continuous improvement of clinical quality programs.
This role provides quality and compliance oversight for clinical research activities, ensuring processes, documentation, systems, and vendor operations remain compliant, inspection-ready, and aligned with global regulatory and quality requirements.
What you will do
  • Manage clinical quality and compliance programs, establishing milestones, resource plans, and delivery timelines to support on-time execution
  • Identify, assess, and communicate compliance risks and control strategies to stakeholders across clinical, quality, and business functions
  • Lead internal and external audit and inspection activities, including preparation, execution, follow-up actions, and documentation management
  • Participate in regulatory inspections, including inspections of clinical studies conducted by regulatory authorities
  • Conduct vendor audits and inspections, maintain audit schedules, and monitor supplier compliance with quality requirements
  • Analyze process deviations, determine corrective actions, and update procedures to maintain compliance with applicable regulations and standards
  • Develop, maintain, and revise standard operating procedures, work instructions, and quality documentation
  • Deliver compliance training, provide guidance on clinical quality requirements, and support continuous improvement initiatives across the clinical organization

What you need
Required
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Minimum 7 years of experience in clinical quality, clinical research, quality assurance, compliance, or a related regulated healthcare or life sciences field
  • Minimum 5 years of experience supporting quality systems, regulatory compliance programs, audits, or inspections
  • Experience supporting clinical studies conducted within a regulated environment

Preferred
  • Experience in medical device, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or clinical research industries
  • Experience participating in regulatory inspections and audit readiness activities
  • Experience developing and maintaining standard operating procedures and quality system documentation
  • Certified Quality Auditor (CQA), Regulatory Affairs Certification (RAC), or comparable quality or compliance certification

  • US5: $115,600 - $192,600 USD Annual
  • US30: $143,100 - $238,400 USD Annual

Travel Percentage: 30%
Stryker Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. Stryker is an EO employer - M/F/Veteran/Disability.
Stryker Corporation will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information.

Apply