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Clinical Research Assistant Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM

HS Research Assistant

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$18.75 - $25.75/hr

Gurdeep Singh's research team at theUniversity of New Mexico School of Medicine as Research Assistant. Dr. Singh's lab focuseson decoding the epigenetic basis of age-related macular degeneration (AMD ...

HS Research Assistant

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$18.75 - $25.75/hr

Gurdeep Singh's research team at theUniversity of New Mexico School of Medicine as a Research Assistant. Dr. Singh's lab focuseson decoding the epigenetic basis of age-related macular degeneration ...

Showing results 21-40

Clinical Research Assistant information

See Rio Rancho, NM salary details

$7

$20

$41

How much do clinical research assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for clinical research assistant in Rio Rancho, NM is $20.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.62 and $23.41 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a clinical research assistant?

Clinical Research Assistants are professionals who support clinical research studies by performing a range of administrative and research-related tasks. They help collect and manage data, assist with patient recruitment, prepare study materials, and ensure compliance with research protocols and regulations. Their work is crucial in advancing medical knowledge and ensuring that clinical trials run smoothly and ethically. Clinical Research Assistants often work under the supervision of principal investigators or clinical research coordinators in hospitals, universities, or pharmaceutical companies.

What does a clinical research assistant do?

A clinical research assistant—or clinical research associate (CRA)—helps lead researchers during clinical trials for new drugs and medical devices. As a clinical research assistant, your responsibilities include preparing the laboratory, processing volunteers, taking biological samples or vital signs, and organizing data. You may also be required to set up and clean work areas. Your job is to assist the researchers in any way possible, helping them conduct sound, ethical, and scientifically accurate research.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a clinical research assistant?

To thrive as a Clinical Research Assistant, you need a bachelor’s degree in a life science or health-related field, attention to detail, and strong organizational skills. Familiarity with clinical trial management systems (CTMS), electronic data capture (EDC) tools, and good clinical practice (GCP) certification are typically required. Excellent communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities help you excel in coordinating with research teams and participants. These skills ensure accurate data collection, regulatory compliance, and the smooth execution of clinical studies.

What are some common challenges clinical research assistants face when coordinating multiple studies simultaneously?

Clinical Research Assistants often manage several studies at once, which can lead to challenges in balancing competing deadlines, maintaining accurate documentation, and ensuring compliance with complex protocols. Effective time management and organizational skills are crucial to handle overlapping tasks such as scheduling patient visits, collecting data, and preparing regulatory submissions. Collaborating closely with principal investigators, coordinators, and other team members helps distribute the workload and maintain research quality. Developing strong communication habits and utilizing digital tracking tools can further streamline workflow and reduce errors.

What is the difference between Clinical Research Assistant vs Clinical Research Coordinator?

AspectClinical Research AssistantClinical Research Coordinator
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in health sciences or related field; certifications like CCRP are a plusRequires a bachelor's degree; certifications such as CCRP or CCRC are common
Work EnvironmentAssists in data collection, patient scheduling, and administrative tasks in clinical trial settingsManages study protocols, patient recruitment, and regulatory compliance in clinical trial sites
Employer & IndustryHospitals, research institutions, pharmaceutical companiesHospitals, research centers, pharmaceutical companies

Both roles support clinical research but differ in responsibilities. Clinical Research Assistants focus on data collection and administrative tasks, while Clinical Research Coordinators oversee study management and patient interactions. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

Can you be a clinical research assistant with no experience?

Clinical research assistant positions often require some knowledge of medical terminology and data management, but many entry-level roles are available for candidates without prior experience. Employers may provide on-the-job training and look for strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to follow protocols. Certifications such as Good Clinical Practice (GCP) can enhance prospects for those new to the field.

What are the most commonly searched types of Clinical Research jobs in Rio Rancho, NM?

The most popular types of Clinical Research jobs in Rio Rancho, NM are:

What job categories do people searching Clinical Research Assistant jobs in Rio Rancho, NM look for?

The top searched job categories for Clinical Research Assistant jobs in Rio Rancho, NM are:

What cities near Rio Rancho, NM are hiring for Clinical Research Assistant jobs?

Cities near Rio Rancho, NM with the most Clinical Research Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Clinical Research Assistant job openings in Rio Rancho, NM as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,606 per year, or $20.5 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago


University Of New Mexico rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 56 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

126th of 620 rated colleges and universities


Job description

The University of New Mexico's Center for Memory & Aging is seeking a Clinical Research Supervisor for the newly funded New Mexico Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (NM ADRC). While the term end is 2025, the grant is expected to be funded through at least 2029.  https://hsc.unm.edu/research/centers-programs/nmadrc/
The Center for Memory & Aging (CMA) at UNM is funded primarily from National Institute of Health (NIH) grant mechanisms, our main projects involve longitudinal study of older participants with and without cognitive problems, including collection of MRIs, cognitive, neurological, and biospecimen data. Currently all our research studies work with older adults, ages 50 and above. The Center for Memory & Aging is a growing center with a focus on research in Alzheimer's and related dementias. We have a long record of continued research funding.
The CMA is seeking a self-starter, motivated, candidate to coordinate the day-to day activities for research studies. The ideal candidate will have experience coordinating research clinical trials or participant-based research studies. Understanding and training in Human Research as well as Good Clinical Practice will be required.
The responsibilities will include recruiting and scheduling patients for ongoing research studies, ensuring protocol adherence for each study, and maintaining accurate records. Duties also include the collection, compilation, and management of study data. The individual in this position must have strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of people in a diverse community, particularly older adults with cognitive difficulties and their families. This employee will work with confidential information and data, work directly with patients and physicians, to schedule and coordinate research appointments and examinations. Position may involve sporadic travel for recruitment events, generally within the Albuquerque area.  
In addition to the above, the position may include assisting with the coordination of add on studies may include EEG, EKG, PET scan and other medical procedures which this position would help to coordinate. Interest or experience in other medical procedures would be an asset.


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