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Clinical Research Associate Trainee Jobs in California

Senior Clinical Research Associate - Oncology - West Region ICON is a global healthcare intelligence and clinical research organisation united by a mission to bring new medicines and treatments to ...

R&D Partners is seeking to hire a Research Associate I in Foster City, CA . Your main ... Scientific, Clinical Research and Engineering. Our team offers well over 200 years of combined ...

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Clinical Research Associate Trainee information

See California salary details

$12

$31

$54

How much do clinical research associate trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for clinical research associate trainee 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 a clinical research associate trainee?

Clinical Research Associate (CRA) Trainees are entry-level professionals who assist in the monitoring, coordination, and administration of clinical trials. They work under the supervision of experienced CRAs to ensure that clinical research studies comply with regulatory requirements, protocols, and ethical standards. CRA Trainees are typically involved in site visits, data verification, documentation, and communication between study sites and sponsors. Their role serves as a foundation for advancing to more senior CRA positions within the clinical research field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a clinical research associate trainee, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Clinical Research Associate Trainee, you need a solid background in life sciences or a related field, strong organizational skills, and keen attention to detail. Familiarity with clinical trial management systems (CTMS), Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines, and relevant certifications such as GCP training are typically required. Excellent communication, problem-solving abilities, and adaptability are important soft skills for building relationships with site staff and ensuring protocol compliance. These skills and qualities are vital for maintaining data integrity, patient safety, and regulatory adherence throughout the clinical trial process.

What types of projects and studies can a clinical research associate trainee expect to work on during their first year?

As a Clinical Research Associate Trainee, you will typically be involved in assisting with a variety of clinical trials, ranging from early-phase (Phase I/II) to later-phase (Phase III/IV) studies. Your responsibilities may include site monitoring, verifying that clinical data is accurately recorded, and ensuring compliance with regulatory guidelines. You'll often work closely with senior CRAs, study coordinators, and investigators, allowing you to gain hands-on experience with protocols and Good Clinical Practice (GCP) standards. This exposure prepares you for more independent monitoring roles as you progress in your career.

What is the difference between Clinical Research Associate Trainee vs Clinical Research Associate?

AspectClinical Research Associate TraineeClinical Research Associate
Required CredentialsOften entry-level, may require a bachelor's degree in life sciences or related fieldRequires relevant experience, often a bachelor's degree and certification
Work EnvironmentTraining programs, supervised settings, clinical trial sitesIndependent monitoring at clinical sites, data review, regulatory compliance
Employer & Industry UsagePharmaceutical companies, CROs, biotech firms during training phaseEstablished professionals working in similar organizations

The Clinical Research Associate Trainee is an entry-level position focused on learning and training, often requiring minimal experience. In contrast, a Clinical Research Associate is a more experienced role responsible for monitoring clinical trials independently. The trainee role serves as a stepping stone toward becoming a full Clinical Research Associate.

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

The most popular types of Clinical Research Trainee jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Clinical Research Associate Trainee job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,745 per year, or $31.1 per hour.

Clinical Research Associate

Alameda Health System

Oakland, CA • On-site

$49.48 - $60.16/hr

Temporary

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Alameda Health System rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Summary
SUMMARY: Under direction of the Manager of Grants & Special Projects, the Clinical Research Associate coordinates all aspects of clinical trials within the assigned unit.at the Adult Immunology Clinic, Highland Campus. In consultation with providers and other clinical personnel, is responsible for selecting, implementing and monitoring clinical trials, educating, and when appropriate, enrolling patients into the various programs. Performs related duties as required.
DUTIES & ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: NOTE :The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Not all duties listed are necessarily performed by each individual in the classification.
CLINICAL TRIALS: Responsible for assisting in the selection and administration of appropriate clinical research trials by reviewing studies, adhering to federal regulations and ICH Guidelines, with an emphasis on good clinical practice and clinical Safety Data Management. Administers informed consent, enrollment of participants into clinical trials.
INSTITUTIONAL REVIEW BOARD (IRB): Acts as departmental representative at Institutional Review Board's Human Subject Committee meetings. Presents all new research projects to the committee. Modifies, renews and closes out all appropriate research projects. Reports all serious adverse events and protocol violations. Submits drug and/or device safety reports to the IRB.
REGULATORY: Organizes research team and meets as needed. Maintains current CVs and licenses for all study investigators. Updates regulatory binders for each research study. Provides central protocol and drug information to departments. Educates hospital personnel regarding protocols and screening requirements. Reports serious adverse events to study sponsor and FDA, when appropriate. Ensures compliance with all federal and state laws regarding research and confidentiality. In collaboration with nursing staff, assures that operations are in compliance with external guidelines, statutory and accreditation parameters including JCAHO, Title 22, HCFA, OSHA, and other laws/regulations
PRESENTATION AND PUBLICATIONS: Assists investigators in the preparation of manuscripts and the design of posters and oral presentations for annual conventions, conferences and trainings, when appropriate. Performs searches through existing medical literature.
ADMINISTRATIVE/FISCAL: Organizes research team (nurses, co-investigators) and meets with team, as needed. Maintains current CVs and licenses for all sub investigators and binders for each protocol. Acts as the point person for budgetary and administrative issues. When appropriate, prepares and negotiates study budget. Monitors and accounts for all study related income and expenses. Requests and administers patient compensation and petty cash. Provides scheduled accounting of research funds to department directors. Interacts with AHS staff in a professional and courteous manner. Supervises research personnel to ensure compliance with protocols. Obtains, interview, and directly supervise research department volunteers and medical students on research elective rotations.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education: Bachelor's Degree (180 quarter units or 120 semester units) with major coursework in health and human sciences, biology or a field related to the work. (Additional experience as outlined below may be substituted for the education on a year-to-year basis.)
Minimum Experience: Possess experience and expertise in medical research. Experience and expertise can be gained by "hands-on experience" in a medical or scientific setting, as a graduate or medical student or other medically trained individual. Typically equal to the equivalent of two years of full-time experience as a Clinical Research Associate or equivalent level position at a public hospital, medical center or HMO.
Required Licenses/Certifications: BLS - Basic Life Support Certification issued by AHA-American Heart Association.
The pay range for this position reflects the base pay scale for the role at Alameda Health System. Final compensation will be determined based on several factors, including but not limited to a candidate's experience, education, skills, licensure and certifications, departmental equity, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and the operational needs of the organization. Alameda Health System also offers eligible positions a generous comprehensive benefits program.
$49.48/hr - $60.16/hr

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