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Clinical Research Associate Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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

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

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

Clinical Research Associate

Long Beach, CA · On-site +1

$91K - $114K/yr

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

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 ...

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Clinical Research Associate information

See California salary details

$11

$40

$68

How much do clinical research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for clinical research associate in California is $40.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.46 and $51.97 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is it hard to get a clinical research associate job?

Securing a clinical research associate (CRA) position can be competitive, often requiring a relevant degree such as a life sciences or healthcare-related field, along with experience in clinical trials. Strong organizational skills, knowledge of Good Clinical Practice (GCP), and familiarity with clinical trial management systems can improve job prospects, but entry may be challenging for those without relevant qualifications or experience.

What is a clinical research associate?

Clinical Research Associates (CRAs) are professionals responsible for monitoring and overseeing clinical trials to ensure they are conducted in accordance with regulatory guidelines, protocols, and ethical standards. They play a key role in ensuring the safety of trial participants and the integrity of collected data. CRAs often visit clinical trial sites to verify data accuracy, maintain study documentation, and provide training to site staff. Their work ensures that new drugs, treatments, or medical devices are tested rigorously before they reach the market.

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

To thrive as a Clinical Research Associate, you need a solid background in life sciences, attention to detail, and experience with clinical trial protocols, often supported by a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with electronic data capture (EDC) systems, Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines, and sometimes certifications like ACRP or SOCRA is typically required. Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills help build effective relationships with research sites and ensure compliance. These skills are vital for maintaining the integrity of clinical trials, ensuring regulatory adherence, and advancing medical research efficiently.

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

AspectClinical Research AssociateClinical Trial Coordinator
CredentialsBachelor's degree, often with clinical research certificationsBachelor's degree, often with clinical research or healthcare certifications
Work EnvironmentMonitors clinical sites, reviews data, ensures complianceCoordinates trial activities, manages schedules, and communicates with sites
Employer & IndustryPharmaceutical companies, CROs, biotech firmsHospitals, research institutions, CROs

Both roles are essential in clinical trials, with CRAs focusing on site monitoring and compliance, while Clinical Trial Coordinators handle day-to-day trial management. They often collaborate but have distinct responsibilities within the clinical research process.

Is being a clinical research associate worth it?

A clinical research associate (CRA) monitors clinical trials to ensure compliance with protocols and regulations, often requiring strong organizational and communication skills. The role offers opportunities for career growth, competitive salaries, and the chance to contribute to medical advancements, but it can involve irregular hours and travel. Overall, it can be a rewarding career for those interested in healthcare and research.

What are some common challenges clinical research associates face when monitoring clinical trial sites?

Clinical Research Associates (CRAs) often encounter challenges such as ensuring protocol compliance across multiple sites, managing tight project timelines, and maintaining accurate documentation. Additionally, CRAs must effectively communicate with site staff to resolve issues and ensure data integrity, all while adhering to regulatory guidelines. Balancing frequent travel, adapting to different site environments, and handling unexpected issues such as patient recruitment delays are also typical aspects of the role.
More about Clinical Research Associate jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Clinical Research jobs in California? The most popular types of Clinical Research jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Clinical Research Associate jobs? Cities in California with the most Clinical Research Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Clinical Research Associate job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 64% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,422 per year, or $40.6 per hour.

Clinical Research Associate II

Cedars Sinai

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Other

Re-posted 4 days ago


Cedars-Sinai rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 131 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

40th of 1,055 rated hospitals


Job description

This role is designed to be 100% onsite, giving you the opportunity to collaborate closely with your team and immerse yourself in the energy of our workplace. Please note that hybrid or remote work options are NOT available for this position at this time.

Please note that a cover letter is required as part of the application. The cover letter should explain your interest in this opportunity and how it aligns with your career goals. Applications missing this document will not be considered.

Cedars-Sinai has an outstanding opportunity for an independent and well-organized contributor to serve as a CLINICAL RESEARCH ASSOCIATE II to Dr. Judy Tan to support community-engaged research that develops behavioral and community-based health interventions for LGBTQ+ communities of color. Dr. Tan, Associate Professor, Cancer Research Center for Health Equity, Division of Population Sciences, Department of Biomedical Sciences, is a social psychologist and applies her training in behavioral and prevention sciences to develop innovative interventions for improving health outcomes among marginalized populations in the U.S.

This position provides contributions to behavioral and implementation science for the Cancer Research Center for Health Equity. The scope of the work includes research involving participants recruited from the surrounding LA communities and interactions with community-based researchers, academic researchers, and local community organizations and health systems. 

The Clinical Research Associate II works independently but in close collaboration with a Clinical Research Coordinator, Research Program Administrator, Research Nurse, other supervising staff to coordinate and/or implement increasingly complex research studies. Supports objectives of research studies through noncomplex tasks such as data collection, prescreening of potential and scheduling of current research participants, assisting in IRB submission activities, budget and billing, and ensuring overall compliance with all federal and local guidelines. Provides increasingly complex and independent support for studies by serving as the independent contact with sponsors, IRB, and research participants, providing training, education to junior level staff, and coordination of ad hoc activities related to studies. May serve independently as study coordinator for minimal number of noncomplex research studies or projects.

Responsibilities:

  • Works independently under minimal direction from a Clinical Research Coordinator, Research Program Administrator, Research Nurse, or other supervising staff to coordinate and/or implement increasingly complex research studies.
  • Collects, evaluates and/or abstracts clinical research data. May assist in designing forms for data collection/abstraction. Enters and processes clinical research data into Electronic Data Systems (EDCs) that are provided by the sponsors.
  • Completes Case Report Forms (CRFs).
  • Independently prescreens potential research participants for various clinical trials. Schedules research participants for research visits and research procedures. May provide increasingly independent contact with research participants and/or conduct research participant visits independently.
  • Assists supervising staff with regulatory submissions to the Institutional Review Board (IRB). May work directly with the Institutional Review Board to submit Adverse Events, Serious Adverse Events, Safety Letters, etc in accordance with local and federal guidelines.
  • Assists with clinical trial budgets and patient billing.
  • Responsible for sample preparation and shipping and maintenance of study supplies and kits.
  • Ensures compliance with protocol and overall clinical research objectives. Ensures compliance with all federal and local agencies including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and local Institutional Review Board. Maintains research practices using Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines. Maintains strict patient confidentiality according to HIPAA regulations and applicable law.
  • May serve as the primary point of contact for external sponsors for select trials. Responds to sponsor inquiries and attends meetings regarding study activities.
  • Participates in and provides training and education to other Clinical Research Associates. May assist in coordinating activities of other associates to ensure compliance with protocol and clinical research objectives.
  • Participates in centralized activities such as auditing, Standard Operating Procedure development, etc.
  • May participate in the development of Investigator Initiated trials for Investigational New Drug applications and/or Device applications
  • May provide coordination of minimal number of noncomplex research studies or projects independently. May provide coverage for study coordination activities of supervising staff when needed to ensure minimal disruption to study objectives.

Education

  • High School Diploma/GED - minimum
  • Bachelor's Degree Science, Sociology or related degree. - preferred


Experience

  • 1 year Clinical research related. - minimum


Licenses and Certifications

  • Certification In Clinical Research - preferred SOCRA or ACRP certification

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