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Clinical Research Lab information

See California salary details

$48.4K

$105.9K

$186.5K

How much do clinical research lab jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for clinical research lab in California is $105,931.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,900.00 and $120,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a clinical research lab?

A clinical research lab is a specialized facility where scientific studies involving human participants are conducted to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of medications, medical devices, diagnostics, or treatment protocols. These labs play a crucial role in advancing medical knowledge by generating data that supports regulatory approvals and clinical practice guidelines. The work in such labs is highly regulated to ensure the integrity of the research and the safety of participants. Clinical research labs often collaborate with hospitals, universities, and pharmaceutical companies to conduct these studies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a clinical research lab, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Clinical Research Lab, you need a solid background in biological sciences or related fields, experience with laboratory techniques, and often at least a bachelor’s degree in science. Familiarity with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), data analysis software, and regulatory compliance certifications such as Good Clinical Practice (GCP) is typically required. Strong attention to detail, effective teamwork, and clear communication skills are essential soft skills in this environment. These competencies ensure accurate data collection, regulatory adherence, and successful collaboration on research projects.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in a clinical research lab, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in a clinical research lab often encounter challenges such as strict regulatory requirements, tight project timelines, and the need for meticulous attention to detail. Maintaining accurate documentation and adhering to protocols is crucial, which can be demanding under pressure. Effective communication within multidisciplinary teams—such as clinicians, data managers, and laboratory technicians—is essential for smooth workflow. Proactively seeking mentorship, staying updated on regulatory changes, and participating in team meetings can help mitigate these challenges and foster a collaborative environment.

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

AspectClinical Research LabClinical Research Coordinator
CredentialsTypically requires laboratory science degrees or certificationsRequires clinical research certifications and healthcare-related degrees
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research facilitiesClinics, hospitals, research sites
Employer & IndustryResearch institutions, biotech companiesHospitals, clinical trial sites
Job FocusLaboratory testing, sample analysisParticipant management, study coordination

While both roles are essential in clinical research, a Clinical Research Lab focuses on laboratory testing and analysis, whereas a Clinical Research Coordinator manages participant recruitment and study logistics. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are popular job titles related to Clinical Research Lab jobs in California?

For Clinical Research Lab jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Clinical Research Lab jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Clinical Research Lab jobs in California are:

Clinical Research Lab jobs near you
Infographic showing various Clinical Research Lab job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,931 per year, or $50.9 per hour.

Clinical Research Specialist I - Oncology & Clinical Research

Cedars Sinai

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$31.75 - $53.98/hr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Cedars-Sinai rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 131 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

43rd of 1,061 rated hospitals

Job description


Location: Los Angeles, CA (Onsite)
This position is 100% onsite during the training period. After successful completion of training and demonstrated proficiency, there may be the opportunity for a limited hybrid work schedule based on business needs and performance. Candidates should be prepared to work onsite full-time initially.
Make an Impact on Groundbreaking Cancer Research: Are you passionate about advancing clinical research that directly impacts patient care? We are seeking a highly organized, detail-oriented Clinical Research Specialist I to support innovative oncology research initiatives and clinical trials. In this role, you will provide critical research infrastructure support while partnering with investigators, research teams, and laboratory personnel to ensure high-quality study execution, regulatory compliance, and exceptional data integrity.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced clinical research professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys managing multiple priorities, and is committed to advancing translational and clinical research.
What You'll Do
As a Clinical Research Specialist I, you will play a key role in supporting departmental and institutional research initiatives by:
Clinical Research Operations
  • Participate in the design, implementation, and coordination of clinical research projects.
  • Support investigator-initiated research, including protocol development, case report forms, study documentation, budgets, and research committee coordination.
  • Coordinate research activities across departments while communicating project status and improvement opportunities to leadership.
  • Support research quality management initiatives and clinical trial recruitment efforts.

Molecular Twin & Oncology Research Support
  • Screen patients for protocol eligibility.
  • Coordinate participant blood collection activities according to study protocols.
  • Prepare Research Lab Kits (RLKs) and monitor participant visits.
  • Create participant cohorts and generate customized reports for investigators.
  • Develop and maintain oncology-focused research databases.
  • Maintain study forms, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and research documentation.

Laboratory & Sample Management
  • Prepare research kits for multiple clinical protocols.
  • Process, prepare, store, distribute, and ship biological specimens according to protocol requirements.
  • Support pharmacokinetic (PK) collections, including occasional late-day or weekend sample processing as required by study timelines.
  • Ensure accurate tracking and reconciliation of biological samples across multiple databases.

Data Quality & Process Improvement
  • Perform quality control (QC) reviews of patient and sample data.
  • Enter and reconcile research information across multiple systems.
  • Identify opportunities to improve workflows, automate manual processes, and reduce data entry errors.

Regulatory Compliance
  • Ensure compliance with FDA regulations, IRB requirements, HIPAA, Good Clinical Practice (GCP), and all institutional research policies.
  • Participate in required training and continuing education.

Qualifications
To be considered, candidates must meet all of the following 2 requirements:
  1. Bachelor's degree in a scientific, healthcare, or related discipline.
  2. Minimum of three (3) years of clinical research experience within an academic medical center, hospital, research institution, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or related clinical research environment.

Licenses and Certifications
  • Clinical Research AssociateACRP/SoCRA (or equivalent) certification preferred.

The ideal candidate has at least 3 years of clinical research experience, including coordinating clinical research studies and supporting research operations. You should have experience working with biological specimens (collection, processing, storage, or shipment), be familiar with Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and clinical research regulations, and have strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities. Success in this role also requires exceptional attention to detail, experience with research databases and electronic data management systems, and the ability to communicate and collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams.
You'll stand out if you also have experience in oncology research, biobanking, or molecular research initiatives, along with exposure to protocol development, investigator-initiated studies, laboratory operations supporting clinical trials, reporting, database management, or process improvement and automation initiatives. An ACRP, SoCRA, or equivalent Clinical Research certification is preferred but not required.

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