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Contract Research Assistant Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Research Assistant

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$21 - $25/hr

Temporary, 3-4 month contract Employer: BioPhase Solutions About the Role BioPhase Solutions is seeking a Research Assistant - Plant Cell Biology to support the cell biology and plant tissue culture ...

Research Assistant

San Francisco, CA ยท Remote

$21 - $29/hr

JOB SUMMARY We are seeking a Research Assistant to support our Climate x SRHR project and to ... The initial contract term for this role is 2 months, with possibility of extension contingent on ...

Clinical Research Coordinator

Artesia, CA ยท On-site

$25.25 - $33.50/hr

... assistants, data management staff, and regulatory staff to ensure smooth execution of approximately 45 active oncology trials. * Maintain clear and timely communication with contract research ...

Clinical Research Coordinator

Artesia, CA ยท On-site

$33 - $40/hr

Communicate effectively with research assistants, data management staff, regulatory staff, and ... Prior experience working with contract research organizations (CROs) and study sponsors.

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Contract Research Assistant information

What is a contract research assistant?

Contract Research Assistants are professionals hired on a temporary or project-specific basis to support research activities in academic, scientific, or business environments. Their responsibilities typically include data collection, analysis, literature reviews, and assisting with experiments or studies as directed by senior researchers. Unlike permanent staff, their employment is limited to the duration of a specific project or contract. This allows organizations to bring in specialized skills for short-term needs while providing flexibility for both the employer and the assistant.

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

To thrive as a Contract Research Assistant, you generally need a background in a relevant academic field, strong analytical abilities, and experience with data collection and analysis. Familiarity with research management tools, statistical software like SPSS or R, and adherence to ethical research standards are typically required. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and effective communication help individuals excel when supporting research projects and collaborating with teams. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring accurate, reliable research outcomes and maintaining the integrity of the research process.

What are common challenges faced by contract research assistants, and how can they effectively manage multiple projects simultaneously?

Contract Research Assistants often juggle several projects with differing deadlines, methodologies, and stakeholder expectations. Balancing these demands requires strong organizational skills, effective communication, and adaptability to shifting priorities. Utilizing project management tools, setting clear timelines with supervisors, and regularly updating all involved parties can help ensure tasks are completed efficiently. Proactively seeking clarification when project scopes change and maintaining detailed records also aid in managing workload and expectations.

What is the difference between Contract Research Assistant vs Research Associate?

AspectContract Research AssistantResearch Associate
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in a relevant fieldUsually requires a master's degree or higher in a related discipline
Work EnvironmentTemporary or project-based roles in labs or research settingsFull-time, ongoing research positions in academic or industry labs
Employer & IndustryResearch institutions, biotech, pharmaceutical companiesUniversities, research institutes, industry R&D departments
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a Contract Research Assistant and a Research Associate lies in their employment type, experience level, and job stability. Contract Research Assistants typically work on temporary projects with a bachelor's degree, while Research Associates often hold advanced degrees and have more permanent roles in research settings.

How much does a contract research assistant get paid?

The average salary for a contract research assistant typically ranges from $15 to $25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the research. Some positions may offer additional benefits or stipends, especially in academic or clinical settings.

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

The most popular types of Contract Research jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Contract Research Assistant jobs?

Cities in California with the most Contract Research Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Contract Research Assistant job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Clinical Research Phlebotomist Assistant

Artesia, CA โ€ข On-site

Actalent
Business Management Consultingย โ€ขย 5 - 10K employees

$20 - $25/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post hasย expired 4 days ago.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Job Title: Clinical Research Assistant/Phlebotomist

$20-25/hr --with TONS of career growth opportunity!!

6-month Contract-to-Hire

Must be able to travel to various sites around the LA area as needed

Job Description

The Clinical Research Assistant supports clinical research coordinators in the execution of oncology clinical trials by assisting with patient visits, collecting high-quality data, and contributing to regulatory and data management activities. This role focuses on approximately 45 active oncology trials and is designed as a developmental position that offers a clear path to grow into a Clinical Research Coordinator role.

Responsibilities

  • Support clinical research coordinators in the day-to-day conduct of oncology clinical trials.
  • Assist with patient study visits, including preparing for appointments, coordinating logistics, and ensuring a professional and compassionate patient experience.
  • Perform clinical procedures during study visits, including taking vital signs, conducting ECGs, and performing phlebotomy in accordance with study protocols and site standards.
  • Conduct chart reviews and pre-screen patients against protocol-specific eligibility criteria to support enrollment efforts.
  • Collect, document, and maintain accurate and timely study data from patient visits and medical records.
  • Contribute to data entry into electronic data capture (EDC) systems and support query resolution to ensure data integrity and compliance.
  • Collaborate with the data management and regulatory teams to support documentation, regulatory submissions, and ongoing compliance with study requirements.
  • Participate in study-related communications with internal teams, contract research organizations (CROs), and sponsors as needed.
  • Travel to designated clinical sites for patient visits, following an established schedule provided at least one week in advance.
  • Follow all clinical research protocols, standard operating procedures, and ethical guidelines to protect patient safety and confidentiality.
  • Actively develop knowledge and skills required to transition into a Clinical Research Coordinator role over time.

Essential Skills

  • At least 1 year of experience as a Clinical Research Coordinator or in a closely related clinical research role.
  • Hands-on experience participating in or supporting patient visits within clinical research studies.
  • Demonstrated ability to conduct study visits, including measuring vital signs, performing phlebotomy, and conducting ECGs.
  • Proficiency in chart review and pre-screening patients for clinical trial eligibility.
  • Experience with clinical research and clinical trials, preferably in an oncology setting.
  • Strong data collection skills with attention to accuracy and detail.
  • Certified Phlebotomist with demonstrated phlebotomy competency.
  • Ability to travel between multiple clinical sites as required for patient visits.
  • Effective communication and interpersonal skills for working with patients and multidisciplinary research teams.
  • Strong organizational skills and ability to follow structured schedules and protocols.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

  • Oncology research experience is a strong plus.
  • Experience with data entry and query resolution in various electronic data capture (EDC) systems.
  • Prior experience working with contract research organizations (CROs) and clinical trial sponsors.
  • Familiarity with regulatory processes and documentation in clinical research.
  • Interest in and motivation to grow into a Clinical Research Coordinator role.
  • Ability to work collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary research environment.
  • Comfort working in a fast-paced setting with multiple concurrent oncology trials.

Work Environment

The role is part of a collaborative clinical research team that includes full-time and part-time clinical research coordinators, research assistants, data management staff, and regulatory staff providing flexible and corporate support. The team works on approximately 45 active oncology trials, offering exposure to a wide range of studies and procedures. The standard work schedule is 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Clinical Research Assistant trains at the Cerritos site and primarily supports activities in Glendale, with additional travel to sites in Long Beach and Fountain Valley as needed. Work involves direct patient interaction in clinical settings, use of medical equipment for vital signs, ECGs, and phlebotomy, and regular use of electronic data capture systems and other research tools in a professional, detail-oriented environment.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Cerritos, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $25.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Cerritos,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 13, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.


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About Actalent

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Actalent connects passion with purpose. Our scalable talent solutions and services capabilities drive value and results and provide the expertise to help our customers achieve more. Every day, our experts around the globe are making an impact. We're supporting critical initiatives in engineering and sciences that advance how companies serve the world. Actalent promotes consultant care and engagement through experiences that enable continuous development. Our people are the difference. Actalent is an operating company of Allegis Group, the global leader in talent solutions.

Industry

Business management consulting

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hanover, MD, US

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