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Contract Research Assistant Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Reva Medical LLC

Clinical Research Assistant

San Diego, CA · On-site

$28 - $34/hr

Process returned/expired devices. Assist with the distribution and tracking of clinical study supplies to Contract Research Organizations (CROs) and clinical centers (e.g. study binders, case report ...

Reva Medical LLC

Clinical Research Assistant

San Diego, CA · On-site

$28 - $34/hr

Assist with the distribution and tracking of clinical study supplies to Contract Research Organizations (CROs) and clinical centers (e.g. study binders, case report form worksheets, study devices and ...

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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 are popular job titles related to Contract Research Assistant jobs in California?

For Contract Research Assistant jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Contract Research Assistant jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Contract Research Assistant 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:

Contract Research Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Research Assistant job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Research Assistant/Research Associate

Frontage Laboratories

Hayward, CA • On-site

$65K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

 

Research Assistant/Research Associate

Title: Research Assistant/Research Associate 

Department: ADME Department

Location: Hayward, CA (on-site)

Reports to: Group Leader – ADME Department

Classification: Full-time

About Us:

Frontage Laboratories Inc. is an award winning, publicly listed (HKSE), full-service CRO/Contract Research Organization operating over 25 state-of-the-art laboratories across the US, Canada and China, and growing over 30% YOY. Our core competencies include drug metabolism, pharmacokinetics/ pharmacodynamics (PK/PD), safety and toxicology, bioanalytical services, chemistry and manufacturing controls for drug development, and core laboratory services for clinical trials.

Position/Job Summary:

This position will support experiment design, data collection, analysis, troubleshooting, and data reporting within the ADME department. This includes gathering data on pre-clinical compound parameters using a variety of techniques, organizing and processing the data using statistical and analytical methods to reach meaningful conclusions, and reporting observations to clients and other decision-makers. 

Roles & Responsibilities:

  • Report to the senior team leader.
  • Work and collaborate daily with a group of in vitro assay biologists within the ADME department.
  • Learn from and teach other group members to improve skills, increase productivity, and take part in cross-training of all ADME assays.
  • Maintain a detailed laboratory notebook.
  • Develop compound methods and collect data using LC-MS/MS and other modalities (HPLC, spectrophotometry, etc.)
  • Conduct day-to-day testing of compounds in several cell/protein-based in vitro assays or experiments in a team-oriented environment.
  • Analyze and interpret data using different software programs (Sciex Analyst, DiscoveryQuant, GraphPad prism, MS Excel, etc.)
  • Prepare reports and communicate with collaborators and clients.
  • Multitask, recognize problems, provide input to solutions, draft reports, and communicate results proficiently with clients and in lab meetings.
  • Contribute to basic lab maintenance such as preparing buffers, cleaning, ordering, stocking, and follow-up.
  • Communicate and work closely with other departments to finish collaboration projects in a timely manner.
  • Offer drug discovery screening and IND filing support for multiple client-based projects
  • Other duties as assigned

Education, Experience & Skills Required:

  • BS or MS in biology, chemistry, or related area.
  • 2-4 years of related experience in the biotech, pharma or preclinical CRO industry.  Working experience with LC-MS/MS, HPLC, bioanalytical studies preferred.
  • Strong problem solving and troubleshooting skills with demonstrated ability to resolve complex situations that require a logical, analytical and methodical approach.
  • Self-motivated to multitask, initiate projects, and work both independently and in a team environment to meet deadlines
  • Excellent organization and planning skills with attention to detail.
  • Committed to customer satisfaction and focused on the importance of quality.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Hands-on exposure to general biotech laboratory equipment. A preferred candidate will have a good understanding and knowledge of laboratory tools, techniques, methods, and underlying principles. Work experience in cell-culture or in an in vitro ADME/DMPK lab preferred but not required.
  • A theoretical understanding of different ADME assays (solubility, microsomal stability, plasma and blood stability, plasma protein binding, permeability, CYP enzyme and transporter inhibition and substrate determination, etc.) preferred but not required.

Significant Safety or Working Considerations:

  • May work with potentially infectious samples of human and/or animal origin (i.e. blood, tissues, etc.).
  • May handle hazardous chemicals. 

Salary and Benefits:

Frontage Laboratories offers a competitive compensation and generous benefits package including health and dental insurance, a 401(k) plan, health insurance, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance etc

Salary Range: $65,000 to $85,000

 

Frontage Laboratories Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with disability.