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Contract Research Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Research Assistant - MCU/CDET

Quantico, VA · On-site

$20.75 - $28.50/hr

Secret (Tier 3) This position is contingent upon contract award. Hatalom Corporation is seeking a Research Assistant to support Marine Corps University (MCU) and Education Command (EDCOM). This ...

Research Assistant - MCU/CDET

Quantico, VA · On-site

$20.75 - $28.50/hr

Secret (Tier 3) This position is contingent upon contract award. Hatalom Corporation is seeking a Research Assistant to support Marine Corps University (MCU) and Education Command (EDCOM). This ...

Research Assistant

Chicago, IL · On-site

$50K - $70K/yr

... research assistant to gain experience for future careers in the biomedical area. This at-will ... contract. Employment will be contingent upon the continued receipt of these grant funds and ...

Positions include Executive Research Assistant, Analyst, Senior Analyst, Research Manager and 1099 Contract Researcher. We conduct informational interviews on a rolling basis. Research candidates who ...

Labstat - A global leader in contract research and testing for nicotine, tobacco, cannabis, hemp ... The Research Assistant conducts testing procedures for project-based studies, such as shelf-life ...

Positions include Executive Research Assistant, Analyst, Senior Analyst, Research Manager and 1099 Contract Researcher. We conduct informational interviews on a rolling basis. Research candidates who ...

Positions include Executive Research Assistant, Analyst, Senior Analyst, Research Manager and 1099 Contract Researcher. We conduct informational interviews on a rolling basis. Research candidates who ...

Positions include Executive Research Assistant, Analyst, Senior Analyst, Research Manager and 1099 Contract Researcher. We conduct informational interviews on a rolling basis. Research candidates who ...

Showing results 41-60

Contract Research Assistant information

See salary details

$8

$21

$31

How much do contract research assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract research assistant in the United States is $21.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.51 and $25.48 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

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.
More about Contract Research Assistant jobs
What cities are hiring for Contract Research Assistant jobs? Cities with the most Contract Research Assistant job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Contract Research jobs? The most popular types of Contract Research jobs are:
What states have the most Contract Research Assistant jobs? States with the most job openings for Contract Research Assistant jobs include:
Infographic showing various Contract Research Assistant job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $45,571 per year, or $21.9 per hour.

$50K - $70K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago


University Of Chicago rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

161st of 618 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Department

BSD PED - Pediatric Genetics and Genomics


About the Department

The Department of Pediatrics at the University of Chicago is a dynamic and stimulating place to work. We strive for the highest level of complex care for children from diagnosis and treatment; provide outstanding education and training for students, postgraduate scholars, and physicians; and nurture the research of Department scholars who seek to elucidate the causes of pediatric disease and identify promising new therapies. Our mission is to improve the health of every child entrusted to us, in an inclusive environment that is committed to family-centered care, clinical excellence, impactful scholarship, effective disease prevention, and advocacy for the appropriate care of every child. We are especially committed to the children on the South Side of Chicago and to altering the inequities in healthcare. The Department of Pediatrics has approximately 185 physicians, physician-scientists, and scientists in 15 sections that cover the range of pediatric care. Our education program serves the students of the College, the Pritzker School of Medicine (PSOM), 70 categorical pediatric residents, 6 child neurology residents, 58 fellows, and numerous graduate students and post-doctoral fellows. The Department has a staff of 220 advanced practice providers, administrators, research administrators, clinical research associates, and laboratory staff. The Department has an expanding portfolio of Federal, foundational, and Philanthropic awards, and is committed to doubling its research base in the next three years.


Job Summary

The Zhou Lab in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Chicago is seeking a self-motivated and team-orientated individual interested in biology sciences to work as a research assistant to gain experience for future careers in the biomedical area.
This at-will position is wholly funded by contractual grant funding which is renewed under provisions set by the grantor of the contract. Employment will be contingent upon the continued receipt of these grant funds and satisfactory job performance.

Responsibilities

  • Mouse colony maintenance and PCR genotyping.

  • Perform routine assignments related to research projects including histology and immunostaining experiments.

  • Interdependentlyconductsdata recording, analysis, andwriteslab reports. Works directly with senior researchers on assigned projects.

  • Has general awareness in research techniques or methods, regulatory policies and procedures, and relevant scientific field.

  • Maintains technical and administrative support for a research project.

  • Analyzes and maintains data and/or specimens. Conducts literature reviews. Assists with preparation of reports, manuscripts and other documents.

  • Installs, sets up and performsexperiments;interacting with students and other laboratory staff under the direction of the principal investigator.

  • Performs other related work as needed.


Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.


Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through < 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline.


Certifications:

---

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

  • A college or university degree in a related field of biomedical sciences.

Experience:

  • Experience in histology and immunostaining.

Preferred Competencies

  • Basic knowledge and skills in mouse work.

Working Conditions

  • Laboratory and office setting.

Application Documents

  • Resume (required)

  • Cover letter describingpreviousresearch experience and career goals(preferred)


When applying, the document(s) MUSTbe uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.


Job Family

Research


Role Impact

Individual Contributor


Scheduled Weekly Hours

40


Drug Test Required

No


Health Screen Required

Yes


Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No


Pay Rate Type

Salary


FLSA Status

Exempt


Pay Range

$50,000.00 - $70,000.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University's good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.


Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.


Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at:http://securityreport.uchicago.edu.Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.


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