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Contract Research Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Montana State University

Research Associate

Bozeman, MT · On-site

$50K - $60K/yr

... Contract Term Fiscal Year Semester If other, specify From date If other, specify End date FLSA ... The Research Associate will be expected to work with minimal supervision while designing and ...

Initio Capital

Strategic Research Associate

New York, NY · On-site

$145K - $185K/yr

Job Summary Strategic Research Associate Initio Capital Full-time, Part-time, Contract, Temporary, Internship, Casual Hybrid | New York, NY, United States Strategic Research Associate - Initio ...

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How much do contract research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract research associate in the United States is $32.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.20 and $37.02 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Contract Research Associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Research Associate, you need a solid background in life sciences or a related field, attention to detail, and experience with clinical research processes. Familiarity with regulatory systems like FDA guidelines, Good Clinical Practice (GCP), data management tools, and electronic data capture (EDC) systems is typically required. Strong organizational skills, effective communication, and the ability to work independently or in teams help set candidates apart. These competencies ensure that clinical trials are conducted accurately, compliantly, and efficiently, supporting successful research outcomes.

What are some typical challenges faced by Contract Research Associates when managing multiple studies simultaneously?

Contract Research Associates often juggle several clinical trials at once, which can pose challenges in time management and prioritization. Balancing the requirements of different sponsors, adhering to varying protocols, and ensuring accurate documentation for each study demand strong organizational skills. Additionally, staying up to date with regulatory changes and effective communication with site staff are crucial to avoid delays and ensure compliance. Developing efficient workflows and leveraging project management tools can help address these challenges.

What is a Contract Research Associate?

A Contract Research Associate (CRA) is a professional who is typically hired on a contractual basis to support and manage clinical trials or research projects. Their primary responsibilities include monitoring research sites, ensuring compliance with protocols and regulations, collecting and verifying data, and maintaining proper documentation. CRAs play a critical role in ensuring the integrity and safety of clinical studies, often working for pharmaceutical companies, contract research organizations (CROs), or academic institutions. The contract nature of the role means that assignments are usually project-based and may vary in duration and scope.

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

AspectContract Research AssociateClinical Research Coordinator
CredentialsBachelor's degree, often in life sciences; certifications like CCRP beneficialBachelor's degree in health sciences or related field; certifications like CCRP or CCRC advantageous
Work EnvironmentTypically in pharmaceutical or biotech companies, contract research organizations (CROs)Usually in hospitals, clinics, or research sites
Employer & IndustryPharmaceutical companies, CROs, biotech firmsHospitals, academic medical centers, research institutions
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

While both roles support clinical trials, a Contract Research Associate primarily works for pharmaceutical or biotech companies managing trial processes remotely or at sites, often on a contractual basis. A Clinical Research Coordinator typically works directly at research sites, coordinating patient visits and data collection. Both roles require similar credentials and certifications, but their work environments and employer types differ.

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Contract Research Associate jobs near you
Contract Research Associate (In Vivo)

Contract Research Associate (In Vivo)

5AM Ventures

Berkeley, CA • On-site

$38.46 - $43.25/hr

Contractor

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

Company Overview
At Renasant Bio, we are driven by a singular goal: to change what's possible for patients with kidney disease. ADPKD remains one of the most challenging areas in medicine, and we believe it requires bold thinking, rigorous science, and a team committed to doing things differently.
We're looking for individuals who bring both scientific rigor and creativity to hard problems, and who believe great work is built through respectful, direct collaboration. You communicate with honesty and transparency, adapt quickly as priorities evolve, and hold yourself-and others-to a high standard. Above all, you operate with urgency and purpose, grounded in the knowledge that patients are waiting.
Based at Bakar Labs in Berkeley, CA with additional support in Cambridge, MA, we are advancing new therapies designed to make a meaningful difference for patients.
The Role
We are seeking a highly motivated Research Associate with a strong background in preclinical drug discovery and in vivo research. This individual will join our dynamic team and contribute to advancing our pipeline for kidney diseases. The ideal candidate will play a key role in supporting in vivo research efforts, with a focus on rodent studies, animal colony management, and lab operation support. This is a projected year long contract.
Responsibilities
  • Collaborate with scientists to evaluate novel therapeutic candidates using transgenic mouse models, including target validation and mechanism of action studies.
  • Oversee and maintain mouse colonies, including breeding, genotyping, colony expansion, and accurate inventory tracking of vivarium supplies.
  • Perform routine in vivo tasks, including animal handling, dosing (PO, IV, IP, SC), blood and tissue collection, sample processing, anesthesia administration, and euthanasia as needed.
  • Monitor animal health, maintain compliance with IACUC protocols, and ensure ethical standards in animal care.
  • Provide detailed documentation of experimental protocols, observations, and results.
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, contributing to discussions on in vivo models and study outcomes.
  • Adapt to the evolving needs of the team and contribute to maintaining aggressive project timelines.

Requirements
  • Education: B.Sc degree in a relevant scientific field with 1-2 years of hands-on experience in preclinical research or a bachelor's degree with equivalent relevant experience. Industry experience is advantageous but not required.
  • In Vivo Expertise: Proficiency in rodent handling required; experience with dosing techniques (e.g., IV, IP, SC), blood/tissue collection, and surgical techniques a plus.
  • Mouse Colony Management: Demonstrated experience in managing transgenic mouse colonies, including breeding, genotyping, and maintenance.
  • Laboratory Skills: Experience with in vivo sample processing and preparation for downstream assays such as histology or molecular analyses.
  • Team Collaboration: Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment.
  • Organization: Exceptional attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently.
  • Commitment to Safety: Adherence to laboratory safety and ethical standards in animal research.
  • Flexibility: Willingness to adapt to team priorities and timelines in a fast-paced environment.

$38.46 - $43.25 an hour
Final compensation will be based on a candidate's qualifications, experience, and geographic location. Contractors will be eligible for health benefits and be paid via third party.
We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristics.
Please note that we do not accept unsolicited resumes from recruitment agencies and external recruiters. No fees will be paid for such submissions.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.

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