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Contract Research Associate Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Lancesoft INC

Research Associate

Foster City, CA · On-site

$36 - $39.85/hr

Foster City, CA Duration: 6+ months contract Pay rate: $39.85/hr on w2 Job Type: Onsite Research Associate (Temporary) - Flow Cytometry Core Department: Research Oncology | Flow Cytometry Core ...

Pharmaron

Research Associate I, In Vivo

San Diego, CA

$24 - $27/hr

San Diego, CA About Pharmaron Pharmaron is a global contract research and manufacturing ... Associates degree (preferred) in veterinary technology with 2 years' relevant experience. * BS with ...

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Contract Research Associate information

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$32

$46

How much do contract research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract research associate in California is $32.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.87 and $36.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

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 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.

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 Associate jobs?

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

Contract Research Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Research Associate job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 66% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,799 per year, or $32.1 per hour.

Contract Research Associate (In Vivo)

Alameda, CA • On-site

5AM Ventures
Investment Clubs and Venture Capital Companies • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about 5AM Venturesexternal

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

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

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.

Qualifications

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. 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.

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