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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 ...

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$16

$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.

Research Associate I

Integrated Resources INC

La Jolla, CA

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

Job Description

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

Seeking a highly motivated contract Research Associate with strong interpersonal communication skills to conduct in vivo studies in mice in In-vivo Pharmacology group to support oncology research.

Support in vivo experiments

Flexible working hours including late shift, weekends and holidays

Strong interpersonal communication skills and team player.

TECHNICAL SKILLS:

Proficient in handling mice.

Proficient in administering compounds via various routes (PO, IV, IP, SC).

Blood collection (via cheek bleed, RO, intra-cardiac).

Necropsy, collection of various tissue samples for biomarker analysis.

Experience with tumor cell subcutaneous implantation in mice and live animal surgery is a plus.

Proficient in data collection/documentation, either in electronic or hardcopy forms.



Qualifications

ALAT/ALATg, or BS degree in a life science with minimum 1-2 years of hands on laboratory experience in small animal experimentation.

Additional Information

Rupalim Dutta
Clinical Recruiter
Integrated Resources, Inc.
IT Life Sciences Allied Healthcare CRO
Certified MBE |GSA - Schedule 66 I GSA - Schedule 621I

DIRECT # 650-399-0896
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/rupalim-dutta


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About Integrated Resources

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Integrated Resources Inc (IRI), based in Edison, NJ, US, is an esteemed player in the staffing solutions industry with a credible presence on their official website irionline.com. Notably, IRI provides a range of professional staffing services including contract, contract-to-hire, and direct hire solutions to a wide spectrum of industries such as healthcare, life sciences, manufacturing, financial, insurance, and others. Since its inception, IRI has been committed to delivering top-talent and optimum solutions to meet its clients' diverse needs.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Edison, NJ, US

Year founded

1996

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