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Contract Research Associate Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

WuXi AppTec

Research Associate I

San Diego, CA · On-site

$18 - $23/hr

We're seeking a highly motivated Research Associate I to support our in vivo pharmacology team for various projects. • Assist with in vivo pharmacology experiments for preclinical contract research ...

WuXi AppTec

Research Associate I

San Diego, CA · On-site

$18 - $23/hr

We're seeking a highly motivated Research Associate I to support our in vivo pharmacology team for various projects. • Assist with in vivo pharmacology experiments for preclinical contract research ...

WuXi AppTec

Research Associate I

San Diego, CA · On-site

$18 - $23/hr

We're seeking a highly motivated Research Associate I to support our in vivo pharmacology team for ... Responsibilities • Assist with in vivo pharmacology experiments for preclinical contract research ...

PBS Biotech

Research Associate

Camarillo, CA · On-site

With a fully equipped in-house R&D laboratory, we also provide world-class contract services for ... We are seeking a full-time, highly motivated Research Associate to join our growing bioprocess R&D ...

PBS Biotech

Research Associate

Camarillo, CA · On-site

With a fully equipped in-house R&D laboratory, we also provide world-class contract services for ... We are seeking a full-time, highly motivated Research Associate to join our growing bioprocess R&D ...

Kelly Services

Research Associate

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$35 - $48/hr

Research Associate Kelly ® Science & Clinical is seeking a Research Associate for a contract position at a cutting-edge client in Pasadena, CA . If you're passionate about bringing the latest ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsContract Research Associate JobsContract Research Associate Jobs in California

Contract Research Associate information

See California salary details

$16

$32

$46

How much do contract research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 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 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 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 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 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,799 per year, or $32.1 per hour.

Associate Scientist II (Contract), Research

Vaxcyte

San Carlos, CA • On-site

$51 - $56/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Summary:

Vaxcyte's Research team uses a broad palette of chromatographic tools to purify diverse vaccine antigens. Applicants must have practical, hands-on experience with multiple chromatographic modalities (not limited to monoclonal antibody/Protein A workflows). Experience should include selection, screening, development, scale-up and characterization of various chromatography techniques. 

Essential Functions:
  • Execute the following AKTA FPLC chromatography techniques:
    • Immobilized metal affinity chromatography (IMAC)
    • Ion-exchange chromatography (IEX)
    • Hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HIC)
    • Size-exclusion chromatography (SEC)
    • Hydroxyapatite (CHT / HA)
  • Designing chromatography trains to reduce host cell protein, endotoxin and aggregates using complementary modalities.
  • Demonstrated DoE experience for multimodal optimization is a plus.
  • Membrane chromatography for high-throughput contaminant removal or virus/VLP processing and as a scale-friendly polishing/scavenging step.
  • Keep accurate and current records of development experiments and/or project related activities in an electronic laboratory notebook.
  • Present data from experiments to the team and contribute to technical discussions.
  • Work within a team environment and provides support as necessary to further the team's initiatives.
Requirements: 
  • BS in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology or a relevant science considered, with minimum of 2 years of relevant industry experience or MS with minimum of 1 year of relevant industry experience.
  • Experience with diverse protein targets, bacterial and eukaryotic recombinant proteins, small/large subunit vaccine antigens, fusion proteins, multimeric complexes, glycoproteins, and VLPs.
  • The role requires demonstrated success with alternative capture/polishing methods and orthogonal cleaning strategies appropriate for potential vaccine antigens.
  • Preferred experience with Cell-free protein synthesis system.
  • Familiarity with automation or high throughput workflows such as (96-well plates) and UNICORN/AKTA software DoE integrations.
  • Experience in process development.
  • Strong interpersonal skills to collaborate well within the team and excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Reports to: Scientist II, Research 
 
Location: San Carlos, CA
 
Work Arrangement: Onsite 
 
Expected Contract Length: 12months 
 
Hourly Range: $51/hr. - $56/hr.
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About Vaxcyte

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Biotechnology research and development

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

San Carlos, CA, US

Year founded

2013

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