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Contract Research Associate Jobs in Berkeley, CA

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 ...

Aequor

Research Associate II

South San Francisco, CA · On-site

Job Title: Research Associate IILocation: South San Francisco, CA 94080Working Model: Fully ... Contract W2Interview Format: Two Rounds (1. Hiring Manager [30 minutes], 2. Panel - on-site [60 ...

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BEPC INC

Be Seen First

Research Associate

South San Francisco, CA · On-site

$32 - $35.38/hr

In Vivo Research Associate Location: South San Francisco, CA 94080 Employment Type ... W2 Contract - Approximately 15 Months with Possibility for Extensions Pay Rate: $32.00-$35.38/hour ...

New

Lancesoft INC

Research Associate - Biology

Foster City, CA · On-site

$45 - $50/hr

Foster City, CA 94404 Duration: 06+ Month Contract Pay Rate: $50/hr. on W2 Weekend/off-shift work ... Research Associate - Biology III to join the Inflammation In Vivo Pharmacology team in Foster City ...

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All JobsContract Research Associate JobsContract Research Associate Jobs in Berkeley, CA

Contract Research Associate information

See Berkeley, CA salary details

$20

$39

$57

How much do contract research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract research associate in Berkeley, CA is $39.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32.07 and $45.34 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 cities near Berkeley, CA are hiring for Contract Research Associate jobs?

Cities near Berkeley, CA with the most Contract Research Associate job openings:

Contract Research Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Research Associate job openings in Berkeley, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, 17% Temporary, and 33% Contract. Highlights an 83% In-person, and 17% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $82,877 per year, or $39.8 per hour.

Research Associate II - Translational Sciences (Contract)

Pliant Therapeutics, Inc.

South San Francisco, CA

$44 - $50/hr

Full-time, Contractor

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Description

We have an immediate opening for a contract Research Associate within our Translational Sciences group. This is a full-time (40 hours per week) contract position with a duration of 6 months.

This individual will join a team focused on discovery and advancement of tissue-specific delivery of drug payloads utilizing integrin receptor-binding molecules. The primary responsibility of this position will include processing samples, developing, troubleshooting and optimizing assays. 

 Responsibilities
  • Process cell and tissue-based samples through multiple molecular assays following appropriate laboratory/technical procedures with special attention to data quality and reproducibility
  • Learn new laboratory techniques, troubleshoot experiments, and ensure experiments are well-designed and performed to a high standard
  • Make detailed observations, analyze data promptly, and maintain accurate records
  • Evaluate and clearly report experimental results to research team on a routine basis
  • Contribute to development and adoption of new technologies
  • Provide support for various research team projects and lab needs based using dynamic prioritization
  • Actively participate in project meetings
Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, abilities, and prior experience required.

  • BA/BS degree in Molecular Biology, Immunology, Cell Biology or related field with a minimum of 3+ years full time laboratory experience in an industry or academic setting
  • Experience with primary immune cell isolation from tissues and PBMCs, immune cell profiling with flow cytometry and analysis, transfection, ELISA, and immunofluorescence-based staining
  • Solid experience working with Operetta high content imaging and/or Sony Sorter SH800S is aa plus
  • Experience working with a variety of primary human and immune cells is preferred
  • Comfortable working with ex vivo tissues e.g. human, NHP, and rodent tissues
  • Ability to evaluate and clearly communicate results both verbally and in written form
  • Candidate should be flexible with rapid changes in schedule based on scope/prioritization of projects
  • Candidate should exhibit strong, positive attitude for teamwork and learning
  • Ability to thrive in a culture of respect, accountability, transparency, and collaboration

The hourly rate for this role is $44/hr - $50/hr. Individual pay may vary based on additional factors, including, and without limitation job-related skills, experience, work location and relevant education or training.

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