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Contract Research Associate Jobs in Berkeley, CA

System One

Sr Research Associate I

San Rafael, CA · On-site

$39 - $42.93/hr

Contract Compensation: $39-$42.93 Work Model: Onsite Hours: 40.0 hours per week Overview Leading biotechnology company looking for an experienced Sr. Research Associate I. Ideal candidates should ...

System One

Sr Research Associate I

San Rafael, CA · On-site

$39 - $42.93/hr

Contract Compensation: $39-$42.93 Work Model: Onsite Hours: 40.0 hours per week Overview Leading biotechnology company looking for an experienced Sr. Research Associate I. Ideal candidates should ...

System One

Sr Research Associate I

San Rafael, CA · On-site

$39 - $42.93/hr

Contract Compensation: $39-$42.93 Work Model: Onsite Hours: 40.0 hours per week Overview Leading biotechnology company looking for an experienced Sr. Research Associate I. Ideal candidates should ...

System One

Sr Research Associate I

San Rafael, CA · On-site

$39 - $42.93/hr

Contract Compensation: $39-$42.93 Work Model: Onsite Hours: 40.0 hours per week Overview Leading biotechnology company looking for an experienced Sr. Research Associate I. Ideal candidates should ...

System One

Sr Research Associate I

San Rafael, CA · On-site

$39 - $42.93/hr

Contract Compensation: $39-$42.93 Work Model: Onsite Hours: 40.0 hours per week Overview Leading biotechnology company looking for an experienced Sr. Research Associate I. Ideal candidates should ...

System One

Sr Research Associate I

San Rafael, CA · On-site

$39 - $42.93/hr

Contract Compensation: $39-$42.93 Work Model: Onsite Hours: 40.0 hours per week Overview Leading biotechnology company looking for an experienced Sr. Research Associate I. Ideal candidates should ...

System One

Sr Research Associate I

San Rafael, CA · On-site

$39 - $42.93/hr

Contract Compensation: $39-$42.93 Work Model: Onsite Hours: 40.0 hours per week Overview Leading biotechnology company looking for an experienced Sr. Research Associate I. Ideal candidates should ...

System One

Sr Research Associate I

San Rafael, CA · On-site

$39 - $42.93/hr

Contract Compensation: $39-$42.93 Work Model: Onsite Hours: 40.0 hours per week Overview Leading biotechnology company looking for an experienced Sr. Research Associate I. Ideal candidates should ...

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Showing results 21-40

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 Sep 8, 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, Translational Biology (CONTRACT)

Septerna

South San Francisco, CA

$30 - $40/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

THE ROLE


This is a contracted position requiring 20-30 hours per week for a 6-month term. The Veterinary Technician / Research Associate will initially be responsible for conducting in vivo rodent studies, with the potential to engage in additional ex vivo or in vitro studies in the Translational Sciences Department to support the advancement of Septerna's small molecule drug discovery pipeline. The candidate will work independently and collaboratively in an inter-disciplinary setting to execute experiments in preclinical models to understand in vivo pharmacology, establish PK/PD relationships, and inform the efficacy of Septerna's therapeutic candidates.  They will help generate in vivo and/or ex vivo data to determine therapeutic mechanisms of action, in vivo efficacy, and rank candidates for preclinical development.  This role is expected to be primarily in the lab with some desk work. Regular weekend working hours will be required.  

We are committed to the development of meaningful therapeutics for patients with indications of high unmet need. This is a tremendous opportunity to work with talented individuals on the frontlines of therapeutic discovery and development.  You will help move therapies through preclinical development, positioning them for success in the clinic.  The successful candidate will add their passion, unique talents, and expertise to a dynamic team on the frontlines of innovative therapeutic development.

The position is based in South San Francisco, CA.

Key Responsibilities include but are not limited to: 

  • Execute in vivo pharmacology studies to understand therapeutic mechanisms in relevant disease models
  • Work collaboratively to determine the mechanism of action of drug candidates, primarily with in vivo models
  • Be a member of multiple project teams
  • Dose large volumes of animals (approx. 50-80 rats per day)
  • Maintain and organize lab spaces
  • Follow all company policies/practices, and maintain accurate records and notebooks
  • Perform routine weekend study activities

REQUIRED EDUCATION, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

  • At least 2 years direct full-time experience with in vivo studies in academia or the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries
  • Experience working in vivarium laboratory settings with rats
  • Demonstrated ability to be hands on and work directly with rodent models, including multiple routes of administration (e.g. oral, subcutaneous, intraperitoneal, intravenous, intramuscular) and sample collection (e.g. tail vein bleeds, jugular bleeds, cardiac puncture, necropsies, etc.).
  • Experience working with other scientists to collect and record study data consistently and accurately
  • Ability to collaborate and trouble-shoot biological experiments
  • Detail-oriented and organized, with strong interpersonal skills for clear and effective communication - ability to proactively engage and collaboration with colleagues

PREFERRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

  • BSc in Pharmacology, Toxicology, Animal Science, or related biological science
  • Experience working with in vitro/ex vivo protein and RNA/DNA assays (e.g. ELISA, qPCR)
  • Experience with subcutaneous injections and oral gavage routes of administration
  • Experience collecting and processing blood samples, especially timed blood collections
  • Experience with cell culture
  • Experience with data analysis using Excel and/or Prism
  • Experience working with rodent surgical models
  • Previous work on therapeutic discovery and development programs in the field of endocrine, inflammatory, neuroscience, or metabolic diseases

The anticipated salary range for candidates who will work in South San Francisco, CA is $30.00/hr - $40.00/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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