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Contract Research Associate Jobs in San Rafael, CA

NCIRE

Staff Research Associate II

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$25.24 - $40.60/hr

... contracts and grants) and elsewhere (industry sponsors, coordinating centers, FDA, NIH), exhibiting an in-depth knowledge of specific programs. Essential Functions: * Perform and assist with subject ...

NCIRE

Staff Research Associate II

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$25.24 - $40.60/hr

... contracts and grants) and elsewhere (industry sponsors, coordinating centers, FDA, NIH), exhibiting an in-depth knowledge of specific programs. Essential Functions: * Perform and assist with subject ...

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All JobsContract Research Associate JobsContract Research Associate Jobs in San Rafael, CA

Contract Research Associate information

See San Rafael, CA salary details

$18

$36

$52

How much do contract research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract research associate in San Rafael, CA is $36.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $29.23 and $41.25 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 San Rafael, CA are hiring for Contract Research Associate jobs?

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

Contract Research Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Research Associate job openings in San Rafael, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,450 per year, or $36.3 per hour.

Senior Research Associate, Protein Sciences (Contract role)

Septerna

South San Francisco, CA • On-site

$36/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

THE ROLE

We are seeking passionate and creative individuals who want to contribute to Septerna's mission to utilize innovative drug discovery technologies for GPCR targets. The ideal candidate will have experience in protein purification using a variety of methods including fast-performance liquid chromatography (FPLC), microscale purification, and magnetic bead-based purification.

The chosen candidate will be working in a collaborative team contributing to medium and large-scale protein production and characterization for use in structural biology, biophysics, and small molecule drug discovery.  This position offers the unique opportunity to join an innovative well-funded biotechnology company and to contribute to its long-term success.  

The position is based in South San Franscisco, CA.  Title and compensation commensurate with experience.

***40 hrs/week, one year contract role***

Responsibilities

  • Perform as a hands-on protein production associate to help fully enable Septerna's Native Complex  
  • Carry out medium and large-scale protein production utilizing a variety of techniques including FPLC, gravity flow, microscale, and magnetic bead purification
  • Qualify proteins utilizing techniques including SDS-PAGE, flow cytometry, fluorescent SEC, and DSF.
  • Work collaboratively with Discovery Biology teams in ensuring proper prioritization and timelines of cell culture requests.
  • Laboratory notebooking, data analysis and documentation. 

Qualifications

  • BS with 4+ years of hands-on relevant experience in a biotechnology or pharmaceutical setting.
  • 2+ years demonstrated expertise in large-scale protein purification
  • Experience with affinity chromatography, ion-exchange chromatography, size exclusion chromatography, and SDS-PAGE
  • Prior experience with basic protein quality control techniques (SDS-PAGE, fSEC, DSF) is desirable.
  • Ability to write and follow standard operating procedures to ensure high-quality protein reagent production.
  • Strong skills in carrying out multiple simultaneous projects to ensure delivery of reagents with appropriate prioritization and timelines
  • Demonstrated experience working collaboratively in a team-oriented environment
  • Clear and effective verbal and written communication skills

The anticipated salary range for candidates who will work in South San Francisco, CA is $36/hr - 45/hr pay rate . 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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