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Contract Researcher Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Suno

Qualitative UX Researcher (Contract)

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$75 - $90/hr

About the Role We're looking for a Qualitative UX Researcher (6 month contract) to own the voice of the user across Suno's current user, subscriber, and power user experience. This role is focused on ...

Artiva Biotherapeutics, Inc.

Contract Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

$122K - $145K/yr

Collaborate with representatives from contract research organizations (CROs) on clinical trial agreements (CTAs) and amendments with clinical trial sites, including development of CTA templates and ...

Artiva Biotherapeutics

Contract Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

$122K - $145K/yr

Collaborate with representatives from contract research organizations (CROs) on clinical trial agreements (CTAs) and amendments with clinical trial sites, including development of CTA templates and ...

Artiva Biotherapeutics, Inc.

Contract Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

$122K - $145K/yr

Collaborate with representatives from contract research organizations (CROs) on clinical trial agreements (CTAs) and amendments with clinical trial sites, including development of CTA templates and ...

Artiva Biotherapeutics

Contract Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

Collaborate with representatives from contract research organizations (CROs) on clinical trial agreements (CTAs) and amendments with clinical trial sites, including development of CTA templates and ...

Ivo

AI Researcher

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$180K - $200K/yr

Ivo is the contract intelligence platform of choice for companies like Uber, Meta, Canva, IBM, and ... Why, What, and Who Why AI Researchers are the engine of innovation at Ivo. You'll push the ...

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All JobsContract Researcher JobsContract Researcher Jobs in California

Contract Researcher information

See California salary details

$29.6K

$111.6K

$162.3K

How much do contract researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract researcher in California is $111,621.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,100.00 and $152,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a contract researcher?

To thrive as a Contract Researcher, you need strong analytical skills, experience in research methodologies, and a relevant academic background such as a degree in science or social sciences. Familiarity with statistical software (such as SPSS, R, or Python), literature databases, and ethical compliance certifications is often required. Excellent written communication, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently or with diverse teams are vital soft skills. These competencies are crucial to delivering high-quality, credible research outcomes that meet client or project objectives.

What is the difference between Contract Researcher vs Clinical Research Associate?

AspectContract ResearcherClinical Research Associate
Required credentialsTypically a degree in life sciences, relevant certificationsDegree in health sciences, certifications like CRA certification
Work environmentResearch labs, pharmaceutical companies, contract research organizationsMonitoring clinical trials at sites, data review
Employer and industry usagePharmaceutical, biotech, CROsPharmaceutical companies, CROs, hospitals

Both roles involve clinical research but differ mainly in scope and responsibilities. Contract Researchers often focus on specific research projects or experiments, while Clinical Research Associates primarily monitor and manage clinical trial sites. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify the right career path in the clinical research industry.

What is a contract researcher?

Contract Researchers are professionals hired on a temporary basis to conduct specific research projects for organizations, universities, or companies. They typically work under contracts rather than as permanent staff, focusing on tasks such as data collection, analysis, and reporting. Their work can span a variety of fields, including science, social science, market research, and more. Contract Researchers are valued for their expertise and flexibility, often bringing specialized skills to short-term or project-based assignments.

What are common challenges faced by contract researchers and how can they be managed effectively?

Contract Researchers often work on multiple projects for different clients or organizations, which can lead to tight deadlines and shifting priorities. Managing time efficiently and maintaining clear communication with stakeholders is crucial to ensure deliverables meet expectations. Additionally, adapting quickly to new research topics and methodologies is important, as contract work can span various industries or subject areas. Building strong organizational skills and staying proactive about clarifying project scopes can help overcome these challenges.
What are the most commonly searched types of Researcher jobs in California? The most popular types of Researcher jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Contract Researcher jobs in California? For Contract Researcher jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Contract Researcher jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Researcher jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Contract Researcher jobs? Cities in California with the most Contract Researcher job openings:
Contract Researcher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Researcher job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,621 per year, or $53.7 per hour.

Court Records Researcher -- Contract, Los Angeles

Technology Company

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$23 - $30/hr

Contractor

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Court Records Researcher — Contract, Los Angeles

We're hiring detail-oriented contract researchers to work at Los Angeles County courthouses

collecting information from public court records. Work is performed in person, primarily at the

downtown Los Angeles criminal courthouse, using public terminals available to any member of

the public. No legal experience required — we'll train you on the specific workflow.

What we're looking for

Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent

• Detail-oriented; comfortable with structured, repetitive tasks

• Reliable transportation to downtown Los Angeles

• Own smartphone (iPhone 12+ or equivalent Android, 2020 or later)

• Professional appearance and demeanor — courthouses are public settings

• Able to sit or stand at a terminal for extended periods

• Legal right to work in the United States


Nice to have (not required):

• Prior experience with court records, paralegal work, or public records research

• Familiarity with LA County court system or downtown LA

Compensation and schedule

• $22.50 to $30 per hour depending on productivity, with earnings potential above

$30/hour for faster contractors

• Parking reimbursed with receipt

• Mileage reimbursement for travel between courthouses when applicable

• Flexible schedule — part-time (15–20 hrs/week) or full-time (30+ hrs/week) available

• Shifts run Monday–Friday between 8:30 AM and 4:30 P