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Drug Safety Associate Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Viking Therapeutics

Drug Safety Associate

San Diego, CA · On-site

$77K - $90K/yr

The Drug Safety Associate provides operational and documentation support for the company's clinical safety and pharmacovigilance activities. Working closely with the Drug Safety Manager, this role ...

Tower Mobility

Safety Associate

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$20/hr

The Safety Associate is responsible for assisting the core of our operations by ensuring the well-being of our drivers, and the communities we serve. They will support the Safety Managers by ...

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Drug Safety Associate information

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$12

$48

$84

How much do drug safety associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for drug safety associate in California is $48.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37.98 and $54.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a drug safety associate typically collaborate with other teams during the drug development process?

Drug Safety Associates regularly work in close coordination with clinical research, regulatory affairs, and medical affairs teams. They are responsible for collecting, evaluating, and reporting adverse event data, which often requires clear communication with clinical trial staff and investigators. Additionally, they may participate in cross-functional safety review meetings to discuss safety findings and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. This collaborative environment helps ensure comprehensive safety monitoring throughout the drug's lifecycle.

What does a drug safety associate do?

A drug safety associate works in the medical industry to monitor the safety of pharmaceutical drugs and to evaluate and prevent adverse reactions in patients. A career in drug safety, also called pharmacovigilance, can include work with clinical research organizations that conduct trials, biotechnology firms, pharmaceutical companies, or government agencies like the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Drug safety associates need excellent research skills, a strong background in medical or biological science, and in-depth knowledge of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations. Your responsibilities include analyzing clinical trial data, writing reports, and determining whether specific pharmaceutical drugs are safe.

What is a drug safety associate?

Drug Safety Associates are professionals responsible for monitoring and evaluating the safety of pharmaceutical products. They collect, analyze, and report data on adverse drug reactions to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and to protect patient safety. Their work involves reviewing case reports, maintaining safety databases, and communicating safety information to regulatory agencies and healthcare professionals. Drug Safety Associates play a vital role in the pharmacovigilance process throughout the lifecycle of a drug.

What is the difference between Drug Safety Associate vs Pharmacovigilance Specialist?

AspectDrug Safety AssociatePharmacovigilance Specialist
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in life sciences or healthcare, with certifications like PV or drug safety trainingSimilar credentials, often with additional certifications or experience in pharmacovigilance
Work EnvironmentPharmaceutical companies, CROs, or healthcare settings focusing on safety data managementSame as Drug Safety Associate, often with more specialized pharmacovigilance tasks
Employer & IndustryPharmaceutical, biotech, and healthcare industriesSame industries, with a focus on drug safety monitoring and compliance

Both roles involve monitoring drug safety data, reporting adverse events, and ensuring regulatory compliance. The main difference lies in the scope and specialization, with Pharmacovigilance Specialists often handling more complex safety data analysis and regulatory submissions. However, the roles overlap significantly, and job titles are sometimes used interchangeably depending on the organization.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Drug Safety Associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Drug Safety Associate, you need a solid background in life sciences or pharmacy, knowledge of pharmacovigilance principles, and attention to detail. Familiarity with drug safety databases (such as Argus or ARISg), MedDRA coding, and regulatory reporting systems is typically required. Strong organizational skills, effective communication, and the ability to work under deadlines help you excel in collaborating with cross-functional teams. These skills ensure accurate adverse event reporting, regulatory compliance, and protection of patient safety throughout the drug development lifecycle.
More about Drug Safety Associate jobs

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The most popular types of Drug Safety jobs in California are:

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For Drug Safety Associate jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Drug Safety Associate jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Drug Safety Associate jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Drug Safety Associate jobs?

Cities in California with the most Drug Safety Associate job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Drug Safety Associate jobs in CA?

For Drug Safety Associate jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Drug Safety Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drug Safety Associate job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,878 per year, or $48.5 per hour.

Drug Safety Associate

Viking Therapeutics

San Diego, CA • On-site

$77K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

The Drug Safety Associate provides operational and documentation support for the company's clinical safety and pharmacovigilance activities. Working closely with the Drug Safety Manager, this role helps ensure timely, accurate, and compliant safety oversight across multiple studies managed by CRO partners.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The main responsibilities of this role include:
  • Track safety case flow, status, and reporting activities across clinical studies using sponsor and CRO tools.
  • Review and quality check safety data outputs for completeness, consistency, and alignment with study expectations.
  • Support reconciliation between clinical and safety databases, including documenting checks and resolutions.
  • Maintain safety logs, trackers, training records, deviation records, action items, and related documentation.
  • Coordinate collection, version control, and filing of safety documents in the TMF and safety system files.
  • Organize and document safety review meetings, including agendas, minutes, attendance, and follow-up items.
  • Coordinate with CROs, vendors, and internal stakeholders on safety meetings, deliverables, timelines, and escalations.
  • Maintain safety contact lists, distribution lists, routing instructions, templates, checklists, and forms.
  • Support audit and inspection readiness by assembling documentation packages and evidence of oversight.
  • Assist with implementation and documentation of CAPAs related to safety processes.
  • Prepare slides, summaries, and other administrative materials to support Safety and clinical teams.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Requirements
Education and Experience
  • BA degree in Nursing, Pharmacy, Public Health, Biomedical Sciences, Life Sciences, or a related healthcare or scientific discipline.
  • Clinical credential or healthcare certification, such as RN, PharmD, PA, or equivalent, preferred.
  • Minimum of 1-3 years of relevant experience in clinical research, drug safety/pharmacovigilance, clinical trial coordination, clinical data management, or a related function within a biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or CRO environment.

Knowledge and Skills
  • Working knowledge of clinical trial operations and safety reporting concepts, including SAE, SUSAR, MedDRA, and ICH GCP, with the ability and interest to further develop pharmacovigilance expertise.
  • Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and organization, with the ability to manage multiple trackers, documents, timelines, and study-related deadlines simultaneously.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Outlook, as well as file-sharing platforms, online meeting tools, and the ability to quickly learn new systems, dashboards, and workflows.
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate cross-functionally in a small, fast-paced team environment.
  • Prior experience supporting drug safety or pharmacovigilance operations, including case tracking, TMF filing, safety meeting coordination, and collaboration with CRO partners.
  • Experience working in an early-stage biotechnology company or similarly dynamic, growth-oriented environment.

VIKING THERAPEUTICS
Viking Therapeutics, Inc., is committed to equal opportunity in the terms and conditions of employment for all employees and job applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity or gender expression, national origin, disability or veteran status. Viking Therapeutics also complies with all applicable national, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment as well as work authorization and employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration and Nationality Act and IRCA.
Notice to Agency and Search Firm Representatives
Viking Therapeutics, Inc. is not accepting unsolicited resumes from agencies and/or search firms for this job posting. Resumes submitted to any Viking employee by a third-party agency and/or search firm without a valid written & signed search agreement, and assignment of specific position, will become the sole property of Viking Therapeutics, Inc. No fee will be paid if a candidate is hired for this position as a result of an unsolicited agency or search firm referral.
Salary Description
$77,000.00 - $90,000.00 annual salary

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