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Entry Level Clinical Research Jobs in Riverside, CA

Research Associate Contract-to-Hire | 2 Openings | Entry-Level Candidates Welcome Kelly is hiring ... Kelly Science & Clinical is your connection to premier scientific and clinical companies looking to ...

SAC I is an initial entry-level position with limited counseling experience. SAC II is hired with ... Meets with clinicians to report observations and reactions to clients and to review clients ...

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Entry Level Clinical Research information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$8

$23

$48

How much do entry level clinical research jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level clinical research in Riverside, CA is $23.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.08 and $27.07 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level clinical research?

An Entry Level Clinical Research job involves assisting in the planning, execution, and monitoring of clinical trials that test the safety and effectiveness of new treatments or medical devices. Responsibilities may include data collection, documentation, regulatory compliance, and supporting senior researchers. These roles are typically found in pharmaceutical companies, contract research organizations (CROs), or healthcare institutions. Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and knowledge of Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines are important for success. This position serves as a stepping stone for careers in clinical research, regulatory affairs, or healthcare innovation.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of an entry level clinical research?

In an entry level clinical research position, your day-to-day tasks may include collecting and entering study data, helping prepare regulatory documentation, monitoring study progress, and ensuring strict protocol compliance. You’ll often assist with scheduling participant visits, communicating with study subjects, and supporting senior clinical research staff. Collaboration is frequent, as you may work closely with coordinators, principal investigators, and other healthcare professionals. This hands-on experience provides a valuable foundation for understanding the research process and can open doors for career advancement in clinical research.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed for an entry level clinical research?

To thrive as an Entry Level Clinical Research professional, you generally need a bachelor’s degree in a life science or health-related field, strong attention to detail, and basic understanding of clinical trial processes. Familiarity with data entry systems, electronic data capture (EDC) platforms, and adherence to Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines or certificates are often expected. Excellent organizational skills, effective communication, and a collaborative mindset help you stand out in this position. These skills ensure accurate data collection, regulatory compliance, and successful teamwork within complex research environments.

How to start a career in entry level clinical research?

To start a career in entry level clinical research, obtain a relevant bachelor's degree such as in life sciences, healthcare, or related fields. Gaining knowledge of Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines, developing strong organizational skills, and seeking internships or entry-level positions can help build experience in clinical trial processes and regulatory requirements.

What are the most commonly searched types of Clinical Research jobs in Riverside, CA?

The most popular types of Clinical Research jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Clinical Research jobs in Riverside, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Clinical Research jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Entry Level Clinical Research jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Entry Level Clinical Research job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Clinical Research job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,285 per year, or $23.7 per hour.

Research Associate (RA)

Kelly Services

Tustin, CA

Full-time, Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Research Associate 

Contract-to-Hire | 2 Openings | Entry-Level Candidates Welcome

Kelly is hiring two Research Associates for contract-to-hire opportunities with a biopharmaceutical manufacturing client. This is an excellent opportunity for recent graduates and early-career scientists with 0–1 year of experience who are interested in building hands-on experience in upstream process development and biologics manufacturing.

The Role

As a Research Associate, you will support upstream process development, including the development and optimization of scalable mammalian cell culture processes and assist with transferring processes into Manufacturing. You will gain hands-on experience with cell culture, bioreactors, process data analysis, and upstream development activities in a biopharmaceutical environment.

Key Responsibilities
  • Support mammalian cell culture process development and optimization, including recombinant protein production, media/feed screening, cell adaptation, and evaluation of cell growth and productivity.

  • Grow and maintain mammalian cells in shake flasks, wave bioreactors, and stirred-tank bioreactors.

  • Assist with seed train development, production bioreactor inoculation, sampling, feeding, maintenance, and cell culture harvest/clarification.

  • Work with mammalian cell lines such as CHO-GS, CHO-DG44, CHO-M, CHO-S, NSO, and HEK using aseptic techniques.

  • Prepare cell culture media and feed formulations.

  • Operate, troubleshoot, and maintain cell culture equipment, including bioreactors and analyzers.

  • Support scale-up and technology transfer of cell culture and harvest processes to Manufacturing.

  • Analyze cell growth, productivity, and nutrient utilization data using tools such as Excel and JMP.

  • Document experimental data and findings to support traceability and regulatory requirements.

  • Assist with technical reports, summaries, presentations, and scientific discussions.

  • Research and help implement new methods and technologies to improve process operations.

  • Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Biological Science, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, or a related scientific discipline.

  • 0–1 year of relevant laboratory, academic, internship, or industry experience. Recent graduates are encouraged to apply.

  • Foundational understanding of biological and scientific principles.

  • Academic or hands-on exposure to mammalian cell culture, aseptic technique, bioreactors, or upstream processing is preferred.

  • Comfortable working with laboratory equipment and analyzing experimental data.

  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel; exposure to JMP or similar data-analysis tools is a plus.

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.

  • Excellent attention to detail, organization, and ability to work effectively in a team environment.

Schedule & Work Environment

This is a full-time, contract-to-hire opportunity, typically working Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Based on project and operational needs, occasional overtime, weekend, or holiday work may be required.

The position involves a combination of sitting, standing, walking, and hands-on laboratory activities. Candidates may occasionally be required to lift objects weighing up to 20 pounds and work around laboratory equipment, chemicals, vibration, and varying noise levels. Reasonable accommodations may be available for qualified individuals.

Why Apply?

This opportunity is ideal for a new or recent graduate looking to launch a career in biopharmaceutical process development. You'll have the opportunity to develop practical upstream processing skills, work with mammalian cell culture and bioreactor technologies, and gain experience supporting the development and manufacturing of biologic products.


As part of our promise to talent, Kelly supports those who work with us through a variety of benefits, perks, and work-related resources. Kelly offers eligible employees voluntary benefit plans including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, term life, whole life, accident insurance, critical illness, a legal plan, and short-term disability. As a Kelly employee, you will have access to a retirement savings plan, service bonus and holiday pay plans (earn up to eight paid holidays per benefit year), and a transit spending account. In addition, employees are entitled to earn paid sick leave under the applicable state or local plan. Click here for more information on benefits and perks that may be available to you as a member of the Kelly Talent Community.

Why Kelly® Science & Clinical?

Kelly Science & Clinical is your connection to premier scientific and clinical companies looking to hire industry experts just like you. Our team creates expert talent solutions to solve the world’s most critical challenges. Every day, we match science professionals with dream jobs that fit their skills, interests, and career goals-it’s the way we think job searching should be. Nearly 100 percent of our science recruiters have a professional background and education in science, so we know a thing or two about the science market and how to get your expertise noticed.

About Kelly

Work changes everything. And at Kelly, we’re obsessed with where it can take you. To us, it’s about more than simply accepting your next job opportunity. It’s the fuel that powers every next step of your life. It’s the ripple effect that changes and improves everything for your family, your community, and the world. Which is why, here at Kelly, we are dedicated to providing you with limitless opportunities to enrich your life-just ask the 300,000 people we employ each year.
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