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Entry Level Research Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

R&D operations employee

Gilroy, CA · On-site

$72K - $78K/yr

Hazera Job Title: R&D operations employee Job Location: Gilroy, Salinas Contract type: Permanent ... experience for entry-level candidates. * Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the ...

Showing results 21-40

Entry Level Research information

See California salary details

$9

$21

$32

How much do entry level research jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level research in California is $21.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.01 and $24.25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level research professionals, and how can they overcome them?

Entry level research professionals often encounter challenges such as mastering new research methodologies, managing large amounts of data, and adapting to fast-paced project timelines. To overcome these, it's important to proactively seek guidance from more experienced team members, regularly communicate progress with supervisors, and take advantage of available training resources. Building strong organizational skills and being open to feedback will help you navigate complex tasks while developing your expertise within a collaborative team environment.

What is the difference between Entry Level Research vs Research Assistant?

AspectEntry Level ResearchResearch Assistant
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or bachelor's degreeBachelor's degree often preferred
Work EnvironmentAcademic, corporate, or market research settingsLaboratory, academic, or field research environments
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research firms, corporationsUniversities, labs, research institutions
Common Search & ComparisonEntry Level Research vs Research Assistant

Entry Level Research roles typically require a high school diploma or bachelor's degree and involve basic research tasks in various settings. Research Assistants usually have a similar educational background but may require additional skills or experience, often working under supervision in academic or laboratory environments. Both roles serve as entry points into research careers, with overlapping responsibilities but differing in specific work environments and expectations.

What is an entry level research job?

An entry level research job typically refers to a position designed for individuals who are new to the research field, often recent graduates or those with limited professional experience. These roles usually involve assisting with data collection, literature reviews, basic data analysis, and supporting more senior researchers on projects. Entry level research jobs are common in academic, scientific, and corporate environments and may include titles such as research assistant or junior researcher. These positions help build foundational skills and experience for a future career in research.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Researcher, you need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a relevant bachelor's degree in a field such as science or social sciences. Familiarity with research databases, statistical analysis software (like SPSS or Excel), and literature review tools is often required. Strong written and verbal communication, curiosity, and the ability to collaborate effectively are essential soft skills. These abilities enable researchers to collect accurate data, draw meaningful conclusions, and contribute to successful research projects.
What are the most commonly searched types of Research jobs in California? The most popular types of Research jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Research jobs? Cities in California with the most Entry Level Research job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Research job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,020 per year, or $21.2 per hour.

Clinical Research Assistant

Care Access

Santa Clarita, CA

$19 - $33/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

How This Role Makes a Difference

The Clinical Research Assistant is an entry level clinical position and is designed to fully integrate the individual in the Care Access Research process while learning the skills necessary to be a Clinical Research Coordinator. This position has potential growth and advancement within the Care Access Research organization. 

How You'll Make An Impact
  • Patient Coordination 
    • Obtain informed consent per Care Access Research SOP, under the direction of theCRC 
    • Complete visit procedures as required by protocol, under the direction of theCRC 
    • Collect, process and ship specimens as directed by protocol, under the direction of theCRC 
    • Maintain adherence to FDA regulations and ICH guidelines in all aspects of conducting clinical trials. 
    • Requeststudyparticipantpayments 
    • Schedule visits withparticipants, contact withreminders 
    • Request medical records of potential and current researchparticipants 
    • Complete basic clinical procedures, such as blood draws, vital signs, ECGs, etc., under the direction of the CRC  
    • Ability to understand and follow institutionalSOPs 
  • Documentation 
    • Record data legibly and enter in real time on paper or e-sourcedocuments 
    • Update all applicable internal trackers andonline recruitmentsystems 
    • Assistwith recruitment of new participantsbyconducting phonescreenings 
  • Patient Recruitment 
    • Assistwith preparation ofoutreachmaterials
    • Identifypotentialparticipantsby reviewing medical records, studychartsand participantdatabase
  • Other Responsibilities
    • Assistwith queryresolution 
    • Assistwith administrative tasks such as copying, scanning, filing, mailing, emailing,etc.
    • Assistwithmaintainingallsitelogs
    • Assistwithinventory andorderingequipment andsupplies
    • Interact in a positive, professional manner with patients/participants, sponsor representatives,Investigators and Care Access Research personnel and management.
    • Communicate clearly verbally and in writing.
    • Participate in recruitmentand pre-screeningevents(may be at another location)
    • Maintaineffective relationships with study participants and other care Access Research personnel. 
The Expertise Required
  • Bilingual in Spanish required
  • Ability and willingness to work independently with minimal supervision 
  • Ability to learn to work in a fast-paced environment 
  • Excellent communication skills and a high degree of professionalism with all types of people 
  • Excellent organizational skills with strong attention to detail 
  • A working knowledge of medical and research terminology 
  • A working knowledge of federal regulations, Good Clinical Practices (GCP) 
  • Critical thinker and problem solver 
  • Friendly, outgoing personality with the ability to maintain a positive attitude under pressure 
  • Contribute to team and site goals 
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite 
  • High level of self-motivation and energy 
  • An optimistic, "can do" attitude 
Certifications/Licenses, Education, and Experience
  • Minimum Experience:
    • A minimum of 1-year recent working experience as a Medical Assistant, EMT, LPN, Clinical Research Assistant or Phlebotomist.   
    • Phlebotomy Experience and Proficiency Required 
    • Some Clinical Research experience preferred 
How We Work Together
  • Location: This is an on-site position with regional commute requirements.
  • Travel: Regularly planned travel within the region will be required as part of the role. Overnight travel will be minimal (<10%). 
  • Physical demands associated with this position Include: The ability to use keyboards and other computer equipment.
    • Walking - 20%, Standing - 20%, Sitting - 20%, Lifting (up to 25lbs, over 25lb, overhead) - 20%, Driving - 20%, Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens - Yes

The expected pay range for this role is $19.00 - $33.00 USD per hour for full time team members.

Benefits & Perks (US Full Time Employees)
  • Paid Time Off (PTO) and Company Paid Holidays
  • 100% Employer paid medical, dental, and vision insurance plan options
  • Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Bi-weekly HSA employer contribution
  • Company paid Short-Term Disability and Long-Term Disability
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan, with Company Match 
Mandatory Employer Disclosures:


Notice to Illinois applicants: Applicants are not obligated to disclose expunged juvenile records or adjudication, arrest, or conviction.
Notice to Connecticut applicants: Care Access may require applicants to submit to a urinalysis drug test in connection with an application for employment.
Notice to Arizona, Georgia, Indiana, and North Dakota applicants: Care Access complies with applicable laws prohibiting smoking in and around places of employment.
Notice to Massachusetts applicants: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Notice to Rhode Island applicants: Care Access complies with Rhode Island law prohibiting smoking in enclosed areas within places of employment. Care Access is also subject to is subject to Chapters 29-38 of Title 28 of the Rhode Island General Laws.
Notice to Maryland applicants: UNDER MARYLAND LAW, AN EMPLOYER MAY NOT REQUIRE OR DEMAND, AS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT, PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYMENT, OR CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT, THAT AN INDIVIDUAL SUBMIT TO OR TAKE A LIE DETECTOR OR SIMILAR TEST. AN EMPLOYER WHO VIOLATES THIS LAW IS GUILTY OF A MISDEMEANOR AND SUBJECT TO A FINE NOT EXCEEDING $100.