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Medical Research Associate Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Kelly Services

Research Associate

Thousand Oaks, CA · On-site

$45 - $52/hr

Research Associate Kelly ® Science & Clinical is seeking a Research Associate for a contract-to ... Kelly offers eligible employees voluntary benefit plans including medical, dental, vision ...

Pendulum™

Research Associate

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$89K - $99K/yr

Pendulum is currently seeking a Research Associate (or Senior Research Associate, depending on ... Medical, Dental, and Vision * Commuter Benefits * Life & STD Insurance * Company match on 401 (k)

Kelly Services

Research Associate

Pasadena, CA

$35 - $48/hr

Research Associate Kelly ® Science & Clinical is seeking a Research Associate for a contract ... Kelly offers eligible employees voluntary benefit plans including medical, dental, vision ...

Kelly Services

Research Associate

Pleasanton, CA · On-site

$35 - $40/hr

Research Associate Kelly ® Science & Clinical is seeking a Research Associate for a 9-month ... Kelly offers eligible employees voluntary benefit plans including medical, dental, vision ...

Kelly Services

Research Associate

Pleasanton, CA

$35 - $40/hr

Research Associate Kelly ® Science & Clinical is seeking a Research Associate for a 6-month ... Kelly offers eligible employees voluntary benefit plans including medical, dental, vision ...

Merge Labs

Research Associate

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$95K - $120K/yr

About the role As a Research Associate, you'll join a multidisciplinary group advancing core ... disability, medical condition, genetic information, family status, ancestry, citizenship, U.S ...

Eight Sleep

Research Associate

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

... Research Associate to manage research studies for the company, including studies related to ... Preferred: * 2+ years experience working in wearable devices, medical devices, or in industry ...

Eight Sleep

Research Associate

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

... Research Associate to manage research studies for the company, including studies related to ... Preferred: * 2+ years experience working in wearable devices, medical devices, or in industry ...

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All JobsMedical Research Associate JobsMedical Research Associate Jobs in California

Medical Research Associate information

See California salary details

$37K

$52.6K

$57.7K

How much do medical research associate jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for medical research associate in California is $52,628.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,300.00 and $57,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Do I need a PhD to be a medical research associate?

A medical research associate typically does not need a PhD; a bachelor's degree in a related field such as biology, chemistry, or health sciences is usually sufficient. Relevant skills include attention to detail, data management, and familiarity with clinical trial protocols, and some positions may prefer or require certification or experience in research methods. Advanced roles or research positions may require a master's degree or higher, but a PhD is not generally mandatory for entry-level or standard roles.

What is the difference between Medical Research Associate vs Clinical Research Coordinator?

AspectMedical Research AssociateClinical Research Coordinator
CredentialsBachelor’s degree in life sciences or related field; certifications like CCRP are commonBachelor’s degree in health sciences, nursing, or related; often holds certifications like CCRP or CCRC
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, pharmaceutical companies, academic institutionsHospitals, clinics, research sites
Employer & IndustryPharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, academic research centersHospitals, clinical trial sites, research organizations
Common Search & ComparisonMedical Research Associate vs Clinical Research Coordinator

Both roles involve coordinating and supporting clinical research, but Medical Research Associates typically focus on data collection, analysis, and supporting laboratory work, while Clinical Research Coordinators manage patient recruitment, scheduling, and regulatory compliance at research sites. The roles often overlap, but their primary responsibilities and work environments differ slightly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a medical research associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Medical Research Associate, you need a strong background in life sciences, data analysis, and clinical research methods, often supported by a relevant degree such as biology or pharmacology. Familiarity with electronic data capture (EDC) systems, Good Clinical Practice (GCP) certification, and statistical analysis software is typically required. Attention to detail, critical thinking, and effective communication are standout soft skills for this role. These abilities ensure accuracy, regulatory compliance, and successful collaboration in conducting and managing clinical studies.

What are some common challenges faced by medical research associates when coordinating clinical trials?

Medical Research Associates often encounter challenges such as managing tight timelines, ensuring strict adherence to regulatory guidelines, and maintaining clear communication among diverse teams. Coordinating with investigators, sponsors, and regulatory bodies requires strong organizational and interpersonal skills. Additionally, balancing multiple studies simultaneously can be demanding, making effective time management and attention to detail essential for success in this role.

What is a medical research associate?

Medical Research Associates are professionals who assist in the planning, coordination, and execution of clinical trials and medical research studies. They ensure that studies comply with regulatory guidelines and ethical standards, collect and analyze data, and help prepare reports for publication. Their work is essential in advancing medical knowledge and supporting the development of new treatments and therapies.
What are the most commonly searched types of Medical Research jobs in California? The most popular types of Medical Research jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Medical Research Associate jobs? Cities in California with the most Medical Research Associate job openings:
Medical Research Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Medical Research Associate job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,628 per year, or $25.3 per hour.

Research Associate

Kelly Services

Thousand Oaks, CA • On-site

$45 - $52/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Research Associate
Kelly® Science & Clinical is seeking a Research Associate for a contract-to-hire position at a cutting-edge client in Thousand Oaks. If you're passionate about bringing the latest scientific discoveries to life and are ready to take the next step in your career, trust The Experts at Hiring Experts.
Pay Rate: $45–$52/hr
Schedule: Mon-Fri Day shift
 
Overview
Our client is an industry-leading company at the forefront of biological research and drug discovery. This role supports cutting-edge research activities across laboratory operations, experimental workflows, and cross-functional scientific teams.
In this role, you will be responsible for maintaining laboratory operations, supporting in vitro and ex vivo research, and performing biochemical and cell biology assays in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. You will work closely with Chemistry, DMPK, and Pathology/Toxicology groups to generate and communicate high-quality scientific data.
Responsibilities:
  • Maintain laboratory supplies, including restocking kits, plastics, reagents, and chemicals; manage freezer inventories and ensure sample tracking systems remain current and accurate
  • Aliquot biological fluids and process/store ex vivo samples, including blood sample handling and preparation of serum and plasma
  • Conduct biochemical and cell biology assays according to established SOPs, including ELISAs and other plate-based assay platforms
  • Maintain and organize cell culture stocks, including cell line expansion, cryopreservation, and routine maintenance
  • Perform RNA isolation, protein extraction from cell cultures and animal tissues, and quantification of total protein using colorimetric assays
  • Generate, document, and communicate experimental results in a timely and accurate manner using Electronic Laboratory Notebooks (ELNs)
  • Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including Chemistry, DMPK, and Pathology/Toxicology groups
Qualifications:
  • B.S. or M.S. degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related life science field
  • Minimum of 3 years of relevant laboratory experience in an academic or industry setting
  • Experience handling/processing blood samples, frozen tissues, and performing downstream biomarker and biochemical analyses
  • Experience with molecular bioassays
  • Experience with mammalian cell culture
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office, GraphPad Prism, and Electronic Laboratory Notebooks (ELNs); familiarity with SoftMax Pro preferred
  • Strong organizational, communication, and documentation skills
What Happens Next:
Once you apply, you'll proceed to next steps if your skills and experience look like a good fit. But don't worry – even if this position doesn't work out, you're still in our network. That means our team of expert Science & Clinical recruiters will have access to your profile, making your opportunities limitless.
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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.
Kelly is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants regardless of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and we take affirmative action to recruit, employ, and advance qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in the workforce. Requests for accommodation related to our application process can be directed to the Kelly Human Resource Knowledge Center. Kelly complies with the requirements of California’s state and local Fair Chance laws. A conviction does not automatically bar individuals from employment. Kelly participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.
Kelly may use AI-powered tools during the recruitment and hiring process. For full details, including how Kelly uses AI, your rights, and how to request a reasonable accommodation, visit the Recruitment Artificial Intelligence Notice.

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