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Research Project Assistant Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

USC Gould School of Law

Project Assistant

Los Angeles, CA · Hybrid

$26.94 - $27/hr

The ORE Core recruits and retains participants in USC ADRC research studies, provides information ... Under the supervision of the principal investigator, the Project Assistant will coordinate and ...

PSG Global Solutions

Project Assistant

San Jose, CA

Facilitate questions regarding projects and research information; Maintain tracking system for ... Occasional project assistance for managers; Assist in Power point presentations; Utilize Access to ...

Vedder Price

Project Assistant

Los Angeles, CA · Hybrid

$50K - $60K/yr

As a project assistant in these practice areas, you will work under the direct supervision of a ... online research including fact-checking, cite checking, expert research, etc.; Pull electronic ...

Vedder Price

Project Assistant

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$50K - $60K/yr

As a project assistant in these practice areas, you will work under the direct supervision of a ... online research including fact-checking, cite checking, expert research, etc.; Pull electronic ...

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Research Project Assistant information

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How much do research project assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for research project assistant in California is $21.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $23.94 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by research project assistants, and how can they be managed effectively?

Research Project Assistants often encounter challenges such as balancing multiple tasks simultaneously, managing tight deadlines, and ensuring accurate data collection and documentation. To manage these effectively, it's important to prioritize tasks, communicate clearly with supervisors and team members, and be proactive in addressing any issues as they arise. Utilizing organizational tools and maintaining detailed records can also help streamline workflow and minimize errors, making the research process more efficient.

What is the difference between Research Project Assistant vs Research Coordinator?

AspectResearch Project AssistantResearch Coordinator
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in a related fieldOften requires a bachelor's or master's degree, with some roles preferring additional certifications
Work EnvironmentLaboratory, research sites, or academic settingsResearch institutions, universities, or healthcare organizations
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in academic, healthcare, and government research projectsCommon in managing research projects, overseeing teams, and coordinating activities
Search & Comparison IntentOften searched by those starting in research roles or assisting in studiesCompared for roles involving project management and oversight

The main difference is that a Research Project Assistant typically supports research activities by performing specific tasks, while a Research Coordinator manages and oversees entire research projects, including planning, coordination, and compliance.

What does a research project assistant do?

A Research Project Assistant supports the planning, coordination, and execution of research projects. Their responsibilities typically include managing project documentation, scheduling meetings, assisting with data collection and analysis, and ensuring compliance with research protocols. They work closely with project managers and researchers to help keep projects on track and meet deadlines. This role often requires strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.

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

To thrive as a Research Project Assistant, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and experience with data collection and analysis, often supported by a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with research software, spreadsheets, databases, and sometimes IRB protocols or compliance certification is typically required. Excellent communication, time management, and teamwork abilities set standout candidates apart. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring research accuracy, meeting project deadlines, and supporting effective collaboration within research teams.

What are the most commonly searched types of Research Project jobs in California?

The most popular types of Research Project jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Research Project Assistant jobs?

Cities in California with the most Research Project Assistant job openings:

Research Project Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Project Assistant job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,227 per year, or $21.3 per hour.

Research Project Manager

The University of Pennsylvania

Boulevard, CA • On-site

$58K - $70K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 11 days ago

University Of Pennsylvania rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 81 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

162nd of 618 rated colleges and universities

Job description

University Overview
The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn's distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America's Best Large Employers in 2023.
Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.
The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.
Posted Job Title
Research Project Manager
Job Profile Title
Manager Research Project A
Job Description Summary
The Research Project Manager A will split their time and effort across two primary roles. The first is serving as the Implementation Science Program Navigator, who will support implementation science activities through our institutional CTSA award managed within ITMAT. In this role, the navigator will be responsible for triaging consultation requests, conducting intake meetings with investigators requesting implementation science support, and coordinating with Drs. Wolk and Ashcraft (Penn) and Dr. Bonafide (CHOP) to develop and support tailored consultation plans to meet the needs of consultees.
The second role involves support of other implementation science scholarship and consultation. The individual will be responsible for day-to-day management of complex projects conducted with collaborators both internal and external to the University. They will assist the PI with study protocol development, manage IRB submissions, support grant writing and manuscript preparation, oversee data management, and assist with statistical analyses. This role supports the team's research strategy, projects, and may include co-authoring papers.
Job Description
Job Responsibilities
  • Manages project/program activities and implements protocols; develops, implements and manages work plans and time-frames in order to ensure project goals. Communicates project/program activities to ensure clear, coordinated project related communications
  • Supervises assigned laboratory and or support personnel; delegates and coordinates tasks based on developed plans
  • Provide technical leadership and consultation related to project/grant proposals/ manuscripts/animal protocol development, advises those associated with projects (PI) regarding project status
  • Other duties and responsibilities as assigned

* Position contingent upon continued funding.
Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree with 3-5 years of related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required. Master's degree preferred
  • Research, program development experience.
  • Skills in implementation science or health services research.
  • Strong interpersonal collaboration and communication skills.
  • 3-5 years of research experience preferred.

Job Location - City, State
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Department / School
Perelman School of Medicine
Pay Range
$58,506.00 - $70,958.00 Annual Rate
Salary offers are made based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job's level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered.
Equal Opportunity Statement
The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law.
Special Requirements
Background checks may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.
University Benefits
  • Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts: Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family's health and welfare. You can also use flexible spending accounts to pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.
  • Tuition: Take advantage of Penn's exceptional tuition benefits. You, your spouse, and your dependent children can get tuition assistance here at Penn. Your dependent children are also eligible for tuition assistance at other institutions.
  • Retirement: Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn's Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.
  • Time Away from Work: Penn provides you with a substantial amount of time away from work during the course of the year. This allows you to relax, take vacations, attend to personal affairs, recover from illness or injury, spend time with family-whatever your personal needs may be.
  • Long-Term Care Insurance: In partnership with Genworth Financial, Penn offers faculty and staff (and your eligible family members) long-term care insurance to help you cover some of the costs of long-term care services received at home, in the community or in a nursing facility. If you apply when you're newly hired, you won't have to provide proof of good health or be subject to underwriting requirements. Eligible family members must always provide proof of good health and are subject to underwriting.
  • Wellness and Work-life Resources: Penn is committed to supporting our faculty and staff as they balance the competing demands of work and personal life. That's why we offer a wide variety of programs and resources to help you care for your health, your family, and your work-life balance.
  • Professional and Personal Development: Penn provides an array of resources to help you advance yourself personally and professionally.
  • University Resources: As a member of the Penn community, you have access to a wide range of University resources as well as cultural and recreational activities. Take advantage of the University's libraries and athletic facilities, or visit our arboretum and art galleries. There's always something going on at Penn, whether it's a new exhibit at the Penn Museum, the latest music or theater presentation at the Annenberg Center, or the Penn Relays at Franklin Field to name just a few examples. As a member of the Penn community, you're right in the middle of the excitement-and you and your family can enjoy many of these activities for free.
  • Discounts and Special Services: From arts and entertainment to transportation and mortgages, you'll find great deals for University faculty and staff. Not only do Penn arts and cultural centers and museums offer free and discounted admission and memberships to faculty and staff. You can also enjoy substantial savings on other goods and services such as new cars from Ford and General Motors, cellular phone service plans, movie tickets, and admission to theme parks.
  • Flexible Work Hours: Flexible work options offer creative approaches for completing work while promoting balance between work and personal commitments. These approaches involve use of non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures.
  • Penn Home Ownership Services: Penn offers a forgivable loan for eligible employees interested in buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia, which can be used for closing costs or home improvements.
  • Adoption Assistance: Penn will reimburse eligible employees on qualified expenses in connection with the legal adoption of an eligible child, such as travel or court fees, for up to two adoptions in your household.

To learn more, please visit: https://www.hr.upenn.edu/PennHR/benefits-pay

What University Of Pennsylvania employees say

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About University of Pennsylvania

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn's distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America's Best Employers By State in 2021.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Philadelphia, PA, US

Year founded

1740

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