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Temporary Research Associate information

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How much do temporary research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for temporary research associate in California is $25.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.01 and $31.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a temporary research associate?

A Temporary Research Associate is a professional hired for a limited period to assist with research projects in academic, scientific, or industrial settings. Their responsibilities typically include collecting and analyzing data, conducting experiments, and supporting senior researchers. The position is usually project-based or covers a specific timeframe, and it is ideal for gaining hands-on experience in research. Temporary Research Associates often work under the supervision of principal investigators and may contribute to publications or presentations. This role can serve as a stepping stone to permanent research positions or further academic study.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a temporary research associate?

To thrive as a Temporary Research Associate, you generally need a bachelor's or master's degree in a relevant field, strong analytical skills, and experience with data collection and analysis. Familiarity with technical tools such as statistical software (e.g., SPSS, R, or Python), laboratory equipment, and data management systems is typically required. Excellent attention to detail, time management, and effective communication help set top candidates apart. These skills ensure accurate research outcomes, efficient project contribution, and effective collaboration within research teams.

What are common challenges faced by temporary research associates in adapting to new research projects quickly?

Temporary Research Associates often join projects that are already underway, requiring them to rapidly familiarize themselves with existing data, protocols, and team dynamics. A common challenge is efficiently learning the specifics of the research methodology and tools in use, while also building rapport with the team in a short time frame. Successful associates typically demonstrate adaptability, strong communication skills, and the ability to ask clarifying questions to quickly get up to speed. Proactively seeking guidance from colleagues and utilizing available documentation can help ease the transition and contribute effectively to project goals.

What is the difference between Temporary Research Associate vs Research Assistant?

AspectTemporary Research AssociateResearch Assistant
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's degree in relevant field; research experienceTypically pursuing or holding a Bachelor's or Master's degree
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academic institutions, industry settingsResearch labs, academic institutions, fieldwork
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutes, biotech companiesUniversities, research labs, government agencies
Job DurationTemporary, project-basedUsually ongoing, part-time, or temporary

The main difference is that a Temporary Research Associate is often a more advanced, project-specific role requiring relevant research experience and a higher level of responsibility, while a Research Assistant typically supports research activities and may be a student or early-career professional. Both roles are common in research environments but differ in scope and experience level.

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Temporary Research Associate jobs?

Cities in California with the most Temporary Research Associate job openings:

Temporary Research Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Temporary Research Associate job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,817 per year, or $25.4 per hour.

Postdoctoral Scholar Research Associate

Keck School of Medicine

Irvine, CA

$79K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Dr. Rael Cahn's Meditation and Psychedelic Therapy Lab, within the USC Department of Psychiatry at the USC Brain and Creativity Institute, invites applications for a postdoctoral fellowship embedded in the ARPA-H EVIDENT TA-1 EVIDENT-MAP / SENTINEL project — a clinical research program investigating the mechanisms and outcomes of psychedelic-assisted therapy and contemplative practice. The position sits at the intersection of clinical care, rigorous science, and integrative medicine.

Working directly under the supervision of the Principal Investigator, the fellow will serve as a trained therapist and co-facilitator in psilocybin-assisted therapy sessions, guiding participants through preparation, dosing, and integration phases within an IRB-approved protocol. The fellow will also co-facilitate mindfulness and meditation-based sessions informed by secular and classical contemplative traditions, and will be a full scientific partner contributing to study design, quantitative and qualitative data analysis, and authorship of empirical and theoretical manuscripts. The successful candidate will be motivated, pro-active, resourceful, and detail-oriented, combining clinical warmth with intellectual rigor.

Essential job duties include, but are not limited to:
• Serve as trained therapist and co-facilitator in psilocybin-assisted therapy (preparation, dosing sessions, and integration) within an IRB-approved protocol.
• Teach and co-facilitate mindfulness and meditation-based sessions for study participants in individual and group settings.
• Conduct quantitative and qualitative data analysis and contribute to study design.
• Collaborate with the PI to develop and document the meditation-assisted psychedelic therapy intervention protocol and ensure adherence across the therapy team.
• First- and co-author empirical and theoretical papers; contribute to grant writing and protocol development.
• Mentor undergraduate and graduate students.
Required Qualifications:
• Doctoral degree in clinical psychology (PhD or PsyD).
• Licensed or license-eligible as a clinical psychologist in the State of California.
• Familiarity with clinical trial methodology and statistical analysis.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Practices a high level of integrity and honesty in maintaining confidentiality.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Prior experience or strong interest in psychedelic research, mindfulness-based interventions, or consciousness science.
• Experience teaching meditative interventions across secular and classical contemplative traditions.
• Neuroimaging experience welcome but not required.
• A cooperative, team-oriented attitude and effective facilitation skills in various settings.
Follows established USC and department policies, procedures, objectives, performance improvement, attendance, safety, environmental, and infection control guidelines, including adherence to the workplace Code of Conduct and Compliance Plan.

This position is fully on-site; the employee must report to work at the USC Brain and Creativity Institute (Hedco Neuroscience Building), Los Angeles, CA. Work hours and on-site days may be subject to change depending on business needs.
[FOR EXEMPT] The annual budgeted salary for this position is $79,000. This is a temporary, fixed-term postdoctoral appointment (one year, renewable up to a maximum of five years) funded by the ARPA-H EVIDENT TA-1 award (EVIDENT-MAP).

Minimum Education: Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate within previous five years (PhD or PsyD in Clinical Psychology). Minimum Experience: 0–1 year. Minimum Field of Expertise: Directly related education in research specialization with advanced knowledge of equipment, procedures, and analysis methods. Licensed or license-eligible clinical psychologist in the State of California. Preferred Field of Expertise: Publications in peer-reviewed journals in the same or related field; experience or strong interest in psychedelic research, mindfulness-based interventions, or consciousness science; familiarity with clinical trial methodology and statistical analysis; neuroimaging experience welcome but not required. Skills – Other: Analysis; assessment/evaluation; written and oral communication; conceptualization and design; organization; planning; problem identification and resolution; project management; research; statistical analysis. Supervises – Level: May oversee student, temporary and/or casual workers. A copy of the doctoral diploma or other certification indicating the terminal degree has been completed is required. If the doctoral candidate has not yet obtained the degree, evidence that the thesis has been approved together with a documented expected graduation date should be provided. The faculty mentor is responsible for verifying this documentation, which is to be filed with the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs.

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