Clinical Research Assistant Jobs in California
Clinical Research Assistant jobs in California concentrate in biotechnology, pharmaceutical development, and academic medical research, with the state representing one of the most active markets in the country for this role at every level from entry-level coordinator to senior research associate. Most hiring is centered in San Francisco Bay Area, San Diego, and Los Angeles, where employers such as Genentech, UC San Diego Health, and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center maintain large, ongoing clinical trial programs. The most in-demand specialties are oncology trials, phase I/II study coordination, and regulatory data management. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Job Title: Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC I / CRC II) Location: Los Angeles, CA (On-Site) Employment Type: W-2, Full-Time (or Part-Time transitioning to Full-Time) Schedule: Monday - Friday, standard clinic hours (No evenings or weekends) Start Date: Immediate / ASAP Compensation: $25.00 - $35.00 / hour (commensurate with experience)
Position Overview We are seeking a detail-oriented, proactive Clinical Research Coordinator (Entry-Level / CRC I or CRC II) to join our growing clinical research site in Los Angeles, California. In this role, you will manage the day-to-day clinical and administrative operations of assigned clinical trials under the supervision of the Principal Investigator (PI) and Site Leadership. This is an ideal opportunity for a coordinator with a strong foundation in clinical trials who wants to grow their career in a supportive, weekday-only clinic environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Study Execution & Protocol Compliance: Coordinate clinical trial activities from startup through closeout in strict accordance with study protocols, Good Clinical Practice (GCP), ICH guidelines, and FDA regulations.
- Patient Recruitment & Screening: Prescreen clinic schedules and patient charts, conduct recruitment outreach, explain study procedures to prospective participants, and facilitate the Informed Consent process alongside the PI.
- Study Visits & Procedures: Conduct scheduled participant visits, obtain vital signs, collect medical histories, administer questionnaires, and perform or coordinate specimen collection, processing, and shipping (IATA).
- Data Management: Accurately record source documentation and enter timely clinical data into Electronic Data Capture (EDC) systems; resolve data queries within sponsor timelines.
- Sponsor & Monitor Coordination: Prepare for and host Site Initiation Visits (SIVs), Interim Monitoring Visits (IMVs), and closeout visits; serve as a primary point of contact for Clinical Research Associates (CRAs) and sponsors.
- Safety & Regulatory Support: Track and report Adverse Events (AEs) and Serious Adverse Events (SAEs) promptly to the PI, sponsor, and IRB; assist with maintaining Investigator Site Files (ISF) and regulatory binders.
- Investigational Product (IP) Accountability: Receive, store, dispense, and maintain accurate accountability logs for study drug or device supplies as delegated.
Qualifications & Requirements
- Experience: Minimum of 2 to 3 years of hands-on experience working as a Clinical Research Coordinator or in direct clinical trial operations (open to multi-specialty backgrounds; no specific therapeutic area required).
- Knowledge Base: Solid working understanding of ICH-GCP guidelines, regulatory documentation, source documentation standards, and general EDC/EMR navigation.
- Soft Skills: Exceptional organizational skills, strong attention to detail, clear communication with patients and physicians, and the ability to manage multiple protocols simultaneously.
- Work Authorization: Must be authorized to work in the United States as a W-2 employee, able to commute reliably to Los Angeles, CA, and available to start immediately.
Preferred Qualifications (Nice-to-Haves)
- California CPT-1 Phlebotomy Certification or hands-on blood draw and lab processing experience.
- ACRP (CCRC) or SOCRA (CCRP) certification.
- Current GCP and IATA certifications (or willingness to complete upon hire).
Compensation & Benefits
- Hourly Pay: $25.00 - $35.00 / hour, based on coordinator level and certifications.
- Comprehensive Benefits Package (Full-Time):
- Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid holidays
- Work-Life Balance: Predictable Monday through Friday daytime schedule with no evening or weekend shifts.
How to Apply Please submit your updated resume along with your target hourly rate and earliest available start date.
Pay: $25.00 - $35.00 per hour
Expected hours: 20.0 – 40.0 per week
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
See All 242+ Clinical Research Assistant Jobs in California
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Find JobsClinical Research Assistant Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Clinical Research Assistant Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- IQVIA29
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center19
- CenExel Clinical Research12
- University of California - San Francisco12
- Kaiser Permanente11
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services11
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals8
- Education7
- Consulting & Professional Services4
- Medical Devices1
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in clinical research assistant jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in life sciences, biology, public health, or a related field
- Familiarity with FDA regulations and Good Clinical Practice guidelines
- Experience with electronic data capture systems such as REDCap or Medidata
- Strong attention to detail for accurate case report form completion and source documentation
- Ability to coordinate with IRB submissions and maintain regulatory binders
- Certification as a Clinical Research Coordinator or equivalent credential preferred by California employers
Clinical Research Assistant Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a clinical research assistant in California?
A bachelor's degree in a life science field is the standard entry point for clinical research assistant roles in California. California does not issue a state-specific license for this role, but most California employers expect candidates to complete Good Clinical Practice training and pursue a credential such as the Certified Clinical Research Professional or Certified Clinical Research Coordinator through the Society of Clinical Research Associates or the Association of Clinical Research Professionals. Large academic medical centers and biotech employers in the Bay Area and San Diego often require at least one of these credentials for independent work.
Which companies hire clinical research assistants in California?
Employers hiring clinical research assistants in California right now include IQVIA, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, and CenExel Clinical Research, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. California's high concentration of biotech headquarters, academic health systems, and contract research organizations means hiring is consistent throughout the year across multiple sub-specialties.
Which California cities have the most clinical research assistant jobs?
Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego have the most clinical research assistant openings in California. The Bay Area and San Diego lead because they are home to a high density of biotech and pharmaceutical companies, major academic medical centers, and contract research organizations, while Los Angeles hiring is driven largely by its large hospital networks and university-affiliated research programs at institutions such as UCLA and USC.
Are there remote clinical research assistant jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. About 51% of clinical research assistant openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the fact that most of the role involves on-site patient interaction, specimen handling, and source document verification at clinical facilities. The parts of the role most likely to be performed remotely are regulatory document preparation, data entry and query resolution, and IRB correspondence.
How can I get hired as a clinical research assistant in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is completing a clinical research internship or volunteer research position through a California university medical center, such as those affiliated with the UC system or Cedars-Sinai, before applying to entry-level study coordinator roles. Many candidates move laterally from adjacent roles like medical assistant, clinical data coordinator, or research lab technician, which share documentation and protocol skills. Completing a Good Clinical Practice certification before applying gives candidates a measurable edge, and programs through the Association of Clinical Research Professionals offer entry-level coursework recognized by California biotech and hospital employers.
Where can I find and apply to clinical research assistant jobs in California?
You can find and apply to clinical research assistant jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings across California hiring markets. Search the listings, find roles that fit your background and target location, and apply directly to the ones that match.
See All 242+ Clinical Research Assistant Jobs in California
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