Clinical Research Assistant Jobs in California
Clinical Research Assistant jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in biotechnology, academic medical centers, and pharmaceutical research with openings at every level from entry-level coordinators to senior clinical research assistants. The largest hiring metros are San Francisco Bay Area, San Diego, and Los Angeles, where organizations like UCSF Health, Scripps Research, and UCLA Health maintain a consistent presence. The most in-demand specialties include oncology trials, Phase I/II studies, and regulatory data management. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 53+ Clinical Research Assistant jobs
Join the transformative team at City of Hope, where we're changing lives and making a real difference in the fight against cancer, diabetes, and other life-threatening illnesses. City of Hope’s growing national system includes its Los Angeles campus, a network of clinical care locations across Southern California, a new cancer center in Orange County, California, and treatment facilities in Atlanta, Chicago and Phoenix. Our dedicated and compassionate employees are driven by a common mission: To deliver the cures of tomorrow to the people who need them today.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Develop clinical cancer research protocols under the guidance of a physician. Manages an assigned set of multiple research protocols to assure efficiency and regulatory compliance of the protocol, attending clinic as needed. Responsible for compilation, registration and submission of data; monitors and ensures study compliance and maintains a system for effective data flow associated with research protocols. Schedules patients for biospecimen repository consents, screening, orientation and educational classes. Meet with and consent patients. Has proven to function independently and proficiently as defined in the position accountabilities. Has superb communication and problem-solving skills. Has demonstrable computer skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, Microsoft Access, etc. Has undertaken tasks that utilize these computing skills, as well as skills in data management and analyses.
As a successful candidate, you will:
- Managed multiple oncology clinical research protocols, ensuring compliance with study requirements, regulatory standards, and protocol guidelines.
- Coordinated patient recruitment, screening, enrollment, education, scheduling, and registration while maintaining accurate study documentation.
- Collected, managed, analyzed, and submitted clinical research data and case report forms according to protocol and sponsor requirements.
- Maintained current regulatory and protocol documentation, ensuring readiness for audits and adherence to institutional and compliance policies.
- Coordinated protocol-related tests, evaluations, and study activities with physicians, nurses, laboratories, and other healthcare professionals.
- Collected, processed, labeled, and transported research specimens while following safety procedures and protocol-specific handling requirements.
- Identified and resolved protocol, compliance, and data management issues, communicating concerns to supervisors and supporting quality improvement initiatives.
- Trained and mentored new clinical research staff, participated in departmental meetings, and contributed to efficient research operations and patient-centered care.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Associate's degree
Experience may substitute for minimum education requirements.
COMPENSATION
City of Hope employees pay is based on the following criteria: work experience, qualifications, and work location.
EEO STATEMENT
City of Hope is an equal opportunity employer.
To learn more about our Comprehensive Benefits, please CLICK HERE.
Join the transformative team at City of Hope, where we're changing lives and making a real difference in the fight against cancer, diabetes, and other life-threatening illnesses. City of Hope’s growing national system includes its Los Angeles campus, a network of clinical care locations across Southern California, a new cancer center in Orange County, California, and treatment facilities in Atlanta, Chicago and Phoenix. Our dedicated and compassionate employees are driven by a common mission: To deliver the cures of tomorrow to the people who need them today.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Develop clinical cancer research protocols under the guidance of a physician. Manages an assigned set of multiple research protocols to assure efficiency and regulatory compliance of the protocol, attending clinic as needed. Responsible for compilation, registration and submission of data; monitors and ensures study compliance and maintains a system for effective data flow associated with research protocols. Schedules patients for biospecimen repository consents, screening, orientation and educational classes. Meet with and consent patients. Has proven to function independently and proficiently as defined in the position accountabilities. Has superb communication and problem-solving skills. Has demonstrable computer skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, Microsoft Access, etc. Has undertaken tasks that utilize these computing skills, as well as skills in data management and analyses.
As a successful candidate, you will:
- Managed multiple oncology clinical research protocols, ensuring compliance with study requirements, regulatory standards, and protocol guidelines.
- Coordinated patient recruitment, screening, enrollment, education, scheduling, and registration while maintaining accurate study documentation.
- Collected, managed, analyzed, and submitted clinical research data and case report forms according to protocol and sponsor requirements.
- Maintained current regulatory and protocol documentation, ensuring readiness for audits and adherence to institutional and compliance policies.
- Coordinated protocol-related tests, evaluations, and study activities with physicians, nurses, laboratories, and other healthcare professionals.
- Collected, processed, labeled, and transported research specimens while following safety procedures and protocol-specific handling requirements.
- Identified and resolved protocol, compliance, and data management issues, communicating concerns to supervisors and supporting quality improvement initiatives.
- Trained and mentored new clinical research staff, participated in departmental meetings, and contributed to efficient research operations and patient-centered care.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Associate's degree
Experience may substitute for minimum education requirements.
COMPENSATION
City of Hope employees pay is based on the following criteria: work experience, qualifications, and work location.
EEO STATEMENT
City of Hope is an equal opportunity employer.
To learn more about our Comprehensive Benefits, please CLICK HERE.
See All 53 Clinical Research Assistant Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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
- University of California, San Francisco18
- University of California - San Francisco13
- Scripps Research6
- City of Hope4
- DermCare Management2
Top Industries Hiring
- Education41
- Healthcare & Medical Services24
- Science & Research6
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals5
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
- Experience with GCP guidelines and FDA-regulated clinical trial protocols
- Proficiency in electronic data capture systems such as REDCap or Medidata Rave
- Familiarity with IRB submission processes and clinical trial documentation standards
- Strong attention to detail for maintaining accurate source documents and case report forms
- SOCRA or ACRP certification preferred by many California research institutions
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, nursing, or public health 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 employers require or strongly prefer certification from SOCRA or ACRP. Candidates who complete an internship or practicum at a California academic medical center or research institute gain a significant competitive advantage in the hiring process.
How much do clinical research assistants make in California?
Clinical research assistants in California earn a median of about $60,250 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $38,060 for the lowest 10% to over $117,070 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire clinical research assistants in California?
Employers hiring clinical research assistants in California right now include University of California, San Francisco, University of California - San Francisco, and Scripps Research, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's density of biotech firms, academic health systems, and contract research organizations makes it one of the most active states for clinical research hiring year-round.
Which California cities have the most clinical research assistant jobs?
San Francisco, San Diego, and Duarte have the most clinical research assistant openings in California. The San Francisco Bay Area and San Diego lead because they anchor the state's biotech and pharmaceutical industries, with large research campuses and academic medical centers driving consistent demand, while Los Angeles adds volume through its major hospital systems and university-affiliated research programs.
Are there remote clinical research assistant jobs in California?
Yes, but they're less common than in purely desk-based fields because many tasks require on-site patient contact, lab access, or document handling. About 0% of clinical research assistant openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, reflecting real but limited flexibility. The tasks most amenable to remote work include data entry, regulatory document preparation, and sponsor communications.
How can I get hired as a clinical research assistant in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through a clinical research internship or volunteer role at a California academic medical center such as UCSF, UC San Diego Health, or Cedars-Sinai. Many large California health systems and contract research organizations post entry-level research coordinator associate roles designed for candidates without direct trial experience. Adjacent roles like medical scribe, clinical data associate, or patient services coordinator frequently transition into clinical research assistant positions, especially when paired with SOCRA's Certified Clinical Research Professional preparation coursework.
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 the state. Find roles that fit your experience and location, then apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 53 Clinical Research Assistant Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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