Clinical Research Assistant Jobs in San Diego, CA
Clinical Research Assistant jobs in San Diego are concentrated in Torrey Pines, Sorrento Valley, and Kearny Mesa, across biotech, pharmaceutical, and clinical trial management organizations, with strong demand from contract research organizations and academic medical centers. Employers hiring right now include UC San Diego Health, Rady Children's Hospital, and San Diego Cardiac Center Medical Group. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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This is not a remote position. Must be on campus.
JOB SUMMARY:
Under supervision, the Clinical Research Coordinator will be assigned to assist with multiple clinical research studies involving human subjects within the research unit/department. Assist with initiation, implementation and management of research projects in accordance with GCP, FDA, HIPAA & all required regulatory guidelines, with an emphasis on pediatric clinical research studies. Responsibilities may include initiating & managing multiple research projects, including but not limited to clinical trials, PI-initiated studies, and other research projects. Responsibilities may include but are not limited to: submission of protocols & renewals to IRB & scientific review boards; management & submission of electronic data forms to Sponsors, CROs & regulatory agencies; screening for eligibility; monitoring and timely reporting of adverse events; toxicities and protocol deviations; scheduling subjects' visits; coordinating clinical, laboratory and data management activities; processing and submitting laboratory specimens. Interfaces with patients/subjects & the Principal Investigators (PI) as well as working with assigned division's inpatient & outpatient clinical staff & other departments within the Institution. Coordinates preparation for monitor visits, regulatory & data audits. May support and/or supervise interns or staff depending on nature of study. If needed under study-specific research protocol, may collect basic vitals and clinical data based on study needs under the supervision and training of the study PI.
MINIMUM QUALIFICIATONS:
Bachelor's Degree
Area of Study in a Field Related to the Position
2 Years of Experience
At least 2 years of experience in research/research-related activities
Excellent oral and written skills
General understanding of computer software and hardware: Word, Excel, data entry (ex. Any EDC platform such as REDCap, Medidata, Rave)
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Master's Degree
3 Years of Experience
Certified Clinical Research Professional (CCRP), Certified Clinical Research Coordinator (CCRC), or equivalent Clinical research certification through SOCRA for ACRP
Demonstrated ability and past experience in complex analysis, familiarity with statistical methodology
Additional experience with preparation and submission of IRB applications, regulatory correspondence, and/or specific content of study related research
1-2 years of clinical trial experience
The current salary range for this position is $34.14 to $46.94
Rady Children’s Hospital is committed to compensation that is externally competitive and internally equitable. We demonstrate this commitment by conducting regular market reviews to remain competitive with organizations of similar size in the nonprofit, healthcare sector. The range listed above does not represent the full salary range for the position but is the expected hiring range for qualified candidates. Compensation decisions consider a variety of factors including experience, education, licensure, unique skillsets, organizational need, and internal equity. This posting will remain open from the “date posted” until the hiring manager has determined there is a sufficient applicant pool or until the position is filled.
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Find JobsClinical Research Assistant Job Market in San Diego
Who's Hiring
- UC San Diego Health42

- Rady Children's Hospital32

- San Diego Cardiac Center Medical Group21S
- Arcetyp11

- UC San Diego11

Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
Clinical Research Assistant Jobs in San Diego: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a clinical research assistant job in San Diego?
Focus your search on Torrey Pines and Sorrento Valley, where biotech firms and contract research organizations are densely clustered. Candidates who stand out typically hold a relevant science degree, have hands-on lab or clinical trial exposure through internships or volunteer work at UC San Diego Health or Scripps Research, and are familiar with Good Clinical Practice protocols. Networking through San Diego's active life sciences community accelerates hiring significantly.
Which companies hire clinical research assistants in San Diego?
Employers hiring clinical research assistants in San Diego right now include UC San Diego Health, Rady Children's Hospital, and San Diego Cardiac Center Medical Group, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. San Diego's employer mix leans toward mid-size biotech and pharmaceutical companies, contract research organizations, and large academic medical systems, all of which maintain ongoing clinical research assistant pipelines given the city's dense trial activity.
Are there remote clinical research assistant jobs in San Diego?
Yes, though opportunities are limited because most clinical research assistant work requires on-site patient interaction, specimen handling, or direct trial coordination. About 27% of clinical research assistant openings tied to San Diego are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, and those positions tend to focus on data entry, regulatory documentation, and remote monitoring support rather than hands-on clinical tasks.
How can I get a clinical research assistant job in San Diego with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path in San Diego is applying for research coordinator trainee or clinical trials assistant roles at the city's academic medical institutions, particularly UC San Diego Health and Scripps Health, which regularly bring in candidates from entry-level backgrounds. Volunteering on IRB-approved studies, completing a Good Clinical Practice certification, and targeting contract research organizations in Sorrento Valley for temp-to-hire positions all open doors locally without prior professional experience.
Which industries hire the most clinical research assistants in San Diego?
San Diego clinical research assistant roles concentrate in Healthcare & Medical Services, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. San Diego's position as one of the top U.S. life sciences clusters, anchored by its biotech corridor and research university ecosystem, drives sustained demand for clinical research support across all of those sectors.
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