Clinical Research Assistant

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Clinical Research Assistant

Job Description

This role combines hands-on clinical research support with on-site technology and IT coordination in a busy dermatology research and private practice setting. The Clinical Research Assistant ensures that all study-related technology functions smoothly while also assisting Clinical Research Coordinators with patient-facing tasks and routine clinical procedures. This position plays a key role in maintaining an efficient, patient-friendly environment and supporting a high volume of sponsor-initiated research studies.

Responsibilities

• Set up, configure, and maintain on-site technology and equipment used in clinical research and patient care.
• Troubleshoot issues with tablets, phones, printers, and other devices to minimize disruption to clinical research activities.
• Coordinate with the IT help desk when technology issues arise, allowing Clinical Research Coordinators to remain focused on patients.
• Monitor and support the use of mobile applications and other digital tools used in research studies and clinic operations.
• Assist Clinical Research Coordinators with day-to-day tasks such as filing, organizing study documents, and maintaining accurate records.
• Support clinical activities by taking patient vitals and performing routine clinical tasks within scope of training and certification.
• Perform EKGs, blood draws, and phlebotomy procedures as needed, following established protocols and safety standards.
• Help ensure patients feel comfortable, informed, and confident during their visits by demonstrating strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Work collaboratively with a team of Clinical Research Coordinators and Research Assistants, each with defined focus areas, while serving as the primary point of contact for IT-related needs.
• Adapt to a high-volume, fast-paced environment with multiple ongoing sponsor-initiated research studies.
• Receive and respond constructively to direct feedback from leadership and the Principal Investigator to continuously improve performance.
• Contribute to a professional, organized, and patient-centered front office and clinical research environment.

Essential Skills

• Clinical research experience or exposure to a clinical research environment.
• Demonstrated technology savvy, including comfort with tablets, smartphones, printers, and clinical applications.
• Experience as a clinical or research assistant, medical assistant, or similar role in a front desk or front office setting.
• Ability to perform EKGs, blood draws, and vitals within scope of training.
• Phlebotomy skills with phlebotomy certification or equivalent training.
• Strong problem-solving skills to quickly identify and resolve technology and workflow issues.
• Ability to receive and respond positively to direct feedback and maintain professionalism in a straightforward communication environment.
• Solid interpersonal and basic social skills to help patients feel comfortable and confident during visits.
• Organizational skills and attention to detail for filing, documentation, and coordination of research activities.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bilingual proficiency in Spanish or Vietnamese is a strong plus.
• Experience in a medical assistant front desk or front office role.
• Prior experience supporting Clinical Research Coordinators or working in a research-focused clinic.
• Comfort working in a busy, high-volume clinical and research setting.
• Ability to collaborate effectively within a team of Clinical Research Coordinators and Research Assistants.

Work Environment

This is a fully on-site position in a combined private practice and clinical research facility with a long-standing presence in the community and a high volume of sponsor-initiated research studies. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with a 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. lunch break. Lunches are often catered by study sponsors, providing a convenient and collegial mid-day break. The site offers a full parking lot with easy access for staff and patients. You will work closely with a Director of Operations, a team of approximately 7–10 Clinical Research Coordinators, and 3 Research Assistants, each with a defined focus area; this role focuses primarily on IT and technology support while also contributing to clinical and administrative tasks. The environment is fast-paced and busy, with sponsors actively engaging the site to initiate new studies. Communication is direct and straightforward, with an emphasis on professionalism, accountability, and collaboration. Dress and conduct are expected to reflect a professional clinical and research setting, suitable for regular patient interaction and sponsor visits.

This is a Contract position based out of Fountain Valley, CA.

The pay range for this position is $18.00 - $23.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Fountain Valley,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 26, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on ziprecruiter.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.