Research Associate Job at Parexel, USA | Life Science | Apply Now | Earn Upto $26.00/hr
In the high-stakes environment of 2026 early-phase drug development, Glendale, California, serves as a critical frontline. For those with a clinical “can-do” attitude and a needle-sharp focus, the Research Associate Job at the Parexel Early Phase Clinical Unit offers a direct path into the heart of “First-in-Human” trials. This isn’t just a clinical role; it’s an operational masterclass in how novel treatments safely transition from the lab to the patient.
- Job Position: Per Diem Research Associate (CPT Required)
- Location:Â United States, Glendale, California
- Job ID:Â R0000040374
- Category:Â Clinical Trials
About The Company
Parexel is a global titan in the Clinical Research Organization (CRO) space, and their Glendale unit is specifically designed for Phase I complexity. Choosing a Parexel Career means joining a culture that prioritizes patient safety while maintaining the aggressive timelines required for drug innovation. As a Life Sciences Job, this position is particularly strategic because Parexel provides an extensive induction program. The company is known for its internal mobility; a Research Associate today is often the Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC) or Study Manager of tomorrow.
Key Responsibilities of Research Associate Job
In Phase I trials, the primary goal is assessing safety and tolerated dosage. As a Research Associate, your hands-on work with study participants is the foundation of the data that determines if a drug moves forward or fails.
- Advanced Phlebotomy: Because you are handling “First-in-Human” samples, your Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) license is non-negotiable. You will be responsible for precise blood draws, labeling, and the inventory of plasma samples.
- Pharmacokinetic (PK) Integrity: Phase I trials rely heavily on PK data to see how the body processes the drug.
- Recruitment & Screening: You will act as an “Enrollment Specialist,” calling the database and attending community events to find the right participants for specific study protocols.
- Clinical Monitoring: Assist physicians in assessing Adverse Events (AEs) and Concomitant Medications. In a fast-paced unit, identifying a deviation in a lab result early can save a study’s integrity.
Candidate Profile: Requirements for a Life Sciences Job
Parexel is seeking “Per Diem” associates—meaning you are the flexible “Special Ops” force of the clinic. This is a high-accountability Research Associate Job that requires a specific logistical commitment.
- Education: A B.S. in a Life Science field is preferred, though an HS Diploma with significant relevant clinical experience is accepted.
- Licensing: An active CPT License in the state of California is a hard requirement.
- The “Per Diem” Commitment: You must be able to complete a mandatory 4-week, 40-hour/week training block. Post-training, you must provide availability for any shift (5 AM – 12 AM) at least three days a week, including Sundays.
- Soft Skills: Exceptional customer service is vital. You are often the primary point of contact for study participants, and your ability to problem-solve issues as they arise is critical for participant retention.
Compensation & Shift Dynamics
A Parexel Career in Glendale provides a competitive wage for the Los Angeles market:
- Base Pay Range: $20.00 to $26.00 per hour.
- Shift Differentials: Because Phase I units run 24/7, this role is eligible for pay increases based on early morning, late night, or weekend shifts.
- Total Rewards: Even as a per diem employee, you are part of a system that offers 401(k) matching and access to professional development training once eligible.
In summary, the Research Associate Job at Parexel Glendale is a definitive Life Sciences Job for those who want to be physically present at the birth of new medicines. While the per diem nature requires flexibility, the experience gained in a Phase I environment is gold-standard for a long-term Parexel Career. If you have the CPT license and the drive to work in a “First-in-Human” setting, Parexel is where your professional trajectory begins.
