Research Assistant (Bilingual-Spanish) - Riverside

Irvine Clinical Research; Riverside (CA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% Employer-Paid Healthcare

PTO 3 weeks

401(k) match

Job summary

Irvine Clinical Research is seeking a detail-oriented Research Assistant for our Riverside clinic front desk to support daily trial operations. The role emphasizes bilingual English/Spanish communication, participant check-in/out, scheduling, and coordinating study visits under supervision.

Ideal candidates will have healthcare exposure, strong organizational skills, and a compassionate approach to working with participants. Full-time on-site position in Riverside, CA with competitive benefits.

Qualifications

• Fluency in English and Spanish is required in speaking, reading and writing.
• 1+ years in front desk reception, medical front office, clinical or healthcare settings preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant science or healthcare field is preferred.
• Certifications CMA/CPT-1 or BLS/CPR are a strong plus.

Responsibilities

• Front Desk & Reception: greet participants, manage check-in/out, handle calls.
• Bilingual communication: prescreening, scheduling and retention outreach in English/Spanish.
• Study Visit & Lobby Support: assist with procedures and keep front area welcoming.
• Clinical Procedures: perform vital signs, ECGs, urine screens.
• Laboratory Operations: centrifuge, aliquot, package and ship specimens per guidelines.
• Translation: provide verbal Spanish translations for scheduling and instructions.
• Data & Admin Management: log visits, ED CEC data entry and queries.
• Inventory & Site Upkeep: track supplies and keep front desk organized.

Skills

Bilingual English/Spanish

Front desk experience

Healthcare environment

Medical terminology

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Biology/ Psychology/ Neuroscience/ Healthcare

Certifications: CMA, CPT-1, or BLS/CPR (preferred)

Job description

Riverside Clinical is part of the Irvine Clinical Research site network, the largest of its kind on the West Coast. With 5 research centers in California, we are leaders in the search for new treatments in neurology, psychiatry, and obesity medicine. Our largest area of research is in Alzheimer’s Disease prevention and treatment drug trials, and our doctors were the largest contributors in the world to the most recently FDA-approved medication in Alzheimer’s Disease.

In this role, we are seeking a detail-oriented, empathetic Research Assistant to support our daily clinical trial operations. Ideally, candidates will have prior healthcare, clinical, or laboratory experience, with a passion for assisting coordinators with participant visit workflows, sample processing, and administrative support while producing quality work. Furthermore, we are seeking a bilingual (Spanish) professional to better serve our community.

Job Duties

• Front Desk & Reception Management: Serve as the primary point of contact at the front desk; warmly greet participants, study partners, and visitors; manage participant check-in/check-out; and handle incoming clinic phone calls.
• Bilingual Participant Communication: Conduct prescreening calls, appointment scheduling, and ongoing retention outreach in both English and Spanish.
• Study Visit & Lobby Support: Room participants, assist CRCs and Investigators with chaperoning study procedures, and ensure the lobby and front office areas remain welcoming and organized.
• Clinical Procedures: Perform baseline clinical tasks, including taking vital signs, performing ECGs/EKGs, and administering urine pregnancy/drug screens.
• Laboratory Operations: Centrifuge, aliquot, package, and ship biological specimens (blood, urine) in strict adherence to protocol guidelines and IATA regulations.
• Participant & Family Translation: Provide verbal translation support at the front desk and during clinical visits, explaining scheduling or trial instructions clearly to Spanish-speaking participants and study partners.
• Data & Admin Management: Maintain front-desk logs, assist with prompt source documentation filing, Electronic Data Capture (EDC) data entry, and resolving study queries.
• Inventory & Site Upkeep: Maintain front desk/reception readiness, track lab kits, and manage front office and site supply inventory.

Job Requirements

• Language Requirement: Native or professional fluency in both English and Spanish (speaking, reading, and writing) is required.
• Front Desk / Administrative Experience: 1+ years of experience in front desk reception, medical front office, clinical, or healthcare environments preferred.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Psychology, Neuroscience, Healthcare, or a related scientific discipline preferred.
• Certifications (Preferred): Certified Medical Assistant (CMA), Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT-1), or BLS/CPR certification is a strong plus.
• Skills: Excellent phone etiquette, outstanding interpersonal skills, meticulous organizational habits, and a compassionate attitude when working with elderly or vulnerable participant populations.
• Schedule: Must be able to work full-time on-site at our Riverside, CA clinic front desk.

Location & Work Environment

This is a full-time, in-person role located at our Riverside clinic on Central Avenue, directly across the street from the Riverside Plaza mall. Conveniently situated just one stoplight off the 91 freeway with ample free on-site parking, our clinic offers an easy daily commute. While we operate 5 research centers across California, Riverside is our location serving the Inland Empire.

Compensation & Benefits

• Pay Rate: $25.00 / hour ($52,000 annualized full-time).
• 100% Employer-Paid Healthcare: 100% coverage of individual medical, dental, and vision insurance premiums for eligible full-time staff.
• Paid Time Off: 3 weeks of earned PTO per year, plus paid sick leave and company holidays.
• Retirement: 401(k) plan with company match.