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Clinical Research Program Manager Jobs in California

Clinical Research Manager

Stanford, CA ยท On-site

$124K - $153K/yr

The Tass Lab at Stanford University is seeking a Clinical Research Manager to provide leadership ... Engage in high-level outreach and networking opportunities, representing the research program to a ...

Clinical Research Manager

Stanford, CA ยท On-site

$124K - $153K/yr

The Tass Lab at Stanford University is seeking a Clinical Research Manager to provide leadership ... Engage in high-level outreach and networking opportunities, representing the research program to a ...

Clinical Research Associate II

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$25 - $36.86/hr

The Clinical Research Associate II works independently but in close collaboration with a Clinical Research Coordinator, Research Program Administrator, Research Nurse, other supervising staff to ...

Showing results 41-60

Clinical Research Program Manager information

See California salary details

$43.9K

$91.4K

$147.5K

How much do clinical research program manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for clinical research program manager in California is $91,391.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,600.00 and $103,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges faced by clinical research program managers in coordinating multi-site studies?

Clinical Research Program Managers often encounter challenges when coordinating multi-site studies, such as ensuring consistent protocol adherence across locations, managing data collection timelines, and addressing site-specific regulatory requirements. Effective communication and strong organizational skills are essential to keep all teams aligned and to resolve issues promptly. Additionally, the role frequently involves collaborating with investigators, sponsors, and regulatory bodies to maintain study integrity and ensure compliance.

What does a clinical research program manager do?

A Clinical Research Program Manager oversees the planning, implementation, and management of clinical research studies within an organization. They coordinate research activities, ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, manage budgets, and supervise research staff. Their role is crucial in maintaining timelines, quality standards, and communication among stakeholders, including investigators, sponsors, and regulatory authorities. They also play a key part in developing study protocols and ensuring that research activities align with organizational goals.

What is the difference between Clinical Research Program Manager vs Clinical Research Coordinator?

AspectClinical Research Program ManagerClinical Research Coordinator
CredentialsBachelor's or higher in life sciences, often with project management certificationsTypically holds a bachelor's degree in health sciences or related field
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple studies, manages teams, and coordinates with stakeholdersHandles daily study activities, patient interactions, and data collection
Employer & Industry UsagePharmaceutical companies, CROs, academic institutionsHospitals, clinics, research sites
Search & Comparison IntentFocuses on management, oversight, and program coordinationFocuses on study-specific tasks and patient management

The Clinical Research Program Manager oversees multiple research projects, manages teams, and ensures compliance across studies. In contrast, the Clinical Research Coordinator handles the day-to-day activities of individual studies, including patient interactions and data collection. Both roles require relevant credentials but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a clinical research program manager?

To thrive as a Clinical Research Program Manager, you need a strong background in clinical research, project management, regulatory compliance, and often an advanced degree in life sciences or a related field. Familiarity with clinical trial management systems (CTMS), electronic data capture (EDC) platforms, and certifications such as CCRP or PMP are typically required. Excellent leadership, organizational, and communication skills set standout managers apart, enabling them to coordinate teams and stakeholders effectively. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring clinical studies meet regulatory standards, stay on schedule, and achieve high-quality outcomes.
What are popular job titles related to Clinical Research Program Manager jobs in California? For Clinical Research Program Manager jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in California are hiring for Clinical Research Program Manager jobs? Cities in California with the most Clinical Research Program Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Clinical Research Program Manager job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $91,391 per year, or $43.9 per hour.

Staff Research Associate IV, Supervisor

NCIRE

San Francisco, CA โ€ข On-site

$70K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description

Position Definition:
This position will serve as a program manager and senior clinical research coordinator for a large research program who is capable of making difficult decisions independently. As a program manager, this person will be directly responsible for overseeing a diverse portfolio of research activities for multiple studies and overseeing a research team. The portfolio may include multicenter clinical trials (both NIH and industry-sponsored), local investigator-initiated clinical trials, large research grant awards, laboratory-based research, and/or programmatic clinical research activities, such as a clinical database and biorepository. Incumbent will oversee timelines and milestones to ensure that targeted deadlines are met facilitating the development and deployment of educational and training materials for all team members, keeping regulatory and budgetary documents compliant, preparing progress reports, implementing quality assurance standards, liaising with other core/components of studies, and actively participating in the hiring and supervising of study team members.
The individual will manage the Principal Investigator's research portfolio and provide financial oversight such as budgeting, budget management and financial analysis. The individual should be knowledgeable of the principles of scientific investigation and clinical trials, and capable of in-depth understanding of study protocols.
Essential Functions:
Provides oversight and supervision to research coordinators. Oversees and provides administrative clinical trial project management to Principal Investigator conducting clinical trials.
  • 50% Directly supervises the planning, development, implementation, running, and management of clinical trials at the SFVA Hematology/Oncology Research Program
  • 15% Exercises supervisory authority, including hiring, transferring, suspending, promoting, managing conduct and performance, discharging, assigning, rewarding, disciplining, and/or approving hours worked of at least 3 to 6 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees
  • 10% Manages, assigns, and performs clinical trial project coordination services for Principal Investigator
  • 10% Provides assistance with managing Principal Investigator lab and biospecimen studies and coordinating cross-cutting efforts of bench science with clinical trials.
  • 10% Contributes to the development of protocols, related documents, manuscripts, and Case Report Forms
  • 5% Implements quality assurance standards and compliance in regulatory and budgetary areas of the clinical trials

Job Requirements:
  • Master's degree or Bachelor's degree with relevant supervisory or budget management experience required
  • At least two years of research project management experience and at least two years of employee supervision experience strongly preferred
  • At least 2 years of industry trial experience, at least 5 years strongly preferred
  • At least 2 years of regulatory work experience in clinical trials, at least 5 years strongly preferred
  • Prior experience being part of an academic clinical research group preferred
  • Excellent organizational and communication skills (both written and verbal)
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Flexibility to work both independently and collaboratively
  • Understand critical aspects of project management including tracking, enrollment, retention, regulatory compliance, data management and staff supervision

Working Conditions/Environment:
The work environment is a medical center and biomedical research laboratory. It may include minor annoyances such as noise, temperature variations, etc. The incumbent may be required to sustain standing and seated postures and to use a computer keyboard and display monitor for prolonged periods.
VA Onboarding Requirements:
NCIRE is an affiliate organization of the San Francisco VA Health Care System (SFVAHCS), which requires all candidates to complete SFVA onboarding in addition to NCIRE's onboarding process. The SFVA is a federal agency that requires a federal background check, occupational health clearance, vaccines and immunizations, and drug testing for certain positions. Drug testing may include screening for marijuana which remains an illegal substance according to federal law. The failure to pass required drug testing will disqualify candidates from employment.
The base wage range for this position is $70,304.00 - $120,016.00 per year. The wage actually offered to a successful candidate will take into account various relevant and non-discriminatory business factors including, without limitation, the candidate's geographic location, job-related experience, knowledge, and skills, and education, as well as internal equity considerations. A successful candidate may also be eligible to earn additional compensation including bonuses.
NCIRE is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This position requires access to United States Government research under the Veterans Administration. Per Veterans Administration regulations surrounding access to US research, qualified US Citizens will be selected over other individuals eligible to work in the United States. If you are eligible to work in the United States, you may still be considered for this position but only if no qualified US citizens apply.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.