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Principal Investigator Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Medix

Investigator

Riverside, CA · On-site

$144.23/hr

Previous experience as a Principal Investigator or Sub-Investigator for clinical research trials is a huge plus. * Excellent communication and leadership skills, with the ability to collaborate ...

Synectics

Physician

Riverside, CA · On-site

Education & Experience 1-2 years of Principal Investigator/clinical research experience preferred. 1-2 years of clinical practice in one or more of the following areas preferred: * Internal Medicine

Posted today

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Principal Investigator information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$20.3K

$148.8K

$271.8K

How much do principal investigator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal investigator in Riverside, CA is $148,841.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $89,700.00 and $208,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a principal investigator?

A principal investigator, or PI, is the primary representative of an organization that requests a grant. As a principal investigator, you are responsible for the preparation and completion of the research or project being funded by the grant. Your primary goal is to provide sufficient justification for the proposal or grant request to the funding entities. Other job duties include developing research strategies to gather data, analyzing and writing up a summary of the results of the research, and ensuring the project complies with all applicable laws and regulations. A PI may be required to present the results of the study to faculty, peers, and grant approvers.

What is a principal investigator?

A Principal Investigator (PI) is the lead researcher responsible for the design, conduct, and management of a research project, typically within an academic or scientific setting. The PI oversees all aspects of the project, including securing funding, ensuring compliance with regulations, supervising research staff, and reporting results. They are ultimately accountable for the integrity and progress of the research, as well as the safety of any human or animal subjects involved. The PI is usually a senior scientist or faculty member with expertise in the project's subject area.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a principal investigator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Principal Investigator, you need advanced expertise in a scientific discipline, a doctoral degree (PhD, MD, or equivalent), and a proven research track record. Familiarity with grant management systems, laboratory management tools, and regulatory compliance certifications (like Good Clinical Practice) is typically required. Strong leadership, project management, and effective communication skills set outstanding Principal Investigators apart. These competencies are vital for designing innovative research, securing funding, leading teams, and ensuring ethical, high-impact study outcomes.

What are some common challenges principal investigators face when managing research teams?

Principal Investigators often encounter challenges related to balancing administrative responsibilities with hands-on research and mentorship. Managing a diverse team with varying expertise, ensuring clear communication, and securing consistent funding can be demanding. PIs are also responsible for fostering collaboration, resolving conflicts, and maintaining compliance with institutional and funding agency regulations. Successfully navigating these challenges requires strong leadership, organizational skills, and adaptability.

What is the difference between Principal Investigator vs Research Scientist?

AspectPrincipal InvestigatorResearch Scientist
Required credentialsAdvanced degrees (PhD or MD), research experienceMaster's or PhD, specialized research skills
Work environmentLeads research projects, manages teams, secures fundingConducts experiments, analyzes data, supports research projects
Employer and industry usageUniversities, research institutes, government agenciesUniversities, industry R&D labs, biotech companies

The main difference between a Principal Investigator and a Research Scientist lies in their roles and responsibilities. The Principal Investigator typically leads research projects, manages teams, and secures funding, while the Research Scientist focuses on conducting experiments and supporting research activities. Both roles require advanced research credentials, but the PI holds a leadership position overseeing the entire project.

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The top searched job categories for Principal Investigator jobs in Riverside, CA are:

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Principal Investigator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Investigator job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $148,841 per year, or $71.6 per hour.

Principal Investigator

Kinetic Clinical Research

San Bernardino, CA • On-site

Contractor

Re-posted 2 hours ago

Job description

About Kinetic Clinical Research

Kinetic Clinical Research (“KCR”) is a growing, multi-site clinical research organization dedicated to expanding access to high-quality clinical trials in diverse and underserved communities. As part of our expansion in San Bernardino, KCR is partnering closely with San Bernardino Family Medical Clinic to build a robust, community-based research program serving local patients.

We are seeking a CA licensed MD or DO to join KCR as a Principal Investigator (PI) at our San Bernardino site.

The Opportunity

This role is ideal for a physician who:

  • Is interested in clinical research without the administrative burden
  • Values community-focused care and patient access
  • Wants to collaborate with an established family medicine clinic
  • Is open to long-term growth, leadership, and potential profit-sharing opportunities

Role Overview

As a Principal Investigator, you will provide medical oversight and leadership for clinical trials conducted at the San Bernardino site, in collaboration with San Bernardino Family Medical Clinic and KCR’s experienced research operations team.

KCR provides the infrastructure, staffing, and regulatory support — allowing you to focus on patient care, oversight, and study quality.

Key Responsibilities

  • Serve as Principal Investigator on assigned clinical research studies
  • Provide medical oversight and ensure participant safety
  • Review and approve protocols, informed consent documents, and safety reports
  • Supervise Sub-Investigators and collaborate with CRCs and clinic staff
  • Participate in Sponsor/CRO meetings, feasibility reviews, and monitoring visits
  • Support patient recruitment and retention within the San Bernardino community
  • Maintain compliance with FDA regulations, ICH-GCP, IRB requirements, and KCR SOPs

Therapeutic Areas

Studies may include (depending on background and interest):

  • Primary care and chronic conditions
  • Metabolic and cardiovascular disease
  • Gastroenterology, dermatology, or other specialties
  • Vaccines and preventive medicine
  • Other Sponsor-driven therapeutic areas

What We Offer


  • Strong collaboration with San Bernardino Family Medical Clinic
  • Established patient access and community trust
  • Experienced CRC, regulatory, recruitment, and QA support
  • Flexible engagement models (part-time, per-diem, or study-based)
  • Competitive compensation (per study or hourly)
  • Minimal administrative burden

Growth & Long-Term Opportunity

KCR is investing long-term in San Bernardino. Physicians who demonstrate strong leadership, study performance, and alignment with our mission may have opportunities to:

  • Take on expanded investigator leadership roles
  • Participate in study selection and site growth
  • Progress toward profit-sharing or equity participation based on contribution and site performance (Partnership opportunities are not guaranteed but are a core part of KCR’s growth strategy.)

Qualifications

  • MD or DO with an active, unrestricted California medical license
  • Board-certified or board-eligible in Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, or relevant specialty
  • Prior clinical research experience preferred but not required
  • GCP-trained or willing to complete GCP training
  • Interest in research, collaboration, and community engagement

Why Physicians Choose KCR

  • Community-based research with real patient impact
  • Strong operational and regulatory support
  • Physician-friendly culture
  • We treat investigators as partners, not contractors
  • We invest in people, systems, and compliance
  • We support growth beyond a single study
  • We are building a respected, scalable research organization