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Principal Investigator Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Gastroenterology Physician

Pomona, CA · On-site

$100 - $200/hr

Within 0-6 months Compensation: $100-$200/hr or based on market standard rates Position Summary We are seeking a board-certified Gastroenterologist to serve as a Principal Investigator (PI) or Sub ...

Principal Engineer

Mira Loma, CA · On-site

$154K - $193K/yr

Job Summary PRINCIPAL ENGINEER (PUBLIC WORKS/ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT) SALARY RANGE $154,629.57 ... A background investigation including, LIVESCAN fingerprinting and verification of previous ...

Principal Engineer

Eastvale, CA · On-site

$154K - $193K/yr

Continuous Job Summary PRINCIPAL ENGINEER (PUBLIC WORKS/ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT) SALARY RANGE $154 ... A background investigation including, LIVESCAN fingerprinting and verification of previous ...

Principal Quality Engineer

Ontario, CA · On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

The Principal Quality Engineer will serve as a subject matter expert in regulatory compliance (e.g ... Conduct and lead technical root cause investigations and CAPA processes, ensuring timely closure ...

Showing results 21-40

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.

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Principal Investigator jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Principal Investigator job openings:

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.

Clinical Research Program Manager Quality Outcome Grant Writing

Pacific Neuropsychiatric Specialists Inc

Irvine, CA • On-site

$110 - $150/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

Benefits:
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
Position Summary

We are seeking a Clinical Research Program Manager to help develop and support the clinical outcome research program in mental health and substance use at Pacific Neuropsychiatric Specialist (PNS). This position will work directly with the clinicians and data analysts to establish research infrastructure, manage regulatory processes, coordinate clinical outcomes research, and assist in preparing manuscripts and scholarly publications in mental health and substance use clinical care.

The ideal candidate is organized, detail-oriented, and an excellent scientific writer with experience in clinical research administration. This role does not require independent grant writing or serving as a principal investigator but requires the ability to translate research concepts into well‑organized protocols and publication‑ready manuscript drafts and grants.

Primary Responsibilities
  • Establish and maintain research infrastructure for an independent outpatient psychiatry research program.
  • Prepare and manage Institutional Review Board (IRB) submissions, amendments, continuing reviews, and regulatory documentation.
  • Develop research protocols, informed consent documents, case report forms, and standard operating procedures.
  • Coordinate clinical outcomes research projects from study initiation through publication.
  • Perform literature reviews and summarize current scientific evidence.
  • Draft manuscripts, abstracts, white papers, and conference presentations under the direction of the Principal Investigator.
  • Organize references using citation management software (e.g., EndNote, Zotero, or Mendeley).
  • Assist with data organization, quality assurance, and preparation of tables and figures for publication.
  • Coordinate with statisticians, collaborators, and journal editorial offices as needed.
  • Maintain study files and ensure compliance with applicable regulatory and ethical requirements.
Minimum Qualifications
  • Master's degree (e.g., MPH, MS, MA, or related field).
  • At least 2 years of experience in clinical research, research administration, or clinical study coordination, especially in psychiatry
  • Experience preparing and managing IRB submissions.
  • Excellent scientific and grant writing and editing skills.
  • Strong organizational and project management abilities.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office and reference management software.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience conducting literature reviews and preparing manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals.
  • Experience in value-based care highly preferred
  • Familiarity with REDCap or other clinical research databases.
  • Experience with clinical outcomes research or behavioral health research.
  • Working knowledge of basic biostatistics and interpretation of clinical research findings.
Desired Attributes
  • Exceptional attention to detail.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Self-motivated with the ability to work independently.
  • Collaborative and interested in building a research program from the ground up.
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