ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Principal Investigator Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Medix

Clinical Research Coordinator

Murrieta, CA · On-site

$31 - $38/hr

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with the Principal Investigator, research team, Study Sponsor/CROs, potential subjects, and referral sources * An ethical ...

Bakertilly

Risk Advisory Services Principal

Irvine, CA · On-site

If yes, consider joining Baker Tilly (BT) as a Risk Advisory Services Principal. Our Risk Advisory ... Team with marketing to develop sales and marketing plans, investigate and pursue areas for ...

Aveva

Tech Support Principal Engineer

Lake Forest, CA · Hybrid

$82K - $170K/yr

Job Title: Tech Support Principal Engineer Location: USA - Houston, TX/ Lake Forest, CA ... Coordinating investigation of customer issues across multiple teams. * Working closely with Sales ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsPrincipal Investigator JobsPrincipal Investigator Jobs in Riverside, CA

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 23, 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.

More about Principal Investigator jobs

What are popular job titles related to Principal Investigator jobs in Riverside, CA?

For Principal Investigator jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Principal Investigator jobs in Riverside, CA look for?

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

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

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

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.

Research Clinical Director - Psychiatric Pharm Clinical Research

Pacific Neuropsychiatric Specialists Inc

Orange, CA • On-site

$120 - $160/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Benefits:
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance
  • 401(k) matching
  • Bonus based on performance
  • Dental insurance
Pacific Neuropsychiatric Specialists (PNS) is seeking an experienced and dedicated research professional to join our growing team. We are a community-focused, outpatient mental health group serving diverse and underserved populations. Combining the rigor of academic research with direct community impact, we strive to advance the most evidence-based and specialized treatments in psychiatric care—including for Medicaid and Medicare populations. In addition to subspecialized psychiatry services, such as interventional psychiatry, substance use, and child and adolescent psychiatry, we have a robust research division driving cutting-edge innovations in clinical treatments and pharmacologic development. This is an excellent opportunity for a leading researcher who values collaborative research, scientific integrity, and an academically enriching environment.

Job Summary
The Research Clinical Director will serve as a senior research investigator within a growing portfolio of phase II-IV pharmaceutical-sponsored clinical studies. This individual will play a central leadership role across studies spanning multiple psychiatric indications, contributing to the design, execution, and participant oversight of sponsor-initiated trials. The position includes responsibilities managing and overseeing current active trials and potentially serving as the Principal Investigator on future studies, with accountability for regulatory compliance, protocol adherence, and patient safety. This role is well suited for a researcher seeking to lead high-impact psychiatric trials in a dynamic outpatient research setting. An excellent candidate will have 1) scientific credibility, 2) operational excellence in enrollment, retention, data quality, and regulatory compliance, and 3) effectiveness in communication, responsiveness, and consistent delivery across studies.
  • Serve as the site’s primary research authority and accountable investigator for assigned pharmaceutical-sponsored psychiatric trials, with final responsibility for participant safety and protocol integrity.
  • Provide clinical oversight and sign-off on participant eligibility, informed consent, and any protocol deviations or safety events across assigned studies.
  • Liaison research operations director to direct and supervise the study team — including coordinators, sub-investigators, and raters — ensuring protocol compliance and high-quality data across assigned studies.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for sponsors, CROs, and regulatory agencies; represent the site in investigator meetings, site initiation visits, and monitoring interactions.
  • Exercise clinical judgment on adverse events, serious adverse events (SAEs), and participant discontinuations in coordination with the sponsor medical monitor.
  • Maintain accurate and complete investigator records and ensure assigned studies operate in full compliance with ICH-GCP, FDA, and IRB requirements.
Qualifications
Mandatory Qualifications:
  • Doctorate in a related field (e.g., PhD, PsyD, DSc, or other doctorate in Psychology, Neuroscience, Biology, Chemistry, or Psychopharmacology or related field) from an accredited program
  • No disciplinary action or license restriction
  • Minimum 2 years of clinical research experience, including experience as a PI or sub-PI on pharmaceutical-sponsored trials
  • Demonstrated knowledge of ICH-GCP guidelines, FDA regulations, and IRB/ethics submission processes
  • Supervisory and management experience in managing prior labs
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Current licensure for independent clinical practice (if direct participant assessments or clinical evaluations are required)
Why Join PNS?
  • Shape the future of clinical care through clinical research directly impacting patients
  • Be part of a mission-driven organization committed to serving the underserved and providing exceptional quality care.
  • Work in a supportive interdisciplinary team environment.
  • Competitive compensation and benefits package, including generous matching 401K, medical, dental, vision, and paid time-off.
#J-18808-Ljbffr

Apply