ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Principal Research Associate Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

NCIRE

Staff Research Associate I

San Francisco, CA · On-site

The Staff Research Associate I is responsible for participating in the day-to-day operations of routine, minimally complex clinical research programs and/or studies conducted by Principal ...

NCIRE

Staff Research Associate I

San Francisco, CA · On-site

The Staff Research Associate I is responsible for participating in the day-to-day operations of routine, minimally complex clinical research programs and/or studies conducted by Principal ...

UCLA Health

Staff Research Associate 3

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$75K - $121K/yr

... a Staff Research Associate 3 to support leading translational and clinical research through ... research principals. * Ability to work in an aseptic environment. * Ability to pay close attention ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsPrincipal Research Associate JobsPrincipal Research Associate Jobs in California

Principal Research Associate information

See California salary details

$16

$32

$46

How much do principal research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for principal research associate in California is $32.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.87 and $36.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much does a principal research associate make?

A principal research associate typically earns between $80,000 and $130,000 annually, depending on experience, industry, and location. They often hold advanced degrees and have specialized skills in research methodologies and data analysis.

What is the difference between Principal Research Associate vs Senior Research Associate?

AspectPrincipal Research AssociateSenior Research Associate
Required CredentialsMaster's or PhD, relevant research experienceMaster's degree, significant research experience
Work EnvironmentLead research projects, mentor junior staffConduct research, support project goals
Employer & Industry UsagePharmaceuticals, biotech, academiaSimilar industries, often overlapping roles

The Principal Research Associate typically holds a higher level of responsibility, leading projects and mentoring others, whereas the Senior Research Associate focuses on executing research tasks and supporting project objectives. Both roles require advanced degrees and research experience, but the Principal Research Associate is more involved in strategic planning and leadership within research teams.

What is a principal research associate?

A Principal Research Associate is a senior-level research professional who leads and manages scientific research projects within an organization, often in academia, biotechnology, or pharmaceuticals. They are responsible for designing experiments, analyzing data, supervising junior staff, and ensuring that the research meets regulatory and quality standards. Principal Research Associates often collaborate with cross-functional teams, contribute to publications, and may be involved in grant writing or project proposals. This role requires significant experience in the field, strong leadership skills, and a deep understanding of research methodologies.

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

To thrive as a Principal Research Associate, you typically need an advanced degree in a scientific discipline, strong expertise in experimental design, and significant hands-on laboratory experience. Proficiency with specialized lab equipment, data analysis software (such as GraphPad Prism or FlowJo), and familiarity with regulatory standards like GLP or GMP are often required. Outstanding analytical thinking, attention to detail, and leadership abilities help you excel in managing projects and mentoring junior staff. These skills and qualifications are crucial for generating reliable research results, ensuring compliance, and driving scientific innovation within the organization.

How does a principal research associate typically collaborate with cross-functional teams in a research setting?

As a Principal Research Associate, you will frequently work alongside scientists, project managers, and other research professionals to advance complex studies. Collaboration often involves coordinating experimental design, sharing data, and troubleshooting protocols with team members from different specialties, such as analytical chemistry, biology, or clinical operations. Clear communication and the ability to translate technical findings for non-specialist colleagues are key. This collaborative environment not only accelerates project milestones but also provides opportunities to learn from diverse experts and contribute to multidisciplinary solutions.

What cities in California are hiring for Principal Research Associate jobs?

Cities in California with the most Principal Research Associate job openings:

Principal Research Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Research Associate job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,799 per year, or $32.1 per hour.

Staff Research Associate I

NCIRE

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

Position Definition:
The Staff Research Associate I is responsible for participating in the day-to-day operations of routine, minimally complex clinical research programs and/or studies conducted by Principal Investigators (PIs) at the San Francisco VA. Performs a variety of administrative and operational duties involved in the collection, compilation, documentation, and review of clinical research data. Supports the achievement of research program and/or study objectives. Works under close supervision, receiving instruction, guidance and direction from Senior staff research associates, Clinical Research Supervisor and/or leadership team.
We are looking for a professional, team-motivated, detail-oriented individual to provide support for both new and ongoing research projects on the Hematology Oncology Research Team here at the SFVA! These projects encompass industry and/or PI-initiated studies focusing on precision oncology.
Essential Functions:
An employee in this position may be called upon to do any or all of the following essential functions. These examples do not include all of the functions which the employee may be expected to perform.
  • Documentation/Data Collection - Prepares and takes part in site initiation, monitoring, closeout visits, document storage activities, and related training. May assemble the necessary parties to ensure that all required agreements are in place. Utilizes and assists senior team members on electronic data capture systems, technologies, and software necessary for clinical research program and/or study operations. Scores tests, enters data, and completes required forms accurately and according to protocol. Assists with the development of data collection documents and instruments, maintains subject level documentation, and prepares documents, equipment and/or supplies identifies issues recommends solutions.
  • Conduct study specific procedures including but not limited to:
    • Consenting patients for non-interventional research studies
    • Interviewing patients
    • Generating patient correspondence
  • Regulatory - Submits assigned studies for review and approval and provides status updates throughout the startup process. Assists regulatory team with Institutional Review Board (IRB) preparation and submission.
  • Study Participation - Screens, schedules, consents participants in assigned clinical research programs and/or studies. With guidance, explains the difference between clinical activities and research activities, risk and benefits of study participation to participants. Engages with senior study team to maintain participant recruitment and retention rates and assists with participants with individual needs, collects information to determine feasibility. Collects information to determine feasibility, recruitment, and retention strategies. Collects, prepares, processes, ships, and maintains inventory of research specimens.
  • Protocol - Trains in developing protocol-specific systems and documents including process flows, training manuals, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Case Report Forms (CRFs). Conducts and documents visits and testing/interviews according to all assigned regulatory and organizational protocols. Trains in completing and submitting AE reports, according to institution and sponsor-specific reporting requirements. Assists with the development of proposals or protocols as directed. Identifies and communicates related shortcomings. Maintains appropriate related documentation and tracks IP compliance at both protocol and subject level.
  • Human Subject Research Protection - Maintains compliance with institutional requirements and policies. Develops and maintains a familiarity with the ethical conduct of research and safeguards needed when conducting clinical research. Trains in the design of safeguards to ensure ethical conduct and to protect vulnerable populations and participates in sponsor required training. Trains on professional guidelines and code of ethics.
  • Team Coordination - Proactively includes others in decision making and escalates issues to leadership as necessary. Learns various stakeholders (statistical, operational, etc.) to ensure adequate design, implementation, and testing of clinical research program and/or study aims.
  • Quality Assurance - Investigates incomplete, inaccurate, or missing data/documents to ensure accuracy and completeness of data. Recognizes and reports vulnerabilities related to security of physical and electronic data. Assists with recognizing trends related to data quality and escalates as appropriate. Adheres to and participates in the development and assessment of quality assurance. Assists with identifying issues related to operational efficiency and shares results with team members.

Job Requirements:
  • B.A. / B.S.
  • Prior experience with research in the hard sciences, clinical sciences, or social sciences, including prior academic research experience, e.g. college-level research
  • Strong oral/written communication, interpersonal and organizational skills
  • Experience with word processing and database software, such as Microsoft Access and Excel
  • Proficiency in conducting literature searches
  • Ability to work independently as well as part of a team
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities to achieve desired goals
  • Excellent organizational skills
  • Strong attention to detail

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 salary range for this position is $24.11-$28.87 per hour. The base salary 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.
The Northern California Institute for Research and Education (NCIRE) is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. NCIRE is committed to a policy that provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, medical condition, physical or mental disability, Veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected under federal and state law, and to make all employment decisions based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. We are committed to furthering the principle of equal employment opportunity. NCIRE actively works to attract and retain talented individuals. NCIRE offers career opportunities in research and administration in pursuit of furthering medical research for our nation's Veterans.
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.

Apply