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Protocol Development Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Laborist

Glendora, CA

$125K - $140K/yr

Be involved in protocol development * Support community OB physicians in patient care Compensation * $125,000 - $140,000 annual * Rates shown are all-inclusive and combine an hourly base pay with ...

Senior Mechanical Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$122K - $161K/yr

DFMEA & test protocol development Responsibilities: * Lead mechanical design of electro-mechanical systems * Work with electrical, software, and manufacturing teams * Develop DFMEA, validation, and ...

Key Responsibilities: • Validation Protocol Development & Execution • Process, Equipment & System Validation • Validation Master Plans (VMP) • Change Control & Validation Assessment • ...

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Showing results 1-20

Protocol Development information

See California salary details

$28.6K

$52.7K

$79.9K

How much do protocol development jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for protocol development in California is $52,718.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,900.00 and $59,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Protocol Development vs Clinical Research Associate?

AspectProtocol DevelopmentClinical Research Associate
Primary RoleDesigns and develops clinical trial protocolsMonitors clinical trials to ensure compliance and data integrity
Required SkillsKnowledge of clinical trial design, regulatory guidelines, and writing skillsMonitoring skills, regulatory knowledge, and communication skills
Work EnvironmentTypically in planning, development, and regulatory teamsOn-site or remote monitoring at clinical trial sites
CertificationsOften requires knowledge of GCP, regulatory affairsGCP certification often preferred

While Protocol Development focuses on creating and designing clinical trial protocols, Clinical Research Associates are responsible for monitoring and ensuring trial compliance at sites. Both roles are essential in clinical research but differ in their core responsibilities and work environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Protocol Development, and why are they important?

To thrive in Protocol Development, you need a solid background in clinical research, regulatory requirements, and scientific writing, often supported by a degree in life sciences or a related field. Familiarity with tools such as clinical trial management systems (CTMS), electronic data capture (EDC), and knowledge of ICH-GCP guidelines is typically required. Strong attention to detail, project management, and effective communication skills help professionals excel in this role. These competencies ensure the creation of clear, compliant, and scientifically sound protocols that are essential for successful clinical trials.

What is protocol development?

Protocol development refers to the process of designing and creating detailed plans, often called protocols, which outline the methodology and procedures for conducting research or clinical trials. This includes specifying objectives, study design, data collection methods, and regulatory requirements to ensure the study is scientifically valid and ethically sound. Protocol developers work closely with researchers, regulatory bodies, and stakeholders to ensure all aspects of the protocol meet industry standards and compliance guidelines.

What are the main challenges someone might face when starting in a Protocol Development role?

One of the main challenges in Protocol Development is quickly understanding complex technical standards and aligning them with organizational goals. New team members often need to collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, such as engineering, legal, and product management, to ensure protocols are both technically sound and compliant with industry regulations. Adapting to rapidly evolving technologies and maintaining clear documentation can also be demanding, but strong communication and a willingness to learn can help overcome these hurdles.
What are popular job titles related to Protocol Development jobs in California? For Protocol Development jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Protocol Development jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Protocol Development jobs in California are:
Infographic showing various Protocol Development 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 $52,718 per year, or $25.3 per hour.
Director, Global Clinical Physician - Early Clinical Development Oncology

Director, Global Clinical Physician - Early Clinical Development Oncology

Bristol-Myers Squibb Company

Brisbane, CA • On-site

$96K - $131K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Bristol Myers Squibb rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 51 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

28th of 74 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

Working with Us
Challenging. Meaningful. Life-changing. Those aren't words that are usually associated with a job. But working at Bristol Myers Squibb is anything but usual. Here, uniquely interesting work happens every day, in every department. From optimizing a production line to the latest breakthroughs in cell therapy, this is work that transforms the lives of patients, and the careers of those who do it. You'll get the chance to grow and thrive through opportunities uncommon in scale and scope, alongside high-achieving teams. Take your career farther than you thought possible.
Bristol Myers Squibb recognizes the importance of balance and flexibility in our work environment. We offer a wide variety of competitive benefits, services and programs that provide our employees with the resources to pursue their goals, both at work and in their personal lives. Read more: careers.bms.com/working-with-us.
Position Summary
  • Serves as a primary source of medical accountability and oversight for multiple clinical trials
  • Manages Phase I/II studies, with demonstrated decision making capabilities,
  • Provides medical and scientific expertise to cross-functional BMS colleagues,
  • Maintains matrix management responsibilities across internal and external networks

Duties/Responsibilities
Medical Monitoring
  • Serves as an independent Medical Monitor for clinical trials from Phase 1 through Proof-of-Concept by: Articulating clinical development strategy, Analyzing, interpreting, and acting on clinical trial data to support development, Serving as principal functional author for Regulatory submission, study reports, and publications
  • Provides oversight and medical accountability for multiple trials across early development clinical lifecycle
  • Manages site interactions in partnership with the Clinical Scientist for medical questions and education (including safety management guidelines)
  • Assesses key safety-related serious adverse events in partnership with Worldwide Patient Safety and oversees contributions to safety narratives
  • Contributes to and is a key member of a high performing Study Delivery Team (SDT) and may be a member of the Development Team
  • Collaborates with Clinical Scientists and provides input into protocols, contributing medical strategic oversight in protocol development (input on inclusion/exclusion and other safety-related clinical considerations)
  • Fulfills GCP and compliance obligations for clinical conduct and maintains all required training
  • Acts as a focal point for defining and establishing relationships with key global Phase I Centers
  • Works on multiple trials across early development clinical lifecycle

Clinical Development Expertise & Strategy
  • Designs and develops clinical studies and research plans in support of asset strategy with the Early Clinical Development Leadership team; clinical studies include first-in-human Phase I, proof of concept Phase I/II, entry registrational studies, biomarker qualification studies, and/or clinical pharmacology studies
  • Liaises with Clinical Scientists, Translational & Discovery Scientists and Development Teams to define dose and schedule, indications, and patient selection (e.g., biomarker qualification and implementation)
  • Leads the analysis of benefit/risk for clinical development protocols in a matrix team environment working with Clinical Scientists.
  • Partners with Clinical Scientists to support executional delivery of studies (e.g., site activation, enrollment status, as well as adjudication for protocol violations, significant, non-significant deviations etc.)
  • Maintains a strong medical/scientific reputation within the disease area; has in-depth knowledge of etiology, natural history, diagnosis, and treatment of the disorder
  • Keeps up to date in the disease area by attending scientific conferences and ongoing review of the literature
  • Clinical Development Expertise & Strategy
  • Designs and develops clinical studies and research plans in support of asset strategy with the Early Clinical Development Leadership team; clinical studies include first-in-human Phase I, proof of concept Phase I/II, entry registrational studies, biomarker qualification studies, and/or clinical pharmacology studies
  • Liaises with Clinical Scientists, Translational & Discovery Scientists and Development Teams to define dose and schedule, indications, and patient selection (e.g., biomarker qualification and implementation)
  • Leads the analysis of benefit/risk for clinical development protocols in a matrix team environment working with Clinical Scientists
  • Partners with Clinical Scientists to support executional delivery of studies (e.g., site activation, enrollment status, as well as adjudication for protocol violations, significant, non-significant deviations etc.)
  • Maintains a strong medical/scientific reputation within the disease area; has in-depth knowledge of etiology, natural history, diagnosis, and treatment of the disorder
  • Keeps up to date in the disease area by attending scientific conferences and ongoing review of the literature

Health Authority Interactions
  • Contributes to key Health Authority interactions and advisory board meetings as Early Clinical Development Physician; serves as Primary Clinical Representative in Regulatory interactions for early development projects
  • Authors/drafts clinical content for CSRs, regulatory reports, briefing books and submission documents to support closure, clinical narratives, reporting and filling of the study in partnership with Clinical Scientists

External Partnerships, Alliances, and Publications
  • Sits in team responsible for establishing key alliances with academic centers, co-operative groups, vendors and government agencies
  • Represents department in business development due diligence and partner alliance management with oversight
  • Acts as a focal point for defining and establishing relationships with key global Phase 1 Centers
  • Track record or recognized for contributions to field (e.g., publications, patents, keynote participation in conferences etc.)

Reporting Relationship
  • Reports to: Executive Director, Early Clinical Development, Solid Tumors.

Qualifications
  • Advanced degree(s) in relevant field: MD, MD/PhD (or x-US equivalent) and clinical expertise in a therapeutic area (e.g., attending level or international equivalent)
  • Subspecialty fellowship training in applicable therapeutic area preferred
  • 5+ years of relevant experience in discovery, translational and/or clinical research in academic or industry setting including education where applicable
  • Ability to communicate and present information clearly in scientific and clinical settings
  • Expertise in the scientific method to test hypotheses, including statistical design, analysis, and interpretation
  • Knowledge of drug development process
  • Knowledge of the components needed to execute an effective clinical plan and protocols
  • Strong leadership skills with proven ability to lead and work effectively in a team environment

If you come across a role that intrigues you but doesn't perfectly line up with your resume, we encourage you to apply anyway. You could be one step away from work that will transform your life and career.
Compensation Overview:
Brisbane - CA - US: $308,700 - $374,075Cambridge Crossing: $308,700 - $374,075 Madison - Giralda - NJ - US: $275,630 - $333,998Princeton - NJ - US: $275,630 - $333,998
The starting compensation range(s) for this role are listed above for a full-time employee (FTE) basis. Additional incentive cash and stock opportunities (based on eligibility) may be available. The starting pay rate takes into account characteristics of the job, such as required skills, where the job is performed, the employee's work schedule, job-related knowledge, and experience. Final, individual compensation will be decided based on demonstrated experience.
Eligibility for specific benefits listed on our careers site may vary based on the job and location. For more on benefits, please visit https://careers.bms.com/life-at-bms/.
Benefit offerings are subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable plans in effect at the time and may require enrollment. Our benefits include:
  • Health Coverage: Medical, pharmacy, dental, and vision care.
  • Wellbeing Support: Programs such as BMS Well-Being Account, BMS Living Life Better, and Employee Assistance Programs (EAP).
  • Financial Well-being and Protection: 401(k) plan, short- and long-term disability, life insurance, accident insurance, supplemental health insurance, business travel protection, personal liability protection, identity theft benefit, legal support, and survivor support.

Work-life benefits include:
Paid Time Off
  • US Exempt Employees: flexible time off (unlimited, with manager approval, 11 paid national holidays (not applicable to employees in Phoenix, AZ, Puerto Rico or Rayzebio employees)
  • Phoenix, AZ, Puerto Rico and Rayzebio Exempt, Non-Exempt, Hourly Employees: 160 hours annual paid vacation for new hires with manager approval, 11 national holidays, and 3 optional holidays

Based on eligibility*, additional time off for employees may include unlimited paid sick time, up to 2 paid volunteer days per year, summer hours flexibility, leaves of absence for medical, personal, parental, caregiver, bereavement, and military needs and an annual Global Shutdown between Christmas and New Years Day.
All global employees full and part-time who are actively employed at and paid directly by BMS at the end of the calendar year are eligible to take advantage of the Global Shutdown.
*Eligibility Disclosure: The summer hours program is for United States (U.S.) office-based employees due to the unique nature of their work. Summer hours are generally not available for field sales and manufacturing operations and may also be limited for the capability centers. Employees in remote-by-design or lab-based roles may be eligible for summer hours, depending on the nature of their work, and should discuss eligibility with their manager. Employees covered under a collective bargaining agreement should consult that document to determine if they are eligible. Contractors, leased workers and other service providers are not eligible to participate in the program.
Uniquely Interesting Work, Life-changing Careers
With a single vision as inspiring as "Transforming patients' lives through science™ ", every BMS employee plays an integral role in work that goes far beyond ordinary. Each of us is empowered to apply our individual talents and unique perspectives in a supportive culture, promoting global participation in clinical trials, while our shared values of passion, innovation, urgency, accountability, inclusion and integrity bring out the highest potential of each of our colleagues.
On-site Protocol
BMS has an occupancy structure that determines where an employee is required to conduct their work. This structure includes site-essential, site-by-design, field-based and remote-by-design jobs. The occupancy type that you are assigned is determined by the nature and responsibilities of your role:
Site-essential roles require 100% of shifts onsite at your assigned facility. Site-by-design roles may be eligible for a hybrid work model with at least 50% onsite at your assigned facility. For these roles, onsite presence is considered an essential job function and is critical to collaboration, innovation, productivity, and a positive Company culture. For field-based and remote-by-design roles the ability to physically travel to visit customers, patients or business partners and to attend meetings on behalf of BMS as directed is an essential job function.
Supporting People with Disabilities
BMS is dedicated to ensuring that people with disabilities can excel through a transparent recruitment process, reasonable workplace accommodations/adjustments and ongoing support in their roles. Applicants can request a reasonable workplace accommodation/adjustment prior to accepting a job offer. If you require reasonable accommodations/adjustments in completing this application, or in any part of the recruitment process, direct your inquiries to adastaffingsupport@bms.com. Visit careers.bms.com/eeo-accessibility to access our complete Equal Employment Opportunity statement.
Candidate Rights
BMS will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records, pursuant to applicable laws in your area.
If you live in or expect to work from Los Angeles County if hired for this position, please visit this page for important additional information: https://careers.bms.com/california-residents/
Data Protection
We will never request payments, financial information, or social security numbers during our application or recruitment process. Learn more about protecting yourself at https://careers.bms.com/fraud-protection.
Any data processed in connection with role applications will be treated in accordance with applicable data privacy policies and regulations.
If you believe that the job posting is missing information required by local law or incorrect in any way, please contact BMS at TAEnablement@bms.com. Please provide the Job Title and Requisition number so we can review. Communications related to your application should not be sent to this email and you will not receive a response. Inquiries related to the status of your application should be directed to Chat with Ripley.
R1604398 : Director, Global Clinical Physician - Early Clinical Development Oncology

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About Bristol-Myers Squibb

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Bristol-Myers Squibb is a world-renowned global Biopharmaceutical company headquartered in New York, NY, US. Established in 1887, the company has more than 130 years’ worth of history dedicated to discovering, developing, and delivering innovative medicines that help patients prevail over serious diseases. The company operates in the healthcare industry and thrives on providing a range of pharmaceutical products and services for various medical fields, like oncology, cardiovascular diseases, and immunoscience. Notably, Bristol-Myers Squibb is known for its commitment to relentless research and innovative drug development, which has led to breakthroughs like Opdivo, one of the first immunotherapies.

Industry

Scientific research and development services and pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

New York, NY, US