ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Research Operations Director Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Tech Tammina LLC

Plant/Operations Director

Ontario, CA · On-site

Plant/Operations Director Location : United States, , Ontario Status : Full Time, Permanent ... Collaborate with cross-functional departments including Supply Chain, R&D, HR, and Finance to align ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsResearch Operations JobsResearch Operations Director JobsResearch Operations Director Jobs in California

Research Operations Director information

What is a research operations director?

A Research Operations Director is a senior professional responsible for overseeing the infrastructure, processes, and resources that support research activities within an organization. They manage teams, budgets, and systems to ensure research projects run efficiently and comply with regulatory standards. Their role often includes improving workflow, implementing best practices, and supporting researchers with tools and training. The goal is to streamline research operations and enhance the impact of research outcomes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a research operations director?

To thrive as a Research Operations Director, you need expertise in research management, process optimization, and budgeting, often supported by an advanced degree in a related field. Familiarity with project management software, compliance systems, and data analysis tools is typically required. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving abilities are crucial for leading teams and coordinating complex projects. These skills ensure efficient research operations, compliance with regulations, and the successful delivery of research outcomes.

What are the main challenges a research operations director faces in supporting cross-functional research teams?

A Research Operations Director often navigates challenges such as coordinating resources across multiple research projects, ensuring consistent processes, and managing communication between diverse stakeholders like researchers, product managers, and leadership. Balancing the needs of various teams while maintaining research quality and compliance can be complex, especially as organizations scale. Effective directors establish standardized procedures, foster a culture of collaboration, and implement tools that streamline workflows to address these challenges.

What is the difference between Research Operations Director vs Research Manager?

AspectResearch Operations DirectorResearch Manager
CredentialsTypically requires advanced degrees (e.g., Master’s or PhD) and extensive experience in research managementUsually holds a bachelor’s or master’s degree with several years of research experience
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple research teams, manages operations, and aligns research strategies with organizational goalsManages specific research projects or teams, focusing on execution and deliverables
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in large corporations, tech companies, and research institutionsFound across various industries including tech, healthcare, and market research firms

The Research Operations Director focuses on strategic oversight and operational management of research functions, while the Research Manager handles day-to-day project execution. Both roles require research expertise, but the director role involves broader leadership and organizational responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Research Operations jobs in California?

The most popular types of Research Operations jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Research Operations Director jobs in California?

For Research Operations Director jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Research Operations Director jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Research Operations Director jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Research Operations Director jobs?

Cities in California with the most Research Operations Director job openings:

Research Operations Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Operations Director job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution.

Research Clinical Director - Doctorate

Pacific Neuropsychiatric Specialists Inc

Orange, CA • On-site

$185K - $225K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Serve as the site's primary research authority and accountable investigator for assigned pharmaceutical-sponsored psychiatric trials, ensuring participant safety and protocol integrity.

  • Provide clinical oversight and sign-off on participant eligibility, informed consent, and safety events across assigned studies.

  • Liaise with research operations to supervise the study team, ensuring protocol compliance and high-quality data.

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.