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Research Operations Director Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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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 cities in California are hiring for Research Operations Director jobs?

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

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.

Senior Research Business Director (Hybrid)

City of Hope

Duarte, CA • Hybrid

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday


City Of Hope rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 91 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

22nd of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Join the forefront of groundbreaking research at City of Hope where we're changing lives and making a real difference in the fight against cancer, diabetes, and other life-threatening illnesses. Our dedicated and compassionate faculty and staff are driven by a common mission: Contribute to innovative approaches in predicting, preventing, and curing diseases, shaping the future of medicine through cutting-edge research.

City of Hope has an open opportunity to join our team as a Senior Business Director (SBD). Under minimal supervision, the SBD provides administrative leadership for a broad area of Research Business Operations (RBO). This includes overseeing finances, marketing, philanthropy, strategic planning and faculty/staff relations. The SBD gives instruction and direction to staff on various processes and initiatives.

As a successful candidate, you will:

Research Administration and Financial Management

  • Oversee financial management, budget planning, reporting, expense analysis, and resolution of budget variances across RBO.

  • Provide leadership over pre- and post-award grant activity, including internal and extramural funds, complex proposal submissions, Project Data and Approval Form (PDAF) review, and collaboration with PIs and central offices.

  • Oversee contract management processes, including workflows, new agreements, amendments, and related directional guidance.

Human Resources

  • Oversee internal hiring processes, high-level faculty recruitment, job and status changes, and related coordination with area supervisors.

Management and Leadership

  • Provide guidance and direction on departmental business activities, facilities-related needs, space planning, and compliance-related activities.

  • Coach, mentor, and provide leadership to managers and junior RBO staff, including workload review, training needs, performance feedback, and annual reviews.

  • Build and maintain strong working relationships with central departments and collaborators to support ongoing communication, alignment, and process improvement.

Special Projects

  • Lead and support short- and long-range planning, policy or program development, business efficiency analysis, and process or system improvements across research operations.

  • Represent RBO on organization-wide committees and support implementation planning for higher-level initiatives.

Your qualifications should include:

  • Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, business administration, research administration, science, or related field.

  • 7-10 years of business management experience in an academic research or healthcare environment, including 5 years of progressively responsible management experience.  

  • Demonstrated experience in supervision of mid-level career staff, budget development, grant management and space planning.

Preferred qualifications:

  • Master’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, healthcare administration, public health, or research administration is preferred.

  • 10+ years of business management experience in an academic research or healthcare environment is preferred.

City of Hope employees pay is based on the following criteria: work experience, qualifications, and work location.

City of Hope is an equal opportunity employer.

To learn more about our Comprehensive Benefits, please CLICK HERE.


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About City of Hope

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

City of Hope is an independent biomedical research and treatment organization for cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases. Founded in 1913, City of Hope is a leader in bone marrow transplantation and immunotherapy such as CAR T cell therapy. City of Hopes translational research and personalized treatment protocols advance care throughout the world. Human synthetic insulin, monoclonal antibodies and numerous breakthrough cancer drugs are based on technology developed at the institution. AccessHope, a subsidiary launched in 2019 serves employers and their health care partners by providing access to City of Hopes specialized cancer expertise. City of Hope is ranked among the nations Best Hospitals in cancer by U.S. News & World Report and received Magnet Recognition from the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Its main campus is located near Los Angeles, with additional locations throughout Southern California and in Arizona.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Duarte, CA, US

Year founded

1913