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$40K

$142.6K

$226.5K

How much do research physician jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for research physician in the United States is $142,551.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,500.00 and $208,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do Research Physicians typically balance clinical responsibilities with research activities in their daily routine?

Research Physicians often divide their time between patient care and conducting clinical trials or scientific studies. This balance can vary depending on the institution, but it's common to allocate specific days or hours for research and others for clinical duties. Effective time management and collaboration with research coordinators, nurses, and fellow investigators are essential to handle both aspects successfully. Flexibility and strong organizational skills help Research Physicians meet research deadlines while ensuring high-quality patient care.

What are research physicians?

Research physicians are medical doctors who focus on conducting clinical or laboratory research to advance medical knowledge, improve patient care, and develop new treatments or therapies. They design and oversee clinical trials, analyze data, and collaborate with scientists, healthcare professionals, and regulatory bodies. Research physicians often work in hospitals, universities, pharmaceutical companies, or government agencies. Their work helps bridge the gap between medical research and patient care, ensuring that new discoveries are both safe and effective.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Research Physician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Research Physician, you need a medical degree (MD or DO), clinical expertise, and experience in clinical research or trials. Familiarity with research protocols, data analysis software, Good Clinical Practice (GCP) certification, and regulatory systems like IRB processes is essential. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication make a candidate stand out in this role. These skills ensure rigorous, ethical research that advances medical knowledge and improves patient outcomes.

What is the difference between Research Physician vs Clinical Research Coordinator?

AspectResearch PhysicianClinical Research Coordinator
Required CredentialsMedical degree (MD), medical license, research trainingBachelor's degree, clinical research certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentHospitals, research institutions, pharmaceutical companiesResearch sites, hospitals, clinics
Employer & IndustryHealthcare, pharmaceutical, biotech industriesResearch organizations, hospitals, CROs
Job FocusDesigning and overseeing clinical studies, patient care, data analysisManaging daily study activities, patient recruitment, data collection

Research Physicians typically hold medical degrees and oversee clinical trials, focusing on study design and patient care. Clinical Research Coordinators support these studies by managing daily operations and patient interactions. Both roles are essential in clinical research but differ in responsibilities and qualifications.

More about Research Physician jobs
What cities are hiring for Research Physician jobs? Cities with the most Research Physician job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Research Physician jobs? The top employers for Research Physician jobs are:
What states have the most Research Physician jobs? States with the most job openings for Research Physician jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Research Physician jobs? For Research Physician jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Research Physician jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Physician job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 2% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $142,551 per year, or $68.5 per hour.
Clinical Research Physician Investigator

Clinical Research Physician Investigator

Sansum Diabetes Research Institute

Santa Barbara, CA • On-site

$250K - $350K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Sansum Diabetes Research Institute has an opportunity for a full-time, board certified, or board-eligible Endocrinologist to serve as a Clinical Research Physician Investigator.
SDRI is a non-profit organization and center of excellence with a mission to improve the lives of people impacted by diabetes through research, education, and clinical care. We are a preferred site for industry sponsored clinical trials, a testament to our exceptional research capabilities. On average, SDRI conducts 25+ trials per year, engaging approximately 1,000 participants. Current industry partners include Abbott, Dexcom, Insulet, Eli Lilly, Mannkind, Medtronic Diabetes, Novo Nordisk, Sanofi, Tandem Diabetes Care, and more. We are experts with experience across all study phases, and a broad portfolio of trials and clinical work focused on diabetes and metabolic health.
Diversity and inclusivity are prioritized in in our clinical trials---in 2023, 30% of our research participants were from underrepresented populations.
We have just completed a full renovation of our 18,000 square foot research facility in March 2026, creating a state-of-the-art center designed to accelerate life-changing diabetes research.
Position Details:
  • Responsible for 12+ Industry Sponsored Trials Per Year
  • Design, Fund, and Execute Investigator Initiated Trials
  • Develop Strategies and Partnerships to Drive Innovation Across the Enterprise
  • Opportunity to Maintain a Clinical Practice through our Clinics
  • Standard Office Hours

Salaried Position:
  • $250,000 - $350,000 Annually NOTE: The listed range is solely a base compensation for experienced full-time physician researchers. It does not include incentives and benefits. The base compensation rate may be adjusted based on training, community need and other possible determining factors.

We Offer:
  • Medical/Dental/Vision
  • CME Stipend
  • Malpractice Insurance
  • Disability
  • Retirement 403 (b)
  • Annual Leave and Sick Time
  • Licensure/DEA/Board Exam Fees
  • PSLF Eligibility

Requirements:
  • MD or DO with Directly Related Experience in Endocrinology
  • Board Certified or Board Eligible in Endocrinology
  • DEA Certificate
  • Eligible to Work in the United States, Must be in or Relocate to Santa Barbara, CA
  • CA Licensure or the Ability to Obtain CA Licensure
  • Interest in Research, Experience with Research preferred
  • Exceptional Communication and Interpersonal Skills

About Santa Barbara:
Santa Barbara is known as The American Riviera® thanks to its Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, rich heritage, world-renowned food and wine scene, stunning natural beauty and near-perfect weather.
We invite you to learn more and to consider joining us at SDRI where you will join an experienced cross-functional team focused on developing and executing trials targeting innovation and excellence crossing drugs, devices, and technology that will impact the health span and life span of people living with diabetes.

Apply