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Research Program Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Abaka AI

Research Program Associate

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Manage and maintain GitHub repositories, contributor workflows, issue tracking, and documentation ... research programs and open-source initiatives * Help improve internal workflows and operational ...

Abaka AI

Research Program Associate

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Manage and maintain GitHub repositories, contributor workflows, issue tracking, and documentation ... research programs and open-source initiatives * Help improve internal workflows and operational ...

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All JobsResearch Program JobsResearch Program Manager JobsResearch Program Manager Jobs in California

Research Program Manager information

See California salary details

$38K

$106.1K

$154.9K

How much do research program manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for research program manager in California is $106,053.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,500.00 and $130,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a research program manager?

A Research Program Manager oversees the planning, execution, and completion of research projects within an organization or academic setting. They coordinate between researchers, stakeholders, and administrative teams to ensure projects meet objectives, stay within budget, and follow timelines. Their responsibilities often include managing resources, monitoring progress, facilitating communication, and ensuring compliance with ethical and regulatory requirements. Research Program Managers play a critical role in translating research goals into actionable plans and successful outcomes.

How does a research program manager typically collaborate with principal investigators and research teams?

A Research Program Manager plays a central role in coordinating between principal investigators, research staff, and administrative personnel. They facilitate regular meetings, ensure project milestones are met, and help resolve any logistical or resource challenges that arise. By managing timelines, budgets, and compliance requirements, they act as a bridge to keep all team members aligned and informed. This collaborative approach not only streamlines communication but also supports successful grant submissions and project outcomes.

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

To thrive as a Research Program Manager, you need expertise in project management, research methodologies, and a relevant academic background such as a master's or PhD in a related field. Familiarity with project management tools (like Asana or Microsoft Project), research compliance systems, and data analysis software is typically required. Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills help you coordinate teams and manage stakeholder expectations effectively. These competencies ensure research projects are completed on time, within budget, and according to rigorous academic or industry standards.

What is the difference between Research Program Manager vs Research Coordinator?

AspectResearch Program ManagerResearch Coordinator
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in relevant field; experience in research managementBachelor's degree; often entry-level or related experience
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple projects, manages teams, liaises with stakeholdersSupports research activities, manages data collection, assists with study logistics
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutes, biotech companiesAcademic institutions, clinical research organizations, hospitals
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding managerial roles in research projectsEntry-level research support roles

The Research Program Manager typically oversees multiple research projects, manages teams, and coordinates with stakeholders, requiring more experience and advanced credentials. In contrast, Research Coordinators focus on supporting research activities, managing data collection, and assisting with logistics, often at an entry-level. Both roles are essential in research settings but differ in scope, responsibilities, and experience requirements.

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

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

What are popular job titles related to Research Program Manager jobs in California?

For Research Program Manager jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Research Program Manager jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Research Program Manager jobs in California are:

Research Program Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Program Manager job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,053 per year, or $51 per hour.

Clinical Research Program Manager - Hybrid

Cedars Sinai

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$51.15 - $86.96/hr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Cedars-Sinai rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 131 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 1,065 rated hospitals

Job description


This is an onsite position requiring a minimum of 4 days per week onsite.
This role offers the opportunity to manage a disease-focused clinical research portfolio while leading a dedicated team supporting innovative, high-impact research. The ideal candidate will bring demonstrated program and people-management experience, including oversight of a disease-specific portfolio, resource prioritization, and clinical research team leadership, along with clinical research operations experience, preferably in an academic medical center setting.
Responsible for directing and managing a specified program within the clinical research operations unit, department, or division. Provides leadership, guidance and direction for the day-to-day clinical research operations and activities, including authority to make independent decisions regarding program operations,
administration, and governance. Ensures compliant, efficient, and effective conduct of the clinical trials within the portfolio. Establishes, implements, and evolves operational standards and monitors quality and progress of the program(s).
Note: A program is an ongoing organizational initiative with defined objectives and scope, but without a defined
end or completion date.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
  • Oversees and/or manages the assigned recognized organizational clinical research program, with authority for day-to-day operations and administration. May develop or expand the program; plans and implements operations; establishes governance, processes, and guidelines; coordinates activities and timelines; and organizes resources to meet objectives.
  • May manage study intake, including feasibility, review and endorsement, PRMC submission, and tracking trials declined by program or department leadership.
  • Identifies logistics, action items, changes, information needs, and barriers affecting study activation and coordination; participates in implementing solutions. May identify program participants and lead cross-functional teams supporting program administration, maintenance, or expansion.
  • Collaborates with internal and external stakeholders, including departments, organizational leaders, and external agencies or organizations, to provide guidance, resolve issues, grow the program, and implement processes or solutions.
  • Identifies growth and efficiency opportunities, supports strategic planning, manages study intake and feasibility, and provides recommendations or makes decisions supporting program success. Maintains program growth, community outreach, and stakeholder relationships.
  • Researches and analyzes program performance, operations, quality assurance, and trends. Recommends or implements changes and provides findings to participants, stakeholders, leadership, and cross-functional teams. Provides clinical trial oversight, including screening, enrollment, data submission, protocol compliance, and staff training.
  • Plans and supports department/program leaders during audits, including preparation and required follow-up.
  • Evaluates requests for program exceptions or changes and determines responses, escalating as necessary.
  • Assesses communication and training needs; develops and implements communication, education, training, onboarding, and mentorship activities. Provides regular updates to departments and organizational leaders, notifies stakeholders of program changes, and may develop materials with cross-functional teams.
  • Partners with leadership to plan, monitor, and manage program budgets and financials and resolve or escalate issues.
  • Maintains data system integrity and quality assurance in accordance with departmental standard operating procedures. May provide ad hoc reporting to support trend analysis, recommendations, planning, and enhancements.
  • Monitors governance and compliance with local, state, and federal laws; accreditation, professional, and regulatory standards; licensure requirements; and organizational policies and procedures. Monitors compliance reporting tools and provides status reports to the Research Manager and other stakeholders.
  • May manage staff and/or lead the work of others, including recruitment, onboarding/offboarding, training, performance management, and professional development.

Department-Specific Responsibilities
Additional primary duties and responsibilities performed only within the departments below:
Cancer Clinical Trials Office
  • Manages DRG meetings and ensures all information needed to support DRG functions is addressed.
  • Communicates regularly with DRG faculty to ensure alignment with DRG needs and future planning. Engages relevant providers-including physicians, advanced practice providers, clinic nurses, and staff-to address clinical issues promptly and compliantly.
  • Promotes and advances clinical research activities in a safe, compliant, effective, efficient, and collegial manner.
  • Manages and oversees training and education for clinical research staff within the DRG/team. Conducts baseline competency assessments for new hires, identifies development opportunities, and creates training plans following onboarding. Provides ongoing staff development and competency assessments.
  • Contributes to the development and execution of educational in-services supporting high-quality clinical research.
  • Contributes to corrective action plans and monitors implementation and documentation of progress. Ensures compliance with Cedars-Sinai, CCTO, and SOCCI policies and procedures.
  • Actively participates in SOCCI's strategic planning process for the Cancer Clinical Trials Office.
  • Represents the Clinical Trials Office on University/Hospital committees and task forces as assigned.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
This is an onsite position requiring a minimum of 4 days per week onsite.
REQUIRED
  • High School Diploma/GED
  • 5 years of management, program management, project management, or related experience
  • 3 years of related experience in the area of specialization within clinical research or an industry setting

PREFERRED
  • Bachelor's Degree in Healthcare, Management, or a related field
  • 1 year of experience managing the operations of a clinical trial

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