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Research Program Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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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 5, 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:

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.

$70K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

Position Definition:                                                                                                                                   

This position will serve as a program manager and senior clinical research coordinator for a large research program who is capable of making difficult decisions independently.  As a program manager, this person will be directly responsible for overseeing a diverse portfolio of research activities for multiple studies and overseeing a research team.  The portfolio may include multicenter clinical trials (both NIH and industry-sponsored), local investigator-initiated clinical trials, large research grant awards, laboratory-based research, and/or programmatic clinical research activities, such as a clinical database and biorepository. Incumbent will oversee timelines and milestones to ensure that targeted deadlines are met facilitating the development and deployment of educational and training materials for all team members, keeping regulatory and budgetary documents compliant, preparing progress reports, implementing quality assurance standards, liaising with other core/components of studies, and actively participating in the hiring and supervising of study team members.

The individual will manage the Principal Investigator’s research portfolio and provide financial oversight such as budgeting, budget management and financial analysis. The individual should be knowledgeable of the principles of scientific investigation and clinical trials, and capable of in-depth understanding of study protocols.

Essential Functions:

Provides oversight and supervision to research coordinators. Oversees and provides administrative clinical trial project management to Principal Investigator conducting clinical trials.

  • 50% Directly supervises the planning, development, implementation, running, and management of clinical trials at the SFVA Hematology/Oncology Research Program  
  • 15% Exercises supervisory authority, including hiring, transferring, suspending, promoting, managing conduct and performance, discharging, assigning, rewarding, disciplining, and/or approving hours worked of at least 3 to 6 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees
  • 10% Manages, assigns, and performs clinical trial project coordination services for Principal Investigator
  • 10% Provides assistance with managing Principal Investigator lab and biospecimen studies and coordinating cross-cutting efforts of bench science with clinical trials.
  • 10% Contributes to the development of protocols, related documents, manuscripts, and Case Report Forms
  • 5% Implements quality assurance standards and compliance in regulatory and budgetary areas of the clinical trials

Job Requirements:

  • Master’s degree or Bachelor’s degree with relevant supervisory or budget management experience required
  • At least two years of research project management experience and at least two years of employee supervision experience strongly preferred
  • At least 2 years of industry trial experience, at least 5 years strongly preferred
  • At least 2 years of regulatory work experience in clinical trials, at least 5 years strongly preferred
  • Prior experience being part of an academic clinical research group preferred
  • Excellent organizational and communication skills (both written and verbal)
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Flexibility to work both independently and collaboratively
  • Understand critical aspects of project management including tracking, enrollment, retention, regulatory compliance, data management and staff supervision

      Working Conditions/Environment:

      The work environment is a medical center and biomedical research laboratory. It may include minor annoyances such as noise, temperature variations, etc. The incumbent may be required to sustain standing and seated postures and to use a computer keyboard and display monitor for prolonged periods.

      VA Onboarding Requirements:

      NCIRE is an affiliate organization of the San Francisco VA Health Care System (SFVAHCS), which requires all candidates to complete SFVA onboarding in addition to NCIRE's onboarding process. The SFVA is a federal agency that requires a federal background check, occupational health clearance, vaccines and immunizations, and drug testing for certain positions. Drug testing may include screening for marijuana which remains an illegal substance according to federal law.  The failure to pass required drug testing will disqualify candidates from employment.

      The base wage range for this position is $70,304.00 - $120,016.00 per year. The wage actually offered to a successful candidate will take into account various relevant and non-discriminatory business factors including, without limitation, the candidate’s geographic location, job-related experience, knowledge, and skills, and education, as well as internal equity considerations. A successful candidate may also be eligible to earn additional compensation including bonuses.

      NCIRE is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  This position requires access to United States Government research under the Veterans Administration. Per Veterans Administration regulations surrounding access to US research, qualified US Citizens will be selected over other individuals eligible to work in the United States.  If you are eligible to work in the United States, you may still be considered for this position but only if no qualified US citizens apply.