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Research Project Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Spyglass Pharma

R&D Project Manager

Irvine, CA · On-site

$95K - $110K/yr

Summary: SpyGlass Pharma is seeking a high-potential R&D Project Manager with strong execution focus to join our growing Program Management team. Reporting to the Senior Director of Program ...

Spyglass Pharma

R&D Project Manager

Aliso Viejo, CA · On-site

Summary: SpyGlass Pharma is seeking a high-potential R&D Project Manager with strong execution focus to join our growing Program Management team. Reporting to the Senior Director of Program ...

ICANN

Research Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Design and manage research projects requiring the collection, analysis, and synthesis of quantitative and qualitative data from multiple sources. * Manage all phases of assigned projects, including:

Sensis Inc.

Research Director

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

You will lead and develop your project team as they manage and execute research projects, as well as be the lead analyst on your own studies. You will also provide guidance to team members on various ...

Novotech

Project Manager

South San Francisco, CA · On-site

$140K - $170K/yr

At least 5 years' experience within the full-service CRO clinical research industry and previous project management experience * Direct clinical trial experience working in various study stages

Novotech

Project Manager

South San Francisco, CA · On-site

$140K - $170K/yr

At least 5 years' experience within the full-service CRO clinical research industry and previous project management experience * Direct clinical trial experience working in various study stages

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All JobsResearch Project JobsResearch Project Manager JobsResearch Project Manager Jobs in California

Research Project Manager information

See California salary details

$49.3K

$84.9K

$130.3K

How much do research project manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for research project manager in California is $84,905.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,600.00 and $90,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a research project manager do?

A Research Project Manager oversees the planning, execution, and completion of research projects within organizations such as universities, nonprofits, or private companies. Their responsibilities include coordinating teams, managing budgets and timelines, ensuring compliance with regulations, and communicating progress to stakeholders. They act as a bridge between researchers, administrative staff, and sometimes external partners, ensuring that project goals are met efficiently and effectively.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a research project manager?

To thrive as a Research Project Manager, you need expertise in project management, budgeting, and research methodologies, often supported by a relevant degree and experience in managing research teams or studies. Familiarity with project management software (like Asana or MS Project), data analysis tools (such as SPSS or R), and compliance certifications (like GCP) is typically required. Excellent organization, leadership, and communication skills help coordinate diverse teams and stakeholders effectively. These skills ensure that complex research projects are completed on time, within budget, and in accordance with regulatory and scientific standards.

What are some common challenges faced by research project managers when coordinating multidisciplinary teams?

Research Project Managers often coordinate teams comprising experts from various fields, which can present challenges related to communication, differing priorities, and aligning timelines. Successfully managing these dynamics requires strong interpersonal skills, clear communication, and the ability to mediate between stakeholders to ensure everyone is working toward shared project goals. Regular check-ins, transparent progress tracking, and fostering a collaborative team culture can help mitigate these challenges and keep projects on schedule.

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

AspectResearch Project ManagerResearch Coordinator
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in relevant field; often requires project management certificationsBachelor's degree in related field; may require research experience
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple projects, manages teams, and coordinates with stakeholdersAssists with daily research activities, data collection, and participant coordination
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, universities, healthcare, and biotech companiesAcademic research labs, clinical trials, healthcare organizations

The Research Project Manager typically handles project planning, team management, and stakeholder communication, while the Research Coordinator focuses on supporting research activities, data collection, and participant management. Both roles are essential in research settings but differ in scope and responsibilities.

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

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

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

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Research Project Manager jobs?

Cities in California with the most Research Project Manager job openings:

Research Project Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Project Manager job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,905 per year, or $40.8 per hour.

Life Science Research Professional 2

Stanford University

Stanford, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

Stanford University rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

211th of 627 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Stanford University is seeking a Life Science Research Professional 2 to perform more complex functions and activities involved in defined research projects, and independently conduct a portion of the research project(s).
Duties include:
  • Independently conduct a portion of the research project(s). Make recommendations on experimental design and/or research direction to principal investigator.
  • Independently conduct complex (lab and/or field) experiments to gather data for a portion of a major research project.
  • Interpret and analyze results, often where few guidelines exist, and make modifications to existing procedures and protocols.
  • Develop new research protocols where appropriate protocols are not described in the literature or where modification or adaptation of standard procedures and protocols is required.
  • Participate in multidisciplinary teams across different faculties or schools.
  • Perform ongoing literature review to remain current with new procedures and related research; apply to ongoing research and development of new protocols.
  • Contribute substantively to the preparation of papers for publication, especially in the results section, and to publication of findings. Present ongoing work to colleagues and/or academic conferences.
  • Oversee supply and equipment budget under supervision of principal investigator or business manager.
  • Work with health and safety department to ensure lab complies with regulations and all required trainings.
  • Supervise (either formally or informally) staff or students as needed, including oversight and direction on techniques, as well as consultation on project work. Serve as a technical resource for other research staff.
  • Oversee the daily activities of the laboratory including lab maintenance; maintain lab stock, manage chemical inventory and safety records, and provide general lab support as needed. May assist with purchasing laboratory equipment.

*- Other duties may also be assigned
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Preferably a Doctorate or Master's degree, or a minimum of two years applicable experience, or combination of advanced education and experience in an applicable science.
  • Comprehensive understanding and working knowledge of basic biomedical sciences including chemistry biochemistry, molecular biology, anatomy and physiology.
  • Demonstrated technical ability in computer-aided design, 3D-printing, biomechanical testing, immunological assay, histochemistry, cell culture, microscopy, PCR, SDS-PAGE, Western botting and detection, evaluation of cell surface marker expression data and advanced data analysis using various software tools.
  • Developing project management skills.
  • Demonstrated oral and written communication skills,
  • Advanced abilities to analyze data using MATLAB, Python, Excel, and statistical software.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE (REQUIRED):
Bachelor's degree in related scientific field and two years of relevant work experience; or Master's degree in a related scientific field.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (REQUIRED):
  • Comprehensive understanding of scientific principles.
  • General computer skills and ability to quickly learn and master computer programs, databases, and scientific applications.
  • Strong analytical skills and excellent judgment.
  • Ability to maintain detailed records of experiments and outcomes.
  • Ability to work under deadlines with general guidance is essential.
  • Excellent organizational skills and demonstrated ability to accurately complete detailed work.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS*:
  • Frequently stand, walk, twist, bend, stoop, squat, grasp lightly, use fine manipulation, grasp forcefully, perform desk-based computer tasks, use telephone, write by hand, lift, carry, push and pull objects weighing over 40 pounds.
  • Occasionally sit, kneel, crawl, reach and work above shoulders, sort and file paperwork or parts.
  • Rarely climb, scrub, sweep, mop, chop and mix or operate hand and foot controls.
  • Must have correctible vision to perform duties of the job.
  • Ability to bend, squat, kneel, stand, reach above shoulder level, and move on hard surfaces for up to eight hours.
  • Ability to lift heavy objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
  • Ability to work in a dusty, dirty, and odorous environment.
  • Position may require repetitive motion.

*- Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of his or her job.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
  • May require working in close proximity to blood borne pathogens.
  • May require work in an environment where animals are used for teaching and research.
  • Position may at times require the employee to work with or be in areas where hazardous materials and/or infectious diseases are present.
  • Employee must perform tasks that require the use of personal protective equipment, such as safety glasses and shoes, protective clothing and gloves, and possibly a respirator.
  • May require extended or unusual work hours based on research requirements and business needs.

WORK STANDARDS:
  • Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
  • Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors bases on training and lessons learned.
  • Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University's Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu.

The expected pay range for this position is $85,376 to $99,581 per annum.
Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of the salary or hourly wage the university reasonably expects to pay for a position upon hire. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location, and external market pay for comparable jobs.
At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website (https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/benefits-rewards) provides detailed information on Stanford's extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.
Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact Stanford University Human Resources by submitting a contact form.
Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

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