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Research Project Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Clinical Research Coordinator

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$27.75 - $37/hr

Manage research project databases, develop flow sheets and other study related documents, and complete study documents/case report forms. Ensure compliance with research protocols, and review and ...

About the role We're looking for talented researchers currently enrolled in MS / PhD programs to collaborate on a research project focused around frontier benchmarks and environments for long-horizon ...

You will be mentored by a senior team member to support and effectively guide your contributions to research project objectives. The ideal candidate should be a self-motivated learner, an effective ...

Research Intern

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$24/hr

Independently conduct a research project involving colored stones, diamonds, or pearls, in coordination with the intern's supervisor and members of the research team. Assists other researchers or ...

Manage research project databases, develop flow sheets and other study related documents, and complete study documents/case report forms. * Ensure compliance with research protocols, and review and ...

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Showing results 41-60

Research Project information

See California salary details

$49.3K

$84.9K

$130.3K

How much do research project jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for research project 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 are some common challenges faced when managing a research project team, and how can they be overcome?

Managing a research project team often involves balancing diverse skillsets, coordinating schedules across disciplines, and ensuring clear communication among members. One frequent challenge is aligning everyone’s priorities and timelines, particularly when team members have varying backgrounds or external commitments. Overcoming these challenges typically involves setting clear objectives, holding regular check-ins, and fostering an open, collaborative environment where feedback is encouraged. Utilizing project management tools and maintaining thorough documentation can also help ensure tasks are tracked and progress remains transparent for all team members.

What is a research project?

Research projects are structured investigations designed to answer specific questions or solve problems within a particular field of study. They typically involve defining a research question, conducting a literature review, gathering and analyzing data, and presenting findings. Research projects can be undertaken in academic, scientific, or professional settings and may contribute to new knowledge, policy recommendations, or practical solutions. These projects often require collaboration, critical thinking, and adherence to ethical standards.

What is the difference between Research Project vs Research Assistant?

AspectResearch ProjectResearch Assistant
CredentialsVaries; often requires advanced degrees or specialized trainingTypically requires a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field
Work EnvironmentIndependent or team-based research settings, labs, or field sitesSupportive role within research teams, assisting with data collection and analysis
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutes, government agenciesUniversities, labs, research organizations
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for project scope and responsibilitiesCompared for entry-level research roles and support tasks

The main difference between a Research Project and a Research Assistant is that a Research Project refers to the overall research initiative, often led by principal investigators, while a Research Assistant is a supporting role within that project, assisting with specific tasks. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify job responsibilities and career pathways in research environments.

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

To thrive as a Research Project Manager, you need expertise in project management, data analysis, and subject-specific research methods, often supported by an advanced degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with project management software (such as Microsoft Project or Asana), statistical analysis tools (like SPSS or R), and compliance protocols (such as IRB processes) is typically required. Exceptional organizational skills, critical thinking, and clear communication help coordinate teams and stakeholders effectively. These competencies are essential to ensure research projects are completed on time, within scope, and with scientific rigor.
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 cities in California are hiring for Research Project jobs? Cities in California with the most Research Project job openings:
Infographic showing various Research Project job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,905 per year, or $40.8 per hour.

Clinical Research Regulatory Specialist

USC Gould School of Law

Los Angeles, CA

$75K - $81K/yr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

The University of Southern California (USC), founded in 1880, is the largest private employer in the City of Los Angeles. As an employee of USC, you will be a part of a world-class research university and a member of the "Trojan Family," which is comprised of the faculty, students and staff that make the university what it is.

Learns and masters the creation, initiation, development, and revision of protocols, informed consents, case report forms, and other study and clinical research documentation to support principal investigators and quality assurance systems for the Clinical Investigations Support Office. Provides regulatory affairs support, coordinating or performing a wide variety of administrative and data management activities for CISO functions and research project goals. Helps prepare and conduct high-quality compliance reviews, including close-out and reporting. Updates all databases, and regulatory binders with information pertinent to studying milestone progress. Maintains communication, attends meetings, and answers questions from all involved parties including regulatory bodies, pharmaceutical companies, principal investigators and colleagues.

JOB ACCOUNTABILITIES:

  • Learns and masters the creation, initiation, development, and revision of protocols, informed consents, case report forms, and other study and clinical research documentation to support principal investigators and quality assurance systems for the Clinical Investigations Support Office. Submits protocols and supporting documents to internal and external regulatory bodies (i.e. Institutional Review Board), ensuring trials are consistent with approved proposals to open new studies.
  • Provides regulatory affairs support, coordinating or performing a wide variety of administrative and data management activities for CISO functions and research project goals. Manages and maintains CISO electronic regulatory files, including staff resumes, licenses, training certificates, equipment receipts, investigation logs, etc. Reviews documentation as needed to support regulatory filings, and maintains research files and documentation required by regulations.
  • Works with senior team members to support and facilitate clinical research. Helps prepare and conduct high-quality compliance reviews, including close-out and reporting. Interacting with research investigators and staff throughout the process, from helping activate study and research trials to escalating problems and issues, as needed. Provides support and clinical-specific training to staff, maintaining and improving quality assurance training and development programs as needed.
  • Updates all databases, and regulatory binders with information pertinent to studying milestone progress, including but not limited to: clinical trial management systems, IRB databases, internal and external spreadsheets, and study electronic systems.
  • Ensures compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations, statutes, and laws, and with agencies including the IRB and Federal Drug Administration (FDA). Maintains compliance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines, patient confidentiality (HIPAA) and any other applicable laws.
  • Maintains communication, attends meetings, and answers questions from all involved parties including regulatory bodies (i.e. IRB), pharmaceutical companies (including monitors), principal investigators and colleagues. Works with clinical trial coordinators, research staff and investigators to further communications, helping remove obstacles impeding trial progress.
  • Participates in KSOM centralized activities to support and promote research regulatory requirements. Coordinates with and assists other CISO staff and departments with educational efforts, helping ensure highest quality research and protection of human subjects. Identifies compliance training and educational needs, coordinates the reporting of serious adverse events and protocol deviations, and proposes, completes, and submits amendments to protocols and trial forms and documentation, as needed.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned or requested. The university reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.

The annual budgeted salary range for this position is$75,968.95 to $81,000. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as, but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree
Addtional Education Requirements Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education
Minimum Experience: 2 years
Addtional Experience Requirements Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum work experience
Minimum Skills: Experience in clinical research compliance, regulatory research and/or operations in the academic or private sector. Experience with submissions to the Institutional Review Board and/or the Federal Drug Administration for Investigational Drugs and Devices (IND/IDE). Knowledgeable of Informational Conference on Harmonization-Good Clinical Practice (ICHGCP), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Office of Human Research Protections (OHRP) and FDA regulations and procedures. Ability to evaluate the risks and benefits of different solutions, and proven problem-solving and decision-making skills to uncover causes of problems. Exemplary organization skills and attention to detail. Proven ability to interpret, analyze, and apply pertinent policies, procedures, regulations, and requirements. Deft interpersonal and diplomatic skills for communicating tactfully with all levels of staff and varied individuals and groups. Demonstrated experience developing communication plans, instructional materials and related content. Experience with office management communication software/tools (e.g., Google suite, Slack, Skype).
Preferred Education: Bachelor's degree
Preferred Experience: 3 years in clinical research compliance, regulatory research and/or operations in the academic or private sector
Preferred Skills: Extensive experience in compliance oversight, coordination, monitoring, and/or auditing of clinical research studies and trials. Advanced knowledge of regulations governing human research.

USC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. USC observes affirmative action obligations consistent with state and federal law. USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety. Please refer to theBackground Screening Policy Appendix Dfor specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying.

We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact USC Human Resources by phone at (213) 821-8100, or by email atuschr@usc.edu. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.

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