Associate Director Clinical Operations Jobs in California
Associate Director Clinical Operations jobs in California are among the most actively recruited positions in the life sciences sector, with strong demand from biopharmaceutical companies, contract research organizations, and large integrated health systems concentrated in the San Francisco Bay Area, San Diego, and Los Angeles. Employers like Genentech, AstraZeneca, and IQVIA maintain deep footprints across the state and hire at every level from newly promoted directors through senior program leads overseeing multi-site trials. The most sought-after specialties in California include oncology clinical operations, rare disease program management, and decentralized trial oversight. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Job Description
Are you ready to bring your clinical competencies to a world-class Medical Group known for the very highest clinical standards? Do you have a passion for the highest quality and patient satisfaction? Then please respond to this dynamic opportunity available with one of the best places to work in Southern California! We would be happy to hear from you.
The Cedars-Sinai Medical Network is committed to helping primary care and specialist physicians provide excellent care to all their patients, who benefit from convenient access to primary and specialty care physicians and seamless coordination of care between them. As a part of Cedars-Sinai, our physicians and staff are partners in quality health care from a medical center that is consistently recognized as one of the finest hospitals in the country. For the 8th consecutive year, we have been named one of the top 20 Physician Groups in Southern California by Integrated Healthcare Associates (IHA).
Why work here?
Beyond outstanding benefits, competitive salaries and health and dental insurance we take pride in hiring the best, most passionate employees. Our talented staff reflects the culturally and ethnically diverse community we serve. They are proof of our dedication to creating a dynamic, inclusive environment that fuels innovation and the gold standard of patient care we strive for.
What will you be doing in this role?
The Senior Manager, MN Clinical Ops is responsible for the planning, organizing and managing of assigned areas. Works closely with leadership and physician management in the centralized infrastructure development and operations for a specific specialty, regional program or department. The Senior Manager, MN Clinical Ops plays an important role in coordinating the strategic planning, program and policy development for multiple sites to insure successful implementation and monitoring. Ensures department supports the needs of patients, physicians and staff and implements process improvement initiatives.
Qualifications
Job qualifications
Education
- High School Diploma/GED required
- Bachelor's Degree in Nursing, Business or Healthcare Administration preferred
Work Experience
- 8 years Experience in Healthcare management or related field required
- 3 years Experience in business planning, performance improvement, data analytics, and healthcare operations preferred
About Us
Cedars-Sinai is a leader in providing high-quality healthcare encompassing primary care, specialized medicine and research. Since 1902, Cedars-Sinai has evolved to meet the needs of one of the most diverse regions in the nation, setting standards in quality and innovative patient care, research, teaching and community service. Today, Cedars- Sinai is known for its national leadership in transforming healthcare for the benefit of patients. Cedars-Sinai impacts the future of healthcare by developing new approaches to treatment and educating tomorrow's health professionals. Additionally, Cedars-Sinai demonstrates a commitment to the community through programs that improve the health of its most vulnerable residents.
About the Team
With a growing number of primary urgent and specialty care locations across Southern California, Cedars-Sinai’s medical network serves people near where they live. Delivering coordinated, compassionate healthcare you can join our network of clinicians and physicians to improve the healthcare people throughout Los Angeles and beyond.
Diversity and Inclusion at Cedars-Sinai
We are caretakers and innovators committed to the pursuit of equitable healthcare. But health equity is not possible without representation. Our commitment to diversity goes beyond demographics or checking boxes. Our people must reflect the diverse identities, experiences and geographies of the communities and patients we serve – because that’s what our patients, colleagues and communities deserve Quality Care and Research—For All, By All.
Our compensation philosophy
We offer a competitive compensation package for our employees. The base pay range shown generally applies to the greater Los Angeles area and may vary based on work location. Our range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including knowledge/skills: relevant experience and training, education/certifications/licensure; and other business and organizational factors. The base pay range does not include any incentive payments that may be applicable to a role. Pay Transparency Non-Discrimination Provision (PDF) .
Cedars-Sinai is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.
Cedars-Sinai does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of the race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, physical or mental disability, legally protected medical condition (cancer-related or genetic characteristics or any genetic information), marital status, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age (40 or older), military and/or veteran status or any other basis protected by federal or state law. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at Applicant_Accommodation@cshs.org and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.
Cedars-Sinai will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories, in accordance with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.
At Cedars-Sinai, we are dedicated to the safety, health and wellbeing of our patients and employees. This includes protecting our patients from communicable diseases, such as influenza (flu). For this reason, we require that all new employees receive a flu vaccine based on the seasonal availability of flu vaccine (typically during September through April each year) as a condition of employment, and annually thereafter as a condition of continued employment, subject to medical exemption or religious accommodation. For the same reason, you may also be required to receive other vaccines as a condition of employment. Cedars-Sinai reserves the right to make modifications to its required list of vaccines as required by law and/or policy.
See All 14 Associate Director Clinical Operations Jobs in California
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Find JobsAssociate Director Clinical Operations Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Associate Director Clinical Operations Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
- Distribution & Wholesale
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in associate director clinical operations jobs across California.
- Bachelor's or advanced degree in life sciences, nursing, or a related clinical field
- Minimum five years of clinical trial management experience in a regulated environment
- Demonstrated leadership of cross-functional clinical operations teams across multiple studies
- Working knowledge of ICH-GCP guidelines and FDA regulatory requirements for clinical research
- Experience managing CROs, investigative sites, and vendor relationships for Phase II or III trials
- Proficiency with clinical trial management systems such as Veeva Vault or Medidata Rave
Associate Director Clinical Operations Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a associate director clinical operations in California?
The path to an associate director clinical operations role in California typically begins with a degree in a life sciences or health-related field followed by several years of progressive clinical trial coordination and management experience. California does not require a state-issued license specific to this role, but many employers favor candidates holding a Certified Clinical Research Professional credential from the Society of Clinical Research Associates. Building experience at a CRO, biopharmaceutical company, or academic medical center in the state is the most direct route.
Which companies hire associate director clinical operationss in California?
Employers hiring associate director clinical operationss in California right now include Revolution Medicines, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, and KBR, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. California's concentration of biopharmaceutical headquarters and contract research organizations means openings appear consistently throughout the year, particularly in the Bay Area and San Diego biotech corridors.
Which California cities have the most associate director clinical operations jobs?
San Diego, Redwood City, and Los Angeles account for the largest share of associate director clinical operations openings in California. The Bay Area leads because of its dense cluster of biopharmaceutical headquarters and biotech firms, San Diego draws heavily from its established life sciences corridor anchored by companies like Pfizer and Illumina, and Los Angeles openings reflect its large academic medical centers and growing cell and gene therapy sector.
Are there remote associate director clinical operations jobs in California?
Yes, and more than most fields, given that clinical operations oversight at this level involves study monitoring, vendor management, and cross-functional coordination that can be handled remotely. About 22% of associate director clinical operations openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, reflecting broad industry acceptance of distributed leadership. Regulatory strategy, CRO oversight, and protocol development work tend to be the functions most compatible with full remote arrangements.
How can I get hired as a associate director clinical operations in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is securing a clinical trial coordinator or clinical research associate role at a California CRO or biopharmaceutical company first, then building toward a clinical trial manager position before targeting associate director openings. Large California employers like Genentech, Gilead Sciences, and IQVIA run formal development programs and post entry-level clinical operations roles regularly. Pursuing a Certified Clinical Research Associate credential early and gaining site monitoring experience on oncology or rare disease studies gives candidates a meaningful edge when applying for more senior roles.
Where can I find and apply to associate director clinical operations jobs in California?
You can find and apply to associate director clinical operations jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across biopharmaceutical companies, CROs, and health systems. Search the available roles, find the ones that match your experience and specialty area, and apply directly to each position without creating an account or signing up.
See All 14 Associate Director Clinical Operations Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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