Clinical Research Director Jobs in California
Clinical Research Director jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in biopharmaceuticals, medical devices, and academic medical centers, with openings at every level from associate director through VP of clinical development. The largest hiring hubs are San Francisco, San Diego, and Los Angeles, where companies like Genentech, Gilead Sciences, and Kaiser Permanente have deep, established footprints. Oncology, neurology, and rare disease trials are the most in-demand specialties for this role across California. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 63+ Clinical Research Director jobs
Looking for a chance to make a meaningful difference in the oncology space? Taiho Oncology is on a mission: to improve the lives of patients with cancer, their families, and caregivers. Our “People first” approach means we also highly value our employees, who work relentlessly to help execute our mission. Taiho’s success is founded on ensuring we always act with accountability, collaboration, and trust. By following these guiding principles, we earn and maintain the confidence of patients, the global healthcare community, collaborators and partners, and each other. Together, we are working on cutting-edge science and growing our portfolio and pipeline across a range of tumor types to address the ongoing and evolving needs of patients. Advanced technology, a world-class clinical development organization, and state-of-the-art facilities: these and other resources empower us to innovate and touch the lives of more and more patients. It’s our work, our passion, and our legacy. We invite you to join us.
Hybrid
Employee Value Proposition:
At Taiho Oncology, we are dedicated to transforming the landscape of cancer treatment and improving patients' lives. As a Director, Clinical Research Scientist, you will play a pivotal role in our mission, leveraging your expertise to drive innovative clinical research and contribute to groundbreaking therapies. We offer a collaborative and inclusive work environment where your ideas and contributions are valued. Join us to advance your career, work with passionate and skilled professionals, and make a meaningful impact on the fight against cancer. At Taiho Oncology, you will find purpose, growth, and the opportunity to be at the forefront of cancer research.
Position Summary:
The Director, Clinical Research Scientist has responsibility assisting in design, execution and reporting of current and future clinical oncology trials ranging from phase 1 - 3. Additionally, this role serves in assisting the responsible medical monitor or a Lead medical monitor for various clinical phase 1 - 3 trials, and assisting the Clinical Research Scientist Manager to contribute to CRS process improvement, as needed.
Performance Objectives:
- Uses medical/scientific expertise to support the creation of relevant clinical documents of high quality such as study concepts, study protocols, amendments, study reports and investigator brochures.
- At the asset level, assists the medical lead in the preparations of the clinical content of regulatory submissions/documents (e. g. NDA, MAA, IND, CTA. sNDA, DSUR, PIP, health authority/ethics committee responses, briefing packages).
- Works with the medical lead to prepare presentations (internal and external), abstracts, manuscripts.
- Inputs into the ICF/reviews ICF.
- Works with data management on CRF design and completion guide.
- Partners with data management to develop data review plan for review of data and with medical lead for the medical monitoring plan.
- Reviews protocol deviations, patient eligibility, and patient level and cumulative data per the data review plan across a study, raises queries and coordinates with the medical lead.
- Reviews safety data with the medical lead, SAE reports (in collaboration with pharmacovigilance), labs, efficacy data, dosing data, withdrawals/discontinuations.
- Collaborates with the medical lead to provide medical/scientific guidance during the execution of the study.
- Ensures TMF compliance for clinical development/medical study level TMF documents.
- Answers specific site protocol questions as needed, after consultation with the medical lead.
- Develops specific medical/protocol training for Site Initiation Visits and Investigator Meetings, vendor / CRO staff, in collaboration with the medical lead.
- Escalates protocol-related issues requiring complex medical expertise to the medical lead, and operational issues to the appropriate operations study team member.
- Reviews the SAP and statistical outputs, in collaboration with the statistician, medical writer, and medical lead.
- Reviews the CSR (interim; final; addendum), in collaboration with the medical writer and medical lead and/or any related publications (abstracts; presentations at meetings or publications in scientific journals) in relation with medical writer and medical lead.
- Assist in any other asset activities requiring clinical/scientific expertise.
Education/Certification Requirements:
- PhD, PharmD or other related Advanced Medical Scientific Degree.
- Experience in oncology is a must.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- At least 3 years in drug development industry in oncology and with previous exposure to clinical development, regulatory and statistical activities such as, e.g., (co-)authoring and reviewing of documents.
- Ability to critically review and interpret Clinical data.
- Working knowledge of the drug development process in the USA and EU is required.
- Ability to learn, integrate complex information, and communicate clinical information in easily understandable fashion to non-clinical team members.
- Ability to follow independently delegated activity linked to clinical research scientist function, communicate progress and understand timelines.
The pay range for this position at commencement of employment is expected to be between $238,000 - $280,000 annually. This pay range is based on the market range for positions of this type. However, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, including annual bonus/incentive comp plans, potential long term incentive plan, and discretionary awards in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits (including 401(k) eligibility and various paid time off benefits, such as vacation, sick time, and parental leave), dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if a candidate/employee receives an offer of employment.
If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.
Location-Princeton,NJ / #Location-Pleasanton, CA #LI-Hybrid
Equal Opportunity Employer Information: Taiho Oncology is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, gender, sex, age, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran status, gender identity, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Any applicant who, because of a disability, needs an accommodation or assistance in completing an application or at any time during the application process, please email People@taihooncology.com. Taiho Oncology also provides reasonable accommodations to employees with disabilities consistent with our obligations under the law. Pursuant to applicable state and municipal Fair Chance Laws and Ordinances, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
The incumbent in this position may be required to perform other duties, as assigned.
Looking for a chance to make a meaningful difference in the oncology space? Taiho Oncology is on a mission: to improve the lives of patients with cancer, their families, and caregivers. Our “People first” approach means we also highly value our employees, who work relentlessly to help execute our mission. Taiho’s success is founded on ensuring we always act with accountability, collaboration, and trust. By following these guiding principles, we earn and maintain the confidence of patients, the global healthcare community, collaborators and partners, and each other. Together, we are working on cutting-edge science and growing our portfolio and pipeline across a range of tumor types to address the ongoing and evolving needs of patients. Advanced technology, a world-class clinical development organization, and state-of-the-art facilities: these and other resources empower us to innovate and touch the lives of more and more patients. It’s our work, our passion, and our legacy. We invite you to join us.
Hybrid
Employee Value Proposition:
At Taiho Oncology, we are dedicated to transforming the landscape of cancer treatment and improving patients' lives. As a Director, Clinical Research Scientist, you will play a pivotal role in our mission, leveraging your expertise to drive innovative clinical research and contribute to groundbreaking therapies. We offer a collaborative and inclusive work environment where your ideas and contributions are valued. Join us to advance your career, work with passionate and skilled professionals, and make a meaningful impact on the fight against cancer. At Taiho Oncology, you will find purpose, growth, and the opportunity to be at the forefront of cancer research.
Position Summary:
The Director, Clinical Research Scientist has responsibility assisting in design, execution and reporting of current and future clinical oncology trials ranging from phase 1 - 3. Additionally, this role serves in assisting the responsible medical monitor or a Lead medical monitor for various clinical phase 1 - 3 trials, and assisting the Clinical Research Scientist Manager to contribute to CRS process improvement, as needed.
Performance Objectives:
- Uses medical/scientific expertise to support the creation of relevant clinical documents of high quality such as study concepts, study protocols, amendments, study reports and investigator brochures.
- At the asset level, assists the medical lead in the preparations of the clinical content of regulatory submissions/documents (e. g. NDA, MAA, IND, CTA. sNDA, DSUR, PIP, health authority/ethics committee responses, briefing packages).
- Works with the medical lead to prepare presentations (internal and external), abstracts, manuscripts.
- Inputs into the ICF/reviews ICF.
- Works with data management on CRF design and completion guide.
- Partners with data management to develop data review plan for review of data and with medical lead for the medical monitoring plan.
- Reviews protocol deviations, patient eligibility, and patient level and cumulative data per the data review plan across a study, raises queries and coordinates with the medical lead.
- Reviews safety data with the medical lead, SAE reports (in collaboration with pharmacovigilance), labs, efficacy data, dosing data, withdrawals/discontinuations.
- Collaborates with the medical lead to provide medical/scientific guidance during the execution of the study.
- Ensures TMF compliance for clinical development/medical study level TMF documents.
- Answers specific site protocol questions as needed, after consultation with the medical lead.
- Develops specific medical/protocol training for Site Initiation Visits and Investigator Meetings, vendor / CRO staff, in collaboration with the medical lead.
- Escalates protocol-related issues requiring complex medical expertise to the medical lead, and operational issues to the appropriate operations study team member.
- Reviews the SAP and statistical outputs, in collaboration with the statistician, medical writer, and medical lead.
- Reviews the CSR (interim; final; addendum), in collaboration with the medical writer and medical lead and/or any related publications (abstracts; presentations at meetings or publications in scientific journals) in relation with medical writer and medical lead.
- Assist in any other asset activities requiring clinical/scientific expertise.
Education/Certification Requirements:
- PhD, PharmD or other related Advanced Medical Scientific Degree.
- Experience in oncology is a must.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- At least 3 years in drug development industry in oncology and with previous exposure to clinical development, regulatory and statistical activities such as, e.g., (co-)authoring and reviewing of documents.
- Ability to critically review and interpret Clinical data.
- Working knowledge of the drug development process in the USA and EU is required.
- Ability to learn, integrate complex information, and communicate clinical information in easily understandable fashion to non-clinical team members.
- Ability to follow independently delegated activity linked to clinical research scientist function, communicate progress and understand timelines.
The pay range for this position at commencement of employment is expected to be between $238,000 - $280,000 annually. This pay range is based on the market range for positions of this type. However, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, including annual bonus/incentive comp plans, potential long term incentive plan, and discretionary awards in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits (including 401(k) eligibility and various paid time off benefits, such as vacation, sick time, and parental leave), dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if a candidate/employee receives an offer of employment.
If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.
Location-Princeton,NJ / #Location-Pleasanton, CA #LI-Hybrid
Equal Opportunity Employer Information: Taiho Oncology is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, gender, sex, age, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran status, gender identity, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Any applicant who, because of a disability, needs an accommodation or assistance in completing an application or at any time during the application process, please email People@taihooncology.com. Taiho Oncology also provides reasonable accommodations to employees with disabilities consistent with our obligations under the law. Pursuant to applicable state and municipal Fair Chance Laws and Ordinances, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
The incumbent in this position may be required to perform other duties, as assigned.
See All 63 Clinical Research Director Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsClinical Research Director Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Clinical Research Director Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Revolution Medicines16
- AbbVie6
- Exelixis5
- Neurocrine Biosciences5
- Eikon Therapeutics3
Top Industries Hiring
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals53
- Science & Research7
- Healthcare & Medical Services4
- Education2
- Medical Devices1
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in clinical research director jobs across California.
- Advanced degree in life sciences, medicine, or a related clinical field required
- Minimum of eight to ten years of clinical research experience with progressive leadership responsibilities
- Demonstrated oversight of Phase I through Phase IV clinical trials across multiple therapeutic areas
- Deep working knowledge of FDA regulations, ICH-GCP guidelines, and California research compliance requirements
- Experience managing cross-functional teams including CRAs, data managers, and regulatory affairs staff
- Proficiency with electronic data capture systems and clinical trial management software such as Medidata or Veeva
Clinical Research Director Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a clinical research director in California?
The most direct path is a graduate degree in a life science or health discipline followed by progressive clinical research experience, typically starting as a clinical research coordinator or associate. California does not require a state-issued license specific to this role, but many employers expect a credential such as the ACRP Certified Clinical Research Professional or the SOCRA CCRP. Building experience at California academic medical centers or biopharmaceutical companies in the Bay Area or San Diego strengthens candidacy significantly.
Which companies hire clinical research directors in California?
Employers hiring clinical research directors in California right now include Revolution Medicines, AbbVie, and Exelixis, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's dense concentration of biopharmaceutical headquarters and academic medical systems means openings appear consistently across both large sponsors and contract research organizations with California offices.
Which California cities have the most clinical research director jobs?
Redwood City, San Diego, and Alameda account for the most clinical research director openings in California. San Francisco and San Diego lead because they host the heaviest concentration of biopharmaceutical headquarters and research institutions, while Los Angeles draws demand from its large academic medical centers and hospital systems running sponsored trials.
Are there remote clinical research director jobs in California?
Yes, and more than many clinical roles, since the director level is heavily strategic and managerial rather than hands-on at study sites. About 11% of clinical research director openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, reflecting the desk-based nature of oversight, vendor management, and protocol development work. Fully remote roles tend to concentrate in sponsor-side and CRO positions rather than at hospital or academic medical center employers.
How can I get hired as a clinical research director in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry point is a clinical research coordinator role at a California academic medical center such as UCSF, UCLA Health, or UC San Diego Health, which run structured research coordinator programs that build the regulatory and operational foundation employers expect. From there, lateral moves into associate director or clinical operations manager roles at mid-size California biotechs create the leadership experience needed for director-level candidacy. Earning the ACRP or SOCRA credential early strengthens your profile when competing against candidates with longer tenures.
Where can I find and apply to clinical research director jobs in California?
You can find and apply to clinical research director jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers actively hiring in the state. Find the roles that fit your experience and apply directly to each one.
See All 63 Clinical Research Director Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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