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 9+ Clinical Research Director jobs
If you're ready to be part of our legacy of hope and innovation, we encourage you to take the first step and explore our current job openings. Your best is waiting to be discovered.
Day - 08 Hour (United States of America)
This is a Stanford Health Care job.
A Brief Overview
The Director of Clinical Research Billing will be responsible for ensuring and overseeing the clinical research billing infrastructure (coverage analysis, clinical research budgets, calendars, research charge review, development and maintenance of research charge master, and sponsor invoicing) to provide the most efficient, compliant, and innovative support to meet the needs of the research community.
As a leader, the Director of Clinical Research Billing will work to ensure financial sustainability that attracts sponsors and external collaborators. Additionally, the Director will be responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive compliance programs to ensure adherence to all applicable laws, regulations, and institutional policies. The Director of Clinical Research Billing will collaborate and have direct interaction with a broad set of stakeholders across the institution, including Principal Investigators, study sponsors, study teams, finance/accounting, revenue cycle, internal audit, compliance, business office leaders, and clinic operational teams. In doing such, the Director will ensure open and clear communication with respect to processes and billing compliance regulations.
The Director's responsibilities include overseeing the management of departmental staff and ensuring department management's clarity of vision and efficiency of processes. In addition, this role will require oversight of direction for all activities associated with coverage analysis, calendars, research charge review/segregation, and sponsor invoicing - specifically ensuring that these documents and processes are conducted in compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and institutional policies. The Director of Clinical Research Billing sets the direction for developing and implementing unified policies, procedures, education, and training related to research billing for revenue cycle staff, investigators and staff conducting clinical research.
Locations
Stanford Health Care
What you will do
Perform management responsibilities of selection, scheduling, supervision, retention, and evaluation of employees in the Clinical Research Billing department. Provide development and mentoring of staff. Meets or exceeds threshold goal for department turnover. Develop direct reports to perform these same functions.
Provide fair and consistent leadership and communication to maintain a competent and engaged employee group by conducting regular Clinical Research Billing department meetings to review policies and procedures and operational matters, rounding on all employees, completing performance appraisals, conducting new hire feedback sessions, coaching/corrective counseling, and providing recognition/recommendations to achieve desired outcomes.
Facilitate and promote effective team dynamics and team-building strategies within and between departments; participate and/or lead and facilitate department process improvements as needed.
Meet or exceed threshold goal for department and/or system metrics on employee engagement indicators.
Facilitate/Lead a Clinical Research Billing Committee comprised of members from research, compliance, clinical and financial areas to support Clinical Research Billing Compliance.
Manage Research Billing and Coverage Analysis resources (internal or vendor)
Responsible for reviewing study calendars, coverage analysis, and study expenses.
Responsible for overseeing revenue cycle post-award activities, such as research charge review, patient care billing for all clinical trials, reviewing trends in revenue capture and reimbursement, and forecasting financial impacts pertaining to clinical research activities.
Develop policies and procedures and workflows associated with clinical research billing.
Deliver successful collection results with industry KPI and benchmark metrics.
Partners with study teams, School of Medicine, Revenue Cycle, Compliance, and Internal Audit.
Manage day-to-day department operations, schedules, and activities. Set priorities and functional standards, giving direction to staff as necessary to ensure the best possible delivery of service and high customer/patient satisfaction.
Drive department service standards and activities to impact department and/or system score for customer-based satisfaction, through role modeling and fostering accountability. Serve and actively participate on various entity committees as a voice for the department.
Contribute to the development and management of a training program for all individuals involved in the clinical research revenue cycle process, including research and non-research professionals.
Develop and maintain a compliance program that address all aspects of clinical research billing, including coverage analysis, clinical research budget reconciliation (harmonization), calendars, research charge review, and study invoicing.
Implement and monitor assigned relevant compliance program components such as coverage analysis, Epic Research Billing Charge Review, and optimal use of the OnCore Clinical Trial Management System.
Manage the design, management, and completion of an array of research billing compliance audits that are designed to determine compliance with policies, procedures, laws, rules, and regulations. Utilize the results of audits performed to drive a comprehensive educational program.
Respond to reported, suspected, or confirmed instances of research billing non-compliance. Participate in Compliance and other committees as required. Work collaboratively with the Internal Audit and Business Practices to respond to deficiencies and to strengthen research billing internal processes.
Provide ongoing training and education to staff on compliance procedures and requirements to ensure that all team members are knowledgeable about current regulations and best practices.
Ensure that the organization is prepared for regulatory inspections or audits by maintaining accurate and up-to-date documentation and evidence of compliance.
Stay informed of regulatory compliance, payer policy changes, industry trends, and best practices that impact and/or influence billing policies and procedures, and Epic/OnCore system changes. Communicate impact to executive leadership timely and appropriately.
Ensure strict adherence to internal controls is maintained.
Provide oversight and quality assurance for coverage analysis, calendar builds, budgets, research charge review, and sponsor invoicing, as needed.
Identify process gaps and potential billing and coding inaccuracies and work with interdisciplinary teams to address these gaps.
Use and optimize information systems to enhance operations; supports entity-specific performance improvement and data management/analysis functions.
Adopt lean principles in driving process improvements.
Partner with the School of Medicine to optimize study activation time by participating in feasibility analysis, service identification/pricing and pre-award budgeting process improvement
Ensure a safe and effective working environment; monitor and/or revise the department safety plan and/or any specific accreditation/regulatory required safety guidelines, including infection control principles. Monitor and confirm staff maintain their required credentials that demonstrate competency per accrediting agency or department guidelines as applicable.
Collaborate with Revenue Cycle and School of Medicine training teams to develop and deploy training and education materials.
Assist in the development of department budget and ensure that the department operates in a cost-effective manner. Manage/audit department expenses within approved budget parameters, ensuring that the department meets the budgeted/flex revenue and/or expense targets on a monthly and annual basis. Develop staffing plans and schedules to meet department/patient needs that reflect understanding of the importance of cost-effectiveness.
Ensure that coverage analysis fees are invoiced and paid timely by the School of Medicine department/division/study.
Assist in the analysis of profit and loss associated with clinical trial billing; provide guidance on clinical trial charge description master and fee schedules
Implement department strategies to achieve financial target and staffing needs, developing others to do the same, through optimizing productivity, supply/resource efficiency, minimizing incidental overtime and overtime percentage, and other areas according to department specifications.
Provide accurate and timely financial status reports to the study teams and investigators.
Identify and implement innovative solutions for practice or workflow changes to improve department operations or other department-specific measures by leading unit projects and/or other department/system directed/shared governance activities. Develop and optimize the workflows associated with the use of Epic research related modules, providing operational input for Epic build/configuration. Support change initiatives, maintaining effectiveness when experiencing major changes in work responsibilities or environment; adjust effectively to work within new work structures, processes, requirements, or cultures.
Proactively evaluate processes; recommend and implement action plan(s) for change; follow through to ensure effective, sustainable change. Participate in the development and implementation of new procedures and the review and revision of existing procedures.
Identify opportunities and take action to build strategic relationships between one’s area and other areas, teams, departments, and units to achieve business goals.
Seek opportunities to identify developmental needs of self and staff and take appropriate action.
Education Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Finance, Health Care Administration, or a related field.
Experience Qualifications
Eight (8) years of progressive management experience in clinical research operations.
At least five (5) years of progressive experience related to research finance/billing compliance.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations.
Advanced knowledge of CMS billing rules and regulations such as National Coverage Determinations, Local Coverage Determinations, and specifically the Clinical Trial Policy (NCD 310.1).
Strong understanding of the overall clinical research lifecycle, especially coverage analysis, research charge review, budgeting, and sponsor invoicing processes.
Advanced knowledge of CPT/HCPCS and other healthcare related terminology.
Demonstrates an understanding of physician and hospital billing.
Ability to effectively communicate through a variety of channels with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles; engages the recipient(s) and helps them understand and retain the message.
Demonstrates leadership qualities and critical thinking through self-direction initiative and effective interpersonal skills and oral/written communication skills.
Ability to identify and understand issues, problems, and opportunities, comparing data from different sources to draw conclusions; using effective approaches for choosing a course of action or developing appropriate solutions; taking action that is consistent with available facts, constraints, and probable consequences.
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
Demonstrates flexibility and adaptability in the workplace.
Excellent analytical and interpersonal skills.
Applies sound judgment in applying and interpreting policies, procedures, laws, rules, and regulations applying to compliance and monitoring.
Excellent problem-solving skills, including but not limited to creativity, adaptability, resourcefulness, timeliness, and technical knowledge related to analyzing and resolving financial, compliance, issue escalation/resolution and/or institutional challenges impacting clinical research through the lens of billing
These principles apply to ALL employees:
SHC Commitment to Providing an Exceptional Patient & Family Experience
Stanford Health Care sets a high standard for delivering value and an exceptional experience for our patients and families. Candidates for employment and existing employees must adopt and execute C-I-CARE standards for all of patients, families and towards each other. C-I-CARE is the foundation of Stanford’s patient-experience and represents a framework for patient-centered interactions. Simply put, we do what it takes to enable and empower patients and families to focus on health, healing and recovery.
You will do this by executing against our three experience pillars, from the patient and family’s perspective:
Know Me: Anticipate my needs and status to deliver effective care
Show Me the Way: Guide and prompt my actions to arrive at better outcomes and better health
Coordinate for Me: Own the complexity of my care through coordination
Equal Opportunity Employer Stanford Health Care (SHC) strongly values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination in all of its policies and practices, including the area of employment. Accordingly, SHC does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity and/or expression, religion, age, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, marital status, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, or disability, or the perception of any of the above. People of all genders, members of all racial and ethnic groups, people with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Qualified applicants with criminal convictions will be considered after an individualized assessment of the conviction and the job requirements.
Base Pay Scale: Generally starting at $94.35 - $125.03 per hourThe salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training. This pay scale is not a promise of a particular wage.
If you're ready to be part of our legacy of hope and innovation, we encourage you to take the first step and explore our current job openings. Your best is waiting to be discovered.
Day - 08 Hour (United States of America)
This is a Stanford Health Care job.
A Brief Overview
The Director of Clinical Research Billing will be responsible for ensuring and overseeing the clinical research billing infrastructure (coverage analysis, clinical research budgets, calendars, research charge review, development and maintenance of research charge master, and sponsor invoicing) to provide the most efficient, compliant, and innovative support to meet the needs of the research community.
As a leader, the Director of Clinical Research Billing will work to ensure financial sustainability that attracts sponsors and external collaborators. Additionally, the Director will be responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive compliance programs to ensure adherence to all applicable laws, regulations, and institutional policies. The Director of Clinical Research Billing will collaborate and have direct interaction with a broad set of stakeholders across the institution, including Principal Investigators, study sponsors, study teams, finance/accounting, revenue cycle, internal audit, compliance, business office leaders, and clinic operational teams. In doing such, the Director will ensure open and clear communication with respect to processes and billing compliance regulations.
The Director's responsibilities include overseeing the management of departmental staff and ensuring department management's clarity of vision and efficiency of processes. In addition, this role will require oversight of direction for all activities associated with coverage analysis, calendars, research charge review/segregation, and sponsor invoicing - specifically ensuring that these documents and processes are conducted in compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and institutional policies. The Director of Clinical Research Billing sets the direction for developing and implementing unified policies, procedures, education, and training related to research billing for revenue cycle staff, investigators and staff conducting clinical research.
Locations
Stanford Health Care
What you will do
Perform management responsibilities of selection, scheduling, supervision, retention, and evaluation of employees in the Clinical Research Billing department. Provide development and mentoring of staff. Meets or exceeds threshold goal for department turnover. Develop direct reports to perform these same functions.
Provide fair and consistent leadership and communication to maintain a competent and engaged employee group by conducting regular Clinical Research Billing department meetings to review policies and procedures and operational matters, rounding on all employees, completing performance appraisals, conducting new hire feedback sessions, coaching/corrective counseling, and providing recognition/recommendations to achieve desired outcomes.
Facilitate and promote effective team dynamics and team-building strategies within and between departments; participate and/or lead and facilitate department process improvements as needed.
Meet or exceed threshold goal for department and/or system metrics on employee engagement indicators.
Facilitate/Lead a Clinical Research Billing Committee comprised of members from research, compliance, clinical and financial areas to support Clinical Research Billing Compliance.
Manage Research Billing and Coverage Analysis resources (internal or vendor)
Responsible for reviewing study calendars, coverage analysis, and study expenses.
Responsible for overseeing revenue cycle post-award activities, such as research charge review, patient care billing for all clinical trials, reviewing trends in revenue capture and reimbursement, and forecasting financial impacts pertaining to clinical research activities.
Develop policies and procedures and workflows associated with clinical research billing.
Deliver successful collection results with industry KPI and benchmark metrics.
Partners with study teams, School of Medicine, Revenue Cycle, Compliance, and Internal Audit.
Manage day-to-day department operations, schedules, and activities. Set priorities and functional standards, giving direction to staff as necessary to ensure the best possible delivery of service and high customer/patient satisfaction.
Drive department service standards and activities to impact department and/or system score for customer-based satisfaction, through role modeling and fostering accountability. Serve and actively participate on various entity committees as a voice for the department.
Contribute to the development and management of a training program for all individuals involved in the clinical research revenue cycle process, including research and non-research professionals.
Develop and maintain a compliance program that address all aspects of clinical research billing, including coverage analysis, clinical research budget reconciliation (harmonization), calendars, research charge review, and study invoicing.
Implement and monitor assigned relevant compliance program components such as coverage analysis, Epic Research Billing Charge Review, and optimal use of the OnCore Clinical Trial Management System.
Manage the design, management, and completion of an array of research billing compliance audits that are designed to determine compliance with policies, procedures, laws, rules, and regulations. Utilize the results of audits performed to drive a comprehensive educational program.
Respond to reported, suspected, or confirmed instances of research billing non-compliance. Participate in Compliance and other committees as required. Work collaboratively with the Internal Audit and Business Practices to respond to deficiencies and to strengthen research billing internal processes.
Provide ongoing training and education to staff on compliance procedures and requirements to ensure that all team members are knowledgeable about current regulations and best practices.
Ensure that the organization is prepared for regulatory inspections or audits by maintaining accurate and up-to-date documentation and evidence of compliance.
Stay informed of regulatory compliance, payer policy changes, industry trends, and best practices that impact and/or influence billing policies and procedures, and Epic/OnCore system changes. Communicate impact to executive leadership timely and appropriately.
Ensure strict adherence to internal controls is maintained.
Provide oversight and quality assurance for coverage analysis, calendar builds, budgets, research charge review, and sponsor invoicing, as needed.
Identify process gaps and potential billing and coding inaccuracies and work with interdisciplinary teams to address these gaps.
Use and optimize information systems to enhance operations; supports entity-specific performance improvement and data management/analysis functions.
Adopt lean principles in driving process improvements.
Partner with the School of Medicine to optimize study activation time by participating in feasibility analysis, service identification/pricing and pre-award budgeting process improvement
Ensure a safe and effective working environment; monitor and/or revise the department safety plan and/or any specific accreditation/regulatory required safety guidelines, including infection control principles. Monitor and confirm staff maintain their required credentials that demonstrate competency per accrediting agency or department guidelines as applicable.
Collaborate with Revenue Cycle and School of Medicine training teams to develop and deploy training and education materials.
Assist in the development of department budget and ensure that the department operates in a cost-effective manner. Manage/audit department expenses within approved budget parameters, ensuring that the department meets the budgeted/flex revenue and/or expense targets on a monthly and annual basis. Develop staffing plans and schedules to meet department/patient needs that reflect understanding of the importance of cost-effectiveness.
Ensure that coverage analysis fees are invoiced and paid timely by the School of Medicine department/division/study.
Assist in the analysis of profit and loss associated with clinical trial billing; provide guidance on clinical trial charge description master and fee schedules
Implement department strategies to achieve financial target and staffing needs, developing others to do the same, through optimizing productivity, supply/resource efficiency, minimizing incidental overtime and overtime percentage, and other areas according to department specifications.
Provide accurate and timely financial status reports to the study teams and investigators.
Identify and implement innovative solutions for practice or workflow changes to improve department operations or other department-specific measures by leading unit projects and/or other department/system directed/shared governance activities. Develop and optimize the workflows associated with the use of Epic research related modules, providing operational input for Epic build/configuration. Support change initiatives, maintaining effectiveness when experiencing major changes in work responsibilities or environment; adjust effectively to work within new work structures, processes, requirements, or cultures.
Proactively evaluate processes; recommend and implement action plan(s) for change; follow through to ensure effective, sustainable change. Participate in the development and implementation of new procedures and the review and revision of existing procedures.
Identify opportunities and take action to build strategic relationships between one’s area and other areas, teams, departments, and units to achieve business goals.
Seek opportunities to identify developmental needs of self and staff and take appropriate action.
Education Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Finance, Health Care Administration, or a related field.
Experience Qualifications
Eight (8) years of progressive management experience in clinical research operations.
At least five (5) years of progressive experience related to research finance/billing compliance.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations.
Advanced knowledge of CMS billing rules and regulations such as National Coverage Determinations, Local Coverage Determinations, and specifically the Clinical Trial Policy (NCD 310.1).
Strong understanding of the overall clinical research lifecycle, especially coverage analysis, research charge review, budgeting, and sponsor invoicing processes.
Advanced knowledge of CPT/HCPCS and other healthcare related terminology.
Demonstrates an understanding of physician and hospital billing.
Ability to effectively communicate through a variety of channels with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles; engages the recipient(s) and helps them understand and retain the message.
Demonstrates leadership qualities and critical thinking through self-direction initiative and effective interpersonal skills and oral/written communication skills.
Ability to identify and understand issues, problems, and opportunities, comparing data from different sources to draw conclusions; using effective approaches for choosing a course of action or developing appropriate solutions; taking action that is consistent with available facts, constraints, and probable consequences.
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
Demonstrates flexibility and adaptability in the workplace.
Excellent analytical and interpersonal skills.
Applies sound judgment in applying and interpreting policies, procedures, laws, rules, and regulations applying to compliance and monitoring.
Excellent problem-solving skills, including but not limited to creativity, adaptability, resourcefulness, timeliness, and technical knowledge related to analyzing and resolving financial, compliance, issue escalation/resolution and/or institutional challenges impacting clinical research through the lens of billing
These principles apply to ALL employees:
SHC Commitment to Providing an Exceptional Patient & Family Experience
Stanford Health Care sets a high standard for delivering value and an exceptional experience for our patients and families. Candidates for employment and existing employees must adopt and execute C-I-CARE standards for all of patients, families and towards each other. C-I-CARE is the foundation of Stanford’s patient-experience and represents a framework for patient-centered interactions. Simply put, we do what it takes to enable and empower patients and families to focus on health, healing and recovery.
You will do this by executing against our three experience pillars, from the patient and family’s perspective:
Know Me: Anticipate my needs and status to deliver effective care
Show Me the Way: Guide and prompt my actions to arrive at better outcomes and better health
Coordinate for Me: Own the complexity of my care through coordination
Equal Opportunity Employer Stanford Health Care (SHC) strongly values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination in all of its policies and practices, including the area of employment. Accordingly, SHC does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity and/or expression, religion, age, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, marital status, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, or disability, or the perception of any of the above. People of all genders, members of all racial and ethnic groups, people with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Qualified applicants with criminal convictions will be considered after an individualized assessment of the conviction and the job requirements.
Base Pay Scale: Generally starting at $94.35 - $125.03 per hourThe salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training. This pay scale is not a promise of a particular wage.
See All 9 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
Top Industries Hiring
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
- Education
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 Vir Biotechnology, CYTOKINETICS, and UC Irvine Health, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 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?
San Francisco, Orange, and Sacramento 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 100% of clinical research director openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of August 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 9 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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