Clinical Research Jobs in California
Clinical Research jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in the life sciences, biotech, pharmaceutical, and academic medical sectors, with openings at every level from entry-level clinical research coordinator through senior principal investigator and study director. The largest hiring hubs are San Diego, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, where companies like Pfizer, Johnson and Johnson, and AstraZeneca maintain deep California operations and ongoing trial activity. The most in-demand specialties include oncology, neurology, and early-phase clinical trials, reflecting California's leadership in drug development and biologics research. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Imagine how your ideas and expertise can change a patient’s life. We generate extensive clinical evidence to demonstrate the effectiveness and safety of our innovations and how our products transform patients’ lives. As part of our Clinical Affairs team, you’ll hone your scientific curiosity and passion for evaluating data to increase access to pioneering technologies for patients in need. In close partnership with principal investigators, dedicated medical professionals, patient advocacy groups, and regulatory authorities, you will drive the evidence needed to optimize patient outcomes.
We’re dedicated to pioneering next-generation innovations for patients with aortic regurgitation (AR). Our Transcatheter Heart Valve (THV) business unit brings together Clinical Affairs, Engineering, and Research professionals to design and develop minimally invasive therapies that impact patient outcomes and quality of life. We’re working together to transform cardiovascular care and device development to address unmet patient needs in structural heart disease. Join us and be part of our inspiring journey.
How you will make an impact:
- Field monitoring of studies and data collection for clinical trials, assessing all data documentation, reports, records, transcripts, exam results for consistency with case report form, and determining if clinical trial/study subject documentation is within parameters of study hypothesis, as well as monitoring clinical trial/study safety, in keeping with protocols, GCP (Good Clinical Practices) and regulatory requirements.
- Developing and delivering technical training on GCPs, protocols, database, compliance, device accountability, adverse event reporting, study investigation protocols, amendments, regulatory documentation requirements as well as training and proctoring new employees on trial and study related activities. Acting as a mentor to new or junior level employees.
- Providing oversight of and insights into trial activities (e.g., trends in protocol compliance, enrollment, monitoring deviations, data quality) to principal investigators and support staff, and study sponsor management and leadership staff, including Institutional Review Boards/Ethics Committees/Research Ethics Boards, Contract, and Training, developing process improvements.
- Contributing to the development of clinical protocols, informed consent forms, and case report forms.
- Validating investigational device accountability by tracking the history of investigational devices from Edwards to the field sites and through final disposition.
- Verifying trial/study data, including maintaining appropriate regulatory documents both internal and external, auditing to be sure the site has the appropriate regulatory documentation to conduct the trial/study, and source documentation is properly recorded.
- Editing/amending informed consent documents.
What you’ll need (Required):
- Bachelor's Degree or equivalent in related field with 5 years of field monitoring, quality assurance/control and regulatory compliance experience or equivalent work experience based on Edwards criteria. Ability to travel up to 75% domestically.
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What else we look for (Preferred):
- Clinical research certification (ACRP or SoCRA clinical coordinator / CRA certification.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, presentation skills, interpersonal skills, and analytical skills.
- Demonstrated problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
- Proven expertise in MS Office Suite, including Word, Excel, Adobe, and ability to operate general computer software and office machinery.
- Excellent understanding of cardiovascular anatomy, pathology, and physiology or Business Unit area of expertise.
- Moderate understanding of medical device regulatory requirements and documents, device accountability and adverse events reporting.
- Technical writing skills (protocols, CRF development, study tools).
- Ability to communicate and relate well with key opinion leaders and clinical personnel.
- Experience in training new hires.
Aligning our overall business objectives with performance, we offer competitive salaries, performance-based incentives, and a wide variety of benefits programs to address the diverse individual needs of our employees and their families.
The base pay range for this position is $108,000 to $153,000 (highly experienced).
The pay for the successful candidate will depend on various factors (e.g., qualifications, education, prior experience). Applications will be accepted while this position is posted on our Careers website.
Edwards is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer including protected Veterans and individuals with disabilities.
See All 258+ Clinical Research Jobs in California
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Find Clinical Research JobsClinical Research Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Clinical Research Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- IQVIA29

- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center17

- Stanford University14

- Kaiser Permanente12

- CenExel Clinical Research12

Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services12
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals8
- Education6
- Consulting & Professional Services4
- Medical Devices1
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in clinical research jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in life sciences, nursing, or a related clinical field required
- Society of Clinical Research Associates or Association of Clinical Research Professionals certification preferred
- Demonstrated experience with GCP guidelines, FDA regulations, and ICH standards
- Proficiency in electronic data capture systems such as Medidata Rave or REDCap
- Experience coordinating or monitoring Phase I through Phase III clinical trials
- Strong regulatory document management skills and familiarity with IRB submission processes
Clinical Research Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a clinical research professional in California?
The most direct path is a bachelor's degree in a life science, nursing, or health-related field, followed by an entry-level role as a clinical research coordinator. California does not require a state-issued license specific to clinical research, but employers strongly prefer candidates who hold ACRP or SOCRA certification. Completing a GCP training course and gaining hands-on trial coordination experience at a California academic medical center or biotech company positions you competitively for advancement.
Which companies hire clinical researchs in California?
Employers hiring clinical researchs in California right now include IQVIA, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, and Stanford University, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of October 2026. California's dense concentration of biotech headquarters, pharmaceutical research campuses, and academic medical centers means hiring is ongoing across both large corporations and specialized contract research organizations.
Which California cities have the most clinical research jobs?
Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego have the most clinical research openings in California. San Diego and San Francisco lead because of their established biotech and pharmaceutical ecosystems, while Los Angeles draws hiring through its large academic medical centers and hospital networks running active investigator-initiated and industry-sponsored trials.
Are there remote clinical research jobs in California?
Yes, but they represent a smaller share of the total, since much of clinical research work requires on-site patient contact, facility access, or direct study oversight. About 51% of clinical research openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of October 2026, concentrated in study monitoring, data management, regulatory affairs, and medical writing roles that do not require physical trial site presence.
How can I get hired as a clinical research professional 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 UC San Francisco, UCLA Health, or UC San Diego Health, all of which run structured onboarding programs for new coordinators. Candidates coming from adjacent roles like medical assistant, registered nurse, or pharmacy technician often transition successfully, and completing a GCP certification course before applying gives your application a concrete credential that many California hiring managers look for in entry-level candidates.
Where can I find and apply to clinical research jobs in California?
You can find and apply to clinical research jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across the state's major hiring hubs and trial sites. Find the roles that fit your experience and specialty area and apply directly to the positions that match.
See All 258+ Clinical Research Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Clinical Research Jobs