Clinical Research Manager Jobs in California
Clinical Research Manager jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in biotechnology, pharmaceutical development, and academic medical centers, with openings at every level from associate clinical research manager through executive director. The largest hiring metros are San Francisco Bay Area, San Diego, and Los Angeles, where established employers such as Genentech, Johnson & Johnson, and UCLA Health maintain significant clinical operations. The most in-demand specialties are oncology trials, Phase II through IV study management, and regulatory compliance oversight. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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JOB SUMMARY:
The Clinical Research Manager designs, plans and directs administrative, regulatory, personnel, clinical, and financial operations for the Memory and Aging Center Alzheimer’s Disease and Frontotemporal Dementia Clinical Trials Program. The Clinical Research Manager will work closely with senior management, including Principal Investigators, the Program Director, and Department leadership, to develop long and short term strategies to carryout the goal of developing effective treatments for Alzheimer’s Disease, Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, Frontotemporal Dementia and other related disorders. Directs subordinate managers and staff in order to achieve broadly stated objectives. The Clinical Research Manager has an expertise in the operations of clinical trials, and functions with a high degree of autonomy in executing research for this large research program.
DEPARTMENT DESCRIPTION:
The UCSF Edward and Pearl FeinMemory and Aging Center (MAC) is an NIA-designated Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (ADRC) and an international leader in the field of memory disorders, dementia and other conditions such as progressive supranuclear palsy. The center houses 38 faculty members with specialists from a wide variety of disciplines, including neurology, neuropsychology, geriatrics, geriatric psychiatry, pharmacy, nursing, social work and speech pathology. The team investigates the clinical (neurological, cognitive, behavioral, neuroanatomic) characteristics of various neurodegenerative diseases. The Primary Investigator’s (PI) research within the MAC focuses on the decision-making processes in patients with frontotemporal dementia (FTD), Alzheimer's Disease (AD), primary progressive aphasia (PPA), and other neurodegenerative disorders.
The Memory and Aging Center also provides comprehensive evaluations for the diagnosis and treatment of patients, conducts research on new therapies including observational, supportive, and interventional opportunities, and offers support groups for patients, family members and friends.
The group is committed to the mission of providing the highest quality of care for individuals with cognitive problems, conducting research on causes and cures for degenerative brain diseases, and educating health professionals, patients and their families. To further engage in this work, the center collaborates with organizations such as the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (ADRC), Bluefield Project to Cure Frontotemporal Dementia, California Alzheimer’s Disease Center, Global Brain Health Institute, and the Tau Consortium.
JOB SUMMARY:
The Clinical Research Manager designs, plans and directs administrative, regulatory, personnel, clinical, and financial operations for the Memory and Aging Center Alzheimer’s Disease and Frontotemporal Dementia Clinical Trials Program. The Clinical Research Manager will work closely with senior management, including Principal Investigators, the Program Director, and Department leadership, to develop long and short term strategies to carryout the goal of developing effective treatments for Alzheimer’s Disease, Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, Frontotemporal Dementia and other related disorders. Directs subordinate managers and staff in order to achieve broadly stated objectives. The Clinical Research Manager has an expertise in the operations of clinical trials, and functions with a high degree of autonomy in executing research for this large research program.
DEPARTMENT DESCRIPTION:
The UCSF Edward and Pearl FeinMemory and Aging Center (MAC) is an NIA-designated Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (ADRC) and an international leader in the field of memory disorders, dementia and other conditions such as progressive supranuclear palsy. The center houses 38 faculty members with specialists from a wide variety of disciplines, including neurology, neuropsychology, geriatrics, geriatric psychiatry, pharmacy, nursing, social work and speech pathology. The team investigates the clinical (neurological, cognitive, behavioral, neuroanatomic) characteristics of various neurodegenerative diseases. The Primary Investigator’s (PI) research within the MAC focuses on the decision-making processes in patients with frontotemporal dementia (FTD), Alzheimer's Disease (AD), primary progressive aphasia (PPA), and other neurodegenerative disorders.
The Memory and Aging Center also provides comprehensive evaluations for the diagnosis and treatment of patients, conducts research on new therapies including observational, supportive, and interventional opportunities, and offers support groups for patients, family members and friends.
The group is committed to the mission of providing the highest quality of care for individuals with cognitive problems, conducting research on causes and cures for degenerative brain diseases, and educating health professionals, patients and their families. To further engage in this work, the center collaborates with organizations such as the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (ADRC), Bluefield Project to Cure Frontotemporal Dementia, California Alzheimer’s Disease Center, Global Brain Health Institute, and the Tau Consortium.
See All 35 Clinical Research Manager Jobs in California
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Find JobsClinical Research Manager Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Clinical Research Manager Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Revolution Medicines5
- Exelixis4
- University of California - San Francisco3
- ADARx Pharmaceuticals2
- City of Hope2
Top Industries Hiring
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals17
- Education5
- Healthcare & Medical Services5
- Science & Research4
- Medical Devices2
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in clinical research manager jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in life sciences, nursing, or a related clinical field required
- Minimum five years of clinical trial experience including supervisory or team lead responsibilities
- Demonstrated knowledge of ICH-GCP guidelines and FDA regulatory requirements
- Proficiency with clinical trial management systems such as Medidata Rave or Veeva Vault
- ACRP Certified Clinical Research Professional or SOCRA CCRP certification strongly preferred
- Experience managing CRO relationships and coordinating multi-site California trial networks
Clinical Research Manager Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a clinical research manager in California?
The most direct path is a bachelor's degree in a life science, nursing, or health-related field followed by several years of hands-on clinical trial coordination experience. California does not issue a state-specific license for clinical research managers, but most hiring managers expect a nationally recognized credential such as the ACRP Certified Clinical Research Professional or the SOCRA CCRP. Large California research institutions and biotechs treat these credentials as a practical hiring standard rather than a preference.
Which companies hire clinical research managers in California?
Employers hiring clinical research managers in California right now include Revolution Medicines, Exelixis, and University of California - San Francisco, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's dense concentration of biopharmaceutical headquarters and major academic medical centers means the hiring base is unusually broad, ranging from large global sponsors to specialized CROs and hospital-based research programs.
Which California cities have the most clinical research manager jobs?
Redwood City, Alameda, and San Francisco account for the most clinical research manager openings in California. The Bay Area's concentration of biotechnology headquarters and San Diego's pharmaceutical and biotech corridor drive most of the volume, while Los Angeles draws demand from its large academic medical centers and hospital systems running sponsored trials across multiple therapeutic areas.
Are there remote clinical research manager jobs in California?
Yes, but they're less common than in purely desk-based roles, since clinical research managers frequently oversee on-site trial activities and investigator visits. About 17% of clinical research manager openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, typically concentrated in study oversight, vendor management, and regulatory document review functions rather than active site monitoring work.
How can I get hired as a clinical research manager in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic starting point is a clinical research coordinator or clinical trials associate role, which large California employers such as UCSF Health, Cedars-Sinai, and UC San Diego Health use as the entry tier for their research pipelines. From there, lateral moves into CRO project associate positions at firms operating out of San Francisco or San Diego build the trial management exposure that California hiring managers require. Earning a SOCRA CCRP or ACRP credential early signals seriousness and accelerates the path to a managerial title.
Where can I find and apply to clinical research manager jobs in California?
You can find and apply to clinical research manager jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings. Find roles that fit your experience and apply directly to the ones that match.
See All 35 Clinical Research Manager Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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