Clinical Trial Manager Jobs in California
Clinical trial manager jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in biopharma, medical device, and academic research sectors and open to candidates from entry-level clinical research coordinators through senior-level trial leads. The largest hiring hubs are San Francisco Bay Area, San Diego, and Los Angeles, where established employers such as Genentech, Johnson and Johnson, and UCLA Health maintain ongoing clinical operations teams. The most consistent openings are in oncology trials, CNS studies, and regulatory-focused site management roles. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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INTRODUCTION
CareDx, Inc. is a leading precision medicine solutions company focused on the discovery, development, and commercialization of clinically differentiated, high-value healthcare solutions for transplant patients and caregivers. CareDx offers products, testing services, and digital healthcare solutions along the pre- and post-transplant patient journey, and is the leading provider of genomics-based information for transplant patients.
This position provides direction and operational leadership of the clinical research studies to ensure delivery on time. The Clinical Trial Manager (CTM) is responsible for the management of clinical trials from study start-up activities through the clinical study report. The CTM drives completion of all study deliverables, ensuring the highest level of data quality and compliance to quality standards and regulatory guidance; proactively identifies, communicates and resolves clinical study operational issues; and participates in process improvement initiatives as required.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Lead the end-to-end execution of CareDx clinical trials, including but limited to site identification, study start-up, study conduct, monitoring and closeout, with full accountability of study timelines, budget and metrics; study submission to IRB/ECs; study document development and review (training documentation, ICF, study specific plans, eCRF Guidelines, lab test requisitions, etc.), plans and managing study-specific meetings (e.g. Study Team Meetings, Investigator meetings, etc.)
- Drive site activation, enrollment, and overall study performance while ensuring alignment with protocols, operational plans, and business objectives.
- Proactively identify study risks (timeline, quality, and operational), lead mitigation planning and execution, and escalate issues effectively with clear action plans, defined ownership, and accountability.
- Conduct internal review of investigator contracts and payments, as necessary.
- Provide cross-functional leadership across Clinical Operations, Data Management, Medical Affairs and other functional areas serving as the central point of coordination to ensure clear roles, accountability, and seamless clinical trial execution.
- Prepare and present project debriefings to Clinical Operations management and cross-functional teams.
- Oversee Clinical Research Associates, CROs, central labs, and external vendors to ensure high-quality, timely, and cost-effective deliverables through established governance, KPIs, and performance management processes.
- Champion operational excellence by standardizing study execution models, optimizing vendor management and reporting frameworks, and implementing scalable process improvements and SOPs.
- Ensure data quality and inspection readiness through proactive data review, performance metric tracking, and close collaboration with monitoring and data management teams. Identify and mitigate risks across timelines, quality, and operations, driving effective escalation and resolution strategies.
- Maintain strong communication with clinical sites and stakeholders, including oversight of site visits, study documentation, and reporting, while ensuring compliance with GCPs, regulatory requirements, and study protocols.
- Support study administration activities such as site engagement, training, and product inventory management to ensure efficient and compliant study execution.
- Ensure high-quality, inspection-ready documentation and study tracking through effective use of eTMF including oversight of TMF completeness, document quality, and real-time study status reporting.
- Provide oversight and operational support for CTMS system and effective use of it for tracking study milestones, enrollment, monitoring activities, and performance metrics.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in life sciences, health sciences or equivalent degree/experience; RN or pharmaceutical experience preferred but not required.
- Minimum of 4 years of clinical trial management and 2+ years clinical research associate with on-site/remote clinical monitoring experience in the biotechnology/pharmaceutical/CRO industry.
- Robust understanding of ICH/GCP, and knowledge of regulatory requirements.
- Working knowledge of medical terminology.
- Experience with medical laboratory testing and documentation of patient information.
- Comfortable with technology and scientific/engineering principles.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- A critical thinker and capable of problem solving and aligning the priorities with study outcomes and timelines.
- Strong clinical study/project management skills.
- Excellent communication, written and organizational skills (ability to prioritize a number of tasks of varying complexity), along with problem solving, conflict resolution, leadership and team-building skills.
- Ability to motivate and collaborate with teams at other functional departments.
- Ability to work independently, take initiative, and meet company goals within timelines and budget.
- Able to work in a fast-paced environment with multiple competing tasks and demands, across time-zones.
- Must have a sense of urgency about problem-solving and completing projects.
- Ability to communicate with vendors and keep a high quality of clinical study.
- Strong knowledge of FDA regulations and GCP.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office (excel, word, outlook, power point), electronic data capture (EDC) software (Medrio, Medidata) and other platform related to electronic Trial Master File (eTMF), CTMS and safety report.
SCOPE OF WORK
- Travel estimate 10-30%.
- Operate within standard guidelines, but must engage in some independent decision-making.
- Errors that are not quickly detected and rectified could have a significantly adverse effect on the quality of the study.
- Works closely with other Clinical Research staff, as well as staff from other departments.
PREFERENCES
- Experience with clinical studies involving organ transplantation.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
Every individual at CareDx has a direct impact on our collective mission to improve the lives of organ transplant patients worldwide. We believe in taking great care of our people, so they take even greater care of our patients.
Our competitive Total Rewards package for US Employees includes:
- Competitive base salary and incentive compensation
- Health and welfare benefits, including a gym reimbursement program
- 401(k) savings plan match
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan
- Pre-tax commuter benefits
- And more!
In addition, we have a Living Donor Employee Recovery Policy that allows up to 30 days of paid leave annually to a full-time employee who makes the selfless act of donating an organ or bone marrow.
With products that are making a difference in the lives of transplant patients today and a promising pipeline for the future, it's an exciting time to be part of the CareDx team. Join us in partnering with transplant patients to transform our future together.
CareDx, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer-vets/disabled, and participates in the E-Verify program.
By proceeding with our application and submitting your information, you acknowledge that you have read our U.S. Personnel Privacy Notice and consent to receive email communication from CareDx. Certain jurisdictions require notice of how we use and protect your personal information. For more information, please read our Privacy Policy.
The U.S. EEO posters are available here.
Note: We do not accept resumes from headhunters, placement agencies, or other suppliers that have not signed a formal agreement with us.
#LI-Remote
INTRODUCTION
CareDx, Inc. is a leading precision medicine solutions company focused on the discovery, development, and commercialization of clinically differentiated, high-value healthcare solutions for transplant patients and caregivers. CareDx offers products, testing services, and digital healthcare solutions along the pre- and post-transplant patient journey, and is the leading provider of genomics-based information for transplant patients.
This position provides direction and operational leadership of the clinical research studies to ensure delivery on time. The Clinical Trial Manager (CTM) is responsible for the management of clinical trials from study start-up activities through the clinical study report. The CTM drives completion of all study deliverables, ensuring the highest level of data quality and compliance to quality standards and regulatory guidance; proactively identifies, communicates and resolves clinical study operational issues; and participates in process improvement initiatives as required.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Lead the end-to-end execution of CareDx clinical trials, including but limited to site identification, study start-up, study conduct, monitoring and closeout, with full accountability of study timelines, budget and metrics; study submission to IRB/ECs; study document development and review (training documentation, ICF, study specific plans, eCRF Guidelines, lab test requisitions, etc.), plans and managing study-specific meetings (e.g. Study Team Meetings, Investigator meetings, etc.)
- Drive site activation, enrollment, and overall study performance while ensuring alignment with protocols, operational plans, and business objectives.
- Proactively identify study risks (timeline, quality, and operational), lead mitigation planning and execution, and escalate issues effectively with clear action plans, defined ownership, and accountability.
- Conduct internal review of investigator contracts and payments, as necessary.
- Provide cross-functional leadership across Clinical Operations, Data Management, Medical Affairs and other functional areas serving as the central point of coordination to ensure clear roles, accountability, and seamless clinical trial execution.
- Prepare and present project debriefings to Clinical Operations management and cross-functional teams.
- Oversee Clinical Research Associates, CROs, central labs, and external vendors to ensure high-quality, timely, and cost-effective deliverables through established governance, KPIs, and performance management processes.
- Champion operational excellence by standardizing study execution models, optimizing vendor management and reporting frameworks, and implementing scalable process improvements and SOPs.
- Ensure data quality and inspection readiness through proactive data review, performance metric tracking, and close collaboration with monitoring and data management teams. Identify and mitigate risks across timelines, quality, and operations, driving effective escalation and resolution strategies.
- Maintain strong communication with clinical sites and stakeholders, including oversight of site visits, study documentation, and reporting, while ensuring compliance with GCPs, regulatory requirements, and study protocols.
- Support study administration activities such as site engagement, training, and product inventory management to ensure efficient and compliant study execution.
- Ensure high-quality, inspection-ready documentation and study tracking through effective use of eTMF including oversight of TMF completeness, document quality, and real-time study status reporting.
- Provide oversight and operational support for CTMS system and effective use of it for tracking study milestones, enrollment, monitoring activities, and performance metrics.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in life sciences, health sciences or equivalent degree/experience; RN or pharmaceutical experience preferred but not required.
- Minimum of 4 years of clinical trial management and 2+ years clinical research associate with on-site/remote clinical monitoring experience in the biotechnology/pharmaceutical/CRO industry.
- Robust understanding of ICH/GCP, and knowledge of regulatory requirements.
- Working knowledge of medical terminology.
- Experience with medical laboratory testing and documentation of patient information.
- Comfortable with technology and scientific/engineering principles.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- A critical thinker and capable of problem solving and aligning the priorities with study outcomes and timelines.
- Strong clinical study/project management skills.
- Excellent communication, written and organizational skills (ability to prioritize a number of tasks of varying complexity), along with problem solving, conflict resolution, leadership and team-building skills.
- Ability to motivate and collaborate with teams at other functional departments.
- Ability to work independently, take initiative, and meet company goals within timelines and budget.
- Able to work in a fast-paced environment with multiple competing tasks and demands, across time-zones.
- Must have a sense of urgency about problem-solving and completing projects.
- Ability to communicate with vendors and keep a high quality of clinical study.
- Strong knowledge of FDA regulations and GCP.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office (excel, word, outlook, power point), electronic data capture (EDC) software (Medrio, Medidata) and other platform related to electronic Trial Master File (eTMF), CTMS and safety report.
SCOPE OF WORK
- Travel estimate 10-30%.
- Operate within standard guidelines, but must engage in some independent decision-making.
- Errors that are not quickly detected and rectified could have a significantly adverse effect on the quality of the study.
- Works closely with other Clinical Research staff, as well as staff from other departments.
PREFERENCES
- Experience with clinical studies involving organ transplantation.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
Every individual at CareDx has a direct impact on our collective mission to improve the lives of organ transplant patients worldwide. We believe in taking great care of our people, so they take even greater care of our patients.
Our competitive Total Rewards package for US Employees includes:
- Competitive base salary and incentive compensation
- Health and welfare benefits, including a gym reimbursement program
- 401(k) savings plan match
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan
- Pre-tax commuter benefits
- And more!
In addition, we have a Living Donor Employee Recovery Policy that allows up to 30 days of paid leave annually to a full-time employee who makes the selfless act of donating an organ or bone marrow.
With products that are making a difference in the lives of transplant patients today and a promising pipeline for the future, it's an exciting time to be part of the CareDx team. Join us in partnering with transplant patients to transform our future together.
CareDx, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer-vets/disabled, and participates in the E-Verify program.
By proceeding with our application and submitting your information, you acknowledge that you have read our U.S. Personnel Privacy Notice and consent to receive email communication from CareDx. Certain jurisdictions require notice of how we use and protect your personal information. For more information, please read our Privacy Policy.
The U.S. EEO posters are available here.
Note: We do not accept resumes from headhunters, placement agencies, or other suppliers that have not signed a formal agreement with us.
#LI-Remote
See All 31 Clinical Trial Manager Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Clinical Trial Manager JobsClinical Trial Manager Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Clinical Trial 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
- AbbVie1
Top Industries Hiring
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals17
- Education5
- Healthcare & Medical Services4
- Science & Research2
- Consulting & Professional Services1
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in clinical trial manager jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in life sciences, nursing, or a related clinical field required
- Minimum two to five years of clinical research or site management experience preferred
- Demonstrated knowledge of ICH-GCP guidelines and FDA clinical trial regulations
- Experience managing investigational sites and coordinating with IRBs and sponsor teams
- Proficiency with electronic data capture systems such as Medidata Rave or Veeva Vault
- Strong project management skills with ability to oversee timelines across multiple sites
Clinical Trial Manager Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a clinical trial manager in California?
Most clinical trial managers in California start with a bachelor's degree in life sciences, nursing, pharmacy, or a closely related field, then gain experience as a clinical research coordinator or associate. California does not require a state-issued license specific to this role, but the ACRP Certified Clinical Research Professional or SOCRA CCRP certification is widely expected by California employers and strengthens candidacy significantly. Large biopharma and academic medical centers in the Bay Area and San Diego typically require several years of site or sponsor experience before hiring at the manager level.
Which companies hire clinical trial managers in California?
Employers hiring clinical trial 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 biopharma headquarters and academic medical centers means hiring tends to be ongoing rather than seasonal, particularly in the Bay Area and San Diego corridors.
Which California cities have the most clinical trial manager jobs?
Redwood City, Alameda, and San Francisco account for the greatest number of clinical trial manager openings in California. The San Francisco Bay Area leads because it is home to a high concentration of biopharma and biotech headquarters, San Diego draws heavily from its established life sciences cluster around Torrey Pines, and Los Angeles hiring is largely driven by academic medical centers and specialty oncology programs at institutions such as UCLA and Cedars-Sinai.
Are there remote clinical trial manager jobs in California?
Yes, and more than many clinical roles, since the oversight and coordination work of a clinical trial manager can often be performed off-site. About 16% of clinical trial manager openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, reflecting the role's heavy reliance on documentation review, vendor communication, and data monitoring rather than hands-on patient care. Sponsor-side and CRO positions tend to offer the most remote flexibility, while site-based roles typically require in-person presence.
How can I get hired as a clinical trial manager in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is starting as a clinical research coordinator at a California academic medical center or community research site, where you gain direct site experience under a supervising manager. Institutions such as UCSF, UC San Diego Health, and Cedars-Sinai run active research programs that regularly onboard coordinators without prior clinical trial experience. Transitioning from a related role such as research nurse, regulatory affairs associate, or data coordinator is also a recognized path. Earning the ACRP or SOCRA coordinator certification before applying gives candidates a meaningful edge at California employers.
Where can I find and apply to clinical trial manager jobs in California?
You can find and apply to clinical trial manager jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings updated regularly. Find the roles that fit your experience and location preference, then apply directly to the ones that match.
See All 31 Clinical Trial Manager Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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